INTRODUCTION TO MESHING

What is meshing?
Physical System F.E. Model
Meshing is the process used to fill the solid model with nodes and
elements, ie, to create the FEA model.

Why do we carryout meshing?
Finite Element method reduces degrees of freedom from infinite to finite with the
help of discretization , ie meshing ( nodes and element)
Types of ELEMENTS
Element type selection

Geometry size & shape Type of analysis Time
a) 1D Element
One dimension very large compared to others

Element Shape : line

Additional data from user : rest of the dimension ( i.e. area of cross section)

Element type : Rod , Bar , Pipe , beam

Practical application : Long Shaft , beams , pin joint , connection elements
1D elements .. .
Commonly used elements:
Link 1
Beam 3
Beam 188
pipe 16
b) 2D ELEMENT
Two of the dimensions are large compared to third

Element Shape : Quad , tria

Additional data required : Thickness

Element Type : Thin shell , plate, plane stress, membrane

Practical Application : Sheet metal parts , Plastic components
2D elements . . .
Commonly Used Elements :
Quad 4 node 42
Quad 8 node 82
Elastic 4 node 63
Elastic 8 node 93
2D elements . . .
c) 3D ELEMENT
All dimensions are comparable

Element Shape : tetra , penta , hex , pyramyd

Additional data required : none

Element Type : solid

Practical Application : casing, engine block, crankshaft etc
3D elements . . .
Commonly Used Elements :
Brick 8 node 85
Brick 20 node 95

Types of Meshing
FREE MESH





No restrictions in terms of element
shape
Has no specified pattern

MAPPED MESH





Element shape restricted
Area contains quad and tria only
Volume mesh contain s
hexahedron
Will be in specific pattern

How to start Meshing
Study geometry
Symmetry check








Accuracy Required/Time allotted
Steps in Meshing
1. Set the element attributes
2. Set mesh control
3. Meshing the model