Inflation layer (boundary layer mesh)

Category: 流体解析(CFD) | Integrated 2026-04-06
CAE visualization for inflation layer theory - technical simulation diagram
インフレーション層(境界層メッシュ)

Theory and Physics

Overview

🧑‍🎓

Teacher! Today's topic is about the inflation layer (boundary layer mesh), right? What is it?


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Prismatic layers near walls. y+ requirements. Setting the growth ratio.



🧑‍🎓

After hearing this, I finally understand why prismatic layers near walls are so important!


Governing Equations




$$ y^+=\frac{y u_\tau}{\nu}\approx 1 \text{ (for low-Re)} $$
$$ \Delta y_1=\frac{y^+\mu}{\rho u_\tau} $$



🧑‍🎓

Now I understand what my senior meant when they said, "Make sure you do the inflation layer properly."


Discretization Methods

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How do you actually solve these equations on a computer?


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We use spatial discretization via the Finite Element Method (FEM). We assemble the element stiffness matrices and construct the global stiffness equation.


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We perform transformation to the weak form (variational form) and use formulation via the Galerkin method using test functions and shape functions. The choice of element type (low-order elements vs. higher-order elements, full integration vs. reduced integration) directly affects the trade-off between solution accuracy and computational cost.




Matrix Solution Algorithms

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What exactly are matrix solution algorithms?


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Solve the system of equations using direct methods (LU decomposition, Cholesky decomposition) or iterative methods (CG method, GMRES method). For large-scale problems, preconditioned iterative methods are effective.



SolverClassificationMemory UsageApplicable Scale
LU decompositionDirect MethodO(n²)Small to Medium Scale
Cholesky decompositionDirect Method (Symmetric Positive-Definite)O(n²)Small to Medium Scale
PCG MethodIterative MethodO(n)Large Scale
GMRES MethodIterative MethodO(n·m)Large Scale / Non-Symmetric
AMG PreconditionerPreprocessingO(n)Very Large Scale
🧑‍🎓

So if you cut corners on the finite element method part, you'll pay for it later. I'll keep that in mind!


Implementation in Commercial Tools

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So, what software can be used to handle the inflation layer (boundary layer mesh)?


Tool NameDeveloper/CurrentPrimary File Formats
Ansys FluentAnsys Inc..cas, .dat, .msh, .jou
Simcenter STAR-CCM+Siemens Digital Industries Software.sim, .java, .csv
OpenFOAMOpen Source (OpenCFD/ESI, OpenFOAM Foundation)Dictionary files (blockMeshDict, etc.), .foam
Ansys CFXAnsys Inc..cfx, .def, .res, .ccl

Vendor Lineage and Product Integration History

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Are the origins of each software quite dramatic?



Ansys Fluent

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Next is about Ansys Fluent. What's the content?


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Developed by Fluent Inc. Acquired by Ansys in 2006. A general-purpose CFD solver based on unstructured grids.

Current Affiliation: Ansys Inc.



Simcenter STAR-CCM+

🧑‍🎓

Next is about Simcenter STAR. What's the content?


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Developed by CD-adapco. Acquired by Siemens in 2016 and integrated into the Simcenter brand. Features polyhedral meshes.

Current Affiliation: Siemens Digital Industries Software


🧑‍🎓

After hearing this, I finally understand why development is so important!



OpenFOAM

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What exactly is OpenFOAM?


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Open-source CFD originating from Imperial College London. Parallel development by OpenCFD Ltd (under ESI Group) and The OpenFOAM Foundation.

Current Affiliation: Open Source (OpenCFD/ESI, OpenFOAM Foundation)


🧑‍🎓

Wow, the story about development is incredibly interesting! Tell me more.


File Formats and Interoperability

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Are there any points to note when transferring data between different software?


FormatExtensionTypeOverview
CGNS.cgnsCFD DataCFD General Notation System. Standard exchange format for CFD results.
VTK.vtk/.vtuVisualizationVisualization Toolkit format. Used by ParaView, etc.
STL.stlMeshTriangular facets only. 3D printer standard. Not suitable for CAE meshing.
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