Solving Difficult Grid Related Problems Utilizing the Volume Grid Manipulator

Proceedings, 7th International Meshing Roundtable, Sandia National Lab, pp.35-57, October 1998

INTERNATIONAL
MESHING
ROUNTABLE

7th International Meshing Roundtable
October 26-28, 1998
Dearborn, Michigan, USA

Lockheed Martin Engineering and Sciences
Hampton, Virginia 23681
e-mail: s.j.alterlarc.nasa.gov

Abstract
This article presents a set of methods to solve difficult problems in grid generation as related to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CED). Throughout the evolution of a CFD simulation, modification of existing volume grids may be required to improve flow domain capture, resolve characteristic gradients, and enhance the accuracy of computed aerodynamic and thermodynamic parameters. The processes identified in this paper make extensive use of the Volume Grid Manipulator (VGM) multi-purpose grid manipulation code which contains an interpretor style language. The VGM software enables the build up of simple processes, or manipulations, to develop complex techniques that can be used to solve a wide variety of grid related problems. The VGM code also provides a user friendly environment for the solution of difficult grid related problems. Coupling the rich command language with the journaling or script generation capability afforded by the VGM code, enables the use of complex solution techniques to solve a variety of grid problems as well as provide quick turnaround. To demonstrate the powerful manipulative capabilities of the VGM code, a volume grid of a simple shape with multiple flow features will be adapted, a wake volume grid will be appended to a volume grid of an X33 Venturestar, and the volume grid of another X33 Venturestar will be expanded to ensure flow capture while removing negative volume cells.

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