CFD Online Discussion Forums - OpenFOAM Axial Fan

Hello Everybody,

I am long time user of FLUENT. But recent changes (in office) have make me go towards open source packages like Elmer and OpenFOAM. Using FLUENT for long time, I am not, anymore, well versed with packages like OpenFOAM where some coding is required and syntaxes are used. So for transition I am trying to solve FLUENT examples using OF so that I can get comparative understanding of how the process goes in OF. I would like to start with axial fan found here. I have already downloaded the mesh files and I can convert using fluentMeshToFoam.

I am entirely new with packages like OpenFOAM and need help with the following:

1. Meshing - After converting the mesh, I would like to group and label different zones and boundaries. I saw few tutorials where FoamX is used to do this. But I couldn't fine where to download from and install it. If there are alternatives that would be good as well. Also I tried using Salome. One of the path I like to follow is develop geometry in Pro/E and import it in Salome as .igs file. Mesh the file using Salome and export it as i-deas mesh. Now I would like to use this i-deas mesh for FOAM.

2. Boundary Conditions - Right now I am trying to use exactly the same boundary conditions used in tutorial. So the help implementing same boundary condition in OF especially periodic boundary condition.

3. Solver - If I understand correctly, simpleFoam with Turbulent model would be sufficient.

4. Noise Analysis - This is new for me as well. I haven't done this previously. I am not sure if OpenFOAM is capable of this or not. If it is, would I be doing it simultaneously with flow analysis or sequentially (using flow field data of fan).

Thanks,

MG.