Ensuring consistent 1D element orientation during mesh creation

In the 1D Mesh dialog box, you can use the Auto Chain Selection option to ensure that the beam elements are:

• Correctly oriented.

• Properly connected from start to end so that the B node of one element connects to the A node of the next element.

• Numbered sequentially.

Every edge or curve has a defined mesh direction. When you create a mesh of 1D elements, the direction of the curve controls the direction in which the software generates the 1D elements. When you select each edge or curve, the software uses temporary arrow graphics to indicate each curve's mesh direction. This allows you to preview the direction in which the elements will be generated. If those temporary graphics point in conflicting directions, the resulting beam elements will be both inconsistently oriented and numbered.

• When you select the curves or edges manually, the location at which you click your mouse along the geometry controls the direction in which the elements will be generated. The software draws the arrow to point away from of the end of the curve that is closest to your selection point (the point on the curve where you actually clicked the mouse). If you want the elements to be generated in the direction opposite to the previewed direction, click the Reverse Direction button in the 1D Mesh dialog box.Below, the red circle indicates the location at which the mouse was clicked. Notice how the direction of the arrow changes depending upon the location of the selection point.

• When you use area selection to select a group of edges or curves, the directions along that geometry may be oriented in inconsistent directions (A). When you generate the mesh on those curves, the beam elements are oriented inconsistently (B).

When you select the Auto Chain Selection option and then select the edges or curves, the software uses the direction of the first curve or edge in the selection to control the direction of all others. With the option selected, the directions along the geometry are now oriented consistently (C), so any beam elements generated along that geometry are also oriented consistently (D).

After you create the 1D mesh, you can use the 1D Element Directions command to ensure that the orientation of your 1D elements is consistent. For more information, see Checking and orienting the directions of 1D elements.

How do I

Create a 1D mesh

Beam cross section workflow

Create a standard cross section

Create a cross section from the face of a solid

Create a cross section from a sketch

Create a cross section by entering properties

Assign a cross section to a beam mesh

Define cross section orientation

Offset a cross section

Improving performance for narrow beam cross sections

Learn more

1D meshing

1D element coating meshes

Creating beam cross sections

End releases for 1D elements

Displaying beam cross sections

Reusable beam cross sections

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

Bulk Entry Descriptions

Simcenter 3D tutorials

Browse Simcenter 3D help by product area

Ensuring consistent 1D element orientation during mesh creation, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

© 2020 Siemens

window.mainLanguage="en_US"

window.delivId=""

window.projectId=""

MathJax.Hub.Config({ TeX: { extensions: ["autoload-all.js"] }, tex2jax: { displayMath: [ ] }, "SVG": { scale: 125 } });