Two Dimensional and Axisymmetric Meshes

The use of a one-cell-thick three-dimensional mesh is much less efficient than using a real two-dimensional mesh for two-dimensional and axisymmetric simulations. When circumstances allow, use real two-dimensional meshes.

There are several ways to obtain a 2D mesh in Simcenter STAR-CCM+:

• Create a 2D mesh directly in Simcenter STAR-CCM+.

  This option provides the most efficient and computationally least expensive method for creating a 2D mesh in Simcenter STAR-CCM+. See Creating a Two-Dimensional Mesh.

• Create a 2D mesh in an external program and import it directly into Simcenter STAR-CCM+.

  The Gridgen mesh generator, for example, supports 2D meshes.

• Create a 3D mesh and use the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ option, Mesh > Convert to 2D to extract the cell faces that lie on the Z=0 plane into a 2D mesh.

  See Examples Of Two Dimensional Mesh Extraction.

  During the conversion process, the choice is given to either keep the original 3D mesh or delete it automatically and maintain only the derived 2D mesh. The choice of which region or regions to convert is also provided.

To practice creating a 2D mesh, try completing the Steady Flow: Backward Facing Step tutorial.