A new release of the Pointwise software for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) mesh generation brings in new support for external scripting languages. Although Pointwise itself relies on its own Tcl-based Glyph script for automated meshing, it now includes a Glyph Server feature that allows users to execute scripts in Pointwise in other languages.
The idea for the new Glyph Server originally appeared at a user group meeting, where a customer presented work that used both Python and Glyph. “The conversation made us realize how to make Glyph callable from any scripting language,” said John Chawner, president of Pointwise. They were able to offer the user new code that simplified their work at the same time.
The Glyph Server feature is compatible with a range of languages, including Python, Lua and Perl. This allows users more freedom to write scripts in the languages they are most comfortable with and interface with other scripts already written in the chosen language. Client codes for Python and Perl are available on the Pointwise Glyph Script Exchange.
Being able to integrate different scripts seamlessly with the Pointwise Glyph Server makes it easier for customers to generate meshes. It also enables a range of new functions that were not possible before, such as synchronizing a 3D view of a mesh from two different Pointwise instances to create a composite image for visual comparison.
Pointwise is designed specifically for creating meshes for CFD applications, which are notoriously tricky and cumbersome. The software allows users to obtain accurate solutions for complex geometries and a wide range of flow types and gives customers control over the level of automation and mesh types used in the model. It allows geometry import from a range of formats (including native CAD filetypes, NURBS-based surfaces and STL representations) and makes it easy to export mesh and boundary conditions to many CFD formats (including open-source and commercial ones).
More information about Pointwise is available on the company's website.