FEM MeshTransfiniteVolume

Description

The FEM MeshTransfiniteVolume command creates a structured mesh in a 4- or 5-sided volume bounded by transfinite surfaces.

Task panel of the MeshTransfiniteVolume tool

Usage

1. To enable the command a Mesh From Shape by Gmsh must be provided first.
2. Select the Mesh object in the Tree View.
3. There are several ways to invoke the command:
   • Press the Structured Transfinite Volume button.
   • Select the Mesh → GMSH Refinements → Structured Transfinite Volume option from the menu.
4. Optionally, use the Mixed mesh elements checkbox.
5. Optionally, use the Auto apply transfinite surfaces and curves checkbox and select the Surface type (Left, Right, AlternateRight or AlternateLeft, specify the number of nodes, distribution type (Constant, Bump, Bump Inverted, Progression or Progression Inverted) and the corresponding coefficient.
   • Optionally, use the Recombine checkbox. If activated, all edges and surfaces belonging to the selected volumes that do not have transfinite definitions already become transfinite automatically. Use strategically placed transfinite curve and surface definitions to guide the automatic algorithm.
6. Press the Add button. Select a solid. To remove objects from the selection, press the Remove button.
7. Click the OK button.
8. Close the task.

   Result: You now should see a new TransfiniteVolume object under the FEMMeshGmsh object in your active analysis container.

9. Double-click on the FEMMeshGmsh parent object in your Model Tree and press Apply to force a mesh recalculation.
10. Close the task.

After the mesh has been created you can change its properties using the Property View. After you changed a property, you must reopen the Gmsh dialog again and click the Apply button. (You can leave the dialog open while changing properties.)

You can create as many different transfinite volumes as needed.

Notes

• Using this tool with the Auto apply transfinite surfaces and curves and Recombine checkboxes enabled is the easiest way to generate structured hexahedral meshes using the transfinite Gmsh algorithm. All subvolumes must have 5 or 6 faces with 3 or 4 edges each, though.

Structured hexahedral mesh generated using the transfinite volume tool (the lug was divided into subvolumes having the proper number of surfaces and edges)