Ansys Turbogrid

ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials ................................................................................................. 1
Preparing a Working Directory ........................................................................................................... 1
Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ................................................................ 1
Changing the Display Colors ............................................................................................................. 1
Editor Buttons ................................................................................................................................. 2
Using Help ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Rotor 37 ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Overview of the Mesh Creation Process ............................................................................................... 4
Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................ 4
Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 4
Defining the Geometry ..................................................................................................................... 5
Defining the Topology ...................................................................................................................... 6
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings ...................................................................................................... 8
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers ............................................................... 8
Adding Intermediate Layers ............................................................................................................... 9
Generating the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 9
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh ............................................................................................................. 10
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh Quality ................................................................................................... 10
Looking at Mesh Data Values ........................................................................................................... 11
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution ............................................................................. 11
Increasing the Mesh Density ............................................................................................................ 12
Regenerating the Mesh .................................................................................................................... 13
Analyzing the Fine Mesh ................................................................................................................. 13
Analyzing the Fine Mesh Quality ...................................................................................................... 13
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh ..................................................... 14
Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh ........................................................................................................ 15
Examining the Mesh Qualitatively ..................................................................................................... 16
Creating a Legend .......................................................................................................................... 17
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 17
Saving the State (Optional) .............................................................................................................. 17
3. Steam Stator .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 20
Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................. 20
Defining the Geometry .................................................................................................................... 20
Loading the Curves ........................................................................................................................ 20
Modifying the Curve Type ............................................................................................................... 22
Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 23
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................... 23
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers ................................................................... 23
Modifying the Hub and Shroud Layers ............................................................................................... 24
Generating the Mesh ....................................................................................................................... 25
Analyzing the Mesh ....................................................................................................................... 25
Examining the Mesh Qualitatively ..................................................................................................... 26
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 27
4. Radial Compressor ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 30
Defining the Machine Data .............................................................................................................. 31
Defining the Hub ........................................................................................................................... 31
Defining the Shroud ....................................................................................................................... 31
Defining the Blade ......................................................................................................................... 32
Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contains proprietary and confidential information of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
iii

Modifying the Hub Layer ................................................................................................................ 34
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 37
5. Axial Fan .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 40
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers ............................................................. 43
Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer ....................................................................................................... 43
Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains ...................................................................................................... 45
Regenerating the Mesh .................................................................................................................... 45
Analyzing the New Mesh ................................................................................................................ 45
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 45
6. Splitter Blades ........................................................................................................................................... 47
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 48
Reviewing the Topology Settings ...................................................................................................... 49
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 51
7. Tandem Vane ............................................................................................................................................. 53
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 54
Reviewing the Topology Settings ...................................................................................................... 55
Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer ....................................................................................................... 59
Increasing the Mesh Density ............................................................................................................ 59
Further Modifying the Hub Layer ...................................................................................................... 60
Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................ 62
8. Batch Mode Studies .................................................................................................................................... 65
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 65
Part 1: Parametric Study .................................................................................................................. 65
Creating the Topology and Modifying the Mesh ................................................................................... 66
Creating the Session File ................................................................................................................. 66
Running the Session File ................................................................................................................. 67
Part 2: Grid Refinement .................................................................................................................. 68
iv

Defining the Geometry and Topology ................................................................................................ 68
Creating the Session File ................................................................................................................. 69
Running the Session File ................................................................................................................. 70
9. Deformed Turbine ...................................................................................................................................... 73
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 74
Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group ................................................................................................. 74
Defining the Geometry for the Deformed Blade Group .......................................................................... 74
Defining the Topology for the Deformed Blade Group .......................................................................... 79
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Deformed Blade Group .......................................................... 80
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade Group .................... 80
Increasing the Mesh Density for the Deformed Blade Group .................................................................. 84
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade Group ..................... 86
Generating the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group ............................................................................. 86
Analyzing the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group .............................................................................. 86
Saving the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group .................................................................................. 86
Saving the State for the Deformed Blade Group (Optional) .................................................................... 86
Mesh for an Undeformed Blade ........................................................................................................ 87
Starting a New Case ....................................................................................................................... 87
Defining the Geometry for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................................ 87
Defining the Topology for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................................ 88
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................ 89
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Undeformed Blade .......................... 89
Increasing the Mesh Density for the Undeformed Blade ........................................................................ 90
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Undeformed Blade ........................... 91
Generating the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................................... 91
Analyzing the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade .................................................................................... 91
Saving the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade ........................................................................................ 91
Saving the State for the Undeformed Blade (Optional) .......................................................................... 92
Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 92
Further Exercise ............................................................................................................................ 92
10. Francis Turbine ......................................................................................................................................... 93
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 94
Adjusting the Outlet Points .............................................................................................................. 95
Modifying the Shroud Layer ........................................................................................................... 100
Specifying Mesh Data Settings ....................................................................................................... 101
Generating the Mesh ..................................................................................................................... 102
Analyzing the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 102
Saving the Mesh .......................................................................................................................... 103
Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................. 103


List of Figures
2.1. J-Grid Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub ...................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution ............................................................................................................ 12
2.3. Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh .................................................................................... 15
2.4. Surface Group: Tip Near Leading Edge ........................................................................................................ 15
3.1. Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations .................................................................................................... 22
3.2. Modification near Shroud Trailing Edge ....................................................................................................... 24
4.1. Hub and Shroud of Radial Compressor ......................................................................................................... 32
4.2. Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge ................................................................................... 35
4.3. Added Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub O-Grid .................................................................................. 36
5.1. Effect of Moving Passage Outlet Towards Blade ............................................................................................ 42
5.2. Master Control Points Adjusted on Shroud Tip Layer ...................................................................................... 44
6.1. Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge ................................................................................... 50
7.1. Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer ..................................................................................................... 57
7.2. Inserting and Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer .................................................................................. 58
7.3. Inserting and Moving Another Control Point on the Hub Layer ......................................................................... 59
7.4. Poor Face Angles ..................................................................................................................................... 60
7.5. Making Control Points Sticky .................................................................................................................. 61
7.6. Adding and Moving Control Points .............................................................................................................. 62
9.1. Blade Set Containing a Deformed Blade ....................................................................................................... 76
9.2. Adjusting the Inlet Points ........................................................................................................................... 77
9.3. Adjusting the Outlet Points ........................................................................................................................ 78
9.4. Hub Layer Changes .................................................................................................................................. 81
9.5. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - Control Point Movements .................................................................................... 82
9.6. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point ............................................................................................. 83
9.7. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - A Second New Control Point ............................................................................... 84
9.8. Hub Layer Changes .................................................................................................................................. 90
10.1. Hub Layer Changes in Downstream End ..................................................................................................... 98
10.2. Hub Layer Changes in Upstream End ......................................................................................................... 99
10.3. Increasing Mesh Density Locally ............................................................................................................. 100
10.4. Shroud Layer Changes ........................................................................................................................... 101

vii

Chapter 1. Introduction to the ANSYS

TurboGrid Tutorials
The ANSYS TurboGrid tutorials are designed to introduce general mesh-generation techniques used in ANSYS
TurboGrid.
Note
These tutorials assume that you are using ANSYS TurboGrid in Standalone mode. If you would like to
attempt running one of these tutorials in ANSYS Workbench, you should first be familiar with ANSYS
Workbench and review the documentation in ANSYS TurboGrid in ANSYS Workbench (p. 9) in the
ANSYS TurboGrid Introduction.
You should review the following topics before attempting to start a tutorial for the first time:
Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1)
Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid (p. 1)
Changing the Display Colors (p. 1)
Editor Buttons (p. 2)
Using Help (p. 2)
Preparing a Working Directory

ANSYS TurboGrid uses a working directory as the default location for loading and saving files for a particular
session or project. Before you run a tutorial, you must create a working directory and copy in the files that are listed
near the top of the tutorial. These files are located in <CFXROOT>/examples, where <CFXROOT> is the installation
directory for ANSYS TurboGrid.
By working in a new directory, you prevent accidental changes to any of the files that came with your installation.
Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS

TurboGrid
Before you start ANSYS TurboGrid, set the working directory.
1.
Start the CFX launcher.

For details, see Starting the CFX Launcher (p. 7) in the ANSYS TurboGrid Introduction.
2.
Select a working directory.
3.
Click the TurboGrid 12.1 button.
Changing the Display Colors

If viewing objects in ANSYS TurboGrid becomes difficult due to contrast with the background, the colors can be
altered for improved viewing. The color options are set in different places, depending on how you run ANSYS
TurboGrid, as follows:
1.
Select Edit > Options.

The Options dialog box appears.
2.
Adjust the color settings under TurboGrid > Viewer.
3.
Click OK.

Editor Buttons
Editor Buttons
The ANSYS TurboGrid interface uses editors to enter the data required to create a mesh. The editors have standard
buttons, which are described next:
Apply applies the information contained within all the tabs of an editor.
OK is the same as Apply, except that the editor automatically closes.
Cancel and Close both close the editor without applying or saving any changes.
Reset returns the settings for the object to those stored in the database for all the tabs. The settings are stored
in the database each time the Apply button is clicked.
Defaults restores the system default settings for all the tabs of the edited object.
Using Help
To invoke the help browser, select Help > Master Contents.
You may also try using context-sensitive help. Context-sensitive help is provided for many of the object editors
and other parts of the interface. To invoke the context-sensitive help for a particular editor or other feature, ensure
that the feature is active, place the mouse pointer over it, then press F1. Not every area of the interface supports
context-sensitive help. If context-sensitive help is not available for the feature of interest, select Help > Master
Contents and try using the search or index features in the help browser.

2
Chapter 2. Rotor 37
This tutorial includes:
Overview of the Mesh Creation Process (p. 4)
Before You Begin (p. 4)
Starting ANSYS TurboGrid (p. 4)
Defining the Geometry (p. 5)
Defining the Topology (p. 6)
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings (p. 8)
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers (p. 8)
Adding Intermediate Layers (p. 9)
Generating the Mesh (p. 9)
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh (p. 10)
Increasing the Mesh Density (p. 12)
Regenerating the Mesh (p. 13)
Analyzing the Fine Mesh (p. 13)
Saving the Mesh (p. 17)
Saving the State (Optional) (p. 17)
This tutorial demonstrates the basic workflow for generating a CFD mesh using ANSYS TurboGrid. As you work
through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade passage of an axial compressor blade row. A typical blade
passage is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

Overview of the Mesh Creation Process

The blade row contains 36 blades that revolve about the negative Z-axis. A clearance gap exists between the blades
and the shroud, with a width of 2.5% of the total span. Within the blade passage, the maximum diameter of the
shroud is approximately 51 cm.
After creating the mesh with the default mesh density, you will check the mesh quality. You will then increase the
mesh density and regenerate the mesh. Finally, you will save the mesh in a format that can be used by ANSYS CFX
in a CFD simulation.
Overview of the Mesh Creation Process

Before ANSYS TurboGrid can create a mesh, you must provide it with several pieces of information. Such information
includes the location of the geometry files (hub, shroud, and blades), the mesh topology type, and the distribution
of mesh nodes. All of the data that you provide is stored in a set of data objects known as CCL objects. After you
have specified the CCL objects appropriately, you can issue a command for ANSYS TurboGrid to generate a mesh.
The ANSYS TurboGrid user interface organizes the CCL objects in a tree view known as the object selector. You
can use the object selector to select and edit the CCL objects; the objects are listed from top to bottom in the standard
order for creating a mesh. The user interface also has a toolbar for selecting and editing the CCL objects; the icons
are arranged from left to right in the standard order for creating a mesh.
Regardless of whether you use the object selector or the toolbar, you should generally follow this sequence when
creating a mesh:
1.
Define the geometry by loading files and changing settings as required.
2.
Define the topology by choosing a topology type and optionally changing other topology settings.
3.
Optionally modify the Mesh Data settings that govern the number and the distribution of nodes in various
parts of the mesh.
If you plan to make a fine (high-resolution) mesh, you can optionally set the mesh density at a later time in
order to minimize processing time while establishing the topology. Keep in mind that changing the mesh
density can affect the mesh quality.
4.
Improve the topology on the hub and shroud layers as required.
5.
Optionally add intermediate 2D layers that guide the 3D topology and mesh. If you do not add layers at this
point, they will be added as required when you generate the mesh. Adding them early gives you a chance to
check and adjust the 2D mesh quality on the intermediate layers before generating the full 3D mesh.
6.
Issue the command to generate a mesh.
7.
Check the mesh quality. As required, adjust the topology type and distribution, and Mesh Data settings. If
you make changes, go back to the previous step.
8.
Save the mesh to a file.
Before You Begin

Before you begin this tutorial, review the topics in Introduction to the ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials (p. 1).
Starting ANSYS TurboGrid

1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/rotor37 directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
Set the working directory and start ANSYS TurboGrid.

For details, see Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid (p. 1).

