Abstract
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach is now playing an important role in the engineering process in these days. Generating proper grid system in time for the region of interest is prerequisite for the efficient numerical calculation of flow physics using CFD approach. Grid generation is, however, usually considered as a major obstacle for a routine and successful application of numerical approaches in the engineering process. CFD approach based on the unstructured grid system is gaining popularity due to its simplicity and efficiency for generating grid system compared to the structured grid approaches, especially for complex geometries. In this paper an automated triangular surface grid generation using CAD(Computer Aided Design) surface data is proposed. According to the present method, the CAD surface data imported in the STL(Stereo-lithography) format is processed to identify feature edges defining the topology and geometry of the surface shape first. When the feature edges are identified, node points along the edges are distributed. The initial fronts which connect those feature edge nodes are constructed and then they are advanced along the CAD surface data inward until the surface is fully covered by triangular surface grid cells using Advancing Front Method. It is found that this approach can be implemented in an automated way successfully saving man-hours and reducing human-errors in generating triangular surface grid system.
