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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the ANSYS TurboGrid Tutorials ...................................................................................... 1
1.1. Preparing a Working Directory .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................ 1
1.3. Changing the Display Colors ............................................................................................................. 2
1.4. Editor Buttons .................................................................................................................................. 2
1.5. Using Help ........................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Rotor 37 ................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Overview of the Mesh Creation Process ............................................................................................. 4
2.2. Before You Begin .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.3. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ................................................................................................................. 5
2.4. Defining the Geometry ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.5. Defining the Topology ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.6. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................... 8
2.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers ......................................................... 8
2.8. Generating the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.9. Looking at Mesh Data Values ............................................................................................................. 9
2.10. Analyzing the Mesh Quality ............................................................................................................. 9
2.11. Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution ...................................................................... 10
2.12. Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh .................................................................................................... 12
2.13. Examining the Mesh Qualitatively ................................................................................................. 12
2.14. Creating a Legend ......................................................................................................................... 13
2.15. Saving the Mesh ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.16. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 14
3. Steam Stator .......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 16
3.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 16
3.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 16
3.3.1. Loading the Curves ................................................................................................................ 17
3.3.2. Setting the Curve Type ........................................................................................................... 18
3.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 19
3.5. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................. 19
3.6. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers ............................................................. 20
3.7. Generating the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 20
3.8. Analyzing the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 20
3.8.1. Examining the Mesh Qualitatively ........................................................................................... 21
3.8.1.1. Editing a Turbo Surface .................................................................................................. 21
3.8.1.2. Creating a Legend ......................................................................................................... 22
3.9. Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................. 22
3.10. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 22
4. Radial Compressor ................................................................................................................................ 23
4.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 24
4.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 24
4.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.1. Defining the Machine Data ..................................................................................................... 25
4.3.2. Defining the Hub ................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.3. Defining the Shroud ............................................................................................................... 26
4.3.4. Defining the Blade ................................................................................................................. 26
4.3.5. Defining the Splitter Blade ...................................................................................................... 28
4.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 28
4.5. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................. 28
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iii
Tutorials
4.6. Generating the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.7. Analyzing the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 30
4.8. Saving the Mesh ............................................................................................................................. 31
4.9. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................. 31
5. Axial Fan Using ATM Optimized Topology ............................................................................................ 33
5.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 34
5.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 34
5.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 34
5.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 36
5.5. Increasing the Mesh Density ........................................................................................................... 37
5.6. Generating the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 38
5.7. Using the Locking Feature ............................................................................................................... 39
5.8. The Y+ Functionality ....................................................................................................................... 39
5.9. Using Local Mesh Refinement ......................................................................................................... 40
5.10. Analyzing the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 41
5.11. Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains .................................................................................................. 42
5.12. Analyzing the New Mesh ............................................................................................................... 42
5.13. Saving the Mesh ........................................................................................................................... 42
5.14. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 42
6. Axial Fan Using Traditional Topology ................................................................................................... 43
6.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 44
6.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 44
6.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 44
6.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 47
6.5. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................. 48
6.6. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers ....................................................... 48
6.6.1. Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer .............................................................................................. 48
6.7. Adding Intermediate Layers ............................................................................................................ 49
6.8. Generating the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 50
6.9. Analyzing the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 50
6.10. Adding Inlet and Outlet Domains .................................................................................................. 51
6.11. Regenerating the Mesh ................................................................................................................. 51
6.12. Analyzing the New Mesh ............................................................................................................... 51
6.13. Saving the Mesh ........................................................................................................................... 52
6.14. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 52
7. Splitter Blades ....................................................................................................................................... 53
7.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 54
7.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 54
7.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 55
7.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 55
7.5. Reviewing the Topology Settings .................................................................................................... 55
7.6. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................. 56
7.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers ............................................................. 56
7.7.1. Modifying the Hub Layer ........................................................................................................ 56
7.8. Generating the Mesh ...................................................................................................................... 57
7.9. Analyzing the Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 57
7.10. Saving the Mesh ........................................................................................................................... 58
7.11. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 58
8. Tandem Vane ......................................................................................................................................... 59
8.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 60
8.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................... 60
8.3. Defining the Geometry ................................................................................................................... 61
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Tutorials
8.4. Defining the Topology .................................................................................................................... 61