4
Defining the Geometry

The provided geometry files, which consist of a BladeGen.inf file plus three curve files, were created using
BladeGen. To load the information contained in those files, you will load the BladeGen.inf file. ANSYS
TurboGrid uses this file to set the axis of rotation, the number of blades, and a length unit that characterizes the
scale of the machine. It also uses this file to identify the curve files which it then loads to define the curvature of
the hub, shroud, and a single blade. The geometric data from the input files is processed to generate a geometric
representation, an outline of which appears in the viewer.
After the geometry has been generated, you are invited to browse through the objects created under the Geometry
object in the object selector.
Initially, the blades extend from the hub to the shroud. After inspecting the geometry, you will create the required
gap between the blade and the shroud.
Load the BladeGen.inf file:
1.
Click File > Load BladeGen.
2.
Open BladeGen.inf from the working directory.

The progress bar at the bottom right of the screen shows the geometry generation progress. After the geometry
has been generated, you can see the hub, shroud, and blade for one passage. Along the blade, you can see the
leading and trailing edge curves (green and red lines, respectively). An outline drawing (the Outline object)
traces the 3D space that is available for meshing; the latter consists of an inlet domain, passage, and outlet
domain. In this tutorial, you will generate a mesh for the passage only.
Note
It is possible to adjust the upstream and downstream extents of the hub and shroud surfaces (by
changing the Inlet and Outlet geometry objects). It is also possible to create an extended mesh
that includes the inlet and outlet domains (by editing the Mesh Data settings).
Examine the geometry:
1.
To understand the correlation between the geometry objects listed in the object selector and the locations in
the geometry, toggle the visibility check box next to each object in the object selector and observe the change
in the viewer. In order to avoid cluttering the view, ensure that only the Hub, Shroud, Blade 1, and
Outline objects have visibility turned on before continuing to the next step.
2.
Open Geometry > Machine Data from the object selector by double-clicking Machine Data in the
object selector, or by right-clicking Machine Data and selecting Edit from the shortcut menu that appears.
Here you can see basic information about the geometry. Note that the units specified for Base Units represent
the scale of the geometry being meshed; these units are not used for importing geometric data nor do they
govern the units written to a mesh file; they are used for the internal representation of the geometry to minimize
computer round-off errors.
3.
Open Geometry > Hub.

Here you can see information about which file was used for hub data and how the file was interpreted. Similar
information can be seen by opening the Shroud and Blade 1 objects. Note that, for the Hub and Shroud
objects, the Curve Type parameter is set to Piece-wise linear; this is a result of loading a
BladeGen.inf file.
4.
Click Display all blade instances
5.
Click Display single blade instance
to obtain a view of the entire geometry.

to show a single blade instance once again.
To complete the geometry, create a small gap between the blade and the shroud. The blade should be shortened to
97.5% of its original span because the gap width, as specified in the problem description, is 2.5% of the total span.
1.
Open Geometry > Blade Set > Shroud Tip.
2.
Set Tip Option to Constant Span.
3.
Set Span to 0.975.

Defining the Topology

4.
Click Apply.
The names of the objects in the Geometry branch of the object selector are shown in black non-italic text, indicating
that the Geometry objects are all defined. This completes the geometry definition.

Now that the geometry is defined, the next step is to create the topology that guides the mesh.
1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
Set Topology Definition > Placement to Traditional with Control Points.

This provides access to the officially supported topology methods. The other option, ATM Optimized
(Beta), provides access to a Beta (unsupported) feature.
3.
Set Topology Definition > Method to J-Grid.

Normally, you would choose the H/J/C/L-Grid method for the first attempt at a mesh, then change the
method if required. In this case, it was found that the J-Grid method produces a higher-quality mesh than
the H/J/C/L-Grid method. The H/J/C/L-Grid method causes ANSYS TurboGrid to choose an H-Grid,
J-Grid, C-Grid, L-Grid, or a combination of these, based on heuristics. In this case, the H/J/C/L-Grid
method causes ANSYS TurboGrid to choose a J-Grid topology for the upstream end of the passage, and an
H-Grid topology for the downstream end. Due to the high blade metal angle on the trailing edge near the shroud,
the J-Grid topology is more appropriate for the downstream end. For details on the H/J/C/L-Grid method,
see H/J/C/L Topology Definition (p. 82) in the ANSYS TurboGrid User's Guide.
4.
Ensure that Include O-Grid is selected.

This adds an O-Grid around the blade to increase mesh orthogonality in that region.
5.
Leave Include O-Grid > Width Factor set to 0.5.

This makes the O-Grid thickness equal to half the average blade thickness. In general, a suitable value of the
O-Grid thickness depends on the blade geometry, topology type, and mesh density. Trial-and-error adjustments
are sometimes required to establish a good value when creating the first mesh for a particular blade.
6.
Leave Periodicity > Projection set to Float on Surface.

This allows the periodic surface of the mesh to deviate from the geometric periodic surface, in order to improve
mesh skewness properties along the periodic boundary. The topology on a given layer floats on the layer, but
is not constrained to stop exactly on the intersection of the layer with the geometric periodic surface.
7.
Click Apply.

6
8.
Right-click Topology Set and turn off Suspend Object Updates.

The Topology Set object name in the object selector changes to black non-italic text, indicating that this
object is now fully specified and has been generated.
After a short time, the topology appears on the hub and shroud as a structure of thick lines. Thinner lines show
a preview of the mesh elements.
Object updates are suspended by default. To save computational time, you should generally keep object updates
suspended until you have finished defining the geometry. You must re-enable object updates and allow the
topology to be generated before freezing the topology settings, which is the next step.
9.
Click Freeze.
It is recommended that you freeze the topology after you specify and generate it. This prevents the settings on
the Advanced Parameters tab of Topology Set > Blade 1 from inadvertently changing. Without freezing
the topology, unwanted changes to the topology block counts might occur as a result of making small adjustments
to the topology (for example, moving a control point).
Estimates of the total number of nodes and elements are displayed at the bottom left of the screen. These estimates
are based on the default Mesh Data settings.
Change the view to clearly show the topology on the hub:
.
1.
Click Hide all geometry objects
2.
Turn off the visibility of Layers > Shroud Tip to hide the topology on the shroud tip.
3.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Predefined Camera > View Towards +X from the shortcut
menu.
The heavy lines in Figure 2.1, J-Grid Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub (p. 8) indicate the (master) topology
lines; the thinner lines show the 2D mesh for the hub. Note that the 3D mesh does not yet exist.
The mesh wraps around the blade at the leading and trailing edges. This is the main characteristic of the J-Grid
topology.
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings
Figure 2.1. J-Grid Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub
This completes the topology definition.

The Mesh Data settings control the number and distribution of mesh elements. Open the Mesh Data object
and review the settings, but leave them at their default values. Note that the target number of nodes is set to produce
a coarse mesh. In the status bar in the bottom-left corner of ANSYS TurboGrid, you can see that the number of
mesh nodes is on the order of 40000.
As stated in the problem description for this tutorial, you will produce an initial coarse mesh and then, after verifying
the mesh quality, you will increase the mesh density to produce a fine mesh. Leaving the mesh density coarse in
the meantime will reduce processing time while you adjust the topology.
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud

Tip Layers
Layers are constant-span surfaces that are used for displaying and editing the topology, and for displaying a preview
of the refined mesh. You have already seen the hub layer in Figure 2.1, J-Grid Topology and 2D Mesh on the
Hub (p. 8). At this point, there are two layers: Layers > Hub, and Layers > Shroud Tip.
Before generating the 3D mesh, it is recommended that you check the mesh quality on the layers, especially the
hub and shroud tip layers. By correcting any mesh problems early, you can save time by minimizing the number
of times you generate the full 3D mesh.
If the topology were grossly skewed or distorted on the hub or shroud tip layer, the Layers object would be shown
with red text in the object selector. Since the Layers object is shown in black text, the mesh contains no regions
with high skew on the hub and shroud tip layers.
For a more detailed analysis of the mesh quality on a layer, open the layer object and read the list of mesh measures.
If the mesh measures are not shown, select Refined Mesh Visibility and click Apply. The mesh measures show
the extreme values for the mesh elements. If any of the mesh measures are considered bad, they are listed in red
text. The criteria for bad mesh elements are set in the Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits object. You can
double-click a red mesh measure to color the bad mesh elements red in the viewer.
In this case, elements with a very high aspect ratio exist close to the blade. This is to be expected, especially for a
coarse mesh.
Note
The quality criterion for the Maximum Aspect Ratio mesh measure is controlled by the Edge Length
Ratio setting in the Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits object.
8
Adding Intermediate Layers
Adding Intermediate Layers

ANSYS TurboGrid can add layers as required in order to capture spanwise variations in the geometry. This process
happens when you generate a mesh, but can also be initiated manually, as demonstrated next:
1.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Shroud Tip to show the shroud layer, then right-click in the viewer
and click Predefined Camera > Isometric View (Y up).
By viewing the hub and shroud layers from this angle, you can see where the new layers are added.
2.
Open Layers.
Note that the message indicates that 1 layer will be added.

3.
Click Auto Add Layers
ANSYS TurboGrid adds additional layers as required; in this case, 1 layer is added.
4.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Layer 1 to see the new layer in the viewer.
5.
To check the mesh quality on the new layer, open Layers > Layer 1, select Refined Mesh Visibility, and
click Apply.
Note that the face angles are acceptable on the new layer.
Generating the Mesh

Now that the topology has been defined and the mesh quality is acceptable on all layers, generate the mesh:
Click Insert > Mesh.
After the mesh has been generated, 3D mesh measures are available. You will check these in the next section. Mesh
visualization objects, listed under 3D Mesh, are also available. By default, one of these objects, called Show
Mesh, is shown in the viewer. You can alter this object or view other 3D Mesh objects to inspect different parts
of the mesh. Later in this tutorial, you will view some of the objects listed under 3D Mesh.
Before proceeding to the next section, turn off the visibility of 3D Mesh > Show Mesh so that you can see
the mesh without obstruction.

Analyzing the Coarse Mesh

The mesh is relatively coarse. Such a mesh is suitable when you need to regenerate the mesh repeatedly in the course
of improving the mesh quality. After attaining the required level of mesh quality, you should make a finer mesh.
Later in this tutorial, you will generate a finer mesh.
Note
In some cases, the mesh quality can be adversely affected by increasing the mesh density, making further
adjustments necessary.
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh

This section includes:
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh Quality (p. 10)
Looking at Mesh Data Values (p. 11)
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution (p. 11)
Analyzing the Coarse Mesh Quality

Now that the mesh has been generated, 3D mesh measures are available. These are analogous to the 2D mesh
measures that are calculated on layers. As for the 2D mesh measures, the 3D mesh measures have quality criteria
set in the Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits object.
When any mesh measure fails to meet the criteria, Mesh Analysis > Mesh Statistics (Error) will
appear in red text in the object selector. With default criteria, there will almost always be some mesh elements that
fall outside the criteria; a visual inspection of the mesh measures is usually required to determine whether the mesh
is satisfactory.
Check the 3D mesh statistics:
1.
For a visual frame of reference, ensure that Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud Tip are visible.
2.
Open Mesh Analysis or Mesh Analysis > Mesh Statistics.

The mesh statistics shown here may differ slightly from what you see:
In this case, Maximum Element Volume Ratio and Maximum Edge Length Ratio do not meet
the criteria. Not all of the mesh statistics carry the same importance. For example, it is necessary to have a
mesh with no negative volumes. Generally, poor angles should also be fixed, but Maximum Edge Length
Ratio and Maximum Element Volume Ratio values should be judged based on your requirements.
3.
Double-click Maximum Element Volume Ratio to display the elements that have an element volume
ratio greater than 2 (the default criterion). Alternatively, you can select Maximum Element Volume
Ratio and then click Display.
10
Looking at Mesh Data Values

A built-in volume object, Mesh Analysis > Show Limits, automatically changes its definition and
appears in the viewer. This volume object includes the mesh elements that fail to meet the criteria for the
selected mesh measure.
The volume object appears mainly on the blade, hub, and shroud surfaces. This is normal. Note that part of
the mesh upstream and downstream of the blade is also included in the volume object. To improve the element
volume ratio in these regions, you will increase the mesh density later in this tutorial.
4.
Double-click Maximum Edge Length Ratio to display the elements that have an edge length ratio
greater than 100 (the default criterion).
The Mesh Analysis > Show Limits object appears mainly on the blade, hub and shroud surfaces. This
is normal.
5.
Click Close.
6.
Turn off the visibility of Mesh Analysis > Show Limits.
Looking at Mesh Data Values

The Mesh Data editor tabs can be used to set and display information about the mesh. In the following steps, you
will examine the number and distribution of elements from hub to shroud tip and from shroud tip to shroud.
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
Click the Passage tab.

Look in the Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters section. Method is set to End Ratio with a value
of 200. The other boxes in the section are grayed out, but show the current value for each option that ANSYS
TurboGrid has calculated.
You can see that # of Elements is 20. This will change when you refine the mesh later in this tutorial.
3.
Click the Shroud Tip tab.

