Edit Edge Density and Element Size

Use the General 2D Mesh: Density tool to edit element density and size along surface edges.

Before you begin, use the General 2D Mesh: Create tool to define a meshing area by selecting surfaces, and create an initial mesh.
The local edge element size approximation is based on edge density value and length. Hence, it can vary slightly for two edges with the same density value.
  1. From the Mesh ribbon, 2D Mesh tools, click General 2D Mesh > Density.


    Figure 1.
  2. Optional: On the guide bar, click to define surface mesh options.
  3. Left-click to select the edge(s) to modify.
  4. In the microdialog, click the icon to switch the value being defined to either element density or element size.
  5. Edit element density or size in the following ways:
    • Increase individual edge values by holding Ctrl while left-clicking on an edge; decrease individual edge values by holding Ctrl while right-clicking on an edge.
    • Scroll edge values by holding Ctrl while scrolling the mouse wheel up and down. Hovering directly over an edge will only modify that edge; hovering over empty space will modify all selected edges.
    • Specify an edge value in the microdialog and press Enter. If multiple edges are selected, a common value will be applied. If multiple edges with different edge values are selected, use the arrows in the microdialog to modify individual edge values simultaneously, without applying a common value.
  6. On the guide bar, click Update


Figure 2.
Tip: Clear your selection by left-clicking in empty space.

General 2D Mesh: Density Tool

An overview of theGeneral 2D Mesh: Density tool.



Figure 3.

Use the General 2D Mesh: Density tool to edit element density and size along surface edges.

Access
Go to Mesh > General 2D Mesh > Density.

Options

Auto update
Select auto/manually remesh option.
Element size
Change the average element size.
Link opposite edges
Select if an aspect ratio should be used to link the default mesh density on opposing edges of rectangular surfaces.
Aspect ratio
Change the maximum aspect ratio to allow between large and small edge sizes of linked edges.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls

To do this Press
Increase edge value Ctrl + Left Mouse Click
Decrease edge value Ctrl + Right Mouse Click
Scroll edge value Ctrl + Middle Mouse Scroll
Edit value in microdialog Middle Mouse Scroll