8.5. Reviewing the Topology Settings .................................................................................................... 62
8.6. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................. 62
8.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers ............................................................. 62
8.7.1. Modifying the Hub Layer ........................................................................................................ 62
8.7.2. Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer .............................................................................................. 65
8.8. Increasing the Mesh Density ........................................................................................................... 66
8.9. Further Modifying the Hub Layer ..................................................................................................... 66
8.10. Generating the Mesh .................................................................................................................... 69
8.11. Saving the Mesh ........................................................................................................................... 69
8.12. Saving the State (Optional) ............................................................................................................ 70
9. Batch Mode Studies .............................................................................................................................. 71
9.1. Before You Begin ............................................................................................................................. 71
9.2. Part 1: Parametric Study .................................................................................................................. 71
9.2.1. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ...................................................................................................... 72
9.2.2. Defining the Geometry ........................................................................................................... 72
9.2.3. Creating the Topology and Modifying the Mesh ...................................................................... 72
9.2.4. Creating the Session File ......................................................................................................... 73
9.2.5. Running the Session File ......................................................................................................... 74
9.3. Part 2: Grid Refinement ................................................................................................................... 75
9.3.1. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ...................................................................................................... 75
9.3.2. Defining the Geometry and Topology ..................................................................................... 75
9.3.3. Creating the Session File ......................................................................................................... 76
9.3.4. Running the Session File ......................................................................................................... 77
10. Deformed Turbine ............................................................................................................................... 79
10.1. Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 80
10.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ............................................................................................................. 80
10.3. Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group ............................................................................................. 81
10.3.1. Defining the Geometry for the Deformed Blade Group .......................................................... 81
10.3.1.1. Loading an Undeformed Blade ..................................................................................... 81
10.3.1.2. Moving the Periodic Surfaces ....................................................................................... 81
10.3.1.3. Inserting Two More Blades ........................................................................................... 81
10.3.1.4. Adding a Shroud Tip .................................................................................................... 83
10.3.1.5. Adjusting the Inlet and Outlet Points ............................................................................ 83
10.3.1.6. Saving the Periodic/Interface Surfaces .......................................................................... 86
10.3.1.7. Saving the Inlet and Outlet Locations ........................................................................... 87
10.3.2. Defining the Topology for the Deformed Blade Group ........................................................... 87
10.3.3. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Deformed Blade Group ......................................... 88
10.3.4. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade
Group ............................................................................................................................................. 89
10.3.4.1. Modifying the Hub Layer ............................................................................................. 89
10.3.4.2. Modifying the Shroud Tip Layer ................................................................................... 90
10.3.5. Increasing the Mesh Density for the Deformed Blade Group .................................................. 93
10.3.6. Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Deformed Blade
Group ............................................................................................................................................. 95
10.3.7. Generating the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group ............................................................. 95
10.3.8. Analyzing the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group ............................................................... 95
10.3.9. Saving the Mesh for the Deformed Blade Group .................................................................... 96
10.3.10. Saving the State for the Deformed Blade Group (Optional) .................................................. 96
10.4. Mesh for an Undeformed Blade ..................................................................................................... 96
10.4.1. Starting a New Case ............................................................................................................. 96
10.4.2. Defining the Geometry for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................ 97
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Tutorials
10.4.2.1. Adding a Shroud Tip .................................................................................................... 98
10.4.3. Defining the Topology for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................. 98
10.4.4. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Undeformed Blade ............................................... 99
10.4.5. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Undeformed Blade ...... 99
10.4.5.1. Modifying the Hub Layer ............................................................................................ 100
10.4.6. Increasing the Mesh Density for the Undeformed Blade ...................................................... 101
10.4.7. Revisiting the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers of the Undeformed Blade ..... 102
10.4.8. Generating the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................. 102
10.4.9. Analyzing the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade ................................................................... 102
10.4.10. Saving the Mesh for the Undeformed Blade ...................................................................... 102
10.4.11. Saving the State for the Undeformed Blade (Optional) ....................................................... 103
10.5. Summary .................................................................................................................................... 103
10.6. Further Exercise .......................................................................................................................... 103
11. Francis Turbine .................................................................................................................................. 105
11.1. Before You Begin ......................................................................................................................... 106
11.2. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid ........................................................................................................... 106
11.3. Defining the Geometry ............................................................................................................... 106
11.3.1. Adjusting the Outlet Points ................................................................................................. 107
11.4. Defining the Topology ................................................................................................................. 108
11.5. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers ......................................................... 109
11.5.1. Modifying the Hub Layer .................................................................................................... 109
11.5.2. Modifying the Shroud Layer ................................................................................................ 113
11.6. Specifying Mesh Data Settings .................................................................................................... 115
11.7. Generating the Mesh ................................................................................................................... 116
11.8. Analyzing the Mesh ..................................................................................................................... 116
11.9. Saving the Mesh ......................................................................................................................... 116
11.10. Saving the State (Optional) ........................................................................................................ 116
Index ........................................................................................................................................................ 117
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Note
These tutorials assume that you are using ANSYS TurboGrid in stand-alone 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 in the TurboGrid Introduction.
