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[Other] Help going from SolidWorks to OpenFoam

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Old   January 21, 2025, 15:01
Default Help going from SolidWorks to OpenFoam
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Henri
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As a user of SolidWorks, I am used to using the SolidWorks meshing capabilities to make my mesh*. I can then download the mesh as a 3D .STL and would like to know how I can use this in OpenFoam. I am hoping someone might have a solution either specifically for SolidWorks or for general .STL files that can be put through a process (please help describe) and analyzed with OpenFoam.

I appreciate any help or advice. I also have Ansys Student if there is an easier process for that (and all linked software for OpenFoam like ParaView and snappyHexMesh). Any process that can get me from SolidWorks-made mesh or an .STL download to a working OpenFoam simulation would make my month (I have been trying for quite some time with little success from online resources).

*Project details:
I am working with a modeled turbofan engine that is built in 3D SolidWorks CAD fashion. I am looking to make sure the inlet to outlet speed is in the desired range (recommendations on compressible fluid/other choices within OpenFoam also encouraged!). I am using OpenFoam2406 currently. My current idea is to change values right after the compressor to the conditions that I desire before it hits the nozzle to ensure the nozzle accelerates the air to the right speed needed (feel free to critique this or any other idea).
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Old   January 22, 2025, 04:49
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Yann
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Hello Henri

STL is a surface mesh format. It only contains the surfaces of your geometry while you need a volume mesh to run a simulation.

In OpenFOAM you can use a STL as an input to create your mesh with snappyHexMesh.

The other solution is to create your volume mesh in another software and to convert it to the OpenFOAM format. There are a bunch of utilities in OpenFOAM to convert meshes: https://develop.openfoam.com/Develop...esh/conversion
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Old   January 22, 2025, 12:35
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Thank you, that clears up a lot. I appreciate your help!!!
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.stl file, engine simulation, solidworks model

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