Look in the Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters section. Method is set to Match Expansion at
Blade Tip. You can see that the number of elements from shroud tip to shroud is 11.
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution

To demonstrate the use of the 3D Mesh visualization objects, and for comparison with the finer mesh that you will
make later in this tutorial, look at the mesh distribution from hub to shroud as follows:
.
1.
Click Unhide geometry objects
2.
Turn off the visibility of the following objects:
3.
4.
Geometry > Blade Set > Blade 1
Layers > Hub
Layers > Layer 1
Layers > Shroud Tip
3D Mesh > Show Mesh
Turn on the visibility of the following objects:
3D Mesh > LOWBLADE
3D Mesh > HIGHPERIODIC.
Observe the element distribution from hub to shroud tip and from shroud tip to shroud.
See Figure 2.2, Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution (p. 12).

11
Increasing the Mesh Density
Figure 2.2. Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution

As mentioned at the beginning of this tutorial, you will increase the mesh density. Such an increase in mesh density
can result in a more accurate CFD solution.
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
On the Mesh Size tab, leave Method set to Target Passage Mesh Size.
3.
Set Node Count to Fine (250000).

12
Regenerating the Mesh
4.
Click Apply.

After changing the mesh density, the coarse mesh was deleted. Generate the fine mesh:
Analyzing the Fine Mesh

This section includes:
Analyzing the Fine Mesh Quality (p. 13)
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh (p. 14)
Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh (p. 15)
Examining the Mesh Qualitatively (p. 16)
Creating a Legend (p. 17)
Analyzing the Fine Mesh Quality

Changing the mesh density can affect the mesh statistics. Confirm that the mesh statistics are acceptable:
1.
Open Mesh Analysis.

The mesh statistics shown here may differ slightly from what you see:

13
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh
You can see that, in this case, after increasing the mesh density, the Maximum Element Volume Ratio
mesh statistic has improved.
2.
Double-click Maximum Element Volume Ratio.

Note that the volume object does not occupy as much of the mesh upstream and downstream of the blade as
it did for the coarse mesh. The element volume ratio in these regions has improved as a result of increasing
the mesh density.
3.
Click Close.
4.
Turn off the visibility of Mesh Analysis (Error) > Show Limits.
Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine

Mesh
Now that the mesh density has been increased, re-examine the spanwise distribution of mesh elements:
1.
On the Passage tab for the Mesh Data object, compare the number of elements from hub to shroud tip (66)
with the value obtained for the coarse mesh (20). The number of elements has risen.
2.
Look at the Shroud Tip tab to verify that more elements now exist between the shroud tip and shroud (11
before, now 16).
3.
See Figure 2.3, Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh (p. 15), and compare it with Figure 2.2,
Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution (p. 12).

14
Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh
Figure 2.3. Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution in the Fine Mesh
4.
Turn off the visibility of all of the 3D Mesh objects.
Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh

A mesh interface exists in the shroud tip gap. In order to see this interface:
1.
Turn on the visibility of 3D Mesh > SHROUD TIP.
2.
3.
Zoom in to view the mesh on the shroud tip.
Figure 2.4, Surface Group: Tip Near Leading Edge (p. 15) shows this mesh at the leading edge of the blade.
Note how the nodes do not line up along the middle of the blade, due to the default use of a general grid (GGI)
interface along the shroud tip of the blade.
Figure 2.4. Surface Group: Tip Near Leading Edge

15
Examining the Mesh Qualitatively

4.
Turn off the visibility of 3D Mesh > SHROUD TIP.
5.
Click Unhide geometry objects

You will now examine the mesh qualitatively using a turbo surface. Change the Show Mesh turbo surface so that
it appears on the hub, and color it to show the variation in Edge Length Ratio (a variable that was computed
at the time the mesh was generated):
1.
Turn on the visibility of 3D Mesh > Show Mesh.
2.
Open 3D Mesh > Show Mesh.
3.
Leave Variable set to K.

K is equal to the node number in the spanwise direction, ranging from 1 at the hub to a positive integer value
at the shroud.
4.
Set Value to 1.
This will cause the turbo surface to appear on the hub.
5.
Click the Color tab.
6.
Ensure that Mode is set to Variable.
7.
Set Variable to Edge Length Ratio.
8.
Set Range to Local.

This will cause the range of colors in the color map to be distributed over the range of values found on the
turbo surface, rather that over the global range or a user-defined range.
9.
Click the Render tab.
10. Ensure that Draw Faces is selected.

11. Click Apply.
12. To avoid visual conflicts between the turbo surface and the hub, which are coincident, turn off the visibility
of Geometry > Hub.
Note that you can edit the rendering properties of the hub to achieve a similar result. The advantage of using a turbo
surface is that you can redefine its location. For example, you could change the value of K in the current turbo
surface to see Edge Length Ratio on a different nodal plane.
Note
You can create new turbo surfaces. To begin the process of creating a new turbo surface, click Insert >
User Defined > Turbo Surface.
Note
To show distinct color bands, you could make a contour plot object that applies to an existing locator
(geometric surface, turbo surface, or other graphic objects that involve surfaces). To begin the process
of creating a contour plot, ensure that you have a suitable locator already defined, then click Insert >
User Defined > Contour.
Tip
For objects that are colored by a variable, it is best to view them with lighting turned off, so that the
colors are not altered according to the angle of view. The lighting is controlled by a setting on the Render
tab.

16
Creating a Legend
Creating a Legend
In the previous section, you modified a turbo surface by coloring it according to Edge Length Ratio. To reveal
the color map used to match values of Edge Length Ratio with particular colors, create a legend for the turbo
surface:
1.
Click Insert > User Defined > Legend.
2.
Click OK to accept the default name.
3.
Set Plot to TURBO SURFACE:Show Mesh.
4.
Set Title Mode to Variable and Location.
5.
Click Apply.
A legend appears in the viewer, showing the correspondence between values of Edge Length Ratio and
colors for the Show Mesh object.
You may want to modify 3D Mesh > Show Mesh to plot it on different locations, or to color it by different
variables. The legend will be updated automatically whenever you make changes to the turbo surface.
Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
Click File > Save Mesh As.
2.
Ensure that File type is set to ANSYS CFX.
3.
Set Export Units to cm.
4.
Set File name to rotor37.gtm.
5.
Ensure that your working directory is set correctly.
6.
Click Save.
Saving the State (Optional)

If you want to revisit this mesh at a later date, save the state:
1.
Click File > Save State As.
2.
Enter an appropriate state file name.
3.
Click Save.

17

Chapter 3. Steam Stator

Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers (p. 23)
Analyzing the Mesh (p. 25)
This tutorial teaches you how to:
Import hub, shroud, and blade geometry from individual curve files.
Change the method of constructing the hub and shroud curve types.
Make fine adjustments to the mesh topology.
Make colored surfaces to show variations in mesh measures (such as Minimum Face Angle).
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade passage of a steam stator. A typical blade
passage is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

19
Before You Begin

The stator contains 60 blades distributed about the Z-axis. Within the blade passage, the maximum diameter of the
shroud is approximately 97.5 cm.
Before You Begin

If this is your first tutorial, review the topics in Introduction to the ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials (p. 1).

1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/stator directory.
2.


In the first tutorial, you loaded a BladeGen.inf file in order to specify the machine data (# of blade sets, rotation
axis, and units) and curve files. In this tutorial, you will enter such data manually using the Load Curves command.
Loading the Curves

Load the curve files for the steam stator as follows:
1.
Click File > Load Curves to open the Load TurboGrid Curves dialog box.
The Load TurboGrid Curves dialog box appears. ANSYS TurboGrid fills in the names of the curve files
based on the files that are present in the working directory; The first .crv or .curve file found that has a
name containing hub, shroud, or blade/profile is selected as the hub, shroud, or blade file, respectively.
2.
Set # of Bladesets to 60.
3.
Set Rotation > Method to Principal Axis and Axis to Z.
4.
Set Coordinates and Units > Coordinates to Cartesian and Length Units to cm.
These units are used to interpret the data in the curve files.
5.
Ensure that, under TurboGrid Curve Files, Hub is set to ./hub.curve, Shroud is set to
./shroud.curve, and Blade is set to ./profile.curve.

20
Loading the Curves
6.
Click OK to save the settings.
The progress bar at the bottom right of the screen shows the geometry generation progress. After the geometry has
been generated, you can see the hub, shroud, and blade for one passage. Along the blade, you can see the leading
and trailing edge curves (green and red lines, respectively). Near the blade, you can see the inlet and outlet markers
(white octahedrons).
Rotate the geometry into the position shown in Figure 3.1, Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations (p. 22).

21
Modifying the Curve Type
Figure 3.1. Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations
As shown in Figure 3.1, Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations (p. 22), the hub and shroud are greatly
distorted. This is the result of using spline curves to construct the hub and shroud based on relatively few data points.
This problem will be corrected in the next section.
Modifying the Curve Type

Change the method of constructing the hub and shroud as follows:
1.
2.
Change Curve Type from Bspline to Piece-wise linear.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Edit Shroud in the same way.

Intermediate points were created for the outlet. Because these points can have a dependence on the shapes of
the hub and shroud curves, and because the latter were changed, regenerate the outlet points:
5.
Open Geometry > Outlet.
6.
Click Generate intermediate points
7.
When you are notified that intermediate points will be deleted, click Yes to continue.
Note
Note that the intermediate outlet points disappear. This happens because the regenerated set of
outlet points happens to contain no intermediate points.
This completes the geometry definition.

22

For this steam stator mesh, H/J/C/L-Grid is an appropriate topology choice.
to turn off the visibility of the geometry.
1.
2.
Open Topology Set.
3.
Set Topology Definition > Method to H/J/C/L-Grid.
4.

5.
Set Include O-Grid > Width Factor to 0.15.

It is necessary to make the O-grid thinner than the default value of 0.5 because the blade is not much thinner
than the passage.
6.

7.
Click Apply to set the topology.
8.

After a short time, the topology appears on the hub and shroud as a structure of thick lines. Thinner lines show
a preview of the mesh elements.
It is recommended that you freeze the topology after you specify and generate it. This prevents the settings on the
Advanced Parameters tab of Topology Set > Blade 1 from inadvertently changing due to changes to the
geometry or the topology distribution. For example, an adjustment to the position of an inlet point could cause a
change to the number of topology blocks from the blade to the inlet.
1.
Open Topology Set > Blade 1, visit the Advanced Parameters tab, and observe that no overrides exist
for any of the settings.
2.
Click the Freeze button.

Now all of the overrides are selected so that all of these settings will remain frozen (unless you manually
change one).
Note
Note that the Freeze button has the same function whether you are on the Advanced Parameters
tab or the Definition tab.

Leave the Mesh Data settings at their default values. The target number of nodes is set to produce a coarse mesh.

Layers
Before generating the 3D mesh, it is recommended that you check the mesh quality on the layers. By correcting
any mesh problems early, you can save time by minimizing the number of times you generate the full 3D mesh.
If the topology were grossly skewed or distorted on the hub or shroud layer, the Layers object would be shown
with red text in the object selector. Since the Layers object is shown in black text, the mesh contains no regions
with high skew on the hub or shroud.
23
Modifying the Hub and Shroud Layers

Although the mesh has no areas with severe skew, improvements are still possible. In the next section, you will
reduce the amount of skew by adjusting the topology distribution on the hub and shroud layers.
Modifying the Hub and Shroud Layers

To adjust the topology distribution on a layer, you can modify the position of a control point. Reduce the skew of
the 2D mesh on the shroud layer by moving a control point as follows:
1.
Zoom in on the region of the shroud layer shown in Figure 3.2, Modification near Shroud Trailing
Edge (p. 24). If you are not sure which layer is the shroud layer, try toggling the visibility of Layers >
Shroud.
2.
Hold Ctrl+Shift and drag the control point as indicated by the displacement vector. The length of the
displacement vector is a general guide for where to position the control point. Precise positioning of the point
is unnecessary.
Note
To select and drag control points without holding down Ctrl+Shift, you can click the Select
icon, then select and drag control points with the left mouse button.
Figure 3.2. Modification near Shroud Trailing Edge

24
Generating the Mesh

This movement of the control point helps to improve mesh element angles in the region around it.
3.
Right-click Layers > Shroud and select Copy Control Points to Hub.
This causes the corresponding control point on the hub to move in a similar way.
You are now finished adjusting the topology distribution.
Note
In a case that has more than two layers, you can modify the control points on the intermediate layers,
but this is discouraged unless you intend to make no further changes to the hub and shroud layers.
Note
You can change visibility settings for a layer using the object editor for that layer. By default, the master
topology and refined mesh are visible. You can also make the (entire) topology visible. You can choose
to work with any combination of the visibility settings.
Generating the Mesh

ANSYS TurboGrid automatically generates the recommended number of layers before the mesh is generated. This
default behavior can be disabled by editing the Layers object by clearing Automatically generate required
layers at mesh creation on the Advanced Parameters tab.
A turbo surface of constant K (a nodal coordinate) appears. This surface is listed in the object selector as 3D
Mesh > Show Mesh. Later in this tutorial, you will change the location and coloring of this surface to explore the
mesh.
Analyzing the Mesh

1.
Open Mesh Analysis.

The mesh statistics shown here may differ slightly from what you see, mainly due to the freehand movement
of the control point.
2.
Double-click Maximum Element Volume Ratio to display the elements that have an element volume
ratio greater than 2 (the default criterion set in the Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits object).