You should review the following topics before attempting to start a tutorial for the first time:
1.1. Preparing a Working Directory
1.2. Setting the Working Directory and Starting ANSYS TurboGrid
1.3. Changing the Display Colors
1.4. Editor Buttons
1.5. Using Help
2.
3.
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2.
3.
Click OK.
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Chapter 2: Rotor 37
This tutorial includes:
2.1. Overview of the Mesh Creation Process
2.2. Before You Begin
2.3. Starting ANSYS TurboGrid
2.4. Defining the Geometry
2.5. Defining the Topology
2.6. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings
2.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
2.8. Generating the Mesh
2.9. Looking at Mesh Data Values
2.10. Analyzing the Mesh Quality
2.11. Visualizing the Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution
2.12. Observing the Shroud Tip Mesh
2.13. Examining the Mesh Qualitatively
2.14. Creating a Legend
2.15. Saving the Mesh
2.16. Saving the State (Optional)
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.
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Rotor 37
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.
You will save the mesh in a format that can be used by ANSYS CFX in a CFD simulation.
Regardless of whether you use the object selector or the toolbar, you should generally follow this sequence when creating a mesh:
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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.
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.
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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/rotor37 directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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Rotor 37
Load the BladeGen.inf file:
1.
2.
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).
Toggle the visibility check box next to each object in the object selector and observe the change in
the viewer.
Note the correlation between the geometry objects listed in the object selector and the locations
in the geometry.
2.
In order to avoid cluttering the view, ensure that the visibility is turned on only for these objects: Hub,
Shroud, Blade 1, Outline.
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.
2.
3.
Click Apply.
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3.
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.
2.
3.
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.
2.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
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Rotor 37
Estimates of the numbers of total nodes and total 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.
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 From +X from the shortcut
menu.
The heavy lines in Figure 2.1: ATM Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub (p. 8) indicate the topology
lines; the thinner lines show the 2D mesh for the hub. Note that the 3D mesh does not yet exist.
Figure 2.1: ATM Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub
2.
3.
2.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
Layers are constant-span surfaces. You can display the topology and control the mesh on a layer. You
have already seen the hub layer in Figure 2.1: ATM Topology and 2D Mesh on the Hub (p. 8). At this
point, there are two layers: Layers > Hub, and Layers > Shroud Tip.
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2.
Turn off the visibility of 3D Mesh > Show Mesh so that you can see the mesh without obstruction.
2.
3.
Rotor 37
Check the 3D mesh statistics:
1.
For a visual frame of reference, ensure that Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud Tip are visible.
2.
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 the Maximum Element Volume Ratio and Maximum Edge Length Ratio values
should be judged based on your requirements.
3.
Double-click Maximum Element Volume Ratio, or select Maximum Element Volume Ratio
and then click Display.
This will display the elements that have an element volume ratio greater than 2 (the default criterion).
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.
4.
Double-click Maximum Edge Length Ratio to cause the Show Limits object to display the
elements that have an edge length ratio greater than 100 (the default criterion).
The Mesh Analysis > Show Limits object appears near the blade surface. This is normal,
and not necessarily a problem.
5.
6.
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2.
3.
4.
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. 11).
Figure 2.2: Hub-to-Shroud Element Distribution
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11
Rotor 37
2.
3.
Figure 2.3: Surface Group: Tip Near Trailing Edge (p. 12) shows this mesh at the trailing 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 2.3: Surface Group: Tip Near Trailing Edge
4.
5.
2.
3.
4.
Set Value to 1.
This will cause the turbo surface to appear on the hub.
5.
6.
7.
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Creating a Legend
8.
9.
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click Apply.
