Checking for free and non-manifold element edges

Use the Element Edges command to find:

• Free (unconnected) element edges within a 2D mesh.

• Non-manifold element edges in your model

When you click the Generate Element Outlines option in the Element Edges dialog box, the software evaluates 2D elements and 3D element free faces for free and non-manifold edges based on the options you specified in the Element Edge Checks group. The software creates a temporary display and highlights:

• Any elements with free edges (shown in magenta below).

• Any non-manifold element edges (shown in cyan below).

Free element edges

A free element edge is an edge that is referenced by only one element. Free element edges in the interior of a sheet body, for example, can indicate regions of your model that are not fully connected (stitched).

Non-manifold element edges

A non-manifold element edge is an edge that is shared by more than two element faces. Non-manifold element edges occur when the underlying geometry is non-manifold. For example, in Pre/Post, when you generate a midsurface on a part that contains ribs, the resulting geometry may be non-manifold. You can then use the Stitch Edge command to ensure that the non-manifold faces are fully stitched together prior to meshing.

The ability to display all non-manifold element edges is helpful when you need to validate that the faces in your model are fully stitched before you solve. When you examine the areas in your model where non-manifold faces intersect, you can use the Non-Manifold Edges option to verify that the elements on those intersecting faces are also stitched together.

Note:

With 2D elements, when you use the Element Edges command, you should first clear the Element Thickness and Offset check box in the Mesh Collector Display or Mesh Display dialog box. The thickness and offset display can make it difficult to visualize the temporary graphics used by the Element Edges command.

Where do I find it?

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A FEM file is the displayed part and the work part
Command Finder	Element Edges

Learn more

Checking your finite element model

Aligning the first edges of 2D elements

Checking and orienting the directions of 1D elements

Checking and orienting the normals of 2D elements

Checking and orienting the normals of 3D element faces

Checking aerodynamic panel meshes

Checking for duplicate elements and nodes

Detecting interference and clearance issues between faces

Checking CAE model consistency

Checking the association of nodes to geometry

Checking the completeness of your model prior to a solve

Computing mechanical loads

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

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Checking for free and non-manifold element edges, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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