Meshing a model

After you create or import an unmeshed geometry model, the next step is to mesh the model.

Although you chose a mesh type when you imported the CAD model, the mesh has not been generated at this stage. The mesh consists of triangular elements connected with nodes, and provides the basis for the analysis. The three supported finite element mesh types are: Midplane, Dual Domain, and 3D.

Note: In the Layers pane, select the model regions that you want meshed. Only the visible model layers are meshed.

1. Click (Mesh tab > Mesh panel > Generate Mesh)
2. As necessary, select the General, Curves, CAD, NURBS, Tetra¹ or Tetra Advanced tab, depending on the type of mesh you are generating, and make changes to the meshing parameters.
   Note: Use the 3D Mesher option from the Tetra tab to choose between the Legacy mesher or the Advancing Front mesher. The Advancing Front meshing technique allows you to set the Maximum allowed edge length through thickness as well as the Maximum allowed aspect ratio.
   Tip:

   • Click Save Default Values to save all the parameters marked with a * as the default value.
   • Click Use Default Values to reset all the parameters marked with a * to the current default option.
3. Click Mesh Now . The model will be updated immediately with the new mesh.

The mesh density should be optimized as far as possible. It is advisable to accept the default Global edge length on surface as an initial estimate. This length is often too coarse and may have to be refined to 1/3 to 1/2 of the initial value. Alternatively, a Global edge length on surface should be about 2 times the nominal wall thickness for a 3D mesh, and 2 to 5 times the nominal wall thickness for a Dual Domain mesh. You will now alter the mesh density.

Note: The mesh generator is run in the Job Manager. This enables you to choose when and where you would like the meshing task run. For example, you may run the meshing task on a different machine, and continue working on another task while the mesh is generated.