What do you use for geometry preparation
 

Hi there, just a quick question, what cad software do you use for preparing geometry for StarCCM+ simulation? Is there any preference?:confused:

What CAD softwares StarCCM+ has the direct connection? I couldn't find such information on the website.

Is CAD connection with StarCCM+ important? I am talking about changing geometries

Thanks in advance.

I use SW for CAD. However I save as a parasolid to import into star-ccm since sometimes the sw imported geometry comes in weird.

I don't really have to clean up geometry much. I either wrap the surface or clean up the geometry in star-ccm

+1 to SolidWorks; STEP or Parasolid for neutral geometry format for import to Star

Thanks Plucas/cwl, I have changed my initial post to make my question clearer.

I know it connects to SW and Creo for sure. I am pretty sure it would connect to NX and Catia. I do not feel it is necessary for the fact that I just save each part as a parasolid and import in.

Best bet is to contact them. You will get more information from them on CAD connection.

Using SW as well here, then parasolid :)
Rhino sometimes.

If you have the licenses, you can import nearly any native CAD geometry into STAR-CCM+. There's also other licenses available that allow you to modify your CAD geometry in STAR-CCM+ and have those changes flow upstream to your CAD package.

We used to use Spaceclaim for geometry preparatison for ANSYS. We found it superior in doing this kind of jobs. Is it still needed for StarCCM+?

Dealing with cleaner CAD always makes life easier, so in some cases it may be desirable, however it is not absolutely necessary.

you should also consider using the inbuild 3d-cad - it is not solidworks but satisfies lots of people and has the big advantage that your cad is connected to the mesh and post processing and a quick change to cad can be done and then mesh and run using the old results as the initial conditions for the next design - great for parametric studies and optimization. this same two connectivity also now exists with all the major cad packages by the way