Scripted geometry creation and structured multi-block hexa meshing

OverviewOverview

TestimonialTestimonial

ChallengeChallengeThe research group runs complex CFD simulations that can require weeks of computation time. The solver requires a high-quality structured multi-block hexahedral mesh with advanced mesh distribution. These advanced grids can be difficult to create, and it would be very time intensive if each student had to manually create a mesh for each variant being studied. The challenge was to maximize research potential and quality by eliminating the manual Hexa meshing burden for the researchers.

SolutionSolutionThe advanced full featured scripting of ANSYS ICEM CFD allowed the team to develop a program which generates geometry and meshing scripts for airfoils or wings. The user supplies flow parameters and airfoil coordinates for each wing station, and the program writes the replay scripts for geometry and mesh creation. An optimized structured mesh is produced with only a few mouse clicks. This solution freed the researchers to focus on the research.

BenefitsBenefitsFor the group’s meshing purposes, the key benefit of ANSYS ICEM CFD was its fully scriptable capability. Other benefits of using ICEM CFD include:• Ability to produce complex geometry

•Ability to produce high quality hexa mesh with a high degree of control

•Mesh distribution can be easily altered

•Multi-block output

•Great technical support

“Selecting a meshing package was one of the first tasks for our research group. Based upon recommendations by our university partners, we chose ANSYS® ICEM CFD™. The included step-by-step tutorials reduced the learning curve, thereby enabling the accelerated deployment of this program. Script development was straightforward as the commands were easy to understand. Whenever problems arose, technical support was always quick to respond.”

The Rotorcraft Research Group at Carleton University integrates research efforts in the field of rotorcraft aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, aeroacoustics, blade dynamics and smart structures. The group is lead by three full-time faculty members and employs about 15 research students and staff. The main research program is based around the SHARCS project. The main goal of the project is to prove the concept of an actively controlled "smart" helicopter rotor for the simultaneous reduction of noise and vibration. For this, a unique hybrid control strategy will be employed, incorporating both flow control as well as structural control strategies. The objective of the project is to design and build a scaled helicopter rotor incorporating all these technologies, and to demonstrate the concept in wind tunnel tests.

The Rotorcraft Research Group extensively employs CFD flow solvers based on the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations in the design process. The high cost of wind tunnel tests demand detailed investigations before construction and testing.

Carleton UniversityCarleton University

CanadaCanadaRotorcraft Research GroupRotorcraft Research Group

http://http://rotorcraft.mae.carleton.carotorcraft.mae.carleton.ca

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Ryan Beaubien, B. Eng.Graduate Student

7. ic_set_meshing_params global 0 gref8. ic_geo_cre_pnt WING u0.0 {0.0 0.09. ic_geo_cre_bsp_crv_n_pnts WING u0.010. ic_curve split WING WINGl.0 {WINGu.0 11. ic_geo_cre_pnt WING u1.0 {6.22E-1 0.012. ic_geo_cre_pnt WING u1.1 {6.225E-1 0.013. ic_geo_cre_pnt TIP tip.0 {6.22E-1 0.0 1.0}14. ic_geo_create_surface_from_curves15. ic_geo_cre_mat LIVE { } {-0.2 -0.2 0.2}

Meshing Solution