Axisymmetric Refinement

Axisymmetric Refinement#

Axisymmetric refinement creates structured-like mesh with cylindrical bias, ideal for rotating machinery, propellers, and axisymmetric flow features, providing optimal resolution for circumferential and radial flow patterns.

Available Options#

Option

Description

Spacing axial

Mesh spacing along cylinder axis

Spacing radial

Mesh spacing in radial direction

Spacing circumferential

Mesh spacing in circumferential direction

Assigned cylinders

Target cylindrical regions for refinement

Detailed Descriptions#

Spacing Axial#

Defines the mesh spacing along the cylinder axis.

  • Required

  • Example: 0.02 m

Note: Critical for capturing axial flow features and gradients.

Spacing Radial#

Specifies the mesh spacing in the radial direction.

  • Required

  • Example: 0.01 m

Note: Important for resolving radial flow patterns and boundary layer development.

Spacing Circumferential#

Controls the mesh spacing in the circumferential direction.

  • Required

  • Example: 0.015 m

Note: Essential for capturing rotational effects and circumferential variations.

Assigned cylinders#

Identifies the axisymmetric regions where axisymmetric refinement will be applied.

  • Required

Notes:

  • Must reference valid entities in the geometry.

  • Assign the entities by selecting from the list using the + button or select graphically in the viewer region.

  • Definition through Axisymmetric volumes is available only while using the beta mesher

💡 Tips

  • Match circumferential and radial spacing for optimal quality

  • Use 20+ axial layers for strong gradients

  • Consider tip Mach number for propeller applications

  • Ensure sufficient resolution for tip vortices

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens if axisymmetric refinements overlap?

    Axisymmetric refinements cannot overlap. Each axisymmetric region must be defined so that it does not intersect another axisymmetric refinement.

🐍 Python Example Usage

See also

Python API:

import flow360 as fl

# Propeller region refinement
prop_ref = fl.AxisymmetricRefinement(
    name="propeller_region",
    entities=[prop_cylinder],
    spacing_axial=0.02 * fl.u.m,
    spacing_radial=0.01 * fl.u.m,
    spacing_circumferential=0.015 * fl.u.m
)

# High-resolution rotor region
rotor_ref = fl.AxisymmetricRefinement(
    name="rotor_region",
    entities=[rotor_cylinder],
    spacing_axial=0.01 * fl.u.m,  # Finer for better gradient resolution
    spacing_radial=0.005 * fl.u.m,  # Finer for tip vortex capture
    spacing_circumferential=0.01 * fl.u.m  # Finer for better circumferential resolution
)
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