When you export a mesh file to CGNS format ( from the Meshing application main menu, then CGNS Input Files), a CGNS mesh file with the extension .cgns is created. The exported mesh file is suitable for import into a CGNS-compatible application. For more control over the input file, refer to Meshing Options on the Options Dialog Box.
Named Selections are supported in the CGNS file.
Element types that are supported in the exported CGNS mesh are listed in the table below. Only linear meshes are supported for CGNS export.
| Dimension | Supported Element Type |
|---|---|
| 3D | 8–node hexahedral |
| 4–node tetrahedral | |
| 5–node pyramid | |
| 6–node wedge | |
| 2D | 3–node triangle |
| 4–node quadrilateral |
The maximum number of elements in a part multiplied by the number of nodes per element cannot exceed 2 billion. For linear HEXA meshes, the maximum number of elements in a part (or body) should not exceed 250 million elements. For linear TETRA meshes, the maximum number of elements in a part (or body) should not exceed 500 million elements.
To export larger meshes, split them into several smaller parts (or Named Selections).
If you exceed the CGNS export limits, you will get the error message:
Error: CGNS section CGNS_section_name exceeds maximum mesh size limit, please split the mesh into smaller sections.