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13
Rotor 37
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
14
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15
Steam Stator
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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/stator directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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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.
3.
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.
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17
Steam Stator
6.
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. 18).
Figure 3.1: Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations
As shown in Figure 3.1: Incorrect Hub and Shroud Representations (p. 18), 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.
2.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
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6.
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.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Note
It may be useful to keep the same topology when studying a range of blade geometries, or
the same blade on different computers. To keep the same topology, use the Manual (Advanced) setting for the topology. For more information on the Manual (Advanced) setting,
see Advanced Topology Control.
2.
19
Steam Stator
3.
3.6. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud 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.
2.
20
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).
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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 surface. This is normal,
and not necessarily a problem.
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 rightclicked to invoke the shortcut menu.
Another way to move this object is by editing its definition in the object editor.
5.
6.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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21
Steam Stator
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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Radial Compressor
The blade row contains 18 blades that revolve about the negative Z-axis. The blades have cut-off trailing
edges. Within the blade passage, the maximum diameter of the shroud is approximately 125 mm.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/radcomp directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
24
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2.
Set # of Bladesets to 9.
3.
4.
2.
3.
Ensure that File Name is set to ./hub.crv from your working directory.
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25
Radial Compressor
4.
Click Apply.
2.
3.
Ensure that File Name is set to ./shroud.crv 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.
Figure 4.1: Hub and Shroud of Radial Compressor
2.
3.
4.
26
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6.
7.
8.
9.
Click Apply.
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).
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27
Radial Compressor
Right-click Geometry > Blade Set and select Insert > Blade.
2.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
After the geometry has been generated, you can see the main and splitter blades for one passage.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
28
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The ATM Optimized method automatically computes a default mesh and sets the base mesh dimensions.
Each unique mesh dimension has an edge refinement factor that is multiplied by the base mesh dimension and global size factor to determine the final mesh size. The overall mesh size is controlled using
the Method setting. Setting the Method to Target Passage Mesh Size enables you to specify
a Node Count. Using this method specifies an approximate mesh size (in nodes) and lets ANSYS TurboGrid compute the mesh dimensions automatically. Setting the Method to Global Size Factor
enables you to specify a Size Factor. Increasing this factor will increase the overall mesh size, and decreasing it will decrease the overall mesh size. The change is not linear.
The Boundary Layer Refinement Control settings affect the mesh in the O-Grid region around the
blade.
The Proportional Refinement setting controls the number of elements across the boundary layer in
proportion to the specified Factor Ratio. ANSYS TurboGrid computes the edge refinement factor as the
Factor Ratio times the global size factor. Increasing or decreasing the Factor Ratio will effectively increase
or decrease the expansion rate, respectively.
The Cutoff Edge to Boundary Layer setting controls the number of elements along the cut-off edge in
proportion to the specified Factor. The number of elements along the cut-off edge is also proportional
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29
Radial Compressor
to the number of elements across the boundary layer. Increasing or decreasing the Factor will effectively
increase or decrease the number of elements along the cut-off edge, respectively.
The Near Wall Element Size Specification setting controls the method by which the near-wall node
spacing is specified on the Passage, Hub Tip, and Shroud Tip tabs. The near-wall node spacing is the
distance between a wall (for example, hub, shroud, or blade) and the first layer of nodes from the wall.
The available Method options are:
Y Plus The y+ method sets the near-wall spacing to a target value, y+, and in relation to a set
Reynolds number.
Absolute The Absolute method enables you to set the near-wall spacing directly on the Passage,
Hub Tip, and Shroud Tip tabs.
The Inlet Domain and Outlet Domain check boxes enable you to generate the inlet and outlet domains
as part of the mesh. Settings that affect these grid regions are found on the Inlet/Outlet tab.
Selecting the Lock mesh size check box forces the total number of nodes and elements to remain
constant.
For a description of the available options, see Mesh Data and ATM Optimized Topology in the TurboGrid
User's Guide.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/fan directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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2.
3.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Meridional (A-R) from the shortcut
menu.
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, in turn,
is 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.
Reposition the inlet and outlet points as follows, and observe the movement of the inlet and outlet
points in the viewer:
1.
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.
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35
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.
2.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Cartesian (X-Y-Z) from the shortcut
menu.
2.
This gives you an unobstructed view of the topology, and later the mesh.
3.
4.
5.
6.
36
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2.
3.
4.
