Work

GenSDF: An MPI-Fortran based signed-distance-field generator for computational fluid dynamics applications

Year: 2025

Type: software-paper

Abstract: This paper presents a highly efficient signed-distance field (SDF) generator designed specifically for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) workflows. Our approach integrates the Message Passing Interface (MPI) for parallel computing with the performance benefits of modern Fortran, enabling efficient and scalable signed distance field (SDF) computations for complex geometries. The algorithm focuses on localized distance calculations to minimize computational overhead, ensuring efficiency across multiple processors. An adjustable stencil width allows users to balance computational cost with the desired level of accuracy in the distance approximation. Additionally, GenSDF supports the widely used Wavefront OBJ format, utilizing its encoded outward normal information to achieve accurate boundary definitions. Performance benchmarks demonstrate the tool’s ability to handle large-scale 3D models ( ∼ O ( 1 0 7 ) triangulation faces) and computational grid points ∼ O ( 1 0 9 ) with high fidelity and reduced computational demands. This makes it a practical and effective solution for CFD applications that require fast, reliable distance field computations while accommodating diverse geometric complexities.

Source: SoftwareX

DOI: 10.1016/j.softx.2025.102117

Authors: Akshay Patil, Udhaya Chandiran Krishnan Paranjothi, Clara García-Sánchez

Institution: Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Computational Geometry and Mesh Generation

Subfield: Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200

Funders: HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, HORIZON EUROPE Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness