Difference in Symmetry and Periodic Boundary Condition

Difference in symmetry and periodic boundary condition. Difference in symmetry and match control in meshing.

Symmetry boundaries are used to reduce the extent of your computational model, they are used when the physical geometry, and the expected pattern of the flow/thermal solution, have mirror symmetry.

Periodic boundary conditions are used when the physical geometry of interest and the expected pattern of the flow/thermal solution have a periodically repeating nature. It is applied when slice of the geometry is taken from the circular or cylindrical geometry. Periodic boundary conditions are more suitable for pipe flow in axial directions as it accounts for pressure drop and applies a fully developed flow.

For more details, please refer to the document below: