OpenFOAM Functions, Utilities & Case Setup Reference Guide
Categorized reference of OpenFOAM solvers, boundary conditions, and post-processing utilities for efficient CFD simulation and analysis
OpenFOAM Solvers
| Solver | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
simpleFoam | Steady-state incompressible flow solver using SIMPLE algorithm. | External aerodynamics, internal flows. |
pisoFoam | Transient incompressible solver using PISO algorithm. | Transient internal/external flow simulations. |
icoFoam | Transient laminar incompressible solver. | Educational and low-Reynolds flow cases. |
rhoSimpleFoam | Steady-state compressible flow solver. | Compressible aerodynamics or heat transfer. |
buoyantSimpleFoam | Steady-state solver for buoyant, turbulent flow and heat transfer. | HVAC and thermal simulations. |
interFoam | Two-phase incompressible, isothermal VOF solver. | Free surface or multiphase flows. |
Mesh Generation & Manipulation Utilities
| Utility | Description | Example Command |
|---|---|---|
blockMesh | Generates mesh from blockMeshDict definition. | blockMesh |
snappyHexMesh | Generates body-fitted mesh from STL surfaces. | snappyHexMesh -overwrite |
checkMesh | Verifies mesh quality and topology. | checkMesh |
surfaceCheck | Analyzes STL surface integrity before meshing. | surfaceCheck geometry.stl |
mergeMeshes | Merges two or more meshes into one. | mergeMeshes case1 case2 |
Post-Processing Functions
| Function | Description | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
foamToVTK | Converts simulation data to VTK format for ParaView. | foamToVTK |
postProcess | Executes function objects defined in controlDict. | postProcess -func sample |
sample | Extracts field data along lines or surfaces. | postProcess -func sampleDict |
paraFoam | Opens case in ParaView for visualization. | paraFoam |
reconstructPar | Reconstructs decomposed cases after parallel run. | reconstructPar |
Common Boundary Conditions
| Type | Description | Example Entry |
|---|---|---|
fixedValue | Sets a constant value for the boundary field. | type fixedValue; value uniform 0; |
zeroGradient | Specifies zero normal gradient. | type zeroGradient; |
inletOutlet | Switches between inlet and outlet conditions. | type inletOutlet; inletValue uniform 0; |
symmetryPlane | Defines a symmetry plane boundary. | type symmetryPlane; |
wall | Applies wall function or no-slip condition. | type noSlip; |
About OpenFOAM Functions, Utilities & Case Setup Reference Guide
This OpenFOAM reference guide provides a comprehensive, categorized overview of solvers, utilities, boundary conditions, and post-processing tools essential for CFD simulations, mesh generation, and case setup. It is designed for engineers, researchers, and students aiming to efficiently model fluid flow, heat transfer, turbulence, and multiphase processes.
This guide summarizes the most widely used functions and dictionaries, serving as a quick reference for users to accelerate their workflow.
Applications
- Solvers – Choose the right solver for steady or transient, incompressible or compressible flows, heat transfer, and multiphase simulations.
- Mesh Utilities – Efficiently generate, refine, merge, and validate computational meshes to ensure simulation accuracy.
- Boundary Conditions – Define fluid interactions with surfaces, inlets, outlets, symmetry planes, and wall functions for realistic modeling.
- Post-Processing Tools – Extract, visualize, and interpret CFD data using function objects, ParaView integration, and VTK conversion.
- Case Setup – Organize dictionaries, control files, and simulation parameters for reproducible and robust CFD workflows.
By understanding OpenFOAM functions, utilities, and case setup, engineers and researchers can optimize CFD simulations, reduce setup errors, and improve workflow efficiency for both academic and industrial applications.