25

The Mesh Analysis > Show Limits volume object shows the areas in the mesh that do not meet the
criteria. For the Maximum Element Volume Ratio mesh measure, the volume object appears mainly
on the blade, hub, and shroud surfaces. This is normal. Note that part of the mesh downstream of the blade is
also included in the volume object. To improve the element volume ratio in this part of the mesh, you could
increase the mesh density. However, it is not necessary to do this for the purposes of this tutorial.
3.
Double-click Maximum Edge Length Ratio to display the elements that have an edge length ratio
greater than 100 (the default criterion).
The Mesh Analysis > Show Limits object appears mainly on the blade, hub and shroud surfaces. This
is normal.
4.
In the viewer, right-click the Show Limits object and click Set Turbosurface Position from the shortcut
menu.
The constant-K turbosurface (3D Mesh > Show Mesh) moves to the location where you right-clicked to
invoke the shortcut menu.
Another way to move this object is by editing its definition in the object editor.
5.
Close the Mesh Statistics dialog box.
6.
Turn off the visibility of Mesh Analysis > Show Limits.

The predefined surfaces found under the 3D Mesh object in the object selector are useful for showing variations
in the mesh statistics.
In the following section, you will color 3D Mesh > Show Mesh by Minimum Face Angle. You will then
create a legend for that object.
Editing a Turbo Surface

Turbo Surfaces can be created by selecting Insert > User Defined > Turbo Surface. In this case, you will simply
edit the predefined turbo surface.
1.
Open 3D Mesh > Show Mesh.
2.
Leave Domains, Variable, and Value unchanged.
3.
Click the Color tab and set Mode to Variable.
4.
Set Variable to Minimum Face Angle.
5.
Set Range to Local.

This will cause the range of colors in the color map to be distributed over the range of values found on the
turbo surface, rather that over the global range or a user-defined range.
6.
Click the Render tab.
7.
Ensure that Draw Faces is selected.
8.
Click Apply to apply the changes to the turbo surface.
Creating a Legend
To illustrate the scale of the Minimum Face Angle variable, create a legend for the turbo surface:
1.
Click Insert > User Defined > Legend.
2.
Click OK to accept the default name.
3.
Set Plot to TURBO SURFACE:Show Mesh.
4.
Set Title Mode to Variable and Location.
5.
Leave the remaining settings unchanged.
6.
Click Apply to create the legend.

26
Saving the Mesh
Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to steam_stator.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.

27

Chapter 4. Radial Compressor

Set machine data and load curve files independently.
Specify a cut-off or square edge on a blade.
Add a control point to help govern the topology.
Switch to a Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') projection in the viewer.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade passage of a radial compressor blade row. A
typical blade passage is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

29
Before You Begin
The blade row contains 9 blades that revolve about the negative Z-axis. The blades are flank milled, and have cut-off
trailing edges. Within the blade passage, the maximum diameter of the shroud is approximately 125 mm.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/radcomp directory.
2.


In the Rotor 37 tutorial, you loaded a BladeGen.inf file in order to specify the machine data (# of blade sets,
rotation axis, and units) and the hub, shroud, and blade curve files. In the Steam Stator tutorial, you entered the
30
Defining the Machine Data

same data using the Load Curves command. In this tutorial, you will define the machine data and curve files
individually, by editing the corresponding geometry objects.
Defining the Machine Data

Set up the Machine Data object, which contains basic information about the geometry:
1.
Open Geometry > Machine Data.
2.
Set # of Bladesets to 9.
3.
Set Base Units to mm.
4.
Click Apply to save the settings.
Defining the Hub

1.
2.
Set Length Units to mm.
3.
Ensure that File Name is set to ./hub.curve from your working directory.
4.
Click Apply.
Defining the Shroud

1.
Open Geometry > Shroud.
2.
3.
Ensure that File Name is set to ./shroud.curve from your working directory.
4.
Click Apply.
Note
If you had loaded the BladeGen.inf file, the Curve Type settings for the Hub and Shroud
objects would have been set to Piece-wise linear instead of the default: Bspline. Either
setting will work for this geometry.
At this point, the entire hub and shroud surfaces are shown. After a blade is defined (in the next step), the hub and
shroud will be trimmed to show only one passage.
31
Defining the Blade
Figure 4.1. Hub and Shroud of Radial Compressor
Defining the Blade

1.
Open Geometry > Blade Set > Blade 1.
2.
Ensure that File Name is set to ./profile.curve.
3.
4.
Set Geometric Representation > Method to Flank Milled.

When you apply the Flank Milled option, Lofting is set to Streamwise, Curve Type is set to
Piece-wise Linear, and Surface Type is set to Ruled. The Flank Milled option is appropriate for
this geometry since there are 2 blade profiles and the data points correspond with each other in position around
the profile.
5.
Under Trailing Edge Definition, select Cut-off or square.

This will more accurately represent the blade at the trailing edge.
6.
Click Apply.

32
The progress bar at the bottom right of the screen shows the geometry generation progress. After the geometry has
been generated, you can see the hub, shroud, and blade for one passage. Along the blade, you can see the leading
and trailing edge curves (green and red lines, respectively).

For this radial compressor mesh, H/J/C/L-Grid is an appropriate topology choice.
1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.

4.

5.


33

6.
7.

After a short time, the topology appears.
8.
Click Freeze to freeze the topology settings.


Layers
The Layers > Hub object is shown in red text in the object selector.
Modifying the Hub Layer

1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from the
shortcut menu.
This causes the viewer to use blade-to-blade coordinates instead of Cartesian coordinates, making it easier to
see the mesh topology. This coordinate system is angle-preserving and minimizes the effect of changing radius
on viewing and manipulation.
2.
3.
Turn off the visibility of Layers > Shroud.
4.
Open Layers > Hub.
5.
Double-click Maximum Face Angle.

The face angles need improvement near the upstream end.
6.
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 4.2, Master Control Point
Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge (p. 35).

34
Figure 4.2. Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge
7.
Create a new control point by right-clicking the location shown in Figure 4.3, Added Master Control Point
Adjusted Near Hub O-Grid (p. 36) and selecting Control Point > Insert Master.

35
Generating the Mesh
Figure 4.3. Added Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub O-Grid
8.
Move the new control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 4.3, Added Master Control
Point Adjusted Near Hub O-Grid (p. 36).
This helps to reduce the skew of elements in the passage.
Generating the Mesh

Analyzing the Mesh

Open Mesh Analysis.

of the control points:

36
Saving the Mesh
The mesh statistics are in reasonable shape for a coarse mesh.

You can double-click one of the items in red to see the locations in the mesh where the statistics fail to meet the
criteria set in Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits. Further improvements to the mesh are possible, but are beyond
the scope of this tutorial.
Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to radial_compressor.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.

37

Chapter 5. Axial Fan

Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers (p. 43)
Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains (p. 45)
Regenerating the Mesh (p. 45)
Analyzing the New Mesh (p. 45)
Switch to a Meridional (A-R) projection in the viewer.
Change the shape and position of the Inlet and Outlet geometry objects which bound the blade passage in
the streamwise direction.
Specify the use of a General Grid Interface on the periodic surfaces of the blade passage.
Extend the mesh by adding inlet and outlet domains.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade passage of a fan. A typical blade passage, inlet
domain, and outlet domain, are shown by the black outline in the figure below.

39
Before You Begin
The fan contains 10 blades that revolve about the negative Z-axis. A clearance gap exists between the blades and
the shroud, with a width of 5% of the total span. The shroud diameter is approximately 26.4 cm.
Let the mesh contain an inlet domain and an outlet domain.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/fan directory.
2.


To obtain the basic geometry, you will load a BladeGen.inf file. After inspecting the geometry and improving
the shape of the inlet and outlet, you will finish defining the geometry by creating the required gap between the
blade and the shroud.
Load the BladeGen.inf file, then inspect the geometry by viewing it in axial-radial coordinates:
1.
2.
3.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Meridional (A-R) from the shortcut menu.
40

The passage inlet, which appears in the object selector as Geometry > Inlet, is the upstream end of the blade
passage (but not necessarily the upstream end of the mesh, since, as you will see in this tutorial, you can add an
inlet domain upstream of the passage inlet). The passage inlet is generated by revolving a curve, which is defined
in an axial-radial plane, about the machine axis. That curve is, in turn, generated according to a set of points, known
here as inlet points. These points appear as white octahedrons in the viewer. The passage outlet is analogous to the
passage inlet, and is downstream of the blade passage.
Notice that, in this case, there are two inlet points and they are located at different distances from the blade. In order
to obtain a high-quality mesh topology for the blade passage, the inlet points should be repositioned.
The outlet points should also be repositioned; they should be moved closer to the blade to reduce the aspect ratio
of mesh elements immediately downstream of the blade trailing edge, as shown in Figure 5.1, Effect of Moving
Passage Outlet Towards Blade (p. 42).

41
Figure 5.1. Effect of Moving Passage Outlet Towards Blade
Reposition the inlet and outlet points as follows, and observe the movement of the inlet and outlet points in the
viewer:
1.
Open Geometry > Inlet.
2.
Select Low Hub Point, then set Method to Set A and Location to -0.008.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Select Low Shroud Point, then set Method to Set A and Location to 0.002.
5.
Click Apply.
6.
7.
Select Low Hub Point, then set Method to Set A and Location to 0.03.
8.
Click Apply.
9.
Select Low Shroud Point, then set Method to Set A and Location to 0.03.
10. Click Apply.

To complete the geometry, create a small gap between the blade and the shroud. The blade should be shortened to
95% of its original span because the gap width, as specified in the problem description, is 5% of the total span.
1.
2.
Set Tip Option to Constant Span.
3.
Set Span to 0.95.
4.
Click Apply.

For this fan mesh, H/J/C/L-Grid is an appropriate topology choice.
42

1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.

4.

This will specify the O-Grid thickness to be approximately equal to 30% of the average blade width. This value
is smaller than the default value of 0.5 because of the relatively short distance between the blades, compared
to the blade thickness, at the hub.
5.
Set One-to-one Interface Ranges > Periodic to None.

This allows the nodes to be misaligned across the periodic interface; the nodes on one periodic surface are not
required to connect in a one-to-one fashion with the nodes on the other periodic surface. When you set up the
resulting mesh in a CFD simulation, a General Grid Interface will be required to connect the periodic surfaces.
While such an interface may require more processing time and may be less accurate than a one-to-one interface,
the benefit of using a GGI interface is that the passage mesh can be made with less skew. This setting is often
beneficial when the blade has a high stagger angle.
6.

7.
8.

After a short time, the topology is generated.
9.

As prescribed in the problem description, the mesh should contain an inlet domain and an outlet domain. For now,
leave the Inlet Domain and Outlet Domain check boxes cleared; you will select these check boxes later in this
tutorial. The inlet domain contains some degenerate elements where the hub reaches zero radius. The degenerate
elements affect the mesh statistics, and make it more difficult to analyze the quality of the rest of the mesh.

Tip Layers
The Layers > Shroud Tip object is shown in red text in the object selector.
Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer

1.
shortcut menu.
This causes the viewer to use blade-to-blade coordinates, making it easy to see the mesh topology. This
coordinate system is angle-preserving and minimizes the effect of changing radius on viewing and manipulation.
2.
3.
Turn off the visibility of Layers > Hub.
4.
Open Layers > Shroud Tip.

43
Generating the Mesh

5.

6.
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 5.2, Master Control Points
Adjusted on Shroud Tip Layer (p. 44).
Figure 5.2. Master Control Points Adjusted on Shroud Tip Layer
Generating the Mesh

Analyzing the Mesh

1.
Open Mesh Analysis.


44
Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains

2.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Cartesian (X-Y-Z) from the shortcut
menu.
Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains

As specified in the problem description, the mesh should contain an inlet domain and an outlet domain. Add these
next:
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
On the Mesh Size tab, select Inlet Domain and Outlet Domain.
3.
Click Apply.

After specifying that inlet and outlet domains should be added, the original mesh was deleted. Generate the new
mesh:
Analyzing the New Mesh

1.
Open Mesh Analysis. Note that the Maximum Edge Length Ratio mesh measure is extremely
large. By displaying this mesh measure, you will see that some of the mesh elements that exceed the criterion
are those at the inlet where the mesh meets the rotation axis. This is expected, since the element edges at this
location have zero length. This is normal and expected wherever the hub reaches the axis of rotation.
2.
View the mesh on the inlet and outlet (not the passage inlet and outlet, but the inlet and outlet of the entire
mesh) by turning on the visibility of the corresponding 3D Mesh objects.
Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.

45

4.
Set File name to fan.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.

46
Chapter 6. Splitter Blades

Reviewing the Topology Settings (p. 49)
Review the topology type for each blade.
Create a mesh involving splitter blades.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade set of a centrifugal compressor that has splitter
blades. A typical blade set is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

47
Before You Begin
The blade row contains 7 blade sets, each containing one main blade and one splitter blade. The blade row revolves
about the negative Z-axis. The blades are flank milled and have cut-off trailing edges. Within the blade passage,
the maximum diameter of the shroud is approximately 13 cm.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/splitter directory.
2.


