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AutoGrid v8
- October 2007 -
Advanced Tutorials
AutoGrid v8.c Documentation v8.c
NUMECA International 5, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 1050 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 647.83.11 Fax: +32 2 647.93.98 Web: http://www.numeca.com
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION TUTORIAL 1: Meridional Effect
1-1 INTRODUCTION 1-1.1 Introduction 1-1.2 Prerequisites 1-1.3 Problem Description 1-1.4 Preparation 1-2 MESH GENERATION 1-2.1 Create Mesh Project 1-2.2 Load Geometry & Define Main Properties 1-2.3 Set Default Topology 1-2.4 Meridional Control 1-2.5 Blade-to-Blade Control 1-2.6 Meridional Effect Generation 1-2.7 3D Mesh Generation 1-2.8 3D Mesh Visualization 1-2.9 Check Boundary Conditions & Mesh Quality 1-2.10 Save Project 1-2.11 Periodic Full Non Matching Connection 1-2.12 Full Matching Connection 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-7 1-9 1-11 1-14 1-22 1-23 1-23 1-26 1-26 1-28
Tutorials
Contents
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Contents
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Tutorials
Contact NUMECA support team at +32-2-647.83.11 or send an e-mail to support@numeca.be for any question or information you may require. To allow NUMECA support to help you out within the shortest delays, please provide a detailed description of the observed behaviour and performed analysis.
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 1:
Meridional Effect
1-1
1-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
1-1
Meridional Effect
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of seal leakages in turbomachinery applications. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing geometrical file into AutoGrid v8; Control meridional flow paths and blade-to-blade mesh; Generate and control the mesh in the seal leakage; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
1-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7.
1-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below (meridional view). The project consists in the mesh generation of a seal leakage on the top of the Aachen turbine rotor treated as an isolated axial-flow wheel.
1-1.4
Preparation
1-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Meridional Effect
For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
4
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the configuration presenting a seal leakage! AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
Tutorials
1-3
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
1-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
1-2.1
1. 2. 3. 4.
1-2.2
5. 6. 7.
8. 9.
10. Define
Click-left on the hub as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Hub
Hub curve is displayed in the meridional view.
1-4
>-
Go to menu File
New Project
Open...
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
11.
Click-left on the shroud as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Shroud
Shroud curve is displayed in the meridional view.
12. Define
Go to Geometry
Select
Surfaces
Type key binding <a> twice to select all surfaces (they turn to red or yellow)
The binding key <a> acts as a toggle, activating or de-activating all surfaces. The View/View Solid menu acts as a toggle and allows to visualize the surfaces that are active.
Tutorials
1-5
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
13. Define
leading edge and trailing edge row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to activate
Click-left at blade leading edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Leading Edge Click-left at blade trailing edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Trailing Edge
Leading and trailing edges are displayed in the meridional view. When blade intersects hub and shroud, inlet and outlet are displayed in the meridional view.
1-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
14. Go
to File -> Exit on Rows Definition row 1 to activate row1 on row 1 to get the contextual menu and select Properties
15. Click-left
the Periodicity (number of blades). Left-click inside the string input area and type <41>, press <Enter> to confirm <-3500> in Rotation Speed (rpm) This speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on. The sign of the rotational speed is positive (+) when the blade row is rotating in the positive direction, and negative otherwise.
18. Enter
19. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
20. Close
1-2.3
22. Select
23. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to
Tutorials
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21. Click-left
on Rows Definition
1-7
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value. In the present case, one can estimate that Vref=30 m/s; Lref=0.3m; =1.038e-5 m2/s Assuming one wishes to get y+ =1 at the wall, it comes that y = 1 x 10-5 m. Input the value of the Cell Width = <1e-5> <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
24. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
1-8
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
The default skin-topology includes 5 blocks as follows: - the skin block is a O-mesh surrounding the blade - the inlet block is a H-mesh located upstream the leading edge - the outlet block is a H-mesh located downstream the trailing edge - the up block is a H-mesh located above the blade section - the down block is a H-mesh located under the blade section outlet block
up block
down block
inlet block
skin block
1-2.4
Meridional Control
inlet and outlet locations Click-right on inlet curve when highlighted in yellow in the meridional view Select Properties Select Linear - Z constant, type <0.02>, press <Enter> to confirm Click-right on outlet curve when highlighted in yellow in meridional view Select Properties Select Linear - Z constant, type <0.16>, press <Enter> to confirm
25. Move
Tutorials
1-9
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
The new inlet and outlet locations are displayed in the meridional view.
You can access the control points of the inlet/outlet line and modify their location by dragging the points. The exact coordinates of the control points can also be introduced with click-right on the control point; a dialog box appears, enabling the user to enter the point coordinates in (rz) mode. You can access the properties of the inlet/outlet line by click-right on control line when highlighted and selecting "Properties". The dialog box is divided in two main parts. The first part allows to specify the reference frame. When it is set to "Relative", the control points are relative to a row and their reference depends on the position of the control line. Either the control points are relative to the row inlet and its blade leading edge, either to the leading and trailing edge, or to the blade trailing edge and the row outlet. The second part of the dialog box allows to control the properties of the meridional control line namely the shape, the cell width, the streamwise index and the number of points in streamwise direction.
26. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology based on the new inlet/outlet locations
1-10
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
27. Go
to QAP Mesh Control the number of flow path as <33> <Enter> Row Mesh Control Flow
The Expert section allows the user to control the visualization, the shape and the parameters related to flow path smoothing. The meaning of these parameters is detailed in the user manual. The Manual Edition mode allows the user to control directly the block faces which are used to construct flow paths. Edges can be moved, segments can be created or modified and grid points distribution on segments can be controlled. More details can be found in the user manual.
30. Keep 31. Click 32. Close
1-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on Generate B2B Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control Topology
to Mesh Control
Tutorials
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>-
1-11
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
By default, non-matching connections are applied at periodic boundaries. Matching connections at periodic boundaries can be obtained by activating the Matching Periodicity check button. Press Re(set) Default Topology to regenerate the mesh in the blade-to-blade plane. In most cases, the presence of non-matching connections somehow improves the orthogonality in the overall mesh. This is especially true in highly staggered configurations.
35. Keep
Matching Periodicity deactivated and all other data identical In several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view
38. Click-left
on the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification
The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE.
39. Visualize
the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane. Grid Points option the dialog box.
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
1-12
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%).
43. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
44. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in blade-to-blade view
on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
Click Left
50. Close
Tutorials
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Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
52. Keep 53. Close
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
1-2.6
to Geometry Definition
1-14
>-
>-
>-
51. Go to Mesh
Control Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
Curves defining the meridional effect are displayed in the meridional view.
Curves defining the meridional effects are specified in the ".geomTurbo" file using the basic curve format (see User Manual for more details). AutoGrid provides also geometrical features used to create the solid body of meridional effects interactively. New polylines and C-splines can be created using respectively the Geometry Control subpad and the Geometry menu in the meridional effect edition mode and the steps needed to create these polylines are stored in the ".trb" template file. active already
Tutorials
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1-15
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
60. Click-right
on zr techno effect 1 to get the contextual menu and select Edit to access the meridional effect edition mode
When the meridional effect has several connections with the main blade channel, i.e. a seal leakage have a connection upstream the blade and a connection downstream the blade. In this case the mesh created inside the domain of the effect is divided into two part: one starting from the inlet and one starting from the outlet. At the middle part of the seal leakage, a separation line "rotor-stator" must be defined indicating the location of the division. At this line, defined in the edition mode, the two part of the mesh will be connected by a periodic connection if the connections with the main blade channel are related to the same row or a rotor/stator interface if the connections with the main blade channel are related to different rows.
61. Click
on Rotor-Stator Polyline in Geometry Control subpad to create a separation line on location (yellow spot on existing curve) where the "rotor-stator" polyline will on location (yellow spot on existing curve) where the "rotor-stator" polyline will to quit
62. Click-left
start
63. Click-left
end
64. Click-right
1-16
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
No curves have to be added at the connection between the blade channel (hub or shroud) and the meridional effect. Automatically the hub and shroud curves will be used as limit of the meridional effect.
on Insert New Block icon in the Topology Control subpad to start to fill the to locate the first corner of the 2D block (yellow spot when attracted on existing to locate the opposite corner of the 2D block to create the 2D block on vertex (when highlighted in yellow) of the 2D block to move it when necesto fix the new position of the vertex on the geometry
geometry
66. Click-left
curve)
67. Click-left 68. Click-left 69. Click-left
sary
70. Click-left 71. Repeat
Click Left
The tool Detect Unmapped Edges in the Topology Default subpad allows to detect if the 2D blocks are well mapping the geometry. In addition, when the
Tutorials
1-17
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
vertex is highlighted, the curve on which it is mapped is mentioned in the info area at the bottom of the GUI.