Set Boundary Layer Refinement Control > Method to Proportional to Mesh Size.
5.
6.
Click Apply.
Observe that the number of nodes and the mesh size at the boundary layer is far greater. With
proportional refinement enabled, the relationship between the height of the first element in the
boundary layer and the global size factor should be approximately inversely proportional (that is,
an increase in the global size factor will cause a decrease in the element height). With proportional
refinement disabled, the number of elements in the boundary layer will vary proportionally to the
global size factor. Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Predefined Camera > Isometric
View (X Up).
7.
Change Boundary Layer Refinement Control > Method to Edge Refinement Factor.
8.
The Edge Refinement Factor option is selected, and Parameters > Factor is already set. The
value of this factor was chosen by default to maintain a similar mesh topology as when Proportional
to Mesh Size was selected. The edge refinement factor is defined as the global size factor multiplied
by the proportional refinement factor.
9.
37
Click Mesh
A K-Plane is displayed by default. This shows the 2D mesh on a layer. The plane can be moved in
the spanwise direction by holding Ctrl + Shift and dragging using the left mouse button.
2.
Enable 3D Mesh > HIGHBLADE, 3D Mesh > HUB, 3D Mesh > LOWBLADE and 3D Mesh > SHROUD
in the object selector.
Observe that the increase in mesh size near the boundary layer also occurs in the spanwise direction,
as can be seen in Figure 5.1: Snapshot of Mesh at Blade-Hub Intersection (p. 38).
Figure 5.1: Snapshot of Mesh at Blade-Hub Intersection
The mesh size in the spanwise direction is automatically changed depending on the global size factor
and the mesh size at the boundary layer. It can also be specified. You are going to increase the mesh
size in the spanwise direction by a factor of 1.5:
1.
2.
On the Passage tab, set Spanwise Blade Distribution Parameters > Factor to 1.5.
Note that the greyed out # of Elements field indicates a total of 54 elements in the spanwise direction. This will now increase.
38
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The Y+ Functionality
3.
Click Apply.
The number of elements has increased to 100. This is roughly an increase by a factor of 1.5.
2.
Set Boundary Layer Refinement Control > Near Wall Element Size Specification > Method to y+.
3.
4.
Change Boundary Layer Refinement Control > Method to First Element Offset.
The field for specifying Offset Y+ is enabled.
5.
6.
Click Apply.
You should see an increase in the mesh size at the boundary layer. You will generate the mesh to
inspect your changes.
7.
Click Mesh
The latest mesh will have very small elements near the boundary layer. This can be seen in Figure 5.2: Mesh at Blade-Hub Intersection After Y+ Settings (p. 40).
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39
To be able to see which boundary to modify, it's best to hide the currently generated mesh. Ultimately, only the topology will be visible when refinements are made.
2.
Right-click the edge of the shroud tip layer, marked A in Figure 5.3: Edge to be Refined in Shroud Tip
Layer (p. 41), and select Increase Edge Refinement > 100%.
After a few seconds of processing, you should observe the mesh size increasing by a factor of 2 at
the edge you selected. Only topologically parallel edges will be affected by this change.
40
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3.
Click 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.
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41
2.
On the Mesh Size tab, select Inlet Domain and Outlet Domain.
3.
Click Apply.
4.
Click Mesh
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 at the inlet where the mesh meets the rotation axis. This is to be expected wherever the
hub reaches the axis of rotation because at these locations the element edges have zero length.
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
42
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43
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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/fan directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
44
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2.
3.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Meridional (A-R) from the shortcut
menu.
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 6.1: Effect of Moving Passage Outlet Towards Blade (p. 46).
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45
Reposition the inlet and outlet points as follows, and observe the movement of the inlet and outlet
points in the viewer:
1.
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.
46
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2.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
47
9.
2.
3.
Set # of Elements to 2.
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.
6.6. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Tip Layers
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.
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. Note that, in particular, 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. You can double-click a red mesh measure to color the bad mesh elements
red in the viewer.
The Layers > Shroud Tip object is shown in red text in the object selector. In the next section, you
will modify the shroud tip layer to improve the quality.
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, 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.
48
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Hold Ctrl + Shift and drag the master control points as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 6.2: Master Control Points Adjusted on Shroud Tip Layer (p. 49). The length of the displacement
vector is a general guide for where to position the control points. Precise positioning of the points 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.