Load the BladeGen.inf file:
48

1.
2.

For this compressor mesh, H/J/C/L-Grid is an appropriate topology choice.
1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.

4.

5.

6.
7.

8.
Reviewing the Topology Settings

To see which topology types ANSYS TurboGrid used for the upstream and downstream ends of each of the two
blade passages, do the following:
1.
Open Topology Set > Main Blade and click the Advanced Parameters tab.
Note that ANSYS TurboGrid has selected a J-Grid topology for the leading edge, and an H-Grid topology for
the trailing edge. The J-Grid is more suitable than the H-Grid for the leading edge because of the higher blade
angle.
2.
Open Topology Set > Splitter Blade 1 and click the Advanced Parameters tab.
Note that ANSYS TurboGrid has selected an H-Grid topology for both ends of the splitter blade.


Layers
The Layers > Hub object is shown in red text in the object selector.

1.
shortcut menu.

49
Generating the Mesh

This causes the viewer to use blade-to-blade coordinates, making it easy to see the mesh topology. This
coordinate system is angle-preserving and minimizes the effect of changing radius on viewing and manipulation.
.
2.
3.
4.
Open Layers > Hub.
5.

6.
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 6.1, Master Control Point
Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge (p. 50).
Figure 6.1. Master Control Point Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge
Generating the Mesh


50
Analyzing the Mesh
Analyzing the Mesh

Open Mesh Analysis.


Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to compressor_splitter.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

1.
Select File > Save State As.
2.
3.
Click Save.

51

Chapter 7. Tandem Vane

Reviewing the Topology Settings (p. 55)
Increasing the Mesh Density (p. 59)
Further Modifying the Hub Layer (p. 60)
Load geometry data from a CFG file.
Copy control points and their custom positional offsets from one topology layer to another.
Use sticky control points.
Create a mesh involving tandem vanes.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade set of a radial machine component that has
tandem vanes. A typical blade set is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

53
Before You Begin
The component has 16 blade sets, each containing one main blade and one tandem vane. A clearance gap exists
between each blade and the shroud. Within the blade passages, the maximum diameter of the shroud is approximately
52.2 cm.
You will begin by loading the geometry from a CFG file. You will define the mesh topology with settings that help
to reduce mesh skew by making the mesh around each blade more independently-controlled. Finally, you will adjust
the topology and generate a fine (high-resolution) mesh.
In order to avoid long processing times, you will establish a reasonable topology before specifying a fine mesh
density.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/tandem directory.
2.


54

Load the tandem.cfg file using units of cm, then remove the shroud clearance gap from the main blade in
accordance with the problem description:
1.
Select File > Load CFG.
2.
In the top-right corner of the Load CFG File dialog box, set Length Units to cm.
ANSYS TurboGrid will interpret the numerical data in the CFG file using these units.
3.
Open tandem.cfg from the working directory.

For this tandem vane mesh, H/J/C/L-Grid is an appropriate topology choice.
1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.

4.

to the blade thickness.
5.
Set One-to-one Interface Ranges > Periodic to None.

The periodic interface is the interface between blade sets.
6.
Set One-to-one Interface Ranges > Passage to None.

The passage interface is the interface between the blade passages in the blade set.
The Periodic and Passage interface range settings, when set to None, allow the nodes to be misaligned across
the respective interface; the nodes on one side of an interface are not required to connect in a one-to-one fashion
with the nodes on the other side of the interface. When you set up the resulting mesh in a CFD simulation, a
General Grid Interface will be required to connect the periodic surfaces. While such an interface may require
more processing time and may be less accurate than a one-to-one interface, the benefit of using a GGI interface
is that the passage meshes can be adjusted independently of each other. This setting is often beneficial for
turbomachinery components that have tandem vanes. You could run this tutorial with Periodic and Passage
set to Full, but the process of setting the topology distribution would be more difficult (and for some
geometries, impossible).
7.

8.
9.

10. Click Freeze to freeze the topology settings.

Reviewing the Topology Settings

To see which topology types ANSYS TurboGrid used for the upstream and downstream ends of each of the two
blade passages, do the following:
55

1.
Open Topology Set > Main Blade and click the Advanced Parameters tab.
Note that ANSYS TurboGrid has selected a J-Grid topology for both ends of the main blade.
2.
Open Topology Set > Blade Blade 1 and click the Advanced Parameters tab.
Note that ANSYS TurboGrid has selected a J-Grid topology for the leading edge, and an H-Grid topology for
the trailing edge. The H-Grid is more suitable than the J-Grid for the trailing edge because of the lower blade
angle.

Later in this tutorial, you will specify a fine mesh. By leaving the mesh coarse for now, you will reduce processing
time while adjusting the topology.

Layers
The Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud Tip objects are shown in red text in the object selector.
In this case, the main problem is a high amount of skew in the mesh upstream of the tandem vane. This problem
will be fixed by moving and adding control points.

Identify problem areas on the hub layer and adjust the topology accordingly:
1.
2.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Predefined Camera > View Towards +Z from the shortcut
menu.
3.
Turn off the visibility of Layers > Shroud Tip.
4.
Open Layers > Hub.
5.
Double-click Minimum Face Angle.
Observe the areas that are marked as red. These areas have face angles that are too small.
6.
Zoom in on the area shown in Figure 7.1, Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer (p. 57).
7.
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 7.1, Moving a Control Point
on the Hub Layer (p. 57).

56
Figure 7.1. Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer
8.
Double-click Minimum Face Angle to refresh the display of areas that still require adjustments.
9.
Insert a master control point at the top of the red area, then move it as indicated by the displacement vector in
Figure 7.2, Inserting and Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer (p. 58):
1.
Right-click the location where the new control point is to be added.
2.
Select Control Point > Insert Master.

57
Figure 7.2. Inserting and Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer
10. Double-click Minimum Face Angle and then Maximum Face Angle to see which area of the hub
requires improvement.
There is an area of high skew, shown in the left side of Figure 7.3, Inserting and Moving Another Control
Point on the Hub Layer (p. 59), that may or may not be shown in red (because the face angles are near the
limit established in the Mesh Analysis > Mesh Limits object).
11. Insert a master control point and move it as shown in Figure 7.3, Inserting and Moving Another Control Point
on the Hub Layer (p. 59).
The control point is on the interface between blades and belongs to the tandem vane blade passage. You may
need to zoom in and turn on the topology visibility (in the Layers > Hub object) to insert the point at the
desired location. The desired location of the point to be inserted is at the intersection of the topology line that
you want to move and the topology line on the interface between the adjacent passages. If you have chosen
the correct location, a red line that shows the range of influence of the new control point will stretch into the
passage for the tandem vane; if the red line stretches downward into the main blade passage, click Edit > Undo
and try again.
Note that you are moving the new control point past a control point in the main passage. This is possible
because One-to-one Interface Ranges > Passage is set to None, meaning that the interface is a GGI interface.

58
Figure 7.3. Inserting and Moving Another Control Point on the Hub Layer
12. Confirm that the mesh statistics have improved for the Hub layer.
Make further adjustments as necessary in order to achieve an acceptable range of face angles. Confirm that
the only elements that exceed the maximum aspect ratio are those next to the blade surfaces.

Identify problem areas on the shroud tip layer and adjust the topology accordingly:
1.
2.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Shroud Tip.
3.
Click the Fit View
4.
5.
Examine the mesh statistics and note any problem areas.
6.
Right-click the Hub layer object in the object selector, then select Copy Control Points to Shroud.
icon.
The control point adjustments you made to the hub layer, and the newly-created control point, are copied to
the shroud tip layer. The mesh statistics improve on the shroud tip layer as a result of this operation.

As mentioned at the beginning of this tutorial, you will increase the mesh density. Such an increase in mesh density
can result in a more accurate CFD solution.
59
Further Modifying the Hub Layer

1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
On the Mesh Size tab, leave Method set to Target Passage Mesh Size.
3.
Set Node Count to Fine (250000).
4.
Click Apply.

As a result of changing the mesh density, the mesh quality on the hub layer has changed slightly. A portion of the
hub layer now contains elements with unacceptable face angles.
Fix the hub layer:
1.
2.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Hub.
3.
Click Fit View
4.
Open Layers > Hub.
5.
Examine the mesh statistics and note the area with bad face angles downstream of the main blade, as shown
in Figure 7.4, Poor Face Angles (p. 60).
Figure 7.4. Poor Face Angles
6.
In preparation for the next step, make the two control points that are located slightly downstream of the main
blade sticky by right-clicking each one and selecting Sticky.
These two points are circled in Figure 7.5, Making Control Points Sticky (p. 61).

60
Figure 7.5. Making Control Points Sticky
7.
Add two master control points further downstream on the same master topology lines, then move them as
shown in Figure 7.6, Adding and Moving Control Points (p. 62).
As you move these control points, the other control points that you previously made sticky remain stationary
because they are sticky. If they were not sticky, they would move because they are on the line of influence of
the added master control points.
Note
A sticky control point will not remain stationary if you move a pre-defined master control point on
the same master topology line.

61
Generating the Mesh
Figure 7.6. Adding and Moving Control Points
Confirm that the mesh measures are acceptable.
Generating the Mesh

Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to tandem.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

62

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.

63

Chapter 8. Batch Mode Studies

Note
This tutorial requires using ANSYS TurboGrid in batch mode, which is not possible from ANSYS
Workbench.
This tutorial has two parts:
Part 1: Parametric Study (p. 65)
Part 2: Grid Refinement (p. 68)
Part 1 of this tutorial demonstrates one basic way of performing a parametric study using ANSYS TurboGrid in
batch mode: using a script loop to repeatedly modify and run a session file with ANSYS TurboGrid. Each modified
session file loads a baseline state file, reloads the blade geometry from a different file, and generates and saves
output (including a mesh).
Part 2 of this tutorial demonstrates a grid refinement study using a method similar to part 1. The main difference in
part 2 is the use of the end ratio option throughout the mesh data specification to allow the grid refinement to
occur evenly through the mesh.
Variations of the algorithm described in this tutorial are possible. For example:
You could modify the state file instead of the session file.
You could use a loop within a session file (written in Perl) to avoid loading and closing ANSYS TurboGrid
repeatedly, which should improve efficiency.
Such variations are beyond the scope of this tutorial. You are encouraged to try the algorithm used in this tutorial
and then explore other methods as required in order to meet your specific requirements.
Before You Begin

Part 1: Parametric Study

This part of the tutorial includes:
Creating the Topology and Modifying the Mesh (p. 66)
Creating the Session File (p. 66)
Running the Session File (p. 67)

1.
2.


1.
Select File > Load BladeGen.
2.
Open the BladeGen.inf file.
3.
Select File > Load Curves.
4.
Set TurboGrid Curve Files > Blade to profile.1.curve.

65
Creating the Topology and Modifying the Mesh

5.
Click OK to load the geometry.
6.
Edit Geometry > Blade Set > Shroud Tip to use the Constant Span tip option and leave Span
set to the default value.
7.
Click Apply.
Creating the Topology and Modifying the Mesh

1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
Double-click Mesh Data to open it for editing. All settings will be changed to use explicit node counts.
7.
Apply the following settings

Tab
Option
Value
Mesh Size
Method
Topology Block Edge Split
Passage
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters >

Method
Element Count and Size
O-Grid > Method
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters >

Method
Shroud Tip
8.
Click Apply.
9.
Save the state to baseline_mesh.tst.
10. Quit ANSYS TurboGrid.

You now have a state file that sets up a mesh based on profile.1.curve.
The particular blade geometry used by the state file needs only to be representative of the geometries that will be
used in the study because it will be overridden by what is specified in the session file, which is produced next.
Creating the Session File

1.
Start ANSYS TurboGrid.
2.
Select Session > New Session from the menu bar to create a new session named generate_mesh.tse.
3.
Start recording to the session file by clicking Start Recording
4.
Load the state file that was saved earlier (baseline_mesh.tst).
The session is now at the point where you would typically make a change to the state. In this case, the change
will be to select a new blade curve file. To be able to load a new file, the CCL (CFX Command Language)
block responsible for loading the geometry will be included in the session file at this point; you will create this
CCL block in the next step. With that block created, you can create a script to control which blade geometry
file is loaded by changing the name of the file within the CCL block. (The script creation is in the next section.)
5.
Open Geometry > Blade Set > Blade 1 for editing and click Apply without changing any settings.
6.
7.
Select File > Save Mesh As and save the mesh with filename mesh.1.gtm with File type set to ANSYS
CFX and Export Units set to cm.
66
Running the Session File

8.
Select Tools > Command Editor and enter the following lines in the Command Editor dialog box:
!
!
!
!
9.
$minFAngle = minVal("Minimum Face Angle", "/DOMAIN:Passage")*180/3.14159;

open F,"> mesh_statistics.1.txt";
print F "minimum face angle in Passage mesh: $minFAngle\n";
close F;
Click Process, then Close. This adds Power Syntax commands that cause Minimum Face Angle to be
written to a file.
10. Stop recording the session file by clicking Stop Recording
11. Exit ANSYS TurboGrid.