72. Repeat
steps 65 to 71 in order to fill the geometry defining the meridional effect while respecting the following rules:
the 2D blocks inserted in the meridional effect have to present edges fully and not partly
connected to another block edge when connected
WRONG
CORRECT
when the edge mapping is not performed as required, a vertex needs to be inserted
Undesired M apping
CORRECT
a block connection must be established on the separation lines and the mapping of vertices
respected (no orphan vertices)
separation line
WRONG
CORRECT
separation line
1-18
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
the 2D blocks should be connected to the rotor/stator polyline with a complete face
WRONG
separation line
CORRECT
separation line
the 2D blocks should be connected to the shroud or hub with only one face
WRONG
CORRECT
SHROUD
SHROUD
on Detect Unmapped Edges in the Topology Default subpad to control that all the blocks are well mapped
Tutorials
1-19
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
The tool Detect Unmapped Edges in the Topology Default subpad allows to highlight in green the edges that are not well mapped.
74. Click-right
the Cell Width = <1e-5> <Enter> (as the cell width imposed at step 23) and all other data identical Periodic Full Non Matching
76. Deactivate
The Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. The Radial Expansion and Far Field Smoothing Steps are used for external cases as propeller or wind turbine applications. The Maximum Expansion Ratio and Cst Cells Percentage control the mesh that will be generated when using Default Topology. The Coarse Grid Level control the number of grid levels that will be available within FINE. A minimum of 3 is recommended.
1-20
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
77. Click
on Default Topology in the Topology Default subpad to generate the mesh into the meridional effect (seal leakage)
separation line
If desired, the default topology can be modified by the user. When click-right on any edge, a popup menu allows to impose the number of points and the point distribution.
78. Click
on Detect Channel FNMB Connection in the Topology Default subpad to visualize the connections between the meridional effect and the channel
separation line
Tutorials
1-21
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
All the actions performed during an editing session are stored in the template file (".trb") and can be replayed on similar geometries.
1-2.7
3D Mesh Generation
on Rows Definition row 1 and zr techno effect 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the current row, if not done already on the icon Generate 3D and confirm the generation
82. Click
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
83. Close
1-22
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81. Click-left
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
1-2.8
3D Mesh Visualization
>on Rows Definition current row, if not done already row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the
84. Click-left
85. Click-right
on row 1 and select Properties to activate Default in order to plot the full tur-
bomachine
on row 1 and select Toggle 3D View to access the shaded blades in 3D view to get the contextual menu and activate Full View
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
separation line
1-2.9
Tutorials
1-23
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
92. Select
Full Non Matching/Define... to visualize the FNMB that are automatically created between the seal leakage (meridional effect) and the shroud of the channel
93. Close
1-24
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
94. Check
95. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
96. Check
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
97. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
Click Left
Tutorials
1-25
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
100.Click-left
on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
101.Close
104.Click-right
on zr techno effect 1 to get the contextual menu and select Edit to access the meridional effect edition mode
1-26
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103.Click-left
>-
102.
Go to File
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
105.Activate 106.Click
108.Click
Tutorials
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109.
Go to File files
>-
107.Click-left
on Rows Definition row 1 and zr techno effect 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the current row, if not done already
1-27
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
meridional view by click-left on it to active the view, if not done already Add Z Constant Line to add z-constant
112.Click-left
on shroud in the meridional view to add a z-constant line times to map all the limits of the connections of the meridional effect
Click Left
You can access the control points of the z-constant line and modify their location by click-left and dragging the points. The exact coordinates of the control points can also be introduced with click-right on the control point; a dialog box appears, enabling the user to enter the point coordinates in (rz) mode. You can access the properties of the z-constant line by click-right on control line when highlighted and selecting "Properties". The dialog box is divided in two main parts. The first part allows to specify the reference frame. When it is set to "Relative", the control points are relative to a row and their reference depends on the position of the control line. Either the control points are relative to the row inlet and its blade leading edge, either to the leading and trailing edge, or to the blade trailing edge and the row outlet. The second part of
1-28
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Mesh Control Row Mesh Control lines to map the meridional effect
>-
Ctrl Line 1
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
the dialog box allows to control the properties of the meridional control line namely the shape, the cell width, the streamwise index and the number of points in streamwise direction.
115.Click-right 116.
117.Activate 118.Set
Click Right
119.Click-left
on the three control lines and apply steps 117 and 118 box row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology considering the four new control lines
In the blade-to-blade view, additional H-blocks are appearing.Furhermore, in some cases, the default topology may change from normal to high staggered (in this case the blade is high staggered at trailing edge).
Tutorials
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1-29
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
Ctrl Line 1
Ctrl Line 2
In the edition mode of the meridional effect, the type connection can be controlled.
124.Click-right 125.Click
on zr techno effect 1 to get the contextual menu and select Edit to access the meridional effect edition mode
on Detect Channel Matching Connection in the Topology Default subpad to visualize the connections between the meridional effect and the channel
126.Click-right
An additional control line needs to be added to define both matching connections because the connection of the meridional effect with the channel close to the trailing edge is defined by two blocks.
127.Click
128.Click-left
on location (yellow spot on existing curve) where the "solid" polyline will start (at the connection between the two blocks)
1-30
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123.Click-left
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
129.Click-left
on location (yellow spot on existing curve) where the "solid" polyline will end (anywhere in the channel)
This new solid polyline will allow the mapping of the new control line.
130.Click-right 131.Click
to quit
on Close Edition Mode meridional view by click-left on it to active the view, if not done already Add Z Constant Line to add z-con-
132.Select 133.Select
134.Click-left
on shroud in the meridional view to add a z-constant line at the connection with the channel close to the trailing edge (mapping on the new solid polyline)
135.Click-right 136.Select
Properties Linear
137.Activate 138.Set
Tutorials
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Mesh Control Row Mesh Control stant lines to map the meridional effect
>-
1-31
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology considering the four new control lines
In the blade-to-blade view, one additional H-block is appearing between control lines 3 and 5.
Ctrl Line 1
Ctrl Line 2
In the edition mode of the meridional effect, the type connection can be controlled.
143.Click-right 144.Click
on zr techno effect 1 to get the contextual menu and select Edit to access the meridional effect edition mode
on Detect Channel Matching Connection in the Topology Default subpad to visualize the connections between the meridional effect and the channel
1-32
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142.Click-left
>-
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Meridional Effect
145.Click-right
Both connections between the meridional effect and the channel are recognized as matching connections.
146.Click
148.Go
to QAP Mesh Control the number of flow path as <33> <Enter> on the icon Generate 3D and confirm the generation
149.Modify 150.Click
Tutorials
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147.Click-left
on Rows Definition row 1 and zr techno effect 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the current row, if not done already
1-33
Meridional Effect
Mesh Generation
Full Matching
1-34
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151.
Go to File files
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 2:
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
2-1
2-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
2-1
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of a turbomachine presenting a hub and/or shroud non-axisymmetric. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing geometrical file into AutoGrid v8; Control meridional flow paths when hub/shroud non-axisymmetric; Control blade-to-blade mesh; Control the mesh projection on the hub/shroud non-axisymmetric; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
2-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7.
2-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below. The project consists in the mesh generation of a Aachen turbine stator (treated as an isolated axial-flow wheel) when presenting a non-axisymmetric hub.
2-1.4
Preparation
2-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
4
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the non-axisymmetric configuration! AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
Tutorials
2-3
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
2-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
2-2.1
1. 2. 3. 4.
2-2.2
5. 6. 7.
8. 9.
10. Define
Click-left on the hub as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Hub
Hub curve is displayed in the meridional view.
2-4
>-
Go to menu File
New Project
Open...
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
11.
Click-left on the shroud as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Shroud
Shroud curve is displayed in the meridional view.
In addition to the axisymmetric hub and shroud curves defining the meridional domain, 3D surfaces defining the non-axisymmetric end walls must be defined. These can be directly specified in the ".geomTurbo" file (more details in User Manual) or imported through the Import CAD window.
12. Define
Click-left on the surface defining the hub when highlighted in blue, it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link Non Axi to Hub
Click Left
Tutorials
2-5
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
The 3D surfaces defining the non-axisymmetric end walls must present the same peridiocity as the row.
