Introduction to Grid & Mesh Generation for CFD

Tucker, P G, and Mosquera, A

First Published - February 2001
Softback Report - 56 Pages

This document is aimed at people new to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Once all surfaces have been defined, the most expensive solution stage is the grid generation. This stage has a profound influence on the analysis success. The various terms associated with grid generation are defined and the different grid types explained. The advantages and disadvantages of different grid types and indicated. The influence of grid quality on accuracy is outlined. Factors that influence grid quality along with desirable grid structure traits are identified. The relationship between grid, turbulence model and also boundary conditions is considered.

Basic expressions that help quantify grid quality are given. The key aspect of mesh planning is addressed. The document is relevant to users of finite volume, finite difference and finite element programs alike.

Contents

Nomenclature

Introduction

Grid Types

Applicability of Different Grid/Mesh Types
Advantages/disadvantages of Different Grid/Mesh Types
Quality

Mesh Features

Things a Mesh Should Have/Do
Things a Mesh Should Not Have

Grid Generation Techniques

Meshing Non-Rectangular Block-Like Geometries

Solution Converegence

Sliding Meshes

Adaptive Meshing

Meshes and Moving Boundary Problems

Multigrid Methods

Boundary Condition Effects

Some Error Estimators With Respect to Grid and Stability

Mesh Planning

Grid Generator Diagnostics

Conclusions

References