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Lesson 2

This document discusses different methods for boundary layer mesh generation in Ansys Fluent. The four methods covered are smooth-transition, last-ratio, uniform, and aspect-ratio. Smooth-transition varies layer thickness based on surface mesh size, allowing smooth volume change between boundary and core mesh. Last-ratio maintains a constant first layer height but varies thickness. Uniform aims for uniform thickness but can pinch at corners. Aspect-ratio varies first layer height to maintain a set aspect ratio between surface and first layer sizes. Choosing a method involves balancing control of layer properties versus smooth volume change between meshes.

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28 views

Lesson 2

This document discusses different methods for boundary layer mesh generation in Ansys Fluent. The four methods covered are smooth-transition, last-ratio, uniform, and aspect-ratio. Smooth-transition varies layer thickness based on surface mesh size, allowing smooth volume change between boundary and core mesh. Last-ratio maintains a constant first layer height but varies thickness. Uniform aims for uniform thickness but can pinch at corners. Aspect-ratio varies first layer height to maintain a set aspect ratio between surface and first layer sizes. Choosing a method involves balancing control of layer properties versus smooth volume change between meshes.

Uploaded by

The Rural man
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Add_Boundary_Layer_Lesson_2

Different types of Methods that can be used for Boundary Layer Mesh Generation

In this lesson [1] [2], we will discuss the different types of methods that can be used for boundary layer mesh
generation using the Add Boundary Layers task in the Ansys Fluent Meshing Watertight Geometry Workflow.

What is Boundary Layer?


Boundary layers are thin, viscosity-dominant regions that form along the surface of a solid body as a fluid
flows past it.

What is boundary layer mesh?


A Boundary Layers mesh is a mesh with dense element distribution in the normal direction along specific
boundaries. This type of mesh is typically used for fluid flow problems to resolve the thin boundary layers
along the no-slip boundaries.

Let’s get started.


By now, we know the definitions and the role of various inputs in the Add Boundary Layers task. “Please
refer to the previous lesson in this course if you need a refresher.”
Now, let us look at the offset methods which use these inputs to determine boundary
layer mesh distribution.

The model we have here is that of a generic ball or check valve, which consists of 1
solid region i.e., the pipe geometry.
Three fluid regions:
1. The inlet pipe region.
2. The valve region.
3. The outlet pipe region.
The ball valve is considered as a void in the model.

(1:43) Let us now go to the ‘Add Boundary Layers task’ and look at the
Offset Method Type. The default option is smooth-transition.
Smooth-Transition Method
It is the most robust and useful for most of the applications. This method
requires:
1. The number of layers.
2. Transition ratio
3. Growth rate
parameters as inputs.

Using the formula shown here, the


height of the last layer of the
boundary layer mesh is calculated
at each node of the surface mesh
based on the average edge length of
the local base surface mesh triangle,
and the transition ratio.

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Add_Boundary_Layer_Lesson_2

Using this value, the height of the first layer is then computed
using the formula shown here.
In this method, the boundary layer mesh thickness and the first
layer height vary along the surface depending on the local surface
mesh size to establish a smooth rate of volume change between
the boundary layer mesh and the volume mesh, which is a major
advantage of this method.
However, on the down side, it is not possible to directly control
the first layer height or the absolute total height of the boundary
layer mesh.

In the add boundary layers task, make sure that the offset method
type is set to smooth-transition.
Leave all other settings to default and click on Add boundary
layers.
Then, go to generate the volume mesh task and without changing
the default options, click on generate the volume mesh button.
Once the volume mesh has been generated.
Notice that the local boundary layer thickness and the first cell
height varies along the length of the pipe, in accordance with the
variation in the surface mesh size. This effect is vividly seen in the valve region, especially near the pipe
corners.

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Add_Boundary_Layer_Lesson_2

Last-ratio Method
(4:04) Here, the first layer height is given as input and is maintained wherever the boundary layer mesh is
created. Additionally, by defining the transition ratio, a smooth transition is ensured between the boundary
layer mesh and the volume mesh.
The only downside to this method is that the
growth rate between the layers is automatically
varied to satisfy other inputs, as a result, the
boundary layer thickness varies along the surface.
Here is an image of the valve section of our
geometry with boundary layer created using last-
ratio method.

Note that the default first cell height as computed by Fluent Meshing was used for generating this mesh.
Relative to the smooth-transition method, also shown here, one can notice how the first layer thickness is
constant everywhere.

The Uniform Method.


(5:05) Let’s now look at the next method i.e., the uniform method. This method depends on the growth rate
and the first height inputs to generate the boundary layer mesh, such that the thickness of each layer remains
the same anywhere in the domain.
A major factor that determines the boundary
layer mesh uniformity in this method is the
direction vector at each node.
For flat surfaces or relatively lightly curved
surfaces, a uniform thickness can be easily
maintained. However, at sharp corners such as
90-degree bends, this method can lead to creation
of crevices. This is because the direction vector
at a 90-degree corner will be at a 45-degree angle,
while the vectors at the adjacent nodes will be
slightly more orthogonal to their faces.
Since the distance is calculated along the vector, even though the absolute value is the same, a pinching effect
that appears to reduce the layer thickness at corners is noticed. This effect can be clearly seen in this image of
the valve region of our geometry.

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Add_Boundary_Layer_Lesson_2

At all other areas, the boundary layer first height and thickness are uniform, however, at the corners of the
valve region, the pinching effect is easily noticeable.
A severe limitation of this method is that the volume change between the boundary layer mesh and volume
mesh cannot be directly controlled. Consequently, a few iterations of mesh generation may be required, which
might not be practical for large models.

Aspect-Ratio
(7:01) The last method we will look at is the aspect-ratio method. Here, only the first aspect ratio and growth
rate inputs are required to define the boundary layer mesh. The aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the local
surface mesh size to the height of the first cell of the boundary layer mesh. As the surface mesh size changes
around the model, the first cell height is subsequently modified to maintain the user defined aspect ratio, as
can be seen from this image.

The major drawback of this method is the lack of control on the first layer height and the total height of the
boundary layer mesh.

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Add_Boundary_Layer_Lesson_2

Let’s summarize.
In this lesson, we discussed 4 different offset methods available for creating the boundary layer mesh when
using the Ansys Fluent Meshing Watertight Geometry Workflow.
We discussed some of nuances of these methods while shedding light on the advantages and disadvantages of
each of these methods.
It is generally considered a best practice to avoid large cell jumps between the last boundary layer mesh and
the core volume mesh, which consequently determines the choice of the offset method. That brings us to the
end of this lesson.

References

[1] "Ansys Innovation Space," [Online]. Available: https://courses.ansys.com/index.php/courses/add-boundary-


layers/lessons/what-are-the-methods-for-boundary-layer-mesh-generation-lesson-2/.

[2] "Ansys Learning (YouTube)," [Online]. Available:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2vWSvbWHGQ&ab_channel=AnsysLearning.

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