ANSYS FLUENT allows you to import the following file formats:
• ABAQUS .inp,.fil, and .odb files.
• CFX .def and .res files.
• CGNS files.
• EnSight files.
• ANSYS FIDAP files.
• GAMBIT files.
• HYPERMESH ASCII files.
• IC3M files.
• I-deas Universal files.
• LSTC/DYNA keyword input files and state databases.
• Marc POST files.
• Mechanical APDL .inp,.cdb,.rst,.rmg, and .rfl files.
• NASTRAN Bulk Data files.
• PATRAN Neutral files.
• PLOT3D mesh files.
• PTC Mechanica Design studies.
• Tecplot files.
Figure 4.4 The Import Menu
For information on importing particle history data, see Importing Particle Data (p. 1150).
For additional information, please see the following sections:
4.12.1. ABAQUS Files 4.12.2. CFX Files
4.12.3. Meshes and Data in CGNS Format 4.12.4. EnSight Files
4.12.5. ANSYS FIDAP Neutral Files 4.12.6. GAMBIT and GeoMesh Mesh Files 4.12.7. HYPERMESH ASCII Files
4.12.8. IC3M Files
4.12.9. I-deas Universal Files 4.12.10. LSTC Files
4.12.11. Marc POST Files 4.12.12. Mechanical APDL Files 4.12.13. NASTRAN Files
4.12.14. PATRAN Neutral Files 4.12.15. PLOT3D Files
4.12.16. PTC Mechanica Design Files 4.12.17.Tecplot Files
4.12.18. FLUENT 4 Case Files 4.12.19. PreBFC Files
4.12.20. Partition Files
4.12.21. CHEMKIN Mechanism
4.12.1. ABAQUS Files
To import an ABAQUS input file, use the File/Import/ABAQUS/Input File... menu item.
File → Import → ABAQUS → Input File...
Select this menu item to open the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the ABAQUS Input File to be read. The ABAQUS input file (.inp) is a text file which contains the input description of a finite element model for the ABAQUS finite element program. The interface only produces datasets associated with the finite element model, no results of datasets are produced. Element types commonly associated with structural analysis are supported by this file format. There is a list of input keywords that are recog-nized in the ABAQUS Input File [3] (p. 2367).
To import an ABAQUS filbin file, use the File/Import/ABAQUS/Filbin File... menu item.
File → Import → ABAQUS → Filbin File...
Select this menu item to open the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the ABAQUS Filbin File to be read. This output file has a .fil extension and consists of finite element model and results data.
To import an ABAQUS ODB file, use the File/Import/ABAQUS/ODB File... menu item.
File → Import → ABAQUS → ODB File...
Select this menu item to open the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the ABAQUS ODB File to be read. This output database file has a .odb extension and consists of finite element model and results data in the OpenDocument format.
4.12.2. CFX Files
To import a CFX definition file, use the File/Import/CFX/Definition File... menu item.
File → Import → CFX → Definition File...
Select this menu item to invoke the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the CFX Definition File to be read. The solver reads mesh information from the CFX file with .def extensions. For information about importing CFX files, see CFX Files (p. 154).
To import a CFX result file, use the File/Import/CFX/Result File... menu item.
File → Import → CFX → Result File...
In the Select File dialog box, specify the name of the CFX Result File to be read. Those imported files will have .res extensions.
Note that the Create Zones from CCL Physics Data option in the Select File dialog boxes allows you to create zones from the physics data objects or the primitive mesh region objects.
Important
CFX file import is available for 3D cases only.
4.12.3. Meshes and Data in CGNS Format
To import meshes in CFD general notation system (CGNS) format (.cgns) into ANSYS FLUENT, use the File/Import/CGNS/Mesh... menu item.
File → Import → CGNS → Mesh...
To import a mesh and the corresponding CGNS data, use the File/Import/CGNS/Mesh & Data... menu item.
File → Import → CGNS → Mesh & Data...
To import only the CGNS data, use the File/Import/CGNS/Data... menu item.
