The crucial role of meshing in computational fluid dynamics simulations for organic geometries in paleobiology: Describing fluid dynamics performance through best practices

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an essential tool for studying fluid interactions in biological systems. While widely used in engineering, its application in the natural sciences, particularly in paleobiology, remains limited due to the challenges of meshing complex organic geometries. This study aimed to bridge that gap by serving both as an accessible tutorial and as an empirical comparison of meshing strategies and their effects on simulation accuracy and efficiency. We analyse hybrid meshing techniques that integrate structured and unstructured grids to improve boundary layer resolution while optimizing computational costs. As a case study, we focus on the Japanese giant salamander ( Andrias japonicus ), assessing the impact of meshing choices on the accuracy of CFD simulations. Our approach involves comparing mesh configurations and evaluating their performance in reconstructing fluid dynamics around biological structures. Our findings demonstrate that well‐optimized meshing strategies significantly enhance the reliability of CFD simulations in reconstructing biomechanics and ecological interactions of both extinct and extant species. The integration of structured and unstructured grids improves flow resolution, providing insights into locomotion, functional adaptations and environmental interactions. These results highlight the importance of meshing choices in advancing CFD applications in evolutionary biology. This study underscores the potential of CFD as a powerful tool in paleobiology and functional morphology. By offering both practical guidance and structured comparison of meshing techniques, we provide a framework that enhances the accessibility and accuracy of CFD simulations in evolutionary studies. Our work facilitates the integration of CFD into paleontological research, improving reconstructions of extinct species' biomechanics and ecological roles.