Mesh control not being re-used? 1

[Guest0527211403]

Hi Folks,

I'm working on an FEA of a component that has one surface which repeatedly causes the mesh to fail during creation.

When the mesh fails, I get the "Mesh Failure Diagnostics" window, which shows the single failed surface. I create a mesh control on this surface and then the mesh can be successfully generated.

As I continue building up my model, I have needed to re-mesh. Much to my frustration, meshing fails on the same surface, even though I have already created a mesh control on it. Now, I have over eight mesh controls applied to the same surface (with the same density specified), and it seems that each time I mesh I'm forced to repeat the process and add yet another mesh control.

Can anyone shed some light as to why SWx might be "ignoring" the mesh controls I've created previously?

Thanks in advance,

 

[kellnerp]

While in SW, run TOOLS/CHECK and look for tiny sliver faces or edges. Also do a CTRL Q with TOOLS/VERIFICATION ON REBUILD TURNED ON.

It sometimes happens that the geometry behind the scenes is quirky and gives the mesher a headaceh which in turn give you a headache.

Just my 2 cents.

Send a jpeg of the mesh with and without the failure also.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

http://www.engtran.com

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Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."

 

[Guest0527211403]

Hi Folks:

An update. The surface in question was one with high curvature.

After digging through the SW Simulation help files, I switched to curvature based meshing and the need for the mesh control went away. The model is a casting and the problem area was in a tricky corner.

Not quite sure what the error was, will see about re-creating it on a non-proprietary model to try and resolve the issue.

Thx kellnerp for the assistance.

 

[kellnerp]

Curvature base meshing increases mesh density to follow the curvature. The shape function of the element has to be able to reasonably follow the curvature of the element. When you have a highly curved area the mesh needs to increase in density to give a faithful representation of displacements and strains.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

http://www.engtran.com

http://www.niswug.org

http://www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport

Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."

 

[KevinDeSmet]

I guess there's a reason why they switched to the curvature-based mesher as the default in 2011.

Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[kellnerp]

That's why FEA can never be done solely in software. There is always judgment and training involved.

@justkeepgivener
I would do a convergence study too. Run the model with at least three mesh refinement steps to make sure you are converged on a correct answer. Plot error too as another check.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

http://www.engtran.com

http://www.niswug.org

http://www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport

Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."