A Beginner’s Guide to CFD Meshing in ANSYS



This guide is just what you need in case you are a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) beginner, and you would like to know how to operate ANSYS Fluent. You are either looking at an online course on CFD, are about to enrol in a training course, or are completely new to the world of simulations, but the meshing process is an important step to learn.


This blog covers the fundamentals of meshing in ANSYS Fluent, ideal for beginners who want to embark on their meshing journey.

Step 1: Identify the Domain You Will Model

Before starting the meshing process, you must decide which part of the system you want to simulate. This is called the computational domain.

Ask yourself:

  • Where will the simulation start and end?

  • Do you have data or boundary conditions for those areas?

  • Can the model be simplified into 2D or axisymmetric?

Step 2: Create a Solid Model of the Domain

Now that you've selected the domain, it's time to build a solid model of the fluid area:

  • You can use existing CAD models.

  • Extract only the fluid region if the CAD includes solid parts.

  • Remove small or complex features like fillets and bolts to simplify meshing.

Using symmetry or periodicity in the design can save time and computing power.

Step 3: Design and Create the Mesh

In this step, your model is divided into small shapes or elements, like triangles, quadrilaterals, or hexahedrons. Each shape helps calculate the results accurately.

Some key points:

  • High mesh resolution is required in areas with sharp changes (like pressure or velocity).

  • Adapt mesh size based on the gradient of change.

  • Balance mesh size with your computer resources.

You’ll learn in any ANSYS Fluent CFD online training that the right mesh type can improve result quality and reduce computational cost.

Choosing the Right Mesh: Tri/Tet vs. Quad/Hex

For Flow-Aligned Geometries:

  • Quad/Hex meshes offer better accuracy with fewer cells.

  • They reduce numerical errors and work best when aligned with the flow.

  • However, they take more time to generate.

For Complex Geometries:

  • Tri/Tet meshes are quicker to generate and work well on complicated shapes.

  • Hybrid meshes can mix different types for better accuracy in specific regions like boundaries.

Non-Conformal Meshes: What Are They?

Normally, mesh should match perfectly where two parts meet. But in complex designs, this isn't always possible. That's when non-conformal meshes are used.

In ANSYS, if you're using multiple parts, you need to set up a non-conformal interface manually. This is common in sliding mesh applications like compressors and scrolls.


Final Thoughts

CFD meshing plays a crucial role in simulation and significantly affects the speed and accuracy of your results. Using the appropriate mesh kind and proper sequence of ANSYS may lead you to obtain superior simulations with minimal effort.


As a beginner or someone emphasising skills in simulation, the most crucial steps in mastering CFD are to understand the kind of meshes to utilise and at what instance.


Take your CFD skills to the next level with PIGSO LEARNING hands-on ANSYS Fluent CFD online training. Designed for students, working professionals, and research scholars.

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