How to import fluid domain as part of STEP file and create proper CFD mesh

CKnottenbelt

I am trying to automate a CFD simulation that can apply to a few different similar geometries. Notably the locations of the inlet and outlets can change. To capture this I've also imported the fluid domain along with the rest of my CAD as part of a STEP file, which I convert to Parasolid when I import it. I've coloured the inlet and outlet surfaces so I can create Groups to assign the boundary conditions to.

During my setup I create the surface mesh of the body that contains the fluid domain and then I create the CFD mesh using my fluid body however this mesh does not properly mesh with the containing body and creates disconnected bodies.

This image shows my problem where the green fluid domain does not properly mesh with the blue pipe that it flows through.

How can I make my fluid domain mesh properly with its solid container?

OR

Is there a way of defining inlet and outlet surfaces (that can move) in my automation script?

Marc_21384

Hi,

You need to have coincident mesh between your fluid and solid mesh. To do this, on your CAD level you need to boolean them together:

Make sure to have "Create connected bodies" enabled, like shown. Then you can mesh your bodies, this will make sure they're joined. Once it is meshed, right click on the body and select unmerge. This way you'll get back your original assembly and won't have the problem you mentioned. Hope this helps.
Kind regards,

Marc Steiger