WS3.

2-1
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ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0
Workshop 3.2

Meshing Control
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-2
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Workshop 3.2 - Goals
Use the various ANSYS Mechanical mesh controls to enhance the
mesh for the model below.
Problem statement:
The model consists of a Parasolid file representing a solenoid.
Our goal is to mesh the model using all defaults and inspect the result.
Next we will add mesh controls to modify the mesh in various regions of
the model.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-3
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February 23, 2009
Inventory #002594
Workshop Supplement
Workshop 3.2 - Assumptions
Since this is a meshing exercise we will not be applying loads or
solving the model. Instead we will assume a linear static structural
analysis is to follow the meshing operation.


Note, due to a certain randomness in the nature of meshing, the
actual number of elements generated during the workshop may vary
from machine to machine. This is normal.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-4
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February 23, 2009
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Workshop Supplement
Workshop 3.2 Project Schematic
Open the Project page.
From the Units menu verify:
Project units are set to US Customary (lbm, in, s, F, A, lbf, V).
Display Values in Project Units is checked (on).
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-5
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Workshop 3.2 Project Schematic
1. In the Toolbox, double click
Static Structural to create a
new analysis system.





2. RMB on the Geometry cell and
Import Geometry. Browse to
Solenoid_Body.x_t.

3. Double click the Model cell to
start the Mechanical application.
1.
2.
3.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-6
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Workshop Supplement
Start by meshing the model using all
defaults. This will establish a base
line from which we can compare
changes.

4. Highlight the mesh branch, RMB >
Generate Mesh.
Workshop 3.2 - Basic Meshing
4.
When mesh generation
completes we can view
the mesh and inspect the
statistics in the details for
the mesh branch.
4771 elements.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-7
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2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.
February 23, 2009
Inventory #002594
Workshop Supplement
Based on our inspection we may decide a
more refined mesh is necessary for our
analysis.
5. In the mesh branch details expand the
sizing section and set the Relevance
Center to Medium.
6. RMB the mesh branch and Generate Mesh.
. . . Workshop 3.2 Mesh Size Control
Again visually the
refinement is obvious.
Details also show an
increase in mesh size.
10,447 elements.
5.
6.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-8
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February 23, 2009
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Workshop Supplement
. . . Workshop 3.2 Mesh Shape Control
A closer look at the mesh seems to show some anomalies where
certain faces meet.
By zooming to the area in question we can see several small
sliver surfaces are forcing a fine mesh locally.
Well attempt to clean this up using virtual topology.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-9
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February 23, 2009
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Workshop Supplement
7. Insert the virtual topology branch
(highlight the Model branch):
a. RMB > Insert > Virtual Topology.

Since it appears that the sliver area is
closer to being tangent to the sides, we
will combine these into virtual cells.
Workshop 3.2 Virtual Topology
Side
Sliver
In order to preserve the basic
topology we will join pairs of
surfaces into virtual cells
rather than trying to combine
all surfaces together. The
result will be 3 cells per side, 6
in total.
a.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-10
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2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.
February 23, 2009
Inventory #002594
Workshop Supplement
Workshop 3.2 Virtual Topology
8. Create Virtual Cells:
a. Select one of the sliver surfaces.
b. Hold the CTRL key and select
the adjacent surface (as shown
at right).
c. RMB > Insert > Virtual Cell.



The resulting virtual cell is
displayed in red. Although
underlying surfaces still exist,
this is the surface the mesher
will use.
a.
b.
c.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-11
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February 23, 2009
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Workshop Supplement
. . . Workshop 3.2 Virtual Topology
Continue by creating the remaining 5
virtual cells (select in pairs as before).
When complete you will have a total
of 6 virtual cells.


9. Remesh the model (highlight the
mesh branch):
a. RMB > Generate Mesh.
The resulting mesh shows
a much more uniform
mesh with a significant
reduction in element
count.
7997 elements.
a.
WS3.2: Meshing Control
WS3.2-12
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February 23, 2009
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Workshop Supplement
. . . Workshop 3.2 Mapped Face Meshing
10. Map mesh several faces (highlight
Mesh branch):
a. Select the 3 planar faces shown here.
b. RMB > Insert > Mapped Face Meshing.
c. RMB > Generate Mesh.
As shown map
meshing results is
elements on the
selected faces which
share very regular
shapes.
c.
b.
a.
If time permits experiment with other mesh
controls.