13. Define
Click-left on first surface defining the blade when highlighted in blue (it turns to red or yellow)
Click-middle to select the second surface defining the blade <Shift> - click-left on second surface defining the blade when highlighted in blue (it turns
to red or yellow)
Click Left
The View/View Solid menu acts as a toggle and allows to visualize the surfaces that are active.
2-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
14. Define
leading edge and trailing edge row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to activate
Click-left at blade leading edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Leading Edge Click-left at blade trailing edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Trailing Edge Leading and trailing edges are displayed in the meridional view. When blade intersect hub and shroud, inlet and outlet are displayed in the meridional view.
15. Go
16. Click-left
on Rows Definition
the Periodicity (number of blades). Left-click inside the string input area and type <36>, press <Enter> to confirm <0> in Rotation Speed (rpm) This speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on. The sign of the rotational speed is positive (+) when the blade row is rotating in the positive direction, and negative otherwise.
19. Enter
20. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
Tutorials
2-7
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
The non axisymmetric end walls generation is controlled into the Row Properties dialog box.
21. Keep
Non-Axisymmetric Hub active The "Non-Axisymmetric Hub & Shroud" is used to enable or disabled the mesh adaptation on the specified non axisymmetric surfaces.
22. Keep
Projection Along Face Normal active by default When the non axisymmetric surface is not intersecting the axisymmetric mesh: The "Projection Along Face Normal" is projecting the mesh on the surface using the hub or shroud normal face directions. Therefore, as on the connected face boundary the computed normal can be different for both faces, the matching connection may become non-matching. The "Projection Along Grid Line" is projecting the mesh on the surface using the spanwise grid line direction to compute the normal. This approach allows to avoid non-matching connections.
23. Keep
2-8
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
The "Repair Non-projected Points" allows to correct non-well projected points (i.e. when the mesh points on boundaries are close to hub or shroud surface limits).
24. Set
the Geometry Repetition to <2><Enter> The non-axisymmetric 3D surfaces must cover all the hub or shroud blade to blade domain of the axisymmetric mesh. If the specified surfaces does not cover the entire domain as shown in the next figure, the Geometry Repetition option allows the user to repeat the entered surfaces by rotation on both sides.
The "Display Non-Axisymmetric Hub & Shroud" is used to display the nonaxisymmetric surfaces in the 3D view
25. Close
the dialog box At the end of the 3D blade row generation, the mesh adaptation on the nonaxisymmetric surfaces is performed automatically. The axisymmetric mesh is adapted by hub to shroud grid points redistribution along the curve obtained by intersecting the surfaces with the hub to shroud grid lines. It is thus recommended to generate a axisymmetric mesh covering completely the nonaxisymmetric surfaces.
in the meridional view Import and Link CAD on the surface defining the hub when highlighted in blue, it turns to yellow
to Geometry Definition
on the surface in order to define new curves plotting the non-axisymmetry appearing on the hub on the new curve until it turns yellow and select Import Meridional
32. Click-right
Click Left
Click Left
Tutorials
2-9
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
33. Move
Click-left in the meridional view Go to Geometry Definition Edit Hub to visualize the vertices defining the hub Click-left on vertex (at inlet) and define its new position in the keyboard input area in
ZRTH coordinates where Z is the Zinlet and R is lower than the Rmin of the non-axisymmetric effect: <-0.03 0.242 0><Enter>
Click-left on vertex (at outlet) and define its new position in the keyboard input area in
ZRTH coordinates where Z is the Zoutlet and R is lower than the Rmin of the non-axisymmetric effect: <0.054737609091 0.242 0><Enter>
The hub appears as a dashed green line because it is no more mapping on a curve.
2-10
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
The blade is no more intersecting the new hub. The blade needs to be extended.
34. Click-left
on Rows Definition
row 1
Blades
Main Blade
on Main Blade to get the contextual menu and select Expand Geometry
Hub treatment/expand
The tool Geometry/Distance allows to measure the distance between two points in the active view.
2-2.3
38. Select
Tutorials
>-
37. Click-left
on Rows Definition
2-11
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
39. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value. In the present case, one can estimate that Vref=30 m/s, Lref=0.3m and =1.038e-5 m2/s Assuming one wishes to get y+ =1 at the wall, it comes that y = 1 x 10-5 m. Input the value of the Cell Width = <1e-5> <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
40. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
2-12
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
The default skin-topology includes 5 blocks as follows: - the skin block is a O-mesh surrounding the blade - the inlet block is a H-mesh located upstream the leading edge - the outlet block is a H-mesh located downstream the trailing edge - the up block is a H-mesh located above the blade section - the down block is a H-mesh located under the blade section up block
2-2.4
41.
Meridional Control
Go to QAP Mesh Control the number of flow path as <33> <Enter> flow paths if necessary through Mesh Control Paths Control Row Mesh Control Flow
Tutorials
>-
>-
2-13
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
The Expert section allows the user to control the visualization, the shape and the parameters related to flow path smoothing. The meaning of these parameters is detailed in the user manual. The Manual Edition mode allows the user to control directly the block faces which are used to construct flow paths. Edges can be moved, segments can be created or modified and grid points distribution on segments can be controlled. More details can be found in the user manual.
44. Keep 45. Click 46. Close
2-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on Generate B2B Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control Topology
to Mesh Control
2-14
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
By default, non-matching connections are applied at periodic boundaries. Matching connections at periodic boundaries can be obtained by activating the Matching Periodicity check button. Press Re(set) Default Topology to regenerate the mesh in the blade-to-blade plane. In most cases, the presence of non-matching connections somehow improves the orthogonality in the overall mesh. This is especially true in highly staggered configurations.
49. Keep
Matching Periodicity deactivated and all other data identical In several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view
52. Click-left
on the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification
The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE.
53. Visualize
the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane. Grid Points option the dialog box.
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
Tutorials
>-
2-15
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%).
57. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
58. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in blade-to-blade view
on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
Click Left
64. Close
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
2-16
>-
>-
65. Go to Mesh
Control Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
2-2.6
3D Mesh Generation
>on Rows Definition current row, if not done already row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the
At the end of the 3D blade row generation, the mesh adaptation on the nonaxisymmetric hub is performed automatically. The axisymmetric mesh is adapted by hub to shroud grid points redistribution along the curve obtain by intersecting the surfaces with the hub to shroud grid lines.
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
Tutorials
2-17
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
70. Close
2-2.7
3D Mesh Visualization
>on Rows Definition current row, if not done already row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the
71. Click-left
72. Click-right
on row 1 and select Properties to activate Default in order to plot the full tur-
bomachine
on row 1 and select Toggle 3D View to access the shaded blades in 3D view to get the contextual menu and activate Full View
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
Non-Axisymmetric Hub
Non-Axisymmetric Hub
2-18
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
2-2.8
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
79. Close 80. Check
Tutorials
2-19
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
81. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
82. Check
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
83. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
Click Left
86. Click-left
on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
87. Close
2-20
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
2-2.9
88.
Save Project
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
Tutorials
>-
Go to File
2-21
Non-Axisymmetric Hub/Shroud
Mesh Generation
2-22
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 3:
Bypass Configuration
3-1
3-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
3-1
Bypass Configuration
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of bypass turbomachine applications (airplane engine). It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing geometrical file into AutoGrid v8; Control meridional flow paths especially at the nozzle; Control the blade-to-blade mesh; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
3-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7.
3-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below (meridional view). The project consists in the mesh generation of a bypass configuration (part of an airplane engine). The configuration is composed by a fan in front of the nozzle, three rows in the down bypass and one row in the up bypass
3-1.4
Preparation
3-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Bypass Configuration
For LINUX and UNIX systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface with the following command line igg -niversion 8x -print or igg -niversion autogrid8x -print For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the bypass configuration!
Tutorials
3-3
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
3-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
3-2.1
1.
3. 4.
Click yes to close the active project Choose the icon Initialize a New Project from a geomTurbo File
3-2.2
5.
3-4
>-
2.
Go to menu File
New Project
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
The channel format contains the definition of the turbomachinery meridional contour (hub, shroud and nozzle). It is composed by curves defined by a set of points. The ".geomTurbo" file must contain two channel curves named respectively "hub" and "shroud". In addition when meshing a bypass configuration, the nozzle must be defined.
