HM-3100: AutoMesh
The optimal starting point for creating a shell mesh for a part is to have geometry surfaces defining the part. The most efficient method for creating a mesh representing the part includes using the Automesh panel and creating a mesh directly on the part’s surfaces.
- Learn how to mesh all surfaces at once, specifying different element sizes and element types
- Practice changing the element density along surface edges
- Practice checking element quality and changing the mesh pattern by changing the mesh algorithm
- Learn how to preview the mesh on all the unmeshed surfaces
- Practice changing the element type and node spacing (biasing) along surface edges
- Learn how to remesh surfaces
This exercise uses the channel.hm file, which can be found in the hm.zip file. Copy the file from this directory to your working directory.
Open the Model File
In this step you will open and view the model file, channel.hm.
- Start HyperMesh Desktop.
- From the menu bar, click .
- In the Open Model dialog, open the channel.hm model file.
- Observe the model using the different visual options available in HyperMesh, such as rotation and zooming.
Mesh Part Surfaces
In this step you will mesh part surfaces all at once using an element size of 5 and mixed element types, quads and trias.
Delete the Mesh
In this step you will delete the mesh.
- To open the Delete panel, click on the Collectors toolbar, or press F2.
- Set the entity selector to elems.
- Click elems >> all.
- Click delete entity.
- To go back to the AutoMesh panel, click return.
Mesh with Three Fixed Points
In this step you will mesh the surface having three fixed points interior to its surface.
You should be in the AutoMesh panel, size and bias subpanel.
Fit Meshed Surface to Graphics Area
In this step you will fit the surface to the graphics area.
Specify a New Element Density
In this step you will specify a new element density along surface edges.
Specify a New Element Density along Surface Edges
In this step you will specify a new element density along surface edges.
You should still be in the density subpanel.
Adjust Element Densities
In this step you will specify a new element size to adjust element densities along surface edges.
You should still be in the density subpanel.
Change All Edge Element Densities
In this step you will change all edge element densities to reflect the initial element size of 5.
Preview a Mesh of the Channel Rib
In this step you will preview a mesh of the channel's rib.
You should still be in the Mesh panel, size and bias subpanel.
Check the Mesh Quality
In this step you will check the quality of the rib's preview mesh.
Change the Rib Mesh Pattern
In this step you will change the rib's mesh pattern by changing the mesh method used for its surface.
Check Rib Preview Mesh Quality
In this step you will check the quality of the rib's preview mesh again.
- Go to the checks subpanel.
- Check for elements having an aspect ratio greater than 5. What is the highest value reported?
- Check for elements having a jacobian less than 0.7. What is the lowest value reported? In this case, the free (unmapped) mesh has a better jacobian than the map as rectangle mesh.
- Check for quad elements having a min angle less than 45. What is the smallest value reported?
- Check for quad elements having a max angle greater than 135. What is the highest value reported?
Change the Mesh Method to Free (Unmapped)
In this step you will change the rib's mesh method back to free (unmapped).
Preview Displayed Unmeshed Surfaces
In this step you will preview a mesh of all displayed, unmeshed surfaces.
You should still be in the Mesh panel, size and bias subpanel.
Change the Element Type to Trias
In this step you will change the element type for some surfaces to trias.
Adjust Node Spacing
In this step you will adjust the node spacing on surface edge (biasing).
Remesh the Bottom Two Surfaces
In this step you will remesh the channel's bottom two surfaces.
You should still be in the Mesh panel, size and bias subpanel.
Save Your Work
In this step you will save your work.
This step is optional.