49
Turn on the visibility of Layers > Hub to show the hub layer, then right-click a blank area in the
viewer, and click Transformation > Cartesian (X-Y-Z) from the shortcut menu.
2.
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.
3.
Open Layers.
ANSYS TurboGrid adds additional layers as required; in this case, 7 layers are added.
5.
6.
To check the mesh quality on a new layer, open it, select Refined Mesh Visibility, and click Apply.
Note that the face angles are acceptable on the new layers.
50
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2.
On the Mesh Size tab, select Inlet Domain and Outlet Domain.
3.
Click Apply.
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.
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51
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
52
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53
Splitter Blades
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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/splitter directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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2.
This geometry involves flank milled blades. For more information on flank milled geometry settings,
see Method in the TurboGrid User's Guide.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Open Topology Set > Main Blade and click the Advanced Parameters tab.
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55
Splitter Blades
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.
2.
3.
Set # of Elements to 2.
7.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers
The Layers > Hub object is shown in red text in the object selector.
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, 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.
5.
56
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 7.1: Master Control
Point Adjusted Near Hub Leading Edge (p. 57).
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57
Splitter Blades
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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59
Tandem Vane
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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/tandem directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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61
Tandem Vane
8.
9.
10. Right-click Topology Set and turn off Suspend Object Updates.
After a short time, the topology is generated.
11. Click Freeze to freeze the topology settings.
This completes the topology definition.
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.
2.
3.
Set # of Elements to 2.
These settings produce a coarse mesh. 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.
8.7. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud 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.
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2.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Predefined Camera > View From +Z from the shortcut
menu.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Zoom in on the area shown in Figure 8.1: Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer (p. 63).
7.
Move the master control point as indicated by the displacement vector in Figure 8.1: Moving a Control
Point on the Hub Layer (p. 63).
Figure 8.1: 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 8.2: Inserting and Moving a Control Point on the Hub Layer (p. 64):
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63
Tandem Vane
1.
2.
Figure 8.2: 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 8.3: Inserting and Moving Another
Control Point on the Hub Layer (p. 65), 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 8.3: Inserting and Moving Another Control
Point on the Hub Layer (p. 65).
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.
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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.
2.
3.
4.
icon.
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65
Tandem Vane
5.
6.
Right-click the Hub layer object in the object selector, then select Copy Control Points to Shroud.
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.
2.
On the Mesh Size tab, set Method to Target Passage Mesh Size.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
Note
In some cases, the mesh quality can be adversely affected by increasing the mesh density,
making further adjustments necessary.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Examine the mesh statistics and note the area with bad face angles downstream of the main blade, as
shown in Figure 8.4: Poor Face Angles (p. 67).
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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 8.5: Making Control Points Sticky (p. 68).
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67
Tandem Vane
Figure 8.5: 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 8.6: Adding and Moving Control Points (p. 69).
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.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
69
Tandem Vane
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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71
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/rotor37 directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Click Apply.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Double-click Mesh Data to open it for editing. All settings will be changed to use explicit node counts.
8.
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Option
Value
Mesh
Size
Method
Passage
Shroud
Tip
9.
Click Apply.
2.
Select Session > New Session from the menu bar to create a new session named generate_mesh.tse.
3.
4.
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.
8.
Select Tools > Command Editor and enter the following lines in the Command Editor dialog box:
!
!
!
!
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73
Click Process, then Close. This adds Power Syntax commands that cause Minimum Face Angle to
be written to a file.
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 example 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/v150/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 "$line\n";
}
close(OUTPUT_FH);
# Run TurboGrid in batch mode with the customized session file.
(system("\"${turbogrid}\" -batch \"${output_tse}\"") == 0)
or die "Batch run of TurboGrid failed ($?): $!";
}
exit 0;
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Run the script shown above by opening a command prompt from the ANSYS TurboGrid 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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/rotor37 directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Apply.
7.
8.
9.
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75
Option
Value
Mesh
Size
Method
Node Count
Specify
Passage
Shroud
Tip
End Ratio
Match Expansion at
Blade Tip
2.
3.
4.
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.
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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.
Click Process, then Close. This adds Power Syntax commands that cause Minimum Face Angle and
the node count to be written to a file.
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 example 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/v150/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;
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77
2.
Run the script shown above by opening a command prompt from the ANSYS TurboGrid 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.
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79
Deformed Turbine
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.