INLET
shroud
OUTLET
hub
nozzle
The nozzle must be defined from the outlet down bypass to the outlet up bypass
The row definition contains the geometry of a complete row. The blade and splitter are defined by the pressure and the suction side surfaces identified by the keywords "pressure" and "suction". Both surfaces are specified by a set of cross sections of the blade at several spanwise location from hub to shroud. Each section is defined by a set of points from leading to trailing edge.
Tutorials
3-5
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
The geometry can also be imported through a graphic window (Geometry Import and Link CAD) when defining a new project from Definition scratch with bypass. When click-right in the graphic window, a pop-up menu allows the user to define the nozzle in addition of the hub and shroud. In addition row on nozzle and in up/down bypass can be added in the configuration.
Warning may prompt if one of the rows is not intersecting the hub and/or he shroud.
The warning inform the user that the row 3 needs to be extended to intersect the hub.
6. 7. 8. 9.
Click-left on Ok Click-left on Rows Definition Select Hub treatment/expand row 3 Blades Main Blade Click-right on Main Blade to get the contextual menu and select Expand Geometry
3-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
11.
Click-right on row 1 and select Properties in the pop-up menu the Periodicity (number of blades) to <18><Enter> <500> in Rotation Speed (rpm) The speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on. The sign of the rotational speed is positive (+) when the blade row is rotating in the positive direction, and negative otherwise
14. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
15. Activate 16. Execute
Default in order to plot the full turbomachine in 3D view when selecting View/ toggle 3D Solid View the same operations for the elements row2, row3, row4 and row5, defined respectively by the following parameters as <77>-<0>-Stator-Axial, <119>-<0>-Stator-Axial, <127>-<500>-Rotor-Axial and <117>-<0>-Stator-Axial (it is not necessary to close the dialog box each time) the dialog box
17. Close
Tutorials
>-
10. Click-left
on Rows Definition
3-7
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Width At Leading Edge = <6.0> [Millimeters] <Enter> Width At Trailing Edge = <6.0> [Millimeters] <Enter>
21. Define
Width At Leading Edge = <1.0> [Millimeters] <Enter> Width At Trailing Edge = <1.0> [Millimeters] <Enter> on Rows Definition row 4
3-8
>-
26. Click-left
>-
22. Click-left
on Rows Definition
>-
18. Click-left
on Rows Definition
row 1
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
Width At Leading Edge = <1.0> [Millimeters] <Enter> Width At Trailing Edge = <1.0> [Millimeters] <Enter>
The width at leading/trailing edge allows to specify the size of the gap respectively at the leading and trailing edge of the blade. The gap curve is then constructed as a linear offset of the hub (or the shroud) according to these values.
30. Set
The "units" of the imported geometry must be changed to impose a scaling factor and a corresponding tolerance that will ensure correct treatment during the grid generation when computing for example the intersection. If not necessary, we recommend to keep the default settings (Scale Factor set to 1)
31. Click-left 32. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to access the shaded blades in 3D view
33. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to remove the shaded blades in 3D view
3-2.3
36. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to
Tutorials
3-9
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value. Input the value of the Cell Width = <1e-2> [Millimeters] <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
37. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
The default skin-topology includes 5 blocks as follows: - the skin block is a O-mesh surrounding the blade
3-10
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
- the inlet block is a H-mesh located upstream the leading edge - the outlet block is a H-mesh located downstream the trailing edge - the up block is a H-mesh located above the blade section - the down block is a H-mesh located under the blade section
3-2.4
Meridional Control
When overlapping detected in the flow paths, a warning is appearing at the bottom of the graphical user interface. In addition, the expansion ratio is plotted in the message box.
38. Check
Click-left in meridional view to activate it (red border) Click-left on Select quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu Click-left on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an
histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row
Click-left on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the meridional view Click-left on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values
of the selected criteria
Click Left
39. Control
Click-left on Mesh Control Row Mesh Control Flow Paths Control Deactivate View Flow Path to plot the grid used to generate the flow paths
>>-
Tutorials
3-11
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Click Left
Click-left on thickness (0.3%), type <5><Enter> to increase the thickness of the C-block
covering the nozzle
3-12
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
Click Left
Click-left on the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification. Nozzle flow paths index and nozzle cell width can also be imposed. H-topology on nozzle is adapted for bypass configuration presenting a sharp nozzle.
40. Adapt
Click-left on control line defining the nozzle topology when highlighted in yellow Click-left on control point defining the control line Move control point at desired location Click-left on control point to validate its new location
Click Left
The exact coordinates of the control points can also be introduced with clickright on the control point; a dialog box appears, enabling the user to enter the point coordinates in (rz) mode.
Click-right on control line defining the nozzle topology when highlighted in yellow Select Properties Set the Cell width respectively to <1.0><Enter> and <1.0><Enter>
The same cell width has to be imposed on both control lines defining the nozzle.
Tutorials
3-13
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Set the streamwise number of points (Streamwise Npts) respectively to <17><Enter> and
<13><Enter>
1.0
C --> R
Copy/Paste are used to copy a distribution from a rotor/stator to another one or to a meridional control line. Merge is used to compute a common distribution from the left and right distributions at a rotor/stator. It is created for rotor/stators where the left row has a hub gap and the right row a shroud gap (or the opposite). Clear is used to clean copy/merge operations on selected control line.
3-14
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
Along the down bypass, automatic copy/paste and merge flow paths distributions are performed.
M C --> R
C --> L
Click-left on control line when highlighted in yellow Click-left on control point defining the control line Move control point at desired location Click-left on control point to validate its new location
Click Left
Singular line
Tutorials
3-15
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Click-left on the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification.
Close dialog box Click-left on Select All Rows Click-left on Generate Flow Paths
43. Check
3-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on Generate B2B
44. Click
row 4
row 1
row 3
row 5
When plotting all rows on hub (active layer set 0% by default), the row 2 is not appearing in the blade-to-blade view because it is not intersecting the hub. To check the mesh on row 2, an active layer intersecting the row 2 should be selected.
3-16
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
45. Go
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control Topology
By default, non-matching connections are applied at periodic boundaries. Matching connections at periodic boundaries can be obtained by activating the Matching Periodicity check button. Press Re(set) Default Topology to regenerate the mesh in the blade-to-blade plane. In most cases, the presence of non-matching connections somehow improves the orthogonality in the overall mesh. This is especially true in highly staggered configurations.
46. Keep
Matching Periodicity deactivated and all other data identical In several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view if necessary
49. Click-left on
the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification
The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE.
Tutorials
3-17
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
50. Visualize
the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane. Grid Points option the dialog box.
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%) and is applied on active row(s).
54. Click-left 55. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
56. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the blade-to-blade view
61. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
Click Left
3-18
>-
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
62. Close
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
64. Keep 65. Close
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
3-2.6
3D Mesh Generation
on Select All Rows on the icon Generate 3D and confirm the generation
Tutorials
>-
>-
Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
3-19
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
68. Close
3-2.7
3D Mesh Visualization
on Select All Rows in 3D view; the Quick Access Pad (QAP) is modified to get the contextual menu and activate Full View View/toggle 3D Solid View to access the shaded blades in 3D view
71. Click-left
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
3-2.8
74. Check
3-20
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Bypass Configuration
75. Select
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
76. Close 77. Check
78. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
Tutorials
3-21
Bypass Configuration
Mesh Generation
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
81. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
Click Left
84. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
85. Close
3-2.9
86.
Save Project
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
3-22
>-
Go to File
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 4:
Tandem Row
4-1
4-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
4-1
Tandem Row
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of tandem row configuration. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing geometrical file into AutoGrid v8; Define a tandem row; Control the blade-to-blade mesh; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
4-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7.
4-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below (meridional view). The project consists in the mesh generation of a tandem row configuration (part of an airplane engine). The configuration consists in a single row composed by a main blade and a splitter without overlap in the streamwise direction.
4-1.4
Preparation
4-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Tandem Row
For LINUX and UNIX systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface with the following command line igg -niversion 8x -print or igg -niversion autogrid8x -print For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the tandem configuration!
Tutorials
4-3
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
4-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
4-2.1
1.
3. 4.
Click yes to close the active project Choose the icon Initialize a New Project from a geomTurbo File
4-2.2
5.
4-4
>-
2.
Go to menu File
New Project
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
The tandem configuration is defined by a single row composed by a main blade and a splitter downstream the main blade without overlap in the streamwise direction. The row definition contains the geometry of a complete row. The main blade and splitter are defined by the pressure and the suction side surfaces identified by the keywords "pressure" and "suction". Both surfaces are specified by a set of cross sections of the blade at several spanwise location from hub to shroud. Each section is defined by a set of points from leading to trailing edge.