File → Import → CGNS → Data...
Important
• To import data correctly, first import the mesh using the mesh only option (Mesh...), set up the boundary conditions, and read the data using the data only option (Data...). For example, if a boundary zone is of type pressure-outlet and is read as outlet, it should be changed to pressure-outlet before importing the data.
• The new and original meshes should have the same zones, numbered in the same order. A warning is issued if they do not, because inconsistencies can create problems with the boundary conditions.
4.12.4. EnSight Files
You can import an EnSight file using the File/Import/EnSight... menu item.
File → Import → EnSight...
This file format is applied to both unstructured and structured data, where each part contains its own local coordinate array. The EnSight Gold software package, which uses this file format, allows you to analyze, visualize, and communicate engineering datasets. It allows the you to take full advantage of parallel processing and rendering and supports a range of virtual reality devices. Furthermore, it enables real-time collaboration.
When selecting this option, the Select File dialog box will appear, where you will specify a file name.
This file will have an .encas or .case extension.
Only the mesh file is read into ANSYS FLUENT, and any data present is discarded.
4.12.5. ANSYS FIDAP Neutral Files
You can read an ANSYS FIDAP neutral file using the File/Import/FIDAP... menu item.
File → Import → FIDAP...
In the Select File dialog box, specify the name of the ANSYS FIDAP Neutral File to be read. This file will have an .FDNEUT or .unv file extension. ANSYS FLUENT reads mesh information and zone types
from the ANSYS FIDAP file. You must specify boundary conditions and other information after reading this file. For information about importing ANSYS FIDAP Neutral files, see ANSYS FIDAP Neutral Files (p. 157).
4.12.6. GAMBIT and GeoMesh Mesh Files
If you have saved a neutral file from GAMBIT, rather than an ANSYS FLUENT mesh file, you can import it into ANSYS FLUENT using the File/Import/GAMBIT... menu item.
File → Import → GAMBIT...
For information about importing files from GAMBIT and GeoMesh, see GAMBIT Mesh Files (p. 149) and GeoMesh Mesh Files (p. 149).
4.12.7. HYPERMESH ASCII Files
You can read a HYPERMESH ASCII file using the File/Import/HYPERMESH ASCII... menu item.
File → Import → HYPERMESH ASCII...
HYPERMESH is a high-performance finite element pre- and postprocessor for popular finite element solvers, allowing engineers to analyze product design performance in a highly interactive and visual environment.
When selecting this option, the Select File dialog box will appear, where you will specify a file name.
This file should have an .hm,.hma, or .hmascii extension.
4.12.8. IC3M Files
ANSYS FLUENT has the ability to import in-cylinder simulation files that have been created using the IC3M preprocessor of ICEM CFD. For information about creating and setting up such files, see the IC3M User Guide and Tutorial Manual (available to licensed ICEM CFD IC3M users).
When importing IC3M files, first make sure that all of the relevant files exported from ICEM CFD IC3M are in the same folder and uncompressed. Then import the files, using the File/Import/IC3M... menu item.
File → Import → IC3M...
Important
• IC3M files can only be imported into the 3D version of ANSYS FLUENT (single or double precision).
• IC3M files should not be used with ANSYS FLUENT in Workbench.
In the Select File dialog box, specify the name of the mesh file, which should have a .msh extension.
After the file is selected, ANSYS FLUENT will read in the mesh and automatically set up the case file to run a dynamic mesh simulation, using the parameters defined in the IC3M preprocessor. You can make certain changes to the dynamic mesh setup, but this is not necessary. See Using Dynamic Meshes (p. 573) for further details about setting up the dynamic mesh. Note that you cannot change the engine para-meters for an engine set up using IC3M, except for the time step size.
The information read in from the IC3M files includes the starting and ending crank angle for the simu-lation. After reading the .msh file, ANSYS FLUENT will position the mesh such that it corresponds to
the starting crank angle. This process may take a few minutes. You will be informed of the status of this process through messages in the console.
