Meshing

Prior to running an Autodesk® CFD analysis, the geometry is broken up into small pieces called elements. The corner of each element is a node. The calculation is performed at the nodes. These elements and nodes make up the mesh.

In three dimensional models, most elements are tetrahedrals: a four sided, triangular-faced element. In two dimensional models, most elements are triangles:

Terminology

Solution accuracy depends on a good mesh, and Autodesk® CFD automates much of the mesh creation process to help you create a good mesh for your simulation.

• Automatic Mesh Sizing for CAD Models: A comprehensive topological interrogation of the CAD model analysis geometry to determine the mesh size and distribution on every model entity.
• Automatic Mesh Sizing for Wrapped and Faceted Models: A comprehensive topological interrogation of the wrapped or faceted (STL) model analysis geometry to determine the mesh size and distribution on every model entity
• Adaptive Meshing: A technique to progressively improve the mesh definition based on solution results.
• Extrusion Meshing: A way to mesh parts that have a uniform-cross section with multiple layers of wedge (prism) elements.
• Manual Mesh Sizing: User-defined meshing.
• Wall Layers: Automatically add element layers along all fluid-wall and fluid-solid interfaces.
• Geometric Changes: How the mesh distribution is transferred across design iterations.
• Element Descriptions: Technical overview of the available element types.
• Multi-Threaded Meshing: A way to improve meshing performance.