Sources are used in CFD-VisCART to refine the grid in localized regions of the domain. One of the many types of sources available is the Box Source where the user specifies a cuboidal box around the region where a finer grid is required. In earlier versions, the user would have to add a Box Source and then specify its X, Y and Z extents to position the box in the desired location. Although this can still be done, since the 2007 Beta version of CFD-VisCART, a new and more convenient manner of adding a box source has been introduced.

In most applications, a box source is added around a component or assembly to refine the grid and thus better resolve the results (velocity gradients, heat transfer, etc.) next to the surfaces of those components. Thus it seemed to make a lot of sense to allow the user to select a single part or a bunch of parts and add a box source around them. The X, Y and Z extents of the selected parts are detected and a cumulative value is used. The procedure to be followed is very simple as described below:

1. In CFD-VisCART, select the part or parts you want to place a box source around.

Figure 1.  Fan geometry selected 


2. Under the Source tab (see figure 2 below), click on Box Source and a box source will appear around the selected geometry as shown in figure 3. The box source information will appear automatically in the Source panel where the user can make any desired changes, for example adjusting the dimensions of the box to include the wake that may be generated due to the component, or changing the level of refinement, etc.

Figure 2.  Source tab with Box Source option and settings 

Figure 4 shows the refinement around the fan due to the box source.

Figure 4.  Refined grid around fan 

If you have any questions on this tip or have suggestions on future tips, please let us know.

Regards,
Santosh Kini
ESI CFD Support Team