Factors affecting mesh quality

To optimize the accuracy of your analysis results, it is important that your mesh quality is as good as possible.

There are several factors that affect mesh quality. Start with the surface mesh optimization and proceed to 3D if appropriate.

Surface mesh optimization

• Format of your model
• Mesh size
• Matched mesh
• Element shape
• Mesh orientation

If you plan to generate a 3D mesh, then check you have sufficient refinement through the layers:

3D mesh optimization

Ensure that you have sufficient layers through thickness. You can set the number of elements through the thickness using the Tetra tab of the Generate Mesh tool. The default is ten layers, but pay particular attention to this criterion if your model has been meshed with a third party mesher.