Understanding free mesh generation

When you create a free (unstructured) mesh of 2D elements, the software uses a recursive subdivision algorithm to generate the mesh on the selected faces. The process is slightly different for quadrilateral and triangular elements. Both examples use the simplified surface shown below to illustrate this process:

Free mesh generation with quadrilateral elements

1. The software begins by creating boundary nodes along the perimeter of the surface. The location of these boundary nodes depends on the defined global element size as well as on any specified local element sizes.

2. The software then divides the surface in half and creates new nodes along the midline.

3. The software divides the surface again.

4. The software divides the surface once again.

5. The software divides the surface again and generates the first element (shaded).

6. The software continues to divide the surface and generate elements until the entire surface is filled with elements. It then smooths the entire mesh.Note: During this process, the software also generates a node for every mesh point as well as for every boundary condition applied to a location on an edge or a location on a surface.

Free mesh generation with triangular elements

1. The software begins by creating boundary nodes along the perimeter of the surface. The location of these boundary nodes depends on the defined global element size as well as on any specified local element sizes.Note: During this process, the software also generates a node for every mesh point as well as for every boundary condition applied to a location on an edge or a location on a surface.

2. The software generates the elements as shown below. The first element generated is indicated with shading.

Free mesh generation with elements of different sizes

1. The software begins by generating boundary nodes around the perimeter of the surface. It generates many more boundary nodes in regions where very small local element sizes are defined.

2. The software generates the elements as shown below. The first element generated is indicated with shading.

How do I

Create a 2D free mesh

Learn more

2D free meshing

Using pre-defined favorite settings to create 2D meshes

Understanding the 2D meshing methods

Quadrilateral only meshing

Understanding free mapped meshes

Fixing triangular element interior angle quality issues

About CAD curvature abstraction

Midnode placement for parabolic elements

Creating a separate mesh for each face or polygon body

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Understanding free mesh generation, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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