Create the mesh for the geometry.
In meshing the composite plate, a global seed size of 0.2 is used to ensure the mesh is fine enough to capture the location and propagation of failure, but coarse enough to allow for a short solution time.
Click Main Menu > Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh Tool.
To set the global seed size, click the Set button next to the Global Size Controls, enter 0.2 in the SIZE entry box, and click OK.
Select the Hex and Sweep radio buttons and click the Sweep button.
Select the part from the Graphics Window and click OK in the Volume Sweeping dialog box. The part is now meshed and should be similar to the mesh shown below.