Perform automatic checks on CAD models, and identify potential issues with geometry that may slow down the meshing
process using the Verification and Comparison tools.
Many of the methods to check and edit mesh are based around determining mesh quality, but others check for mesh penetration,
detect holes, and locate edges or features.
Use the Normals tool to display and reverse the normals of elements or surfaces. The orientation of element normals can also be adjusted.
The normal of an element is determined by following the order of nodes of the element using the right-hand rule.
Use the Replicate tool to replicate a mesh from one location to another, with options to keep the original mesh, as
well as to replicate into multiple copies. The replicated elements replace the original elements, maintaining relevant
information like properties, thicknesses, and other solver attributes.
Locally refine 2D elements and attached 1D elements using either the Auto Quads tool, the Box tool, or the Manual tool. These are most useful for aerospace and marine applications, where specific transition patterns are required
from the refined mesh to the existing mesh.
Use the Refine: Auto Quads tool to refine elements as quads based on a given refinement size. Transition elements may be automatically
defined or manually selected.
Use the Detach tool to detach elements from the surrounding structure. You can detach elements from a portion of your model so that
it can be translated or moved, or you can offset the new nodes by a specified value. You can also use this panel
to detach and remove elements from your model.
Use the Imprint/Extend tool to extend a mesh to meet another mesh and form a good connection between them, or to imprint overlapping meshes
so that they match one another.
Associate nodes to a point, line, or surface/solid face; move nodes along a surface; place a node at a point on a
surface; remap a list of nodes to a line; or project nodes to an imaginary line passing through two nodes.
Use the Split panel to split plates or solid elements. In addition, hexa elements can also be split using a technique
that moves progressively through a row of elements in the model
Stitch two unconnected meshes by adding elements between them, split elements at weld locations, and combine and split
elements to fix connectivity in the transitional area between fine and coarse mesh areas.
Perform a model-based CAD-CAD, CAD-FE or FE-FE comparison between two models, or two selections of entities, and find
and report geometrical/shape differences.
Many essential utility tools using HyperWorks-Tcl have been developed over the years to support Aerospace customers. A few tools have been collected and upgraded to
be compatible with this release.
Many of the methods to check and edit mesh are based around determining mesh quality, but others check for mesh penetration,
detect holes, and locate edges or features.
Locally refine 2D elements and attached 1D elements using either the Auto Quads tool, the Box tool, or the Manual tool. These are most useful for aerospace and marine applications, where specific transition patterns are required
from the refined mesh to the existing mesh.
Use the Refine: Box tool to refine
elements enclosed inside a box.
Before you begin, make sure the initial mesh is a regular mapped quad mesh, and not a
free quad mesh.
From the Elements ribbon, click the Refine > Box tool.
Optional: On the guide bar, click to define refinement
options.
Select the center node to start the uniform mesh refinement.
A refinement box is created.
Adjust the size and shape of the refinement box by clicking on a face and
dragging the slider or inputting a value in the microdialog.
The refinement box determines the constant refinement zone. Elements inside
this box should be the same size.
Click Transition: Elements on the guide bar.
A transition box is created.
Adjust the size and shape of the transition box in a similar manner to the
refinement box.
The mesh will be transitioned to match the initial mesh.
Note: The transition
box should enclose the refinement box. The size of the transition box
determines how aggressive the transition will be. It is recommended that you
limit the transition to 1 element connection 3 elements (1:3).
Click Review on the guide bar to
preview the box.
Click the box, enter a refinement size in the microdialog, then click Refine.
The size should be smaller than the initial mesh.
Refine: Box Tool
An overview of the Refine: Box
tool.
Use the Refine: Box tool to refine
elements enclosed inside a box.
Access
Go to Elements > > Refine > Box.
Options
Refinement size
Set the target refinement size.
Length
The refinement/transition box length.
Width
The refinement/transition box width.
Height
The refinement/transition box height.
Link transition box size
Link the refinement and transition box sizes together.