FreeCAD Integration¶
Hermes provides a custom workbench for FreeCAD that enables visual configuration of workflow parameters, particularly useful for CFD simulations where 3D geometry is involved.
Overview¶
The FreeCAD workbench allows you to:
- Set workflow parameters using a graphical interface
- Define boundary conditions on 3D geometry faces
- Configure mesh generation settings visually
- Manage OpenFOAM simulation parameters
- Export workflows as JSON files
Since Hermes workflows are focused on CFD and structural simulations, FreeCAD's 3D capabilities make it a natural fit for the GUI layer.
Installation¶
The FreeCAD integration is installed as part of the Docker-based setup. See Installation & Setup for details on the install script.
The workbench source is located in:
freecad_source_hermes/— FreeCAD source modificationshermes/Resources/workbench/— Workbench node implementations
Workbench Nodes¶
The FreeCAD workbench provides GUI wrappers for the following node types:
| Workbench Node | Underlying Node Type |
|---|---|
| HermesBlockMesh | BlockMesh |
| HermesSnappyHexMesh | SnappyHexMesh |
| HermesGeometryDefiner | GeometryDefiner |
| HermesFvSolution | FvSolution |
| HermesFvSchemes | FvSchemes |
| HermesBC | Boundary Conditions |
| HermesGeneral | General nodes |
Workflow¶
- Open FreeCAD with the Hermes workbench active
- Import or create 3D geometry for your simulation domain
- Add workflow nodes using the workbench toolbar
- Configure parameters in each node's property panel
- Define boundary conditions by selecting geometry faces
- Export the workflow as a JSON file
- Execute using
hermes-workflow buildExecute workflow.json
WebGui Nodes¶
For simpler workflows, Hermes also provides web-based GUI nodes for configuring:
- Transport Properties — fluid properties and transport models
- Turbulence — turbulence model selection and parameters
These are accessible through the simple workflow interface and generate the same JSON output as the FreeCAD workbench.