Meshing is often used in software-based simulation for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It can significantly impact the accuracy of the simulation and the resources required to perform the simulation.
For the definition of meshing, types of meshing, and how to optimize meshes, keep reading.
Source: MIT
The meaning of meshing–or mesh generation–is: defining continuous geometric shapes (such as 3D models) using 1D, 2D, and 3D shapes (mesh faces).
The finer the mesh, the more accurately the 3D model will be defined.
Though meshes can be created manually, most meshing today is performed using software, with minimal human input.
There are two basic ways of creating a mesh: structured and unstructured.
In structured meshing, the mesh is prepared as a regular lattice with implied connectivity between elements. In unstructured meshing, elements can be connected to each other in irregular patterns, allowing users to capture more complex shapes.
Meshing is one of the most important aspects of getting accurate results from FEA/FEM and CFD simulations.
Usually, results become more accurate as the mesh becomes smaller and denser. However, a trade-off of that is that simulations become larger and solve times become longer.
Engineers typically perform convergence studies to determine the optimal balance of accuracy and the simulation resources available. One way to achieve this is by restricting high mesh density to areas of the model in the load path and areas of interest.
Geometric shapes that experience large concentrated stress, such as fillet radii, also require denser meshes to assess stress accurately.
Areas that are placed further away from stress concentrations or load paths can be meshed with larger and less dense elements.
The goal is to create meshes that accurately represent the geometric shape without wasting simulation resources. As such, meshes are typically denser (finer elements) in areas important for calculations.
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