When working with simplified models, automatic meshing often suffices. However, for more complex structures, a manual approach is crucial. The accuracy of your results depends heavily on the quality of the mesh, especially when dealing with different types of physics such as thermal, structural mechanics, or fluid dynamics. For instance, in thermal studies, uniform meshing may be adequate if the material is homogeneous. In contrast, structural mechanics might require more refined meshing in areas with stress concentrations.
- Understanding the Geometry: Start by analyzing the geometry you’re working with. In the tutorial, Bibhatsu uses a wheel of a chair as an example, which involves various shapes and domains that need different meshing strategies.
- Mapped Surface Creation: Begin by creating a mapped mesh for simple surfaces. Select the surface and use the "Generate Structured Quad Mesh" option. This method is straightforward and gives a good starting point for further refinements.
- Refining Specific Regions: For areas requiring finer details, such as circular regions, use the distribution settings. Adjusting the distribution can significantly enhance the mesh quality in those regions. Remember to delete any unnecessary distributions that might overlap with your mapped mesh.
- Creating 3D Meshes: Move on to creating 3D meshes using free triangular and tetrahedral elements. This involves selecting specific domains and applying size settings to achieve the desired mesh density. For instance, using an extra fine setting can help in obtaining a detailed mesh, which is essential for accurate results.
- Optimizing Mesh for Computational Efficiency: Not all parts of your model require the same mesh density. For less critical areas, such as wheels in Bibhatsu's example, you can use a coarser mesh. This optimization reduces computational load without compromising the overall accuracy of the simulation. The tutorial demonstrates how to adjust these settings and compare the number of elements in different mesh densities.
- Final Adjustments and Analysis: After meshing, review the mesh quality and make necessary adjustments. Use the build function to see the changes and ensure that the mesh meets the requirements of your specific simulation. By comparing element counts and boundary elements, you can verify that your mesh is both accurate and efficient.
- Balance Detail and Performance: Always aim for a balance between mesh detail and computational performance. Overly detailed meshes can significantly slow down your simulations without adding much value to the results.
- Domain-Specific Meshing: Tailor your meshing strategy based on the physics involved in your simulation. Different physics may require different meshing approaches to capture the necessary details accurately.
- Iterative Refinement: Don't hesitate to iterate on your meshing approach. Sometimes, initial attempts may need refinement based on the simulation outcomes.