A prompt will suggest that you save the state. You do not have to save the state since this was done earlier.
You now have a session file that loads the baseline state file, reloads the blade geometry, creates a mesh, saves the
mesh, and generates statistical output for the mesh.

1.
Using a basic text editor, write a script that, in a loop, modifies the blade file name in the session file, and runs
each modified session file using ANSYS TurboGrid in batch mode. You may give this file any name. The
script shown here is written in Perl:
Note
This script defines and uses a variable, turbogrid, which must be defined as the full path name
to the cfxtg.exe in the bin directory of the ANSYS TurboGrid installation.
#!/usr/bin/perl
# Point to the location of the cfxtg.exe (full pathname),
# usually in <CFXROOT>/bin/
$turbogrid = "C:/Program Files/ANSYS Inc/v121/TurboGrid/bin/cfxtg.exe";
# Initialize the input and output session filenames.
$base_tse = "generate_mesh.tse";
$output_tse = "gen_mesh.tse";
# Get the baseline session file data.
open(BASE_FH, "<$base_tse")
or die "Can't open file (${base_tse}) for input: $!";
@session_data = <BASE_FH>;
close(BASE_FH);
# Loop over each blade geometry file.
foreach $loopindex(1,2){
# Make a copy of the baseline session file
# so we don't destroy the original template.
@copy_data = @session_data;
# Write a session file (based on the original session file) that is
# customized to use the blade associated with this loop.
open(OUTPUT_FH, ">$output_tse")
or die "Can't open file (${output_tse}) for output: $!";
foreach $line (@copy_data) {
chomp($line);
$line =~ s/\.1\./\.${loopindex}\./g;
print OUTPUT_FH "$line\n";
67
Part 2: Grid Refinement

}
close(OUTPUT_FH);
# Run TurboGrid in batch mode with the customized session file.
(system("\"${turbogrid}\" -batch \"${output_tse}\"") == 0)
or die "Batch run of TurboGrid failed ($?): $!";
}
exit 0;
2.
Run the script shown above by opening a command prompt from the launcher (with the correct working
directory set) and entering the line:
perl <scriptname>
where <scriptname> represents the name of the script file.
The script will take a few minutes to run. When it completes, it will have written two .gtm files to your working
directory, as well as two text files containing the value of the minimum face angle.
Part 2: Grid Refinement

This part of the tutorial includes:
Defining the Geometry and Topology (p. 68)
Creating the Session File (p. 69)
Running the Session File (p. 70)

1.
2.

Defining the Geometry and Topology

1.
Select File > Load BladeGen.
2.
3.
Edit Geometry > Blade Set > Shroud Tip to use the Constant Span tip option and leave Span
set to the default value. Remember to click Apply when finished.
4.
Open Topology Set.
5.
6.
7.

8.
9.
Double-click Mesh Data.
10. Apply the following settings

Tab
Option
Value
Mesh Size
Method
Target Passage Mesh Size

68

Tab
Passage
Shroud Tip
Option
Value
Node Count
Specify
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters >

Method
End Ratio
O-Grid > Method
End Ratio
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters >

Method
Match Expansion at Blade Tip
11. Click Apply.

12. Save the state to baseline_mesh.tst.
You now have a state file that sets up a mesh based on the default value of the target mesh node count.
The particular mesh node count target used by the state file will be overridden by what is specified in a session file,
which is produced next.

1.
Start ANSYS TurboGrid.
2.
Create a new session named generate_mesh.tse.
3.
Start recording to the session file by clicking Start Recording
4.
Load the state file that was saved earlier (baseline_mesh.tst).
The session is now at the point where you would typically make a change to the state. In this case, the change
will be to select a different target mesh node count. To be able to change the target mesh node count, the CCL
(CFX Command Language) block responsible for specifying the mesh data settings will be included at this
point in the session file; you will do this in the next step. With that block created, you can create a script to
control the target mesh node count by changing the Target Mesh Node Count CCL parameter in the
CCL block. (The script creation is in the next section.)
5.
Double-click Mesh Data to open it and click Apply without changing any settings.
6.
7.
Select File > Save Mesh As and save the mesh as outputmesh.1.gtm with File type set to ANSYS CFX
and Export Units set to cm.
8.
Select Tools > Command Editor and enter the following lines in the Command Editor dialog box:
!
!
!
!
!
!
9.
$minFAngle = minVal("Minimum Face Angle", "/DOMAIN:Passage")*180/3.14159;

$nodeCount = count("/DOMAIN:Passage");
open F,"> meshstatistics.1.txt";
print F "minimum face angle in Passage mesh: $minFAngle\n";
print F "number of nodes in Passage mesh: $nodeCount\n";
close F;
Click Process, then Close. This adds Power Syntax commands that cause Minimum Face Angle and the
node count to be written to a file.
10. Stop recording the session file by clicking Stop Recording

A prompt will suggest that you save the state. You do not have to save the state since this was done earlier.

69

You now have a session file that loads the baseline mesh state file, reapplies the Mesh Data settings, creates a
mesh, saves the mesh, and generates statistical output for the mesh.

1.
Write a script that, in a loop, modifies the target passage node count in the session file, and runs each modified
session file using ANSYS TurboGrid in batch mode. The script shown here is written in Perl:
Note
In the following script, the two lines following the commented line #### The next two lines
... #### are meant to be entered as a single line. Also, this script defines and uses a variable,
turbogrid, which must be defined as the full pathname to the cfxtg (cfxtg.exe) file in the
bin directory of the installation.
#!/usr/bin/perl
# Point to the location of the cfxtg.exe (full pathname),
# usually in <CFXROOT>/bin/cfxtg.exe
$turbogrid = "C:/Program Files/ANSYS Inc/v121/TurboGrid/bin/cfxtg.exe";
# Initialize the input and output session filenames.
$base_tse = "generate_mesh.tse";
$output_tse = "gen_mesh.tse";
# This is a list of the target node values to be used.
@target_nodes = (50000, 100000, 200000);
# Get the baseline session file data.
open(BASE_FH, "<$base_tse")
or die "Can't open file (${base_tse}) for input: $!";
@session_data = <BASE_FH>;
close(BASE_FH);
# Loop over each target node value.
$loopindex = 1;
foreach $target (@target_nodes) {
# Make a copy of the baseline session file
# so we don't destroy the original template.
@copy_data = @session_data;
# Write a session file (based on the original session file) that is
# customized to use the target node count associated with this loop.
open(OUTPUT_FH, ">$output_tse")
or die "Can't open file (${output_tse}) for output: $!";
foreach $line (@copy_data) {
chomp($line);
$line =~ s/\.1\./\.${loopindex}\./g;
#### The next two lines should be combined into one single line. ####
$line =~ s/Target Mesh Node Count =
[0-9][0-9]*/Target Mesh Node Count = ${target}/g;
print OUTPUT_FH "$line\n";
}
close(OUTPUT_FH);
# Run TurboGrid in batch mode with the customized session file.
(system("\"${turbogrid}\" -batch \"${output_tse}\"") == 0)
or die "Batch run of TurboGrid failed ($?): $!";
# Prepare for next loop iteration.
$loopindex++;
}
exit 0;

70

2.
Run the script shown above by opening a command prompt from the launcher (with the correct working
directory set) and entering the line:
perl <scriptname>
where <scriptname> represents the name of the script file.
The script will take a few minutes to run. When it completes, it will have written some .gtm files to your working
directory, as well as some text files containing the value of the minimum face angle and the number of nodes in the
mesh.

71

Chapter 9. Deformed Turbine

Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group (p. 74)
Mesh for an Undeformed Blade (p. 87)
Summary (p. 92)
Further Exercise (p. 92)
Build a blade set by loading blades separately from files and rotating them into position.
Save, load, and rotate periodic surfaces.
Make separate and different meshes that are designed to fit together in a CFD simulation.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create meshes for modeling an axial turbine blade row that has a deformed
blade. The technique learned here can be extended to model a blade row with several deformed blades. A blade can
become deformed after being damaged, for example by the passage of a foreign object.
The blade row contains 71 blades, one of which is deformed. The blade row revolves about the Z-axis. A clearance
gap exists between the blades and the shroud, with a width of 0.05 cm. Within the blade passage, the maximum
diameter of the shroud is approximately 56 cm.
73
Before You Begin

In this case, the full 360 geometry needs to be modeled. You will accomplish this by producing a pair of
complementary meshes: one mesh for a blade group consisting of a deformed blade between two undeformed blades,
and one mesh for a single undeformed blade. By using 68 instances of the mesh for the undeformed blade, the entire
blade row can be modeled.
For compatibility between the two meshes, the mesh density should be comparable. In this case, choose a mesh
density of about 250000 nodes per blade. You will also have to ensure that the interface between the meshes has
the same shape.
Let each mesh contain an inlet domain and an outlet domain.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/deformed directory.
2.

Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group

In this part of the tutorial you will create a mesh for one deformed turbine blade surrounded by one undeformed
blade on each side.
Defining the Geometry for the Deformed Blade Group

Loading an Undeformed Blade
You will use the provided BladeGen.inf file to load the geometry for an undeformed turbine blade.
1.
2.
A blade passage for an undeformed blade appears in the viewer.
Moving the Periodic Surfaces

The BladeGen.inf file specifies a machine with 71 blade sets, each containing one blade. The blades are therefore
spaced at (360/71) intervals around the machine axis.
In the next section, you will insert two blades into the blade set to form a group of three blades. Specifically, you
will insert a deformed blade, then an undeformed blade, both on the same side of the existing undeformed blade.
The result will be a group of blades with one deformed blade between two undeformed blades.
Before inserting the blades, make room for them by widening the angular separation between the periodic surfaces
from (360/71) to (3*360/71):
1.
Open Geometry > Machine Data.
2.
Change Pitch Angle > Method to Specified Angle.
3.
Set Pitch Angle > Angle to 15.21127 degrees.
4.
Click Apply.
The periodic surfaces are now (3*360/71) apart.
Inserting Two More Blades

Insert two blades into the blade set so that there is one deformed blade surrounded by two undeformed blades:
74

1.
Insert a blade named Deformed Blade:

1.
Right-click Geometry > Blade Set and click Insert > Blade.
2.
Set Name to Deformed Blade and click OK.
The tree view displays Deformed Blade in a bold, italic, blue font (white when selected). This indicates
that the object requires more information. In particular, the file name reference and/or the position of the blade
must be changed so that the new blade is different from the original blade.
2.
Enter the following settings for Deformed Blade:

Tab
Setting
Value
Blade
File Name
deformed.curve
Transform Axial Rotation
(Selected)
Axial Rotation > Angle 5.070423 [degree]

3.
Click Apply.
The tree view now displays Deformed Blade in plain black text. This indicates that the object now has all
the required information.
4.
Insert a blade named Blade 3.
5.
Enter the following settings for Blade 3:

Tab
Setting
Value
Blade
File Name
profile.curve
Transform Axial Rotation
(Selected)
Axial Rotation > Angle 10.140845 [degree]

6.
Click Apply.
You now have a blade set with three blades, as shown in Figure 9.1, Blade Set Containing a Deformed Blade (p. 76).

75
Figure 9.1. Blade Set Containing a Deformed Blade
Adding a Shroud Tip

As stated in the problem description, the blade set requires a blade tip clearance of 0.05 cm at the shroud. Add this
clearance by editing the Shroud Tip object:
1.
2.
Enter the following settings for Shroud Tip:

Tab
Setting
Value
Shroud Tip Clearance Type > Tip Option
Normal Distance
Clearance Parameter > Tip Clearance 0.05 [cm]

3.
Click Apply.
ANSYS TurboGrid requires, and uses, the same shroud tip clearance for all blades in the blade set. The shroud tips
of all blades in the blade set lie on the same surface of revolution when revolved about the axis of rotation.
Adjusting the Inlet and Outlet Points

The inlet and outlet points need to be moved. To see why, change to a meridional transform:
With the inlet points in their initial positions, the inlet domain (the portion of the mesh upstream of the inlet points)
is much larger at the shroud than at the hub, as measured in the axial direction. To reduce this variation, move the
inlet points closer to the blade:
Move the inlet points as shown in Adjusting the Inlet Points (p. 77):
1.
2.
Enter the following settings for Low Hub Point:

Tab Setting
Value
Inlet Curve
Low Hub Pointa

76

Tab Setting
Value
Curve > Method Set A

Curve > Location 0.045
a
The word Low in Low Hub Point refers to the side of the passage in terms of the Theta coordinate. The Low Hub Point inlet
point is at the intersection of the hub and the inlet curve on the low-Theta side of the passage. Note that the Theta coordinate cannot
be seen in the Meridional (A-R) transform.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Enter the following settings for Low Shroud Point:

Tab Setting
Value
Inlet Curve
Low Shroud Point

Curve > Location 0. 055
5.
Click Apply.
Figure 9.2. Adjusting the Inlet Points
For consistency, move the outlet points closer to the blade:
Move the outlet points as shown in Adjusting the Outlet Points (p. 78):
1.
2.
Enter the following settings for Low Hub Point:

77

Tab
Setting
Outlet Curve
Value
Low Hub Point

Curve > Location 0.099
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Enter the following settings for Low Shroud Point:

Tab
Setting
Outlet Curve
Value
Low Shroud Point

Curve > Location 0. 089
5.
Click Apply.
Figure 9.3. Adjusting the Outlet Points
Saving the Periodic/Interface Surfaces

Save the periodic and interface surfaces to files for later use:
1.
Click File > Save > Periodic/Interface Surfaces.

