[FM_Stiral]

Hi Salome and openFOAM users.


I am facing a problem with mesh conversion from Salome to OpenFOAM.


Context :



1 / My geometry is made of 3 parts : a pipe, a rectangular pipe and a junction (for mesh transition). The geometry is constructed with Solidworks and exported as STEP file


2 / I use Salome for mesh generation (I import the step file, explode the assembly in 3 solids). I mesh each solid independently (3D extrusion for pipe and rectangular pipe, and NetGen 3D for junction) BUT with a continuity at interface faces (using import 1D-2D Elements from Another Mesh algorithm as sub mesh). Of course, I create groups of faces for boundaries (inlet, outlet and wall).

Then I make a compound with the 3 different meshes.


At this step, everything seems ok. Problems start at the following steps.


3 / For OpenFOAM mesh use, I need a compatible mesh format.

1 : My 1st option is to export my mesh in .UNV file (however, this format do not recognize pyramids and this is a big problem for me).
2 : My second option is to use python scripts (SalomeToOpenFOAM). This script is very interesting (thank to nicolasedh and others for their contributions). However, using this script, I have internal faces at the interface between the pipe and the junction that are recognized as external faces and made in defaultPatches face group.

3 : Other solution ?




I would like to keep Solidworks for CAD generation, Salome for mesh generation because I find it easy to use (when you have spend time playing with it) but if you know a free software easy to use with a good documentation I could change, and of course OpenFOAM.


For information, when I realize a face control (faces with bare border) in Salome, it seems faces that cause my problem are highlighted. However, I don't know how to fix my problem.




In attachment, I share my Step file (I would like to share my salome file but it is too big, even with cleared mesh data).



Thank you for you help and time spent to my demand, and do not hesitate if my demand is not very clear.
I hope you can help me.