Examples of creating finite element meshes (plates and shells)

Creating a mesh of finite elements depends on the selected method of mesh formation and the parameters selected for the method. The following examples demonstrate the principles of mesh creation of planar finite element meshes for both methods:

Coons method

L-Shaped plate and Rectangular plate are two examples of mesh creation using the Delaunay method. The parameters with the greatest influence on mesh creation are displayed in bold face.

EXAMPLE 1

L-shaped plate

FE mesh will be created for an L-shaped plate.

Mesh 1

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 2

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 3

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 4

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 5

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

EXAMPLE 2

Rectangular plate

FE mesh will be created for a rectangular plate.

Mesh 6

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 7

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 8

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 9

To consolidate an FE mesh (mesh 8): In the Mesh consolidation dialog, for

Conversion coefficient, type 0.3, which is the consolidation operation for all elements.

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Delaunay method

Quadrilateral plate and triangular plate are two examples of mesh creation using the Coons method. The parameters with the greatest influence on mesh creation are displayed in bold face.

EXAMPLE 1

Quadrilateral plate

FE Mesh will be created for a quadrilateral plate.

Mesh 1

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown.

Mesh 2

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 3

To refine an FE mesh (mesh 2): In the Mesh refinement dialog, for Mesh refinement type, select double, which is the refinement operation for all elements. The resulting mesh is shown below.

EXAMPLE 2

Triangular plate

FE mesh will be created for a triangular plate.

Mesh 4

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 5

In the Meshing Options dialog:

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 6

To refine an FE mesh (mesh 5): In the Mesh refinement dialog, for Mesh refinement type, select simple, refinement operation for all elements.

The resulting mesh is shown below.

Mesh 7

To consolidate an FE mesh (mesh 6): In the Mesh consolidation dialog, for

Conversion coefficient, select 0.3, consolidation operation for all elements.

The resulting mesh is shown below.