Working with the STAR-CCM+ Boundary Data (.sbd) Format

The Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Boundary Data (.sbd) file format is an internal Simcenter STAR-CCM+ format that allows you to exchange boundaries across different simulations. For boundaries that you choose, this binary file contains mesh information as well as selected scalar or vector solution data.

The advantages of this format for exchanging boundaries include:
  • It enables coupling of simulations with different physics.
  • Each of the analyses can be performed separately and the coupling can take place at desired intervals.
  • It is especially suitable when each of the analyses requires significant computer resources.
  • You can isolate boundaries alone for coupling, rather than importing a whole region. The emphasis on boundaries is shown in the Export File dialog, which replaces the Regions tab with one for boundaries when you select the .sbd format in the Files of Type drop-down list.

An example of using this file format is a coupled conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis to optimize the design of an automobile. This optimization involves exchanging the heat transfer coefficient and reference temperature with vehicle thermal analysis and retrieving surface temperatures. Given the distinct nature of physics to be captured in the under-hood fluid analysis and in the vehicle thermal analysis, the models created are drastically different. Differences include the mesh densities and topologies, the grouping of parts and boundary definitions, and the preservation of geometric features such as sharp corners and edges. However, the .sbd file makes this possible with the following procedure:
  1. Choosing the boundaries representing the under-hood surface from the fluid analysis and selecting the local heat transfer coefficient and reference temperature for export.
  2. Exporting the chosen boundaries and the selected fields to an external .sbd file. See Exporting Mesh and Solution Data.
  3. Importing the.sbd file into the solid analysis, and mapping the imported surface data to the corresponding under-hood surface in the vehicle thermal model. For more information, see Importing a CAE Model and Mapping CAE Solution Data to a STAR-CCM+ Model.
  4. Performing thermal analysis.
  5. Choosing the boundaries comprising the solid under-hood surface and selecting the surface temperature for export. See Exporting Mapped Data.
  6. Exporting the chosen boundaries and the selected fields to an external .sbd file.
  7. Importing the .sbd file into the fluid analysis and mapping data onto the surface.