Tutorial A5: Define the Properties and Mesh

Define Material Properties

1. In the Model tree, right-click Materials > New.
2. In the Material dialog, click Select Material.
3. Expand the Inventor Material Library, select Aluminum, and click OK.
   

Define Element Properties

1. In the Model tree, right-click Idealizations > New.
2. In the Idealizations dialog, change the Type to Shell Elements.
3. Change the Name to 0.01" Shell.
4. In the Material drop-down, ensure that Aluminum is specified.
5. Click the Standard radio button, and set the t (thickness) value to 0.01.
   
6. Click OK.

Define the Mesh

1. Right-click Mesh Model > Edit.
2. In the Element Size field, enter 0.3.
3. Select Continuous Meshing and then click OK.

   After the mesh is generated, the model should look like the graphic below, although you may have selected a different color for the mesh.