Initialize OpenFOAM simulation with solution form StarCCM

FluentStarter · June 24, 2024, 05:27

Dear all,

I'm working on a project where we at an earlier stage performed StarCCM+ simulations. However, due to some additional functionalities and also for validation purposes we want to run similar simulations in OpenFOAM (v2212). Specifically, we want to use an initial solution + mesh from a StarCCM simulation and continue the simulation in OpenFOAM.
I'm aware of the ccmToFoam functionality https://www.openfoam.com/documentati...C.html#details. This will allow me to port the mesh to OF.
However, I wonder what the most efficient way would be to port the initial field from a StarCCM solution to an initial field in the OF case. Does anyone have experience with that?

Best and thanks in advance.

Martin_Sz · June 26, 2024, 06:00

There are two main approaches to porting the initial field from a StarCCM+ simulation to an OpenFOAM case:
* Using ccmToFoam: While ccmToFoam can convert the mesh, it may not directly translate the initial field data. You'll need to manipulate the converted data to match OpenFOAM's format.
* Manual Conversion: Extract the initial field data from StarCCM+ in a format readable by OpenFOAM (e.g., ASCII). Then, use tools like Python scripts or text editors to convert the data structure and variable names to match OpenFOAM's requirements.
For efficiency, consider using a combination of both methods. Use ccmToFoam for the mesh and leverage it as a reference for manually converting the initial field data.

FluentStarter · July 9, 2024, 06:39

Thanks for the response.

Indeed, I managed to transform the mesh to a mesh usable in OpenFoam. The key here was to simply export the mesh from StarCCM, not including solution data.

However, now I have an additional .csv file with the solution array (x, y, z, T,.....). Is there no existing way to interpolate those field onto the mesh? This has to be hardcoded?

moser_r · August 7, 2024, 09:05

Did you manage to find any simple option for this? I am looking to do the same, and the ccmToFoam tool works nicely for the mesh. It is just frustrating that they did not include the additional code lines to convert the solution data! Unfortunately, I code in Fortran rather than C++, so have no idea where to start with modifying the ccmToFoam code, so might have to write my own converter from scratch.

FluentStarter · Yesterday, 03:54

I have not solved this issue yet. I will start looking at some possibilities again the next weeks.

June 24, 2024, 05:27	Initialize OpenFOAM simulation with solution form StarCCM	#1
FluentStarter Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 50 Rep Power: 12	Dear all, I'm working on a project where we at an earlier stage performed StarCCM+ simulations. However, due to some additional functionalities and also for validation purposes we want to run similar simulations in OpenFOAM (v2212). Specifically, we want to use an initial solution + mesh from a StarCCM simulation and continue the simulation in OpenFOAM. I'm aware of the ccmToFoam functionality https://www.openfoam.com/documentati...C.html#details. This will allow me to port the mesh to OF. However, I wonder what the most efficient way would be to port the initial field from a StarCCM solution to an initial field in the OF case. Does anyone have experience with that? Best and thanks in advance.

June 26, 2024, 06:00		#2
Martin_Sz Senior Member Marcin Join Date: May 2014 Location: Poland, Swiebodzin Posts: 313 Rep Power: 13	There are two main approaches to porting the initial field from a StarCCM+ simulation to an OpenFOAM case: * Using ccmToFoam: While ccmToFoam can convert the mesh, it may not directly translate the initial field data. You'll need to manipulate the converted data to match OpenFOAM's format. * Manual Conversion: Extract the initial field data from StarCCM+ in a format readable by OpenFOAM (e.g., ASCII). Then, use tools like Python scripts or text editors to convert the data structure and variable names to match OpenFOAM's requirements. For efficiency, consider using a combination of both methods. Use ccmToFoam for the mesh and leverage it as a reference for manually converting the initial field data. __________________ Quick Tips and Tricks, Tutorials FLuent/ CFX (CFD) https://howtooansys.blogspot.com/

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July 9, 2024, 06:39		#3
FluentStarter Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 50 Rep Power: 12	Thanks for the response. Indeed, I managed to transform the mesh to a mesh usable in OpenFoam. The key here was to simply export the mesh from StarCCM, not including solution data. However, now I have an additional .csv file with the solution array (x, y, z, T,.....). Is there no existing way to interpolate those field onto the mesh? This has to be hardcoded?

August 7, 2024, 09:05		#4
moser_r New Member Richard Moser Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 29 Rep Power: 17	Did you manage to find any simple option for this? I am looking to do the same, and the ccmToFoam tool works nicely for the mesh. It is just frustrating that they did not include the additional code lines to convert the solution data! Unfortunately, I code in Fortran rather than C++, so have no idea where to start with modifying the ccmToFoam code, so might have to write my own converter from scratch.

Yesterday, 03:54		#5
FluentStarter Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: N/A Posts: 50 Rep Power: 12	I have not solved this issue yet. I will start looking at some possibilities again the next weeks.