Learning Forum

[ciciola.2027298]

Hi everyone,
I'm running into a frustrating issue while trying to generate a surface mesh in Fluent Meshing (via Workbench) for an external flow simulation around a motorcycle CAD model.

Here’s the setup:

• The geometry is created in SpaceClaim.

• I create an enclosure to define the fluid domain.

• I apply Share Topology = Share between the enclosure and all the internal solid parts (e.g., fork, fairing, engine, etc.).

• The radiator, however, is not deleted after the enclosure, because it needs to be treated as a fluid volume itself (internal flow).

• Everything seems fine on geometry import, no CAD import errors.

However, the problem arises when I generate the surface mesh: Fluent only meshes a few groups (fork, handlebar, radiator), but the rest of the domain (fairing, engine, ground, inlet/outlet, wheels, etc.) disappears completely from the surface mesh.

I’ve also noticed that:

• If I switch Share Topology to Merge, Fluent gives CAD import errors.

• Under "Interference" detection in SpaceClaim, the radiator and the adjacent wall are marked as interfering, even though they’re just in contact.

• The radiator touches the symmetry plane of the model (cut along longitudinal midplane).

I’ve tried various settings (curvature, proximity, face size) in the surface mesh controls, but the issue persists.

Has anyone encountered this behavior before? Could it be caused by:

• Improper Share Topology usage?

• Geometric interference near the symmetry plane?

• The fact that the radiator is included but not removed from the enclosure?

Any suggestions on best practices or steps to debug this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Rob]

Rather than use an enclosure create a zone for the external region. Make sure the wheels don't just skim the ground surface. Then subtract all volumes, and delete anything you don't want in the CFD model. Then do share topo and mesh.