The Save Interfaces dialog box appears.
2.
Ensure that Look in is set to the working directory.

78
Defining the Topology for the Deformed Blade Group

3.
Leave Directory empty.

To save the surface files to a different directory, you could enter that directory name under Directory, or else
you could browse to that directory so that it appears under Look in.
4.
Leave Base Filename empty.

To give the surface file names a common prefix, you could enter a prefix under Base Filename.
5.
Click Choose.
Four files are saved to the working directory:

File Name
Description
Blade_1_LP.crv
Low-Theta periodic surface
Blade_1_Deformed_Blade_interface.crv Interface between Blade 1 and Deformed Blade

Deformed_Blade_Blade_3_interface.crv Interface between Deformed Blade and Blade 3
Blade_3_HP.crv
High-Theta periodic surface
Saving the Inlet and Outlet Locations

Save the inlet and outlet locations for later use:
1.
Click File > Save > Inlet.

The Save Inlet dialog box appears.
2.
Set File name to inlet and click Save.

The inlet points are written to a file named inlet.crv.
3.
Click File > Save > Outlet.
4.
Set File name to outlet and click Save.

The outlet points are written to a file named outlet.crv.
Defining the Topology for the Deformed Blade Group

Apply an H/J/C/L-Grid topology to force ANSYS TurboGrid to set the specific topology type automatically for the
upstream and downstream halves of each blade:
1.
Open Topology Set.
2.
3.

4.

5.
Leave the One-to-one Interface Ranges settings set to Full.

These settings force the periodic interface and the passage interfaces to use one-to-one node connections. The
alternative is to use a GGI (General Grid Interface) connection, or a combination of GGI and one-to-one
connections. GGI connections allow more freedom when adjusting a mesh, but can potentially reduce the
accuracy of CFD results.
6.
Set Periodicity > Projection to Float on Curves.

79
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Deformed Blade Group
This setting forces the periodic surfaces of the topology (and ultimately the mesh) to lie on the periodic surfaces
that were defined as part of the geometry. This constraint is necessary to ensure that the mesh you are currently
making will fit properly with the mesh you will make later in this tutorial.
The default setting, Float on Surface, is not suitable in this case, since it allows the periodic surfaces
of the topology to deviate from the geometric periodic surfaces as a way of improving mesh quality.
7.
8.

9.
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Deformed Blade

Group
In accordance with the problem description, you will increase the mesh density later in this tutorial. Leaving the
mesh density coarse in the meantime will reduce processing time while you adjust the topology.
tutorial. Omitting the inlet and outlet domains in the meantime will reduce the processing time while you adjust the
topology.
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
of the Deformed Blade Group
The Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud Tip objects are colored red in the tree view, indicating that there
are problems with mesh quality that should be resolved.

View the Hub layer:
1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from the
shortcut menu.
2.
3.
4.
Click Fit View
View the problem areas of the Hub layer:

1.
Open Layers > Hub.

The object editor shows mesh measures, such as Minimum Face Angle, for all 2D elements in the surface
mesh on the layer.
2.

The problem areas of the mesh are colored red in the viewer.
3.

Improve the topology distribution on the Hub layer:
Move master control points as shown in Hub Layer Changes (p. 81).

80
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade Group
After each change, you can update the display of problem areas in the mesh by double-clicking Minimum
Face Angle and Maximum Face Angle.
Figure 9.4. Hub Layer Changes

View the Shroud Tip layer:
1.
2.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Shroud Tip.
3.
Click Fit View
View the problem areas of the Shroud Tip layer:

1.
2.

3.

Improve the topology distribution on the Shroud Tip layer:

1.
Move master control points as shown in Shroud Tip Layer Changes - Control Point Movements (p. 82).

81
Figure 9.5. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - Control Point Movements
2.
Add a master control point at the location shown in Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point (p. 83):
1.
2.

82
Figure 9.6. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point
3.
4.
Restrict the freedom of movement of the added control point to movement along the O-Grid curve:
1.
Open Layers.
2.
On the Advanced Parameters tab, set Leading And Trailing Edge O-Grid Control Points > Method
to Curve.
3.
Click Apply.
Move the control point as indicated in Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point (p. 83).
If the movement of the control point were much larger, the mesh density in front of the blade would need to
be increased. In such a situation, you could use an edge split control to locally increase the mesh density.
5.
Improve mesh orthogonality near the deformed blade by adding and moving a master control point, and moving
another control point, as shown in Shroud Tip Layer Changes - A Second New Control Point (p. 84).

83
Increasing the Mesh Density for the Deformed Blade Group
Figure 9.7. Shroud Tip Layer Changes - A Second New Control Point

As stated in the problem description, the mesh requires a density of about 250000 nodes per blade. Increase the
mesh density. Also add inlet and outlet blocks as prescribed in the problem description:
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
Enter the following settings for Mesh Data:

Tab
Setting
Mesh Size Method
Value
Node Count
Specify
Target
750000
84

Tab
Setting
Value
Inlet Domain
(Selected)
Outlet Domain (Selected)

3.
Click Apply.
As a result of choosing the mesh size in the previous step, ANSYS TurboGrid has re-calculated the number of
elements along various topological paths. In order to provide higher mesh resolution near the walls, set the size for
mesh elements touching the hub, blade, shroud tip, and shroud to a y+ value of 1. These changes can cause the
mesh density to become too sparse in some locations. In this case, the density across the O-Grid would be too sparse
if left unchanged. To compensate, increase the number of elements across the O-Grid from 9 to 18.
1.

Tab
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
Near Wall Element Size Specification > Method
y+
Reynolds No.
1.0e6
Passage Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Method
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > # of Elements
66
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Const Element
33
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Size of Elements Next to Wall 1

(y+) > Hub
Apply O-Grid Parameters To All Blades
(Selected)
Apply O-Grid Parameters To All Blades > Method
Apply O-Grid Parameters To All Blades > # of Elements
18
Apply O-Grid Parameters To All Blades > Size of Elements Next to Wall 1
(y+ ) > Blade
Shroud Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > Method
Tip
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > # of Elements
2.

8
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > Const Element
Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Tip
Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Shroud
Click Apply.
At the interface between the passage and the inlet domain, spanwise node alignment is adversely affected by the
high curvature of the leading edge of the deformed blade. To improve this node alignment, change a certain setting
that affects the spanwise distribution of nodes in the passage mesh:
1.
Right-click Mesh Data and click Edit in Command Editor.
2.
Change Mesh Generation from false to Constant Span.
3.
Click Process to apply the changes.
4.
Click Close.

85
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade Group
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
of the Deformed Blade Group
After changing the mesh size, it is possible for the mesh quality to change. You can quickly confirm that the face
angles are acceptable by verifying that all layers are shown in black text in the tree view. To see the exact values
of the minimum and maximum face angles, open each layer in the object editor:
1.
Open Layers > Hub.
2.

It is normal for the aspect ratio of the elements next to the blade to be very high.
3.
4.
Generating the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group

Analyzing the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group

In the process of generating the mesh, ANSYS TurboGrid automatically added new layers as required to guide the
mesh in the spanwise direction. Verify the mesh quality for the added layers by checking that each layer is listed
in black text in the tree view.
Mesh statistics for the 3D mesh elements are available now that the mesh has been created. Inspect the mesh quality
of the 3D mesh:
1.
Open Mesh Analysis.

Opening either of these objects causes the Mesh Statistics dialog box to appear. This dialog box shows mesh
measures for all 3D elements in the mesh.
2.

You can expect higher element volume ratios near the blade, hub, and shroud, where expansion rates in multiple
directions multiply to increase the volume ratio between elements that share a node.
You can expect high edge length ratios near the walls because the requirement to place the first nodes from
the walls at y+ = 1 causes the elements next to the walls to be highly compressed in one direction.
3.
On the Mesh Statistics dialog box, click Close.
Saving the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to DeformedSection.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.
Saving the State for the Deformed Blade Group (Optional)

1.
2.

86
Mesh for an Undeformed Blade

3.
Click Save.
Mesh for an Undeformed Blade

In this part of the tutorial you will create a mesh for one undeformed turbine blade. Multiple instances of this mesh
could be used, in conjunction with the mesh you made earlier, to simulate the entire blade row.
Starting a New Case

Start a new case:
Click File > New Case.

If you chose not to save the state for the previous mesh, a dialog box will appear asking if you want to save the
state. In this case, click Save & Proceed or Proceed as appropriate.
Defining the Geometry for the Undeformed Blade

You must use the same periodic surfaces in meshes that are intended to fit together along the same blade row. In
the mesh you made earlier, the deformed blade might have affected the shape of the periodic surface, even though
the deformed blade is between undeformed blades. The only way to guarantee that the same periodic surface is used
in the present mesh is to load the periodic surface from the previous mesh.
You must use the same inlet and outlet surfaces in meshes that are intended to fit together along the same blade
row. Since you have modified the inlet and outlet surfaces in the process of making the previous mesh, you must
load them for the present mesh. Even if you had not modified the inlet and outlet surfaces, the deformed blade might
have influenced the initial shape of the inlet and outlet surfaces.
Define the geometry using the periodic surfaces and inlet and outlet curves that you saved earlier:
1.
2.
3.
Use the same file, Blade_1_LP.crv, to define both periodic surfaces, and apply a (360/71) rotation for
the high periodic surface:
1.
Open Geometry > Low Periodic.
2.
Enter the following settings for Low Periodic:

Tab Setting
Value
Data Method
From File
File Name
Blade_1_LP.crv
Rotation Angle 0 [degree]

3.
Click Apply.
4.
Open Geometry > High Periodic.
5.
Enter the following settings for High Periodic:

Tab Setting
Value
Data Method
From File
File Namea
Blade_1_LP.crv
Rotation Angle 5.070423 [degree]

a
Use the same file as for the low periodic surface.
6.
Click Apply.

87
Defining the Topology for the Undeformed Blade

4.
Load the inlet and outlet curve files inlet.crv and outlet.crv:
1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Meridional (A-R) from the shortcut
menu so that you can better see the effect of loading the inlet and outlet curve files.
2.
3.
Click Read from File
The Open Inlet File dialog box appears.

4.
Select inlet.crv.
5.
Click Open.
6.
Open Geometry > Outlet and load outlet.crv in the same way.
Adding a Shroud Tip

As stated in the problem description, the blade set requires a blade tip clearance of 0.05 cm at the shroud. Add this
clearance by editing the Shroud Tip object:
1.
2.
Enter the following settings for Shroud Tip:

Tab
Setting
Shroud Tip Clearance Type > Tip Option
Value
Normal Distance
Clearance Parameter > Tip Clearance 0.05 [cm]

3.
Click Apply.
Defining the Topology for the Undeformed Blade

upstream and downstream halves of the blade:
1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from the
shortcut menu.
2.
Open Topology Set.
3.
4.

5.

6.
Click Apply.
Constrain the topology so that the resulting mesh has periodic surfaces that fall exactly on the geometric periodic
surfaces. This will ensure that the periodic surfaces of the present mesh will fit with those of the mesh you created
earlier for the deformed blade group.
1.
Set Periodicity > Projection to Float on Curves.
2.
3.

4.

88
Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Undeformed Blade

Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Undeformed Blade

In accordance with the problem description, you will increase the mesh density later in this tutorial. Leaving the
mesh density coarse in the meantime will reduce processing time while you adjust the topology.
tutorial. Omitting the inlet and outlet domains in the meantime will reduce the processing time while you adjust the
topology.
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
of the Undeformed Blade
The Layers > Hub object is colored red in the tree view, indicating that there are problems with mesh quality that
should be resolved.

View the Hub layer:
.
1.
2.
3.
Click Fit View

1.
Open Layers > Hub.
2.

3.

Move master control points as shown in Hub Layer Changes (p. 90).

89
Increasing the Mesh Density for the Undeformed Blade
Figure 9.8. Hub Layer Changes
Increasing the Mesh Density for the Undeformed Blade

As stated in the problem description, the mesh requires a density of about 250000 nodes per blade. Increase the
mesh density. Also add inlet and outlet blocks as prescribed in the problem description:
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.

Tab
Setting
Mesh Size Method
Value
Target Passage Nodes
Node Count
Specify
Target
250000
Inlet Domain
(Selected)
Outlet Domain (Selected)

3.
Click Apply.
To further improve similarity with the mesh for the deformed blade group, use the same y+ values and element
counts as for that mesh:
1.