INLET
OUTLET
Main Blade
Splitter 1
The geometry can also be imported through a graphic window (Geometry Definition Import and Link CAD) when defining a new project from scratch. When click-right in the graphic window, a pop-up menu allows the user to define the hub, shroud and to link the surfaces, trailing and leading edge curves to the selected blade in the Rows Definition (Main Blade or Splitter 1). When click-right on row 1 in Rows Definition, a menu allows the user to add a blade (splitter) in the selected row;
7. 8. 9.
Click-right on row 1 and select Properties in the pop-up menu Keep the Periodicity (number of blades) to <75><Enter> Keep <500> in Rotation Speed (rpm)
Tutorials
>-
6.
4-5
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
The speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on. The sign of the rotational speed is positive (+) when the blade row is rotating in the positive direction, and negative otherwise
10. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
11.
Activate Tandem Row in order to set automatically the grid points distribution of the blade to blade mesh when setting the default topology Default in order to plot the full turbomachine in 3D view when selecting View/ toggle 3D Solid View
12. Activate
13. Close
the dialog box on Select All Rows toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to access the shaded blades in 3D view
16. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to remove the shaded blades in 3D view
4-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
4-2.3
19. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value. Input the value of the Cell Width = <1e-2> [Millimeters] <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
Tutorials
4-7
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
20. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
The default skin-topology includes 5 blocks for each blade as follows: - the skin block is a O-mesh surrounding the blade - the inlet block is a H-mesh located upstream the leading edge - the outlet block is a H-mesh located downstream the trailing edge - the up block is a H-mesh located above the blade section - the down block is a H-mesh located under the blade section
Up Main Blade Up Splitter 1 Skin Splitter 1 Skin Main Blade Outlet Splitter 1
4-2.4
Meridional Control
to QAP Mesh Control the number of flow path as <57> <Enter> Row Mesh Control Flow
21. Go
22. Keep
4-8
Tutorials
>-
>-
23. Control
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
4-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on main blade or splitter mesh in the blade-to-blade view Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control to Mesh Control Topology
By default, when tandem row is specified, matching connections (Matching Periodicity check button active) are applied at periodic boundaries and at connection between main blade and splitter.
Main Blade
Matching Connection
Splitter 1
28. Keep
Matching Periodicity activated and all other data identical for main blade and splitIn several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
ter
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view if necessary.
Tutorials
4-9
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
By default, when tandem row is specified, the grid points distribution along the main blade and splitter will be adapted as presented on figure below.
Splitter 1 N4 N5 N6
Main Blade N1 N2 N3 N4 = N1 + N2 N3 = N5 + N6
31. Click-left on
the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE. When tandem row is specified, to keep matching connections at periodic boundaries and at connection between main blade and splitter: + if the grid points distribution N1 and/or N2 is modified along main blade, N4 along splitter 1 has to be adapted accordingly; + if the grid points distribution N3 is modified along main blade, N5 and/or N6 along splitter 1 has to be adapted accordingly; + if the grid points distribution N4 is modified along splitter 1, N1 and/or N2 along main blade has to be adapted accordingly; + if the grid points distribution N5 and/or N6 is modified along splitter 1, N3 along main blade has to be adapted accordingly.
Main Blade
Splitter 1
4-10
N2 N5
N4 N3
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
32. Visualize
the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%) and is applied on active row(s).
36. Click-left 37. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
38. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
the dialog box for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the blade-to-blade view
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria the dialog box
Tutorials
>-
>-
4-11
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
Click Left
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
50. Keep 51. Close
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
4-2.6
3D Mesh Generation
on Select All Rows on the icon Generate 3D and confirm (Start) the generation
4-12
>-
>-
Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
54. Close
4-2.7
3D Mesh Visualization
on Select All Rows in 3D view; the Quick Access Pad (QAP) is modified to get the contextual menu and activate Full View View/toggle 3D Solid View to access the shaded blades in 3D view
57. Click-left
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
Tutorials
4-13
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
4-2.8
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
4-14
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Tandem Row
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
62. Close 63. Check
64. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
Click Left
Tutorials
4-15
Tandem Row
Mesh Generation
67. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
70. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
71. Close
4-2.9
72.
Save Project
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
4-16
>-
Go to File
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 5:
Cascade Configuration
5-1
5-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
5-1
Cascade Configuration
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of cascade configuration. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing geometrical file into AutoGrid v8; Define cascade configuration; Control the meridional and blade-to-blade mesh; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
5-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7.
5-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below. The project consists in the mesh generation of the T106 turbine blade cascade configuration.
5-1.4
Preparation
5-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Cascade Configuration
For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the cascade configuration!
AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
Tutorials
5-3
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
5-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
5-2.1
1.
3. 4. 5.
Click yes to close the active project Activate Cascade option Choose the icon Start a New Project From Scratch
5-2.2
6. 7. 8.
9.
Click-left on File
Select Geometry Axis... in the Edit menu Adapt origin, stream and span direction if required - keep default Apply
5-4
>-
2.
Go to menu File
New Project
Open...
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
12. Define
<Shift> - click-left on all the curves defining the hub as they turn to yellow Click-right and select Link to Hub
Hub curve is displayed in the meridional view.
13. Define
<Shift> - click-left on all the curves defining the shroud as they turn to yellow Click-right and select Link to Shroud
Shroud curve is displayed in the meridional view.
14. Define
Tutorials
5-5
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
Click-left on the surface defining the blade when highlighted in blue (it turns to red or yellow)
Click Left
If the blade is defined by multiple surfaces, click-middle and <Shift>-click-left allow to select all the surfaces defining the blade. The View/View Solid menu acts as a toggle and allows to visualize the surfaces that are active.
15. Define
leading edge and trailing edge row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to activate
Click-left at blade leading edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Leading Edge Click-left at blade trailing edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Trailing Edge Leading and trailing edges are displayed in the meridional view.
5-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
When blade intersects hub and shroud, inlet and outlet are displayed in the meridional view.
16. Go
to File -> Exit The geometry of the cascade configuration can also be defined from a native ".geomTurbo" file. The ".geomTurbo" file format is structured in three main blocks: the header, the channel and the row(s) definitions. The header when defining a cascade configuration should contain the keywords "cascade yes".
The channel format contains the definition of the turbomachinery meridional contour (hub and shroud). It is composed by curves defined by a set of points. The ".geomTurbo" file must contain two channel curves named respectively "hub" and "shroud". The row definition contains the geometry of a complete row. The blade is defined by the pressure and the suction side surfaces identified by the keywords "pressure" and "suction". Both surfaces are specified by a set of cross sections of the blade at several spanwise location from hub to shroud. Each section is defined by a set of points from leading to trailing edge.
Tutorials
5-7
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
the Periodicity (number of blades) to <79.9><Enter> The periodicity for cascade configuration corresponds to the pitch distance between two successive blades.
20. Enter
<0> in Rotation Speed (rpm) The speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on.
21. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
5-8
>-
17. Click-left
on Rows Definition
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
The "units" of the imported geometry must be changed to impose a scaling factor and a corresponding tolerance that will ensure correct treatment during the grid generation when computing for example the intersection. If not necessary, we recommend to keep the default settings (Scale Factor set to 1)
24. Click-left 25. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to access the shaded blades in 3D view
26. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to remove the shaded blades in 3D view
5-2.3
29. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value.
Tutorials
5-9
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
Input the value of the Cell Width = <5e-3> [Millimeters] <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
30. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
The default skin-topology includes 5 blocks as follows: - the skin block is a O-mesh surrounding the blade - the inlet block is a H-mesh located upstream the leading edge - the outlet block is a H-mesh located downstream the trailing edge - the up block is a H-mesh located above the blade section - the down block is a H-mesh located under the blade section
5-2.4
31.
Meridional Control
Go to QAP Mesh Control the number of flow path as <17><Enter> The number of flow path can be imposed as <2> in order to generate a 2D mesh.
32. Change
Set Cell width at Hub as <5.0><Enter> Set Cell width at Shroud as <7.0><Enter>
The hub and shroud are respectively considered as a euler wall and a mirror plane. For these reasons, the cell width at hub and shroud can be increased because there are no boundary layer to capture.
