1.2. Meshing Mode Capabilities

When in meshing mode, Fluent:

  • Functions as a robust, unstructured volume mesh generator

  • Generates volume meshes that can be transferred to solution mode in Fluent

  • Uses the Delaunay triangulation method for tetrahedra

  • Uses the advancing layer method for prisms

  • Generates hexcore mesh

  • Has a robust surface wrapper tool

  • Includes size functions that can produce ideal size distributions for many CFD calculations

  • Can directly create a hex-dominant mesh on faceted geometry (using the CutCell mesher)

  • Can export polyhedral cells

  • Has tools for checking, repairing, and improving boundary mesh to ensure a good starting point for the volume mesh

  • Can manipulate face/cell zones

  • Is flexible—it allows the most appropriate cell type to be used to generate the volume mesh:

    • Tet meshes are suitable for complex geometries.

    • Hexcore meshes can combine the flexibility of tet, hex, and prism meshes with a smaller cell count and higher hex-to-tet ratio.

    • CutCell (hex-dominant) meshes can be directly created from faceted geometry and can also be combined with prism layers.

    • The Rapid Octree mesher directly operates on faceted geometry and offers a fast and robust meshing capability on high core counts.

  • Has hybrid meshes:

    • Prism layers near walls allow proper boundary layer resolution.

    • Allows flow alignments with mesh lines.

    • Generates smaller volume mesh with highly stretched prismatic elements.

  • Has non-conformal meshes:

    • Suitable for studies involving selective replacement of parts.

    • Meshes generated separately can be glued together.