In this case, the full 360 geometry must 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.
80
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/deformed directory.
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2.
2.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
Right-click Geometry > Blade Set and click Insert > Blade.
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81
Deformed Turbine
2.
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.
3.
Setting
Value
Blade
File Name
deformed.curve
Transform
Axial Rotation
(Selected)
5.070423
[degree]
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.
5.
6.
Tab
Setting
Value
Blade
File Name
profile.curve
Transform
Axial Rotation
(Selected)
10.140845
[degree]
Click Apply.
You now have a blade set with three blades, as shown in Figure 10.1: Blade Set Containing a Deformed
Blade (p. 83).
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2.
3.
Tab
Setting
Value
Shroud
Tip
Normal
Distance
0.05 [cm]
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.
83
Deformed Turbine
reduce this variation, move the inlet points closer to the blade as shown in Figure 10.2: Adjusting the
Inlet Points (p. 85), using the following procedure:
1.
2.
Value
Inlet
Low Hub
Curve
Pointa
Curve >
Method
Set A
Curve >
Location
0.045
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.
5.
84
Tab Setting
Value
Inlet
Curve
Low
Shroud
Point
Curve >
Method
Set A
Curve >
Location
0. 055
Click Apply.
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For consistency, move the outlet points closer to the blade as shown in Figure 10.3: Adjusting the Outlet
Points (p. 86), using the following procedure:
1.
2.
Setting
Value
Outlet
Curve
Low
Hub
Point
Curve >
Method
Set A
Curve >
Location
0.099
3.
Click Apply.
4.
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85
Deformed Turbine
5.
Tab
Setting
Value
Outlet
Curve
Low
Shroud
Point
Curve >
Method
Set A
Curve >
Location
0. 089
Click Apply.
2.
3.
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5.
Click Choose.
Description
Blade_1_LP.crv
Blade_1_Deformed_Blade_interface.crv
Deformed_Blade_Blade_3_interface.crv
Blade_3_HP.crv
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
4.
87
Deformed Turbine
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.3.3. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Deformed Blade Group
1.
2.
3.
Set # of Elements to 2.
These settings produce a coarse mesh. 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.
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. Omitting the inlet and outlet domains in the meantime will reduce the processing time while you adjust the topology.
88
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10.3.4. 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.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from
the shortcut menu.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
Move master control points as shown in Figure 10.4: Hub Layer Changes (p. 90).
After each change, you can update the display of problem areas in the mesh by double-clicking
Minimum Face Angle and Maximum Face Angle.
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89
Deformed Turbine
Figure 10.4: Hub Layer Changes
2.
3.
2.
3.
90
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Move master control points as shown in Figure 10.5: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - Control Point Movements (p. 91).
Figure 10.5: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - Control Point Movements
2.
Add a master control point at the location shown in Figure 10.6: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control
Point (p. 92):
1.
2.
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91
Deformed Turbine
Figure 10.6: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point
3.
4.
92
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 Figure 10.6: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - New Control Point (p. 92).
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Improve mesh orthogonality near the deformed blade by adding and moving a master control point,
and moving another control point, as shown in Figure 10.7: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - A Second New
Control Point (p. 93).
Figure 10.7: Shroud Tip Layer Changes - A Second New Control Point
10.3.5. Increasing the Mesh Density for the Deformed Blade Group
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:
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93
Deformed Turbine
1.
2.
3.
Tab
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
Method
Target Passage
Mesh Size
Node
Count
Specify
Target
750000
Inlet
Domain
(Selected)
Outlet
Domain
(Selected)
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.
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
y+
Reynolds No.
1.0e6
Passage
Element Count
and Size
66
33
(Selected)
Element Count
and Size
18
94
Element Count
and Size
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2.
Setting
Value
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.
2.
3.
4.
Click Close.
10.3.6. 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.
2.
3.
4.
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95
Deformed Turbine
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.
3.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
10.3.10. Saving the State for the Deformed Blade Group (Optional)
If you want to revisit this mesh at a later date, save the state:
1.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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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.
2.
Value
Data Method
From
File
File
Name
Blade_1_LP.crv
Rotation
Angle
0 [degree]
3.
Click Apply.
4.
5.
Value
Data Method
From File
File
Name
Rotation
Angle
a
Blade_1_LP.crv
a
5.070423
[degree]
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97
Deformed Turbine
6.
4.
Click Apply.
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.
