Multiple Zone Meshing
 

Hi,

This may seem like a very basic question but I have been unable to find the answer, so I would appreciate any help you could offer.

I am trying to carry out a 2D CFD analysis of a vertical axis wind turbine. I drew the attached "Computational Domain" in DesignModeller and imported it into ICEM. The attached "Zoomed Section" may give a better understanding. It is a model of a static zone and a rotating zone. Note, the Interface 2 is just so that I could have closer control of the mesh near the airfoil. It serves no other purpose.

However, in ICEM, I cannot work out how to mesh the various zones separately. I have tried to create a block, as this is what I did in a previous static study which only contained one zone. In this case, when I create it, the block is always is located on the external perimeter as shown (see "Block"). This is not a problem as I can then move this into the area in question, and mesh it as shown (see "Mesh1").

However, when I try to create a second block and mesh the second small circle in a similar manner, it allows me to go through the process (as far as pre-mesh stage). However, I am unable to get back to the first mesh to edit its properties and when I try to create the third block for the third little circle, all the information from circle 2 disappears.

Can anyone advise how I may go about meshing the various areas separately? I have also tried to split the one big block without success.

I have tried to access my university's subscription to the Ansys Customer Portal to see if I can find anything in there, but the code I have is not working this morning, despite the fact that it worked perfectly last week. I need to follow this up with my lecturer on Monday.

Thanks,
Aidan