Tab
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
y+
Reynolds No.
1.0e6
Passage Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Method


66

90
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Undeformed Blade
Tab
Setting
Value
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Const Element
33
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Size of Elements Next to Wall 1

(y+) > Hub
Shroud
Tip
2.
O-Grid > Method
O-Grid > # of Elements
18
O-Grid > Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Blade
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > Method
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > # of Elements
Shroud Tip Distribution Parameters > Const Element
Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Tip
Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Shroud
Click Apply.
Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
of the Undeformed Blade
After changing the mesh size, it is possible for the mesh quality to change. You can quickly confirm that the face
angles are acceptable by verifying that all layers are shown in black text in the tree view. To see the exact values
of the minimum and maximum face angles, open each layer in the object editor:
1.
Open Layers > Hub.
2.
3.
4.
Generating the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade

Create the mesh:
Analyzing the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade

Verify the mesh quality for the added layers by checking that each layer is listed in black text in the tree view.
Inspect the mesh quality of the 3D mesh:
1.
Open Mesh Analysis.
2.
3.
Saving the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set File name to UndeformedSection.gtm.

91
Saving the State for the Undeformed Blade (Optional)

5.
6.
Click Save.
Saving the State for the Undeformed Blade (Optional)

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.
Summary
In this tutorial, you created two meshes for modeling an axial turbine blade row with one deformed blade. The first
mesh, DeformedSection.gtm, models one deformed blade between a pair of undeformed blades. The second
mesh, UndeformedSection.gtm, models one undeformed blade.
The complete blade row contains 71 blades. To model the complete blade row using CFX-Pre, you could begin a
new simulation using Turbo mode to define a set of 68 blades based on UndeformedSection.gtm, then you
could enter General mode and add DeformedSection.gtm.
This technique for modeling a single deformed blade can be extended to model multiple deformed blades by creating
a larger blade group for the deformed section.
Further Exercise
As a further exercise, you can try creating single-blade meshes for each blade in the blade group. You can do this
by creating a mesh for a single blade, using the Blade_1_Deformed_Blade_interface.crv and
Deformed_Blade_Blade_3_interface.crv files for the periodic surfaces as appropriate. This arrangement
allows you to modify the mesh for the deformed blade without involving other blades.

92
Chapter 10. Francis Turbine

Specifying Mesh Data Settings (p. 101)
Deal with a stepped hub.
Use an L-Grid topology.
Use edge split controls to increase the mesh density at specific locations.
As you work through this tutorial, you will create a mesh for a blade passage of a Francis water turbine. A typical
blade passage is shown by the black outline in the figure below.

93
Before You Begin
The turbine contains 13 blades that revolve about the X-axis. Within the blade passage, the maximum diameter of
the shroud is approximately 4.23 m.
The mesh density should be set appropriately for using the SST turbulence model in a CFD simulation.
Before You Begin


1.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/francis directory.
2.


Load the geometry and view it in the meridional view:
1.
2.
94
Adjusting the Outlet Points

Note the discontinuity in the hub geometry. In order to capture this discontinuity in the final mesh, the background
mesh on which it is based must also capture the discontinuity. The background mesh is an internal mechanism that
ANSYS TurboGrid uses to represent the geometry. It is based on the original curve files and other geometry settings,
and is used to generate the topology and ultimately the CFD mesh. In general, if you have a step change or other
discontinuity in the hub, shroud, or blade, you should try increasing the resolution of the background mesh. The
goal is to line up a node of the background mesh with the point at which the discontinuity occurs. By increasing
the background mesh density, the probability increases that a background mesh node will exist within a tolerable
distance of the discontinuity. If the (CFD) mesh does not adequately follow the geometry (even with sufficiently-high
CFD mesh resolution), then increase the background mesh density further.
Increase the resolution of the background mesh:
1.
Right-click Geometry > Machine Data and click Edit in Command Editor.
2.
Change Turbo Transform Background Mesh Size For Topology from 2000 to 80000.
3.
Click Process to apply the changes.
4.
Click Close.
Adjusting the Outlet Points

As can be seen in the viewer, the white diamonds that define the outlet curve are not at a uniform distance from the
trailing edge of the blade. In particular, the low hub point is much closer to the blade than the other points of the
outlet curve.
Move the outlet point on the hub farther away from the blade, and the outlet point on the shroud closer to the blade,
as follows:
1.
2.
Under List of Points, select Low Hub Point.
3.
Set Method to Set R and Location to 0.50.
4.
Click Apply.
5.
Under List of Points, select Low Shroud Point.
6.
Set Method to Set A and Location to 1.75.
7.
Click Apply.
8.
Click Generate Intermediate Points
9.
A message box warns you that the intermediate points will be deleted. Click Yes to delete the existing
intermediate points and replace them with new ones.
Looking at the intermediate point distribution in the viewer, you can see that adding more points would significantly
improve the smoothness of the curve. Add two more points to Geometry > Outlet using one of the following
procedures:
If there are currently four intermediate points:

1.
Under Curve, right-click Point 3 in the list and click New from the shortcut menu.
Alternatively, select Point 3 then, beside the list of points, click New
2.
Select the newly-added point, point 5, and set its location to (1.51, 1.10) so that it is at about the same
distance from the trailing edge as the other points.
These coordinates were originally determined by moving point 5 using the mouse.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Right-click Point 4 in the list and click New from the shortcut menu.
5.
Set the location of the newly created point, point 6, to (1.73, 1.73) and click Apply.
If there are currently three intermediate points:

1.
Under Curve, right-click Point 2 in the list and click New from the shortcut menu.

95
Alternatively, select Point 2 then, beside the list of points, click New
2.
Select the newly-added point, point 4, and set its location to (1.51, 1.10) so that it is at about the same
distance from the trailing edge as the other points.
These coordinates were originally determined by moving point 4 using the mouse.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Right-click Point 3 in the list and click New from the shortcut menu.
5.
Set the location of the newly created point, point 5, to (1.73, 1.73) and click Apply.
Before continuing, ensure that the outlet points are on a relatively smooth curve at a uniform distance from the
blade.

upstream and downstream halves of the blade:
1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Cartesian (X-Y-Z) from the shortcut
menu.
2.
Open Topology Set.
3.
4.

5.

This slight reduction in O-Grid width is needed due to the small passage width near the trailing edge of the
blade at the hub.
6.
Set One-to-one Interface Ranges > Periodic to Between Blades & Upstream.
The high blade stagger angle in the downstream end of the passage makes the J-Grid and L-Grid topologies
good candidates for the downstream end of the passage. In order to make an L-Grid topology possible in the
downstream end, there must not be one-to-one node periodicity along the periodic interface in that end of the
passage.
7.

8.
Click Apply.
9.

After a short time, the topology appears.
10. Open Topology Set > Blade 1.

11. On the Advanced Parameters tab, confirm that H/J/C/L Topology Definition > Trailing Edge is set to
L-Grid.
12. On the same tab, confirm that Override Sharp TE Determination > Sharp Trailing Edge is selected.
13. Click Freeze to freeze the topology settings.

96
Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers

Layers
The Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud objects are shown in red text in the object selector.

The Layers > Hub object is colored red in the tree view, indicating that there are problems with mesh quality that
should be resolved.
View the Hub layer:
1.
shortcut menu.
2.
3.
4.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Hub.
5.
Click Fit View

1.
Open Layers > Hub.
2.

3.


1.
Insert a master control point and move it as shown in Hub Layer Changes in Downstream End (p. 98):
1.
2.

A yellow master control point should appear. If the master control point is colored magenta, it will appear
at the intersection of two red lines. In that case, delete the added point, then right-click where one of those
red lines intersected the master topology line and again select Control Point > Insert Master.

97
Figure 10.1. Hub Layer Changes in Downstream End
2.
Move a master control point as shown in Hub Layer Changes in Upstream End (p. 99).
The minimum face angle should now be approximately 35.

98
Figure 10.2. Hub Layer Changes in Upstream End
3.
For better mesh resolution along the periodic interface, use an edge split control to double the mesh density at
the lower location indicated in Increasing Mesh Density Locally (p. 100):
1.
Right-click the master topology line marked A in Figure 10.3, Increasing Mesh Density Locally (p. 100)
and select Insert Edge Split Control from the shortcut menu.
2.
In the object editor, change Split Factor to 2.0.
3.
Click Apply.
This causes more elements to be placed along the topology line marked A in the figure.
Note that edge split controls act on all layers.

99
Modifying the Shroud Layer
Figure 10.3. Increasing Mesh Density Locally
4.
In order to reduce the aspect ratio of mesh elements downstream of the blade, use edge split controls to double
the mesh density along the topology lines marked B and C in Increasing Mesh Density Locally (p. 100).
Modifying the Shroud Layer

The Layers > Shroud object is colored red in the tree view, indicating that there are problems with mesh quality
that should be resolved.
View the Shroud layer:
1.
2.
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Shroud.
3.
Click Fit View
View the problem areas of the Shroud layer:

1.
Open Layers > Shroud.
2.

3.

Improve the topology distribution on the Shroud layer:

100
Specifying Mesh Data Settings
Move master control points as shown in Shroud Layer Changes (p. 101).
Moving the right-most control point will not improve the mesh immediately, but will avoid small minimum
face angles when a mesh is generated later on in the tutorial.
Figure 10.4. Shroud Layer Changes
Specifying Mesh Data Settings
In anticipation of using the SST turbulence model, increase the mesh density and set the near-wall y+ values
for the hub, shroud, and blade to 1. Also add an outlet block and set its mesh type to H-Grid in
Parametric Space in order to better capture the change in radius of the hub in the outlet region.
1.
Open Mesh Data.
2.
Enter the following settings for Mesh Data.

Tab
Setting
Mesh Size Method

Node Count
Value
Specify

101
Generating the Mesh

Tab
Passage
Setting
Value
Target
750000
y+
Outlet Domain
(Selected)
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Method
80
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Const Elements
25
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Size of Elements

Next to Wall (y+) > Hub
Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Size of Elements

Next to Wall (y+) > Shroud
O-Grid > Method
O-Grid > # of Elements
20
O-Grid > Size of Elements Next to Wall (y+) > Blade
Inlet/Outlet Outlet Domain > Mesh Type
H-Grid in Parametric Space
Outlet Domain > Override default # of Elements
(Selected)
Outlet Domain > Override default # of Elements > # of

Elements
30
In order to set the y+ value on the hub and shroud, you could use either the Element Count and
Size method or the Boundary Layer method. In this case, the Element Count and Size
option was arbitrarily chosen. As a result, the number of elements from hub to shroud, and the number
of constant-size elements in the middle section (away from the hub and shroud) were required. The values
given here were found, by trail and error, to produce a good mesh.
Similarly, to set the y+ value on the blade, you could use either the Element Count and Size
method or the Expansion Rate method. The Element Count and Size method was arbitrarily
chosen. As a result, the number of elements across the O-Grid was required. The value given here was
found, by trail and error, to produce a good mesh.
The number of elements in the outlet domain and in the O-Grid were changed to values that were found,
by trail and error, to produce a good mesh.
3.
Click Apply.
Generating the Mesh

Create the mesh:
Analyzing the Mesh

Inspect the mesh quality of the 3D mesh:
1.
Open Mesh Analysis.
2.
3.

102
Saving the Mesh
Saving the Mesh

Save the mesh:
1.
2.
3.
Set Export Units to m.
4.
Set File name to FrancisTurbine.gtm.
5.
6.
Click Save.

1.
2.
3.
Click Save.

103


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ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials

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ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials

ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1. Introduction to the ANSYS

Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1)

Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid (p. 1)

Changing the Display Colors (p. 1)

Editor Buttons (p. 2)

Using Help (p. 2)

Preparing a Working Directory

Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS

Start the CFX launcher.

Select a working directory.

Click the TurboGrid 12.1 button.

Changing the Display Colors

Select Edit > Options.

Adjust the color settings under TurboGrid > Viewer.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

OK is the same as Apply, except that the editor automatically closes.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview of the Mesh Creation Process (p. 4)

Before You Begin (p. 4)

Starting ANSYS TurboGrid (p. 4)

Defining the Geometry (p. 5)

Defining the Topology (p. 6)

Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings (p. 8)

Adding Intermediate Layers (p. 9)

Generating the Mesh (p. 9)

Analyzing the Coarse Mesh (p. 10)

Increasing the Mesh Density (p. 12)

Regenerating the Mesh (p. 13)

Analyzing the Fine Mesh (p. 13)

Saving the Mesh (p. 17)

Saving the State (Optional) (p. 17)

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview of the Mesh Creation Process

Overview of the Mesh Creation Process

Define the geometry by loading files and changing settings as required.

Improve the topology on the hub and shroud layers as required.

Issue the command to generate a mesh.

Save the mesh to a file.

Before You Begin

Starting ANSYS TurboGrid

Set the working directory and start ANSYS TurboGrid.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Defining the Geometry

Defining the Geometry

Click File > Load BladeGen.

Open BladeGen.inf from the working directory.

Open Geometry > Hub.

Click Display all blade instances

Click Display single blade instance

to obtain a view of the entire geometry.

Open Geometry > Blade Set > Shroud Tip.

Set Tip Option to Constant Span.

Set Span to 0.975.

Release 12.1 - 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

Defining the Topology