Volume mesh slices

Volume mesh slices#

Volume mesh slices allow you to extract planar slice outputs from the generated volume mesh. These slices can be used to inspect the mesh quality and structure at specific locations.

Available Options#

Option

Description

Applicable

Name

Name of the mesh slice output

always

Assigned slices

Slice entities to extract from the mesh

always

Include crinkled slices

Whether to generate crinkled slices

always

Cutoff radius

Limit the radial extent of slices

always

Detailed Descriptions#

Name#

Display name for this mesh slice output configuration.

  • Default: Volume mesh slice

Assigned slices#

The slice entities that define where to extract mesh data.

  • Required

Notes:

  • Select slices from the 3D scene or from the entity list using the + button

  • Each slice is defined by an origin point and a normal direction

  • Multiple slices can be assigned to a single output configuration

Include crinkled slices#

Toggle to generate crinkled (stair-stepped) slices.

  • Default: Off

Notes:

  • Flat slices interpolate values to the exact slice plane

  • Crinkled slices follow cell boundaries, showing the actual mesh structure

  • Crinkled slices are useful for inspecting mesh topology and cell distribution

Cutoff radius#

Optional radial limit for the slice output, measured from the slice origin.

  • Default: None (slice extends to mesh boundaries)

  • Units: Dimensionless (in mesh units)

Notes:

  • When not specified, the slice extends to the boundaries of the volume mesh

  • Useful for focusing on a specific region of interest

  • Reduces output file size for large meshes

💡 Tips

  • Use mesh slices to verify boundary layer resolution before running a simulation

  • Place slices at critical locations (e.g., symmetry planes, wake regions, areas of expected flow separation)

  • Enable crinkled slices when you need to inspect the actual cell structure rather than interpolated values

  • Use cutoff radius to limit slice size when only a local region is of interest

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between flat and crinkled slices?

    Flat slices interpolate mesh data to the exact plane location, giving smooth visualizations. Crinkled slices show the actual cell faces that intersect the plane, revealing the true mesh structure with stair-step edges.

  • When should I use cutoff radius?

    Use cutoff radius when you only need to inspect a local region of the mesh, such as near the body surface. This reduces file size and speeds up visualization for large meshes.

  • Can I output multiple slices with different settings?

    Yes, you can create multiple mesh slice output configurations, each with different slice locations, crinkled settings, and cutoff radii.

🐍 Python Example Usage

 
import flow360 as fl

# Define slice entities
slice_y0 = fl.Slice(
    name="Y0_plane",
    normal=(0, 1, 0),
    origin=(0, 0, 0) * fl.u.m
)

slice_wake = fl.Slice(
    name="Wake_slice",
    normal=(1, 0, 0),
    origin=(2, 0, 0) * fl.u.m
)

# Create mesh slice output
mesh_slices = fl.MeshSliceOutput(
    name="Mesh inspection slices",
    slices=[slice_y0, slice_wake],
    include_crinkled_slices=True,
    cutoff_radius=5.0
)
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