Save the case file at this point, to retain a copy of the settings from the IC3M files. You may start the simulation from this case file, as long as it is in a folder that contains all of the uncompressed files ex-ported by ICEM CFD IC3M. It is recommended that you preview the mesh motion prior to running the simulation, using the same time step size that will be used in the simulation. See Previewing the Dynamic Mesh (p. 661) for further details.
Important
• You will not be able to run the mesh preview or simulation beyond the ending crank angle specified in the IC3M preprocessor, even if the motion is periodic. ANSYS FLUENT sets the end crank angle based on the information imported from the IC3M files, and will automatically stop when this angle is reached.
• You cannot reuse the same ANSYS FLUENT session for engines set up using IC3M, i.e., for each new calculation, you must exit ANSYS FLUENT and begin a new session.
4.12.9. I-deas Universal Files
I-deas Universal files can be read into ANSYS FLUENT with the File/Import/I-deas Universal... menu item.
File → Import → I-deas Universal...
Select the I-deas Universal... menu item to invoke the Select File dialog box.
Specify the name of the I-deas Universal file to be read. The solver reads mesh information and zone types from the I-deas Universal file. For information about importing I-deas Universal files, see I-deas Universal Files (p. 150).
4.12.10. LSTC Files
To import an LSTC input file, use the File/Import/LSTC/Input File... menu item.
File → Import → LSTC → Input File...
The LSTC input file is a text file which contains the input description of a finite element model for the LS-DYNA finite element program. This interface only produces datasets associated with the mesh, no results datasets are produced. The element types commonly associated with structural analysis are supported.
LSTC input files have the following file extensions:.k,.key, and .dyn
To import an LSTC state file, use the File/Import/LSTC/State File... menu item.
File → Import → LSTC → State File...
The state file consists of three major sections: control data, geometry data, and state data. Each dataset in the state data section corresponds to the time and global data items associated with each state on the database. Dataset attributes include such things as time, energy, and momentum.
An LSTC state file has a .d3plot file extension.
4.12.11. Marc POST Files
Marc POST files can be read into ANSYS FLUENT using the File/Import/Marc POST... menu item.
File → Import → Marc POST...
Select the Marc POST... menu item and in the Select File dialog box, specify the name of the file to be read.
These files are generated using MSC Marc, a nonlinear finite element program. MSC Marc allows you to study deformations that exceed the linear elastic range of some materials, enabling you to assess the structural integrity and performance of the material. It also allows you to simulate deformations that are part-to-part or part-to-self contact under a range of conditions.
4.12.12. Mechanical APDL Files
To import a Mechanical APDL input file, use the File/Import/Mechanical APDL/Input File... menu item.
File → Import → Mechanical APDL → Input File...
Select this menu item to invoke the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the Mechanical AP-DL Prep7 File to be read. The solver reads mesh information from the Mechanical APAP-DL file with .ans, .neu,.cdb, and .prep7 extensions. For information about importing Mechanical APDL files, see Mechanical APDL Files (p. 153).
To import a Mechanical APDL result file, use the File/Import/Mechanical APDL/Result File... menu item.
File → Import → Mechanical APDL → Result File...
In the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the Mechanical APDL Result File to be read. Those imported files will have .rfl,.rst,.rth, and .rmg extensions.
4.12.13. NASTRAN Files
You can read NASTRAN Bulkdata files into ANSYS FLUENT with the File/Import/NASTRAN/Bulkdata File... menu item.
File → Import → NASTRAN → Bulkdata File...
When you select the Bulkdata File... menu item, the Select File dialog box will appear and you will specify the name of the NASTRAN File to be read. This file will have .nas,.dat,.bdf file extensions.
The solver reads mesh information from the NASTRAN file. For information about importing NASTRAN files, see NASTRAN Files (p. 151).
To import NASTRAN Op2 files into ANSYS FLUENT, use the File/Import/NASTRAN/Op2 File... menu item.