5-10
Tutorials
>-
>-
33. Control
Flow
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
The Expert section allows the user to control the visualization, the shape and the parameters related to flow path smoothing. The meaning of these parameters is detailed in the user manual. The Manual Edition mode allows the user to control directly the block faces which are used to construct flow paths. Edges can be moved, segments can be created or modified and grid points distribution on segments can be controlled. More details can be found in the user manual.
34. Click
on Generate
35. Close
5-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on Generate B2B Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control to Mesh Control Topology
Tutorials
5-11
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
By default, non-matching connections are applied at periodic boundaries. Matching connections at periodic boundaries can be obtained by activating the Matching Periodicity check button. Press Re(set) Default Topology to regenerate the mesh in the blade-to-blade plane. In most cases, the presence of non-matching connections somehow improves the orthogonality in the overall mesh. This is especially true in highly staggered configurations.
38. Keep
Matching Periodicity deactivated and all other data identical In several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view if necessary
41. Click-left on
the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification
The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE.
42. Visualize
the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane. Grid Points option the dialog box default location of leading/trailing edge:
Click-left in blade-to-blade view to activate the view (red border) Zoom on leading edge When leading edge highlighted in red (move the mouse on it), click-left and drag to move
the leading edge location; click-right to access a popup menu allowing to impose the points distribution at leading edge (Properties)
5-12
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
Click Left
Click Right
Absolute Control Distance: the distance is given in absolute units and remain the same for each layer. Relative Control Distance: the distance is given in relative units (normalized with the blade width). First Cell Length: the distance is equal to the product of the cell width given by the user and the number of nodes. Another feature of this dialog box gives the control of the maximum expansion ratio of the cells in the streamwise direction along the wall. Switch on the button Desired Expansion Ratio implies that the number of grid points on the upper and lower side of the blade will be recomputed to ensure that the expansion ratio remain lower than the target value. The total number of points around the blade is then continuously updated.
The above steps can also be applied on trailing edge Visualize the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the
flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane.
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%) and is applied on active row(s).
47. Click-left 48. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
49. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view
Tutorials
>-
46. Go
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
5-13
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
50. Check 51. Select
for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the blade-to-blade view
54. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
Click Left
55. Close
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
57. Keep 58. Close
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
5-14
>-
>-
Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
5-2.6
3D Mesh Generation
on Select All Rows on the icon Generate 3D and confirm the generation
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
61. Close
5-2.7
3D Mesh Visualization
on Select All Rows in 3D view; the Quick Access Pad (QAP) is modified to get the contextual menu and activate Full View View/toggle 3D Solid View to access the shaded blades in 3D view
64. Click-left
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
Tutorials
5-15
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
5-2.8
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
5-16
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Cascade Configuration
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
69. Close 70. Check
71. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
Click Left
Tutorials
5-17
Cascade Configuration
Mesh Generation
74. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
77. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
78. Close
5-2.9
79.
Save Project
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
5-18
>-
Go to File
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 6:
Fin on Fan
6-1
6-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
6-1
Fin on Fan
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of a fin on fan in bypass turbomachine applications. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Define geometry into AutoGrid v8; Control meridional flow paths especially at the fin and nozzle; Control the blade-to-blade mesh; Control the quality of the mesh in the blade-to-blade and 3D mesh.
6-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does not require any particular prerequisite but it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 1 to 7 and the advanced tutorial 3.
6-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below (meridional view). The project consists in the mesh generation of a bypass configuration with a fan including a fin.
Fin
6-1.4
Preparation
6-2
Tutorials
Introduction
Fin on Fan
For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the bypass configuration with a fin on fan!
Tutorials
6-3
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
6-2
Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
6-2.1
1.
3. 4.
Click yes to close the active project Activate With ByPass and With Fin on Fan options The Fin on Fan option is only allowed for Bypass configuration. Choose the icon Start a New Project From Scratch
5.
6-2.2
6. 7. 8.
6-4
>-
2.
Go to menu File
New Project
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
9.
Click-left on File
Open...
Define the geometry orientation if necessary Select Geometry Axis... in the Edit menu Adapt origin, stream direction if required - keep default Apply Close dialog box
12. Define
Click-left on the curve defining the hub as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Hub
Hub curve is displayed in the meridional view.
13. Define
Click-left on the curve defining the shroud as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Shroud
Shroud curve is displayed in the meridional view.
Tutorials
6-5
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
14. Define
Click-left on the curve defining the nozzle as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Nozzle
Nozzle curve is displayed in the meridional view.
15. Define
Click-left on first surface defining the blade when highlighted in blue (it turns to red or yellow)
Click-middle to select the second surface defining the blade <Shift> - click-left on second surface defining the blade when highlighted in blue (it turns
to red or yellow)
Click Left
The View/View Solid menu acts as a toggle and allows to visualize the surfaces that are active.
6-6
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
16. Define
leading edge and trailing edge row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to activate
Click-left at blade leading edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Leading Edge Click-left at blade trailing edge line definition, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Trailing Edge Leading and trailing edges are displayed in the meridional view.
17. Define
fin on fan
The fin has to be defined by two curves defining respectively the upper and down sides of the axisymmetric fin.
Click-left at upper side curve of the fin, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Fin Up Click-left at lower side curve of the fin, inside the Import CAD window As it turns yellow, click-right and select Link to Fin Down
Tutorials
6-7
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
When blade intersect hub and shroud, inlet and outlet are displayed in the meridional view. Control lines are automatically appearing for the control of the flow paths around the fin and the bypass nozzle.
18. Go
to File -> Exit The geometry of the fin can also be defined from a native ".geomTurbo" file. The ".geomTurbo" file format is structured in three main blocks: the header, the channel and the row(s) definitions. The header when defining a bypass configuration should contain the keywords "byPass yes".
The channel format contains the definition of the turbomachinery meridional contour (hub and shroud). It is composed by curves defined by a set of points. The ".geomTurbo" file must contain two channel curves named respectively "hub" and "shroud". The row definition contains the geometry of the fin and the complete row. The fin is defined by two curves: upper_curve and lower_curve defining the axisymmetric surfaces that will be used to define the fin. The blade is defined by the pressure and the suction side surfaces identified by the keywords "pres-
6-8
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
sure" and "suction". Both surfaces are specified by a set of cross sections of the blade at several spanwise location from hub to shroud. Each section is defined by a set of points from leading to trailing edge.
20. Click-right
Tutorials
>-
19. Click-left
on Rows Definition
6-9
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
The speed will be transferred to FINE graphical user interface and ease the input of boundary conditions later on. The sign of the rotational speed is positive (+) when the blade row is rotating in the positive direction, and negative otherwise
23. Select
The row type and row orientation settings are only information that will not impact or control the mesh generation process.
24. Activate 25. Close
Default in order to plot the full turbomachine in 3D view when selecting View/ toggle 3D Solid View the dialog box and select Define Shroud Gap in the pop-up menu on Rows Definition row 1
Width At Leading Edge = <0.012> [Meters] <Enter> Width At Trailing Edge = <0.012> [Meters] <Enter>
The width at leading/trailing edge allows to specify the size of the gap respectively at the leading and trailing edge of the blade. The gap curve is then constructed as a linear offset of the hub (or the shroud) according to these values.
30. Click-left 31. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to access the shaded blades in 3D view
32. Select
toggle 3D Solid View in the View menu to remove the shaded blades in 3D view
6-10
>-
26. Click-left
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
6-2.3
35. Estimate
The width of the first cell close to the wall must be selected with care since the quality of the flow solution will often depend upon the capture of the flow phenomena inside the boundary layers which develop along the solid walls. Depending upon the turbulence model selected, NUMECA recommends to locate the nearest grid point along the wall, at a distance that corresponds to parietal coordinate y+ ranging from 1-5 (low Reynolds number models) or 3050 (high Reynolds number models). Assuming thermal effects must be modelled accurately, y+ can reach values as low as 0.1. The relation between the parietal coordinate y+ and width of the first cell close to the wall y is driven by the Blasius equation, expressed as follows for turbulent flows:
where: - ywall is the distance of the nearest grid point to the wall (in meter); - Vref is a reference velocity of the flow, for instance the inlet velocity (in m/s); - is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (in m2/s), i.e. the dynamic viscosity divided by the density; - Lref is a reference length of the test case (in meter); - y+ is a non-dimensional value. Input the value of the Cell Width = <1e-5> [Meters] <Enter> in Row Mesh Control.
