Chapter 3
Meshing
Publication: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling in Water Infrastructure: Best Practices
Abstract
Meshing is the process of spatial discretization of model geometry. A successful CFD model requires a high-quality mesh to ensure a stable and numerically accurate model. This chapter addresses mesh quality, focusing on the wide variety of scales and flow regimes that are seen in civil and environmental engineering. Meshing is a trial-and-error process but can be guided by some basic rules of thumb. In terms of cell connectivity, a mesh can be classified into structured, unstructured (also called flexible), or hybrid mesh. A high-quality mesh is a strong driver of overall model accuracy and repeatability. The size of the mesh depends on the specific geometry, type of flow, and phenomena being modeled. The goal of the model can serve as a guide to the meshing process. Visualizing the general flow field prior to modeling can be of significant help.
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References
Bartrand, T. A., B. Farouk, and C. N. Haas. 2009. “Countercurrent gas/liquid flow and mixing: Implications for water disinfection.” Int. J. Multiphase Flow 35 (2): 171–184.
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Pathapati, S., A. Mazzei, J. Jackson, P. Overbeck, et al. 2016. “Optimization of mixing and mass transfer in pipeline ozone contactors using computational fluid dynamics.” Ozone: Sci. Eng. 38 (4): 245–252.
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Zhang, J. 2014. “Numerical simulation of flow in ozonation process.” Ph.D. thesis, University of South Florida, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling in Water Infrastructure: Best Practices
Pages: 13 - 18
Editor: Yovanni A. Cataño-Lopera, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8512-5
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Oct 3, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Computational fluid dynamics technique
- Design (by type)
- Driver behavior
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Geometrics
- Highway and road design
- Hybrid methods
- Hydrologic engineering
- Infrastructure
- Mesh generation
- Methodology (by type)
- Model accuracy
- Models (by type)
- Numerical models
- Traffic engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Water and water resources
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