https://github.com/ccsi-toolset/packed_column_gen

Parametric construction of three-dimensional columns with structured packing.
https://github.com/ccsi-toolset/packed_column_gen

Last synced: 4 months ago
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Parametric construction of three-dimensional columns with structured packing.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/ccsi-toolset/packed_column_gen
• Owner: CCSI-Toolset
• License: other
• Created: 2024-02-28T17:07:04.000Z (over 2 years ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2025-01-24T01:20:41.000Z (over 1 year ago)
• Last Synced: 2025-09-13T14:02:13.811Z (9 months ago)
• Language: Python
• Size: 9.79 MB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 4
• Forks: 3
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md
  • License: LICENSE.md

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README

          
# PackedColumnGen

PackedColumnGen is a tool for building CAD models of absorber columns with customized structured packing designs. The tool generates these designs from a user-defined set of input parameters. This tool is designed as [Workbench](https://wiki.freecad.org/Workbenches) for [FreeCAD](https://www.freecad.org/), a free and open-source CAD software with a user-friendly interface. The tool currently supports the following features:

* Parametric construction of three-dimensional columns with structured packing.

* Addition of cooling channels to create process intensified structured packing.

* Built-in functions that extend support for scripted packing generation.

Refer to the [user guide](./doc/README.md) to learn more and get started with example cases.

## Installation

### Prerequisites

FreeCAD version 0.19 or newer needs to be installed before running the setup. The latest version can be downloaded [here](https://www.freecad.org/).

### Installation using the Setup file

The tool source code is packaged into the `Setup.exe` executable file, which extracts to the default FreeCAD modules directory. On Windows, the module directory is `%APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Mod\`, which is usually `C:\Users\username\Appdata\Roaming\FreeCAD\Mod\`. Restart FreeCAD after extraction for changes to take effect and the module should be accessible as `Packed Columns` workbench in FreeCAD as shown below.

![Workbench demonstration](./doc/Images/Workbench.png)

### Manual installation

1. Find the FreeCAD workbench directory by typing `App.getUserAppDataDir()` in FreeCAD [Python console](https://wiki.freecad.org/Python_console).

2. Navigate to the workbench directory and copy or extract the contents of this repository to a new folder within this directory.

3. **IMPORTANT** Rename the folder to "packedColumnGen" (case sensitive).

4. Restart FreeCAD for changes to take effect. The workbench `Packed Columns` should now in the list of workbenches in FreeCAD.

## Authors

 > [Yash Girish Shah](mailto:yashgirish.shah@netl.doe.gov)   

 > [Grigorios Panagakos](mailto:gpanagak@andrew.cmu.edu)