Tutorials
6-11
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
36. Select
(Re)set Default Topology in the toolbar and confirm (yes). This button will set the mesh topology to the default skin-like topology
37. Click-left
on yes to perform an automatic switch to matching topology that is required because of the control lines used to define the fin that are on the blade (row 1)
6-2.4
Meridional Control
When overlapping detected in the flow paths, a warning is appearing at the bottom of the graphical user interface. In addition, the expansion ratio is plotted in the message box.
38. Control
Click-left on Mesh Control Row Mesh Control Flow Paths Control Deactivate View Flow Path to plot the grid used to generate the flow paths Close dialog box
>>-
6-12
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
Click-left on Click-left on number of flow paths down the nozzle, decrease to <41><Enter> to add more
flow paths between the nozzle and the fin
Click Left
More information about the control of the nozzle and bypass points distribution are provided in advanced tutorial 3.
Click-left on control line defining the nozzle topology when highlighted in yellow Click-left on control point defining the control line Move control point at desired location Click-left on control point to validate its new location
The exact coordinates of the control points can also be introduced with clickright on the control point; a dialog box appears, enabling the user to enter the point coordinates in (rz) mode.
Tutorials
6-13
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
39. Check
Click-left in meridional view to activate it (red border) Click-left on Select quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu Click-left on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an
histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row
Click-left on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the meridional view Click-left on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values
of the selected criteria
Click Left
6-2.5
Blade-to-Blade Control
on Generate B2B Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control Topology
to Mesh Control
6-14
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
By default, matching connections are applied at periodic boundaries because of the control lines used to control the flow paths along the fin that are on the blade (row 1). You can see the periodic boundary by showing the repetitions.
42. Click-left 43. Go
44. Increase
the dialog box Matching Periodicity activated and all other data identical In several turbomachinery types, the blades are highly staggered (Automatic High Staggered Blade Detection within AutoGrid). If the solid angle at the inlet (outlet) of the machine becomes greater than 450 and if the location of the inlet (outlet) limits of the domain is close to the leading edge (trailing edge) of the blades, then the default topology is not suitable anymore since the cells located near the inlet (outlet) boundary become very skewed. To improve this unexpected behaviour, AutoGrid uses the High Staggered Blade Optimization.
Topology option
to Mesh Control Row Mesh Control B2B Mesh Topology Control -> Grid Points to control the number of grid points in the blade-to-blade view if necessary Click-left on the number of nodes, make the proper modification in the entry box and press <Enter> to confirm the modification. The number of points
Tutorials
>-
6-15
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE. Visualize the result in blade-to-blade view after selecting Generate B2B to regenerate the flow paths and the mesh in blade-to-blade plane.
49. Keep
to Mesh Control Active B2B Layer to specify the flow path (layer) on which the blade-to-blade mesh will be plotted in the blade-to-blade view
By default, the active layer is the hub of the machine (Active Layer (%span) set to 0). The layer selected for visualization is defined in percentage of span, going from hub (0%) to shroud (100%) and is applied on active row(s).
53. Click-left 54. Enter
for example <50> <Enter> in order to visualize the mesh at 50% span
55. Select
Generate B2B to regenerate the blade-to-blade mesh on new specified layer in the blade-to-blade view Detailed analysis of mesh quality can be performed on Blade-to-Blade mesh after generation. Information on orthogonality, aspect ratio and expansion ratio can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu and plotted in the blade-to-blade view on active layer selected in Mesh Control/ Active B2B Layer.
for grid quality by clicking on quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn for each row on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the blade-to-blade view
60. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
Click Left
6-16
>-
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
61. Close
Optimization is performed in the form of smoothing and is executed on each layer using multi-block elliptic techniques. The number of Optimization Steps represents the number of iterations performed with the elliptic smoother. By default, 100 iterations are applied.
63. Keep 64. Close
default Optimization Steps and all other data identical the dialog box
6-2.6
3D Mesh Generation
on Select All Rows on the icon Generate 3D and confirm the generation
67. If
This warning prevents the user that when checking the grid quality (angular deviation along J) if a discontinuity is detected, the user has to reduce the expansion ratio in the Mesh area of the B2B Mesh Topology Control dialog box. In addition, the blade-to-blade mesh can be plotted on the concerned active layer (i.e. layer 132) by repeating the steps 52 to 55.
Tutorials
>-
>-
Row Mesh Control Optimization Control to adapt the mesh optimization parameters if necessary to enhance the quality of the mesh
6-17
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, the maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
68. Close
6-2.7
3D Mesh Visualization
on Select All Rows in 3D view; the Quick Access Pad (QAP) is modified to get the contextual menu and activate Full View View/toggle 3D Solid View to access the shaded blades in 3D view
71. Click-left
Use View menu in QAP or View/Patch Viewer... menu to toggle edge or mesh
6-18
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
6-2.8
UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still set with an undefined type
It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
76. Close 77. Check 78. Click
on Apply The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button.
Tutorials
6-19
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
81. Select
on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks) on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view
Click Left
84. Click-left on
More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values of the selected criteria
6-20
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Fin on Fan
85. Close
6-2.9
86.
Save Project
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
Tutorials
>-
Go to File
6-21
Fin on Fan
Mesh Generation
6-22
Tutorials
TUTORIAL 7:
7-1
7-1.1
Introduction
Introduction
The resolution of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems involves three main steps:
spatial discretization of the flow equations flow computation visualization of the results
To answer these questions, NUMECA has developed a Flow INtegrated Environment for internal and Turbomachinery assimilations. Called FINE/Turbo, the environment integrates the following tools:
IGG is an Interactive Geometry modeler and Grid generator software, based on structured
multi-block techniques
AutoGrid is a three-dimensional Automated Grid generation software, dedicated to turbomachinery applications. Similarly to IGG, it is based on structured multi-block techniques
Euranus is a state-of-the-art multi-block flow solver, able to simulate Euler and Navier-Stokes
equations in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes
CFView is a highly interactive flow visualization and post-treatment software FINE Graphical User Interface is a user-friendly environment that includes the different softwares. It integrates the concept of projects and allows the user to achieve complete simulations, going from the grid generation to the flow visualization, without the need of file manipulation A turbomachine is a device in which the energy is transferred either to or from a continuously flowing fluid by the dynamic action of one or more moving blade rows. It plays a major role in particular in aircraft, marine space (liquid rockets), land propulsion system but also in hydraulic, gas and steam turbines applications. It is also involved in industrial pipeline and processing equipment such as gas, petroleum and water pumping plants. Other applications can be related to heart-assist pumps, industrial compressors and refrigeration plants, among others. The turbomachinery field includes turbines, pumps, fans, compressors. A turbomachine is composed of several basic elements including the blade (also called vane if it is non-rotating), hub, and shroud. Several technological effects involving clearances, seal leakages and cooling holes among
Tutorials
7-1
Introduction
others can complete the machine. Due to the complexity of the blade shapes, the presence of technological elements and the rotation of machine, the nature of the flow is strongly three-dimensional, often depicting complex flow paths. This tutorial is particularly adapted to the mesh generation of casing treatments (3D technological effects) for turbomachines. It makes exclusive use of AutoGrid v8 and describes the main actions required to mesh the configuration of interest. In this tutorial you will learn how to:
Read an existing project file into AutoGrid v8; Adapt the existing project file; Generate and control the mesh in the technological effect (casing); Control the quality of the mesh in the 3D mesh.
7-1.2
Prerequisites
This tutorial does require to perform the mesh generation of the NASA rotor 37 explained in basic tutorial 1. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended for beginners to perform the basic tutorials 2 to 7 too.
7-1.3
Problem Description
The problem to be considered is shown schematically here below. The project consists in the mesh generation of a casing treatment (3D technological effect) for the NASA rotor 37.
0.0356 0.02
Rotor-Stator
AutoGrid Mesh
3d techno effect
7-1.4
Preparation
7-2
Tutorials
Introduction
For LINUX and UNIX systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface with the following command line igg -niversion 8x -print or igg -niversion autogrid8x -print For WINDOWS systems, you can access AutoGrid v8.x graphical user interface from the start menu going to /Programs/NUMECA software/fine8x/IGG or /Programs/NUMECA software/autogrid8x/IGG
Access the menu Modules, select AutoGrid and confirm "yes" to enter AutoGrid v8. Youre
now ready to start the grid generation process and mesh the configuration presenting a casing treatment (3D technological effect)!
Tutorials
7-3
Mesh Generation
AutoGrid v8 graphical user interface includes several windows that allow to visualize the geometry and mesh of the turbomachine simultaneously in the meridional, blade-to-blade and 3D view. The access to main menu and controls is proposed through a menu bar and a quick access pad, and is completed with a tool/icon bar. The execution of the different actions undertaken is summarized in the message box at the bottom of the interface.
