Generating Finite Element Models

This task shows how to generate a mesh model from a Structure Design model.
1. Load an existing Structure Design model, and prepare the analysis document.
  2. Create a new CATPart. In this example, its name is Proxy_1.
  3. Create an Analysis document associated with this proxy CATPart by switching to the Advanced Meshing Tools workbench in Analysis Simulation. Now save the Analysis document.

For a more detailed explanation, see Analysis User Guide.
   
  4. Insert this Analysis document into the product containing the design model.

(To do this, select the product and then select Insert - Exiting Component from the menu bar.)

NOTE:  Make sure the loaded Analysis document is empty and is not associated with other design models. You can check if the Proxy CATPart is populated from the previous execution of the command. If it is, repeat this step and load an empty Analysis document.
   

Specification tree now looks like this:
  5. Start the Structure Functional System Design workbench.

Click the Create Mesh button on the Structural Systems toolbar.

NOTE: The command is available only with an FMS license.

The Finite Element Model Generator dialog box displays.
  6. Select the Finite Element Model from the specifications tree. In this example, Finite Element Model.1 displays in the Target field.
  7. Select the objects to Mesh (plate or beam).
  8. Select Functional System from the Filter On drop down list.
  9. Select All in session from the Selection drop down list to add every Super Object the Available Objects list.

You can then select the appropriate objects from the Available Objects list, and push them to the Selected Objects list.

NOTE: You can also select the appropriate objects in your 3-D session, or from the specifications tree.
  10. Select the Options button.

Te FEM Options dialog box displays.

You can make selections for Surface (2D) Mesh and Beam (1D) Mesh.
    NOTE: If you do not make selections on the FEM Options dialog box, default values (the last entered values) are used. Corresponding CKE parameters are created in the Analysis Manager, and are displayed in the specifications tree if the proper Tools Options are selected.
    Additionally, two CKE parameters are created in the Analysis Manager.

Mesh_Capture_Value (= 2D MeshSize * .2) is the tolerance below which the adjacent mesh will not be captured.

Constraint_Tolerance_Value ( = 2D MeshSize * .02) is the tolerance below which the constraint project will fail.

NOTE: For more details on these parameters, refer to Analysis User Guide.
  11. Click OK.

The mesh generation may take several minutes, depending on the model size and the performance of your computer.
  12. Switch to the Analysis workbench.