5.8.13.

Scaling the Mesh

Internally, ANSYS FLUENT stores the computational mesh in meters, the SI unit of length. When
mesh information is read, it is assumed that the mesh was generated in units of meters. If your mesh
was created using a different unit of length (inches, feet, centimeters, etc.), you must scale the mesh
to meters. To do this, you can select from a list of common units to convert the mesh or you can
supply your own custom scale factors. Each node coordinate will be multiplied by the corresponding
scale factor.
Scaling can also be used to change the physical size of the mesh. For instance, you could stretch the
mesh in the direction by assigning a scale factor of 2 in the direction and 1 in
the and directions. This would double the extent of the mesh in the direction. However, you
should use anisotropic scaling with caution, since it will change the aspect ratios of the cells in your
mesh.
Important:
If you plan to scale the mesh in any way, you should do so before you compute the view factors (as
part of an S2S radiation problem), initialize the flow, or begin calculations. Any data that exists when
you scale the mesh will be invalid.
It is a good practice to scale the mesh before setting up the case, especially when you plan to create
mesh interfaces or shell conduction zones.

You will use the Scale Mesh Dialog Box (Figure 5.55: The Scale Mesh Dialog Box) to scale the mesh
from a standard unit of measurement or to apply custom scaling factors.
General Scale...

Figure 5.55: The Scale Mesh Dialog Box



5.8.13.1. Using the Scale Mesh Dialog Box
The procedure for scaling the mesh is as follows:
Use the conversion factors provided by ANSYS FLUENT by selecting Convert Units in the Scaling
group box. Then indicate the units used when creating the mesh by selecting the appropriate
abbreviation for meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, or feet from the Mesh Was Created In
drop-down list. The Scaling Factors will automatically be set to the correct values (for example,
0.0254 meters/inch).
If you created your mesh using units other than those in the Mesh Was Created In drop-down list,
you can select Specify Scaling Factors and enter values for X, Y, and Z manually in the Scaling Factors
group box (for example, the number of meters per yard).
Click the Scale button. The Domain Extents will be updated to show the correct range in meters. If
you prefer to use your original unit of length during the ANSYS FLUENT session, you can follow the
procedure described below to change the unit.

5.8.13.1.1. Changing the Unit of Length

As mentioned in Step 2. of the previous section, when you scale the mesh you do not change the
units; you just convert the original dimensions of your mesh points from your original units to
meters by multiplying each node coordinate by the specified Scaling Factors. If you want to work in
your original units, instead of in meters, you can make a selection from the View Length Unit In
drop-down list. This updates the Domain Extents to show the range in your original units and
automatically changes the length unit in the Set Units Dialog Box (see Customizing Units). Note that
this unit will be used for all future inputs of length quantities.

5.8.13.1.2. Unscaling the Mesh
If you use the wrong scale factor, accidentally click the Scale button twice, or want to undo the
scaling for any other reason, you can click the Unscale button. Unscaling simply divides each of the
node coordinates by the specified Scale Factors. (Selecting m in the Mesh Was Created In list and
clicking on Scale will not unscale the mesh.)

5.8.13.1.3. Changing the Physical Size of the Mesh
You can also use the Scale Mesh Dialog Box to change the physical size of the mesh. For example, if
your 2D mesh is 5 feet by 8 feet, and you want to model the same geometry with dimensions twice
as big (10 feet by 16 feet), you can enter 2 for X and Y in the Scaling Factors group box and click
Scale. The Domain Extents will be updated to show the new range.

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