Sliding Mesh CFD Simulation

5-blade Vertical Axis Wind Turbine CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training

What is Sliding Mesh?

Sliding mesh, also known as mesh motion or moving mesh, is used in CFD simulations when there are two domains that move relative to each other. This movement can be translational or rotational. The boundary between the two domains is called the interface, which is a line in two-dimensional problems and a plane in three-dimensional problems.

For example, in a turbine simulation, the cylindrical domain in which the turbine rotates is considered separate from the surrounding environment domain, which is usually a rectangular cuboid. The cylindrical domain rotates along with the turbine. In simulations, it is crucial that the size of the mesh cells near the interface is the same in both domains. The velocity outside the turbine domain at the interface boundary is calculated using the Navier-Stokes equations, and the fluid flow then enters the cells inside the turbine domain. In the next time step, the mesh of the turbine domain rotates with the turbine.

 

Sliding Mesh Applications

sliding mesh CFD simulation is used in various industries and engineering projects. Here are some common applications of sliding mesh:

Turbomachinery

In all turbomachines, the set of solid vanes move in a rotational manner; this movement may be to move the fluid, or the movement of the fluid causes the vanes to move. Examples include wind turbines, fans, and centrifugal pumps. With the movement of the solid body in the fluid, a sliding mesh is used for simulation. Usually, a cylindrical domain is considered around the blades, and the mesh inside this domain rotates with the blades. ANSYS Fluent CFD simulation is a very suitable option for designing and optimizing the turbomachine using the sliding mesh technique.

Sliding mesh can be used for the CFD simulation of wind turbines.-min

Sliding mesh can be used for the CFD simulation of wind turbines. The range within which the turbine blades rotate is considered the rotating domain.

 

Gear Pump

In a gear pump, two gears rotate close to each other to move the fluid flow. Sliding mesh can be used for the cylindrical domains in which each gear is placed. Engineers use sliding mesh CFD simulations in ANSYS Fluent to optimize and design gear pumps.

 

Generators and Electric Motors

There are rotating parts in generators and electric motors. Engineers use CFD simulations for heat transfer (thermal management) and to reduce the drag force of these rotating parts. In these simulations, sliding mesh is used for the domain containing the rotating part.

The part inside the electric motor rotates. CFD simulations can be used to reduce the drag force and check the heat transfer.-min

The part inside the electric motor rotates. CFD simulations can be used to reduce the drag force and check the heat transfer.

 

What is the difference between Dynamic mesh and Sliding mesh?

Choosing the right mesh technique depends on the complexity of your CFD simulation. Sliding Mesh is Ideal for scenarios with simple, predictable motions like rotation or translation. The computational efficiency comes from the cells simply sliding without changing shape. This makes it a preferred choice for applications like turbomachinery where, for example, turbine blades rotate at a constant speed.

Dynamic Mesh approach tackles complexities where the object’s movement is irregular, the domain size changes significantly, or the boundaries themselves move. Here, the mesh adapts to these changes, making it valuable for Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations and piston engines where the domain experiences significant deformations.

Usually, dynamic mesh requires much more computing power than sliding mesh due to the changing shape of the cells and the need for mesh regeneration.

 

Simulation of Sliding Mesh by ANSYS Fluent

In ANSYS Fluent, fixed and moving domains are defined initially, followed by mesh generation. Along the border between these domains, it is crucial to ensure a high-quality mesh, with cells near the interface being uniformly sized. Once the mesh is created, Fluent settings dictate which domain remains fixed and which one moves. Fluent effectively connects cells on both sides of the interface, solving equations for heat transfer, Navier-Stokes turbulence, and other relevant physics. Results from cells on one side of the interface are transferred to the other side, facilitating accurate simulation of fluid flow and interaction between stationary and moving components.

ANSYS Fluent has been extensively used in numerous turbomachinery simulation projects. The CFD simulations conducted with this software have yielded highly effective results, enabling the efficient design of turbines and pumps using sliding mesh techniques. These successes have significantly contributed to ANSYS Fluent’s popularity as a preferred CFD simulation software among engineers. It is recommended to perform sliding mesh CFD simulation with ANSYS Fluent.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine With Guide Vane CFD Simulation-min

Velocity contour, adopted from “Vertical Axis Wind Turbine With Guide Vane CFD Simulation”

 

CFDLAND expertise in Sliding Mesh Modeling U‌‌sing ANSYS Fluent Software

Our specialists have completed numerous simulation projects in CFDLAND using ANSYS Fluent, where Sliding Mesh was employed. You can view some of these projects at the top of this page. Additionally, our ready-to-use projects are available in CFD SHOP, covering all fields and types of CFD simulation. Take a look at them; perhaps your desired option is among them.

Trust our abilities and experience, and order your sliding mesh CFD projects at ORDER CFD PROJECT . We assure you that you will be impressed by the quality of work delivered by our specialists using ANSYS Fluent software.

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