ANSYS TurboGrid

ANSYS TurboGrid imports geometry definitions from blade design software like ANSYS BladeModeler. In a modern graphical user interface, selected topologies are adjusted to the specifics of a particular blade design. The integrated grid topologies ensure an optimal mesh can be created, with minimal user input required. The same topology is then automatically adapted to variants of a design, ensuring a consistent mesh is produced. Such self-consistent meshes are critical when assessing differences in performance predictions between designs, to minimize the mesh dependency in any such comparisons. ANSYS TurboGrid also includes full scripting for batch mode operation, to maximize productivity when assessing many variants to optimize blade geometries.

Using ANSYS TurboGrid within the ANSYS Workbench Platform also allows users to set up complete turbomachinery analyses, from geometry design to meshing, with persistent system-wide parameter management to automate entire standardized processes.

A novel technology targeting complete automation combined with unprecedented level of mesh quality for even the most complex blade shapes is also available. Users simply define the desired final mesh size, and optionally the blade boundary layer resolution, and all other steps are performed automatically to produce a mesh of extremely high quality elements. Grid angles are exceptionally good, while still generating high aspect ratio elements in the boundary layers to resolve these efficiently and capture boundary layer flow accurately.

Highest quality, automatically created mesh using unique topology and meshing technology

For blades with clearances at the shroud, or even at the hub, ANSYS TurboGrid also provides a solution. Users can specify the amount of tip clearance in numerous ways, for example as a percentage of span or at a specified distance from the hub or shroud. The grid in the tip can be either matching or non-matching along the center of the blade thickness, to ensure optimal grid quality and accurate prediction of the blade tip flow.

Tip clearance mesh detail in a near the leading edge of a radial compressor

ANSYS TurboGrid offers a user-friendly point-and-click environment with display functions familiar to blade designers, including 2-D blade-to-blade and meridional planes for viewing the flow path and blade position. The view is updated automatically with each input to reflect the latest changes.

ANSYS TurboGrid user interface configured with 3D, meridional, and blade-to-blade views

ANSYS TurboGrid provides immediate feedback on the mesh quality, based on criteria like grid skew angles, mesh expansion rates, and aspect ratios of mesh elements. Any mesh elements which do not meet target quality criteria are highlighted, to guide the user in adjusting user input and controls accordingly.

Red highlights indicate mesh elements in which selected grid quality criteria are not met; small adjustments to control points can then be applied to achieve the desired quality