i'd like to generate a structured grid for a straight cylindrical pipe (compressible viscous) where the first grid point away from the wall is to be at y+ = 1. how can i calculate the actual distance this represents. i have some ideas already but i'd like to see if anyone has better ones. thanks in advance

Check out this link

http://geolab.larc.nasa.gov/APPS/YPlus/

I usually estimate a dy based on a correlation for a flat plate with good results for both cylindrical (pipe) and irregular geometries:

1. Calculate the Reynolds number = rho*V*D/mu 2. Estimate the coefficient of friction for a flat plate Cf=0.025/Re^(1/7) 3. Estimate dy from the definition of y+ dy=(y+)/(Re*sqrt(Cf/2))

(1). In the fully-developed pipe flow region, you can use the pipe flow solution to estimate the y value at Y+=1. That is you need a solution first in order to compute the y value. (2). In the pipe entrance region, which can be rather long for high Reynolds number flow, you have to use the estimated boundary layer thickness to guide your mesh. (3). Actually, this is only the begining, and you have to develope a series of meshes based on the actual computed flow field to get the Cf and the y value at Y+=1. So, the initial grid spacing does not have to be very accurate in Y+=1. The formula given in Steve and Alton's message give roughly the same value, but it does not address the pipe inlet mesh problem. But I guess, these are only for initial mesh distribution.

thanks for the tip John. i'm lucky in my case because the pipe inflow is fully developed

Most internal pipe flows can be considered as a flat plate for y+ estimations. For example, a wind tunnel (= square pipe) is generally considered to be a flat plate. Also, the initial guess for y+ of 1 may be wrong but initial simulations can give you a better value if your initial guess is based on something physical as opposed to a guess.

Thanks much, Long Hung Dong