File → Import → NASTRAN → Op2 File...
In the Select File dialog box, specify the name of the NASTRAN Output2 File to be read. This file is an output binary data file that contains data used in the NASTRAN finite element program. This file will have .op2 file extension.
4.12.14. PATRAN Neutral Files
To read a PATRAN Neutral file zoned by named components (that is, a file in which you have grouped nodes with the same specified group name), use the File/Import/PATRAN Neutral... menu item.
File → Import → PATRAN Neutral...
Selecting this menu item invokes the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the PATRAN Neutral file to be read (extension .neu,.out, or .pat). The solver reads mesh information from the PATRAN Neut-ral file. For information about importing PATRAN NeutNeut-ral files, see PATRAN Neutral Files (p. 152).
4.12.15. PLOT3D Files
To import a PLOT3D mesh file, use the File/Import/PLOT3D Grid... menu item.
File → Import → PLOT3D Grid...
The PLOT3D mesh files have .p3d,.bin,.x,.xyz, or .grd file extensions.
These file formats may be formatted, unformatted or binary.
4.12.16. PTC Mechanica Design Files
To import a PTC Mechanica Design file, use the File/Import/PTC Mechanica Design... menu item.
File → Import → PTC Mechanica Design...
This will open the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the neutral file to be read.
The PTC Mechanica Design file contains analysis, model and results data. Only the binary form of the results data files is supported.
The form of the file must have the .neu extension.
Important
Mechanica results consists of an entire directory structure of files, called a “study” in Mech-anica terminology, which must be used in exactly the form that MechMech-anica originally generates it. ANSYS FLUENT’s VKI interface keys on the .neu file and can traverse the directory structure from there to access the other files that it needs.
4.12.17. Tecplot Files
To import a Tecplot file, use the File/Import/Tecplot... menu item.
File → Import → Tecplot...
This will open the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the neutral file to be read.
The Tecplot file is a binary file. Only the mesh is read into ANSYS FLUENT and any data present is dis-carded.
The form of the file must have the .plt extension. ANSYS FLUENT supports the importation of poly-hedral cells and files created by Tecplot version 7.1–11.2, except for version 11.0 (which is unsupported).
4.12.18. FLUENT 4 Case Files
You can read a FLUENT 4 case file using the File/Import/FLUENT 4 Case File... menu item.
File → Import → FLUENT 4 Case File...
Select the FLUENT 4 Case File... menu item to invoke the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the FLUENT 4 case file to be read. ANSYS FLUENT reads only mesh information and zone types from the FLUENT 4 case file. You must specify boundary and cell zone conditions, model parameters, material properties, and other information after reading this file. For information about importing FLUENT 4 case files, see FLUENT 4 Case Files (p. 157).
4.12.19. PreBFC Files
You can read a PreBFC structured mesh file into ANSYS FLUENT using the File/Import/PreBFC File...
menu item.
File → Import → PreBFC File...
Select the PreBFC File... menu item to invoke the Select File dialog box. Specify the name of the PreBFC structured mesh file to be read. The solver reads mesh information and zone types from the PreBFC mesh file. For information about importing PreBFC mesh files, see PreBFC Mesh Files (p. 150).
4.12.20. Partition Files
To perform METIS partitioning on an unpartitioned mesh, use the File/Import/Partition/Metis... menu item.
File → Import → Partition → Metis...
You may also partition each cell zone individually, using the File/Import/Partition/Metis Zone... menu item.
File → Import → Partition → Metis Zone...
See Using the Partition Filter (p. 1753) for detailed information about partitioning.
4.12.21. CHEMKIN Mechanism
To import a CHEMKIN format, you can import the mechanism file into ANSYS FLUENT using the File/Import/CHEMKIN Mechanism... menu item (Figure 16.11 (p. 884)).
File → Import → CHEMKIN Mechanism...
See Importing a Volumetric Kinetic Mechanism in CHEMKIN Format (p. 883) for detailed information on importing a CHEMKIN Mechanism file.