Meshing w/ ANSYS (Classic and Workbench)

[bangell]

I am trying to mesh a simple cylindrical pressure vessel with flat ends. I would like to have all hex elements of type SOLID186. Is there a way that I can force Workbench to mesh the cylinder with all hex elements? I am wanting to eventually incorporate composite layers in the model. Is there a better element to use in order to do this?

Also, what is the best way to import a complex geometry into ansys and perform an analysis on it?

Thanks!

 

[Baldy217]

Insert -> Method

and select Hex Dominant

I've found that the easiest way to import a geometry is with the interface that ANSYS installs in your CAD software (if you have one that supports this feature)

 

[yehlo1972]

Yes ANSYS interface is the best option, interface works by copying a file in ANSYS directory to the CAD software directory, read the ANSYS help on CAD interface.