ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.

Workshop 3.2 Meshing Control

Workshop 3.2 - Goals

Use the various ANSYS Mechanical mesh controls to enhance the mesh for the model below. Problem statement:
ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0 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.

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.
ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0

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.

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). ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0 Display Values in Project Units is checked (on).

Workshop 3.2 Project Schematic

1. In the Toolbox, double click Static Structural to create a new analysis system.
ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0

1.

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.

2.

3.

Workshop 3.2 - Basic Meshing

Start by meshing the model using all defaults. This will establish a base line from which we can compare changes. ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0
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4. Highlight the mesh branch, RMB > Generate Mesh.

When mesh generation completes we can view the mesh and inspect the statistics in the details for the mesh branch. 4771 elements.

. . . Workshop 3.2 Mesh Size Control

Based on our inspection we may decide a more refined mesh is necessary for our analysis. ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0 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.
Again visually the refinement is obvious. Details also show an increase in mesh size. 10,447 elements. 6.

5.

. . . 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. ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0 Well attempt to clean this up using virtual topology.

Workshop 3.2 Virtual Topology

7. Insert the virtual topology branch (highlight the Model branch): a. RMB > Insert > Virtual Topology.
ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0

a.

Since it appears that the sliver area is closer to being tangent to the sides, we will combine these into virtual cells.
Sliver Side

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.

Workshop 3.2 Virtual Topology

8. Create Virtual Cells:
a. Select one of the sliver surfaces. b. Hold the CTRL key and select ANSYS Mechanicalsurface Introduction (as 12.0 shown the adjacent at right). c. RMB > Insert > Virtual Cell. b. a.

c.

The resulting virtual cell is displayed in red. Although underlying surfaces still exist, this is the surface the mesher will use.

. . . 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 ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0 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.

. . . Workshop 3.2 Mapped Face Meshing

10. Map mesh several faces (highlight Mesh branch):
a. Select the 3 planar faces shown here. ANSYS Mechanical Introduction 12.0Face Meshing. b. RMB > Insert > Mapped c. RMB > Generate Mesh.

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As shown map meshing results is elements on the selected faces which share very regular shapes.
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b.

If time permits experiment with other mesh controls.