Select inlet.crv.
5.
Click Open.
6.
Open Geometry > Outlet and load outlet.crv in the same way.
2.
3.
Tab
Setting
Value
Shroud
Tip
Normal
Distance
0.05 [cm]
Click Apply.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and select Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from
the shortcut menu.
2.
3.
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5.
6.
7.
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.
2.
3.
4.
10.4.4. Reviewing the Mesh Data Settings for the Undeformed Blade
1.
2.
3.
Set # of Elements to 2.
These settings produce a coarse mesh. 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.
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. Omitting the inlet and outlet domains in the meantime will reduce the processing time while you adjust the topology.
10.4.5. 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.
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99
Deformed Turbine
2.
3.
2.
3.
Move master control points as shown in Figure 10.8: Hub Layer Changes (p. 100).
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 10.8: Hub Layer Changes
100
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2.
3.
Tab
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
Method
Target Passage
Mesh Size
Node
Count
Specify
Target
250000
Inlet
Domain
(Selected)
Outlet
Domain
(Selected)
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.
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
y+
Reynolds No.
1.0e6
Element Count
and Size
66
33
Element Count
and Size
18
Passage
Element Count
and Size
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101
Deformed Turbine
2.
Click Apply.
10.4.7. 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.
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
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Further Exercise
2.
3.
Click Save.
10.5. 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.
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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.
Prepare the working directory using the files in the examples/francis directory.
For details, see Preparing a Working Directory (p. 1).
2.
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2.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Meridional (A-R) from the shortcut
menu.
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 sufficientlyhigh 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.
4.
Click Close.
2.
3.
4.
Click Apply.
5.
6.
7.
Click Apply.
8.
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.
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Francis Turbine
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.
Under Curve, right-click Point 2 in the list and click New from the shortcut menu.
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.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Cartesian (X-Y-Z) from the shortcut
menu.
2.
3.
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5.
6.
7.
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.
8.
9.
Click Apply.
10. Right-click Topology Set and turn off Suspend Object Updates.
After a short time, the topology appears.
11. Open Topology Set > Blade 1.
12. On the Advanced Parameters tab, confirm that H/J/C/L Topology Definition > Trailing Edge is set
to L-Grid.
13. On the same tab, confirm that Override Sharp TE Determination > Sharp Trailing Edge is selected.
14. Click Freeze to freeze the topology settings.
11.5. Reviewing the Mesh Quality on the Hub and Shroud Layers
The Layers > Hub and Layers > Shroud objects are shown in red text in the object selector.
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Francis Turbine
1.
Right-click a blank area in the viewer, and click Transformation > Blade-to-Blade (Theta-M') from the
shortcut menu.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2.
3.
Insert a master control point and move it as shown in Figure 11.1: Hub Layer Changes in Downstream
End (p. 111):
1.
2.
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2.
Move a master control point as shown in Figure 11.2: Hub Layer Changes in Upstream End (p. 112).
The minimum face angle should now be approximately 35.
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Francis Turbine
Figure 11.2: 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 Figure 11.3: Increasing Mesh Density Locally (p. 113):
1.
Right-click the master topology line marked A in Figure 11.3: Increasing Mesh Density Locally (p. 113)
and select Insert Edge Split Control from the shortcut menu.
2.
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.
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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 Figure 11.3: Increasing Mesh
Density Locally (p. 113).
2.
3.
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Francis Turbine
2.
3.
Move master control points as shown in Figure 11.4: Shroud Layer Changes (p. 114).
After each change, you can update the display of problem areas in the mesh by double-clicking
Minimum Face Angle and Maximum Face Angle.
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 11.4: Shroud Layer Changes
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2.
Setting
Value
Mesh
Size
Method
Target Passage
Mesh Size
Node Count
Specify
Target
750000
y+
Outlet Domain
(Selected)
80
25
20
Passage
H-Grid in Parametric
Space
(Selected)
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 trial 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 trial and error, to produce a good mesh.
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Francis Turbine
The number of elements in the outlet domain and in the O-Grid were changed to values that were
found, by trial and error, to produce a good mesh.
3.
Click Apply.
2.
3.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Click Save.
2.
3.
Click Save.
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Index
C
cfg file, 61
E
edge split control, 105
examples, 1
L
layers
suppressing additional, 20
S
splitter blades, 53
step change in geometry, 105
T
tutorial examples, 1
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