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Mesh Generation
A step by step approach is proposed in the following lines. It aims at driving you through the various steps that need to be executed from the creation of the mesh project to the validation of the final mesh quality.
7-2.1
1. 2. 3.
The Open Turbo Project Wizard dialog box enables the user to retrieve a ".trb" file (with associated grid) including the data required to regenerate a mesh on an identical or similar geometry. In this tutorial, these data will be progressively introduced based on the geometry of the project case.
7-2.2
4. 5. 6.
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
7. 8. 9.
Click-left on File
Open...
Select geometry.dat file from the file chooser Define the new shroud curve
Click-left on the curve (new_shroud) as it turns to yellow Click-right and select Link to Shroud
New shroud curve is displayed in the meridional view.
New Shroud
10. Go 11.
to File -> Exit Main Blade Shroud gap, click-right and select Properties in
Click-left on the " + " before row1 in QAP to get the blade information Blades the contextual menu
Width At Leading/Trailing Edge to <0.0156> to define the main blade tip in addition of the 3D technological effect thickness (0.0356 - 0.02) all other data identical
14. Keep
15. Close
Tutorials
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Mesh Generation
trol
17. Set
Cell width at Shroud to <0.001> all other data identical on Generate to regenerate flow paths the dialog box
21. Click
to generate blade-to-blade mesh by default on hub row 1 in the Quick Access Pad (QAP) to active the
23. Click
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>-
22. Click-left
>-
>-
16. Control
Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Once 3D grid generation is completed, grid quality is performed and displayed. Minimum cells skewness, maximum expansion ratio and aspect ratio are reported, among others. Data are available for the entire mesh separately for every entity (row, technological effect, bulb). Data related to grid quality report are automatically stored in a report file, once the project file is saved.
24. Close
7-2.3
Tutorials
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Mesh Generation
row 1
<Shift>-click-left on all the curve(s) (from curve_1 to curve_8) as they turn to yellow <Shift>-click-left on all the surface(s) (from surface_1 to surface_3) as they turn to blue Click-right and select Link to 3D Effect
30. Go
to File -> Exit row 1 3d techno effect 1 in the Quick Access Pad
31. Click-left
32. Click-right
on 3d techno effect 1 to get the contextual menu and select Edit to access the 3D technological effect edition mode
Curves and surfaces defining the selected 3d technological effect are displayed in the 3D view.
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Curves and surfaces defining the 3d technological effects are specified in the ".geomTurbo" file (see User Manual for more details). In the edition mode, it is not recommended to define new geometrical entities by using the Geometry menu. Otherwise, when relaunching the template including the 3d technological effect, problems may occur (see User Manual for more details).
on Insert New Face icon in the Grid subpad to start to fill the geometry to locate the first corner of the 2D block (yellow spot when attracted on existing to locate the opposite corner of the 2D block to create the 2D block on vertex (when highlighted in yellow) of the 2D block to move it when necesto fix the new position of the vertex on the geometry
curve)
35. Click-left 36. Click-left 37. Click-left
sary
38. Click-left 39. Repeat
Tutorials
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Mesh Generation
40. Repeat
steps 33 to 39 in order to fill the "inlet" geometry of the technological effect with two new faces as presented in the figure below
41. Change
Click-left on edge (highlighted in yellow) Click-right and select Segment/Set Number of Points Set number of points (by default set to 9) as presented in figure below Apply
13
25
25 9 13 9
The number of points specified is recommended to be 4xn + 1 (where n is an integer) to allow multigrid process on minimum 3 grid levels within FINE.
42. Change
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
Click-left on Define/Edit Group Click-left on Create Set a userdefined group name <group-1>- <Enter> to validate Click-left to select edges to include in group-1 Click-middle to add the selected edge in the group-1 as presented in figure below
If the menu to select and/or add edges in a group is no more available, clickleft on the group in the list and click-left on Modify.
Click-left on Create Set a userdefined group name <group-2>- <Enter> to validate Click-left to select edges to include in group-2
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Mesh Generation
Click-middle to add the selected edge in the group-2 as presented in figure below
Close the dialog box Select group-1 under Group name Impose Hyperbolic Tangent with a cell width of <0.0003> at start and end Click-left on Apply to group
Select group-2 under Group name Impose Hyperbolic Tangent with a cell width of <0.0003> at start and <0.001> at end Click-left on Apply to group
43. Close
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
44. Create
Click-left on edge to select grid face (highlighted in white or black) Select Block by Face Translation In keyboard input area, type <y> to allow edge creations - <1> to select translation - <0 0
25.3466> as translation vector - <n> to avoid geometry creation - <n> to avoid to intersect selected surfaces: a 3D block is created by translating the 2D grid face
Repeat the above steps for the others two 2D grid faces
45. Connect
Select Connect / Face-Face Click-left on edge to select the reference face (highlighted in white or black) of the concerned block (highlighted in red)
Click-middle to aknowledge Click-left on edge to select the second face to connect Click-middle to aknowledge: a new window appears Click-left on All: faces appear in green or red if well connected
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Mesh Generation
Repeat the above steps for the others two faces to connect
Click-left on edge (highlighted in yellow) Click-right and select Segment/Set Number of Points Set number of points (by default set to 9) as presented in figure below Apply
47. Map
Click-left on vertex (when highlighted in yellow) of the 3D block to move it on curves Click-left to fix the new position of the vertex on the geometry Repeat above steps for all vertices defining the 3D blocks
Click-Left
Click-Left
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Tutorials
Mesh Generation
48. Generate
Select Periodicity in the Grid menu Enter <8> in Block area Select ROTATION Adapt Axis and Number Of Periodicity as presented below - <Enter> to validate Apply
720
Repeat above steps for block 9 and 10 Close the dialog box
50. Adapt
Select Boundary Conditions in the Grid menu Click on Search to define automatically the connections between blocks 8, 9 and 10: 2 connections and 1 periodic connection are created
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Mesh Generation
Type <shroud> under Name area <Ctrl>-left-click on the patches as presented in figure below Click-left on button Set Patch Type and drag to ROT to change shroud type from solid
(SOL) to rotor/stator (ROT)
Click-Left Click-Left
Select UND under Type area <Ctrl>-left-click on the patches as presented in figure below Click-left on button Set Patch Type and drag to ROT to change type from undefined
(UND) to rotor/stator (ROT)
Click-Left
<Ctrl>-left-click on the patches as presented in figure below Click-left on button Set Patch Type and drag to SOL to change type from undefined
(UND) to solid (SOL)
Click-Left
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Mesh Generation
Select UND under Type pull-down menu and check that no patches are in the patch list still
set with an undefined type It is important to make sure that no undefined patches (UND) are present in the mesh. In that case, these can usually be removed by increasing the tolerance and launching the Search procedure.
- Apply
The computation of the negative volumes is performed first. Negative cells can be outlined in the mesh pushing View neg cells button. Beware that the visualization of negative cells can be memory consuming when a large number of cells must be displayed. It is then advised to first check the number of negative cells by pressing the Apply button. It is mandatory to remove all negative cells before the calculation can be started.
52. Check
Detailed analysis of mesh quality on 3D mesh (in blocks, at boundaries and at FNMB) can be performed only once the 3D mesh has been generated. Information on orthogonality, angular deviation, aspect ratio, expansion ratio and cell width can be outlined in this window using the Type pull-down menu.
Select quality criteria using the Type pull-down menu Click-left on Show chart to visualize the distribution of selected criteria in the form of an
histogram. The histogram is drawn per block (0 = all blocks)
Click-left on part of the histogram to plot the concerned cells in the 3D view Click-left on More info button to obtain information about minimum and maximum values
of the selected criteria
on Close Edition Mode All the actions performed during an editing session are stored in the template file (".trb") and can be replayed on similar geometries.
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54.
Save Project
>Go to File Save Project As <tutorial7> <Enter> to save mesh and template files
Tutorials
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Mesh Generation
The mesh files (7 files) contain the multiblock mesh topology, geometry and grid points and the boundary condition types: ".bcs", ".cgns", ".geom" (".xmt_txt"), ".igg", ".config" and ".qualityReport".The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual. The template files (4 files) contain the parameters and the geometry needed to reproduced the mesh with AutoGrid: ".geomTurbo" (".geomTurbo.xmt_txt"), ".trb" and ".info". The meaning of these files is detailed in the user manual.
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Tutorials