INTRODUCTION TO MESHING

INTRODUCTION TO MESHING

What is meshing?Physical SystemF.E. ModelMeshing is the process used to fill the solid model with nodes and elements, ie, to create the FEA model.

Why do we carryout meshing?

Finite Element method reduces degrees of freedom from infinite to finite with the help of discretization , ie meshing ( nodes and element)Types of ELEMENTS

Element type selection

Geometry size & shapeType of analysis Time

a) 1D ElementOne dimension very large compared to others

Element Shape : line

Additional data from user : rest of the dimension ( i.e. area of cross section)

Element type : Rod , Bar , Pipe , beam

Practical application : Long Shaft , beams , pin joint , connection elements 1D elements .. .

Commonly used elements:Link 1Beam 3Beam 188pipe 16b) 2D ELEMENTTwo of the dimensions are large compared to third

Element Shape : Quad , tria

Additional data required : Thickness

Element Type : Thin shell , plate, plane stress, membrane

Practical Application : Sheet metal parts , Plastic components2D elements . . .

Commonly Used Elements :Quad 4 node 42Quad 8 node 82Elastic 4 node 63Elastic 8 node 93

2D elements . . .

c) 3D ELEMENTAll dimensions are comparable

Element Shape : tetra , penta , hex , pyramyd

Additional data required : none

Element Type : solid

Practical Application : casing, engine block, crankshaft etc3D elements . . .Commonly Used Elements :Brick 8 node 85Brick 20 node 95

Types of MeshingFREE MESH

No restrictions in terms of element shapeHas no specified pattern

MAPPED MESH

Element shape restricted Area contains quad and tria onlyVolume mesh contain s hexahedronWill be in specific pattern

How to start MeshingStudy geometrySymmetry check

Accuracy Required/Time allotted

Steps in MeshingSet the element attributesSet mesh controlMeshing the model