Create 1D Mesh

Use the 1D Mesh: Create tool to create 1D elements on lines or nodes.

The 1D Mesh: Create tool allows you to create the following:
  • Bar2
  • Rods
  • Line Mesh (for bar2 and rod elements only)

It also supports options to create beams as a plate stiffener by seeding nodes on shell edges and auto orient/offset beams.

  1. From the Mesh ribbon, click the 1D Mesh > Create tool.


    Figure 1.
  2. On the guide bar, use the first selector to choose either Lines or Nodes.
    When you select Lines, there is an automatic sort according to the following rules:
    • Orphan lines – all lines are meshed as though the line mesh panel was behaving with default orientation derived from the line's Frenet frames.
    • Unmeshed edges – seed based on size/density/biasing like orphan lines, but default orientation follows the local surface normal.
    • Meshed edges – meshing behavior depends on whether you have checked the Match 2D mesh checkbox. Orientation depends on options.
  3. Select entities.
  4. Select meshing parameters and biasing options.
    1. In the microdialog, use the icon drop-down menu at the top-left to define mesh by either size or density and then input a value.
    2. Select an element configuration.
      This can either be bar2 or rod.
    3. Select an element type (formulation).
      This can be CBEAM, CBAR, or CMBEAM for bar2.
  5. Optional: Select an orientation vector and apply it to all newly created elements.
    • Click in the microdialog to orient using the Vector then click . After defining the orientation vector, press Esc to return to the current tool.
    • If neither of the icons are activated, the orientation will default to the global Z axis.
  6. Optional: Using the second selector on the guide bar, assign a property or beam section to the selected elements.
    If an element configuration type is selected, the list of properties will be filtered based on the selected type. For example, a Config Bar2 with type CBAR will keep only PBAR and PBARL properties, while a type CBEAM will keep only PBEAM and PBEAML.

    If a beam section is selected, the property will be automatically created based on the element configuration type and will be assigned to the elements that are created.

  7. Optional: Set or change meshing/orientation/organization options by clicking on the guide bar.
  8. Optional: Place a check in the Match 2D mesh checkbox.
    When checked, the 1D mesh that is generated will conform with the edge mesh, regardless of meshing size and biasing. If unchecked, meshing is the same as unmeshed edges.
  9. On the guide bar, click one of the following:
    • - Save changes and stay in the tool
    • - Save changes and close the tool