Solid Model Mesh Challenges

File: PVE
Last Updated: May 2010
LB

Sometimes a SolidWorks Simulation multibody model refuses to mesh with the standard mesher. Regardless of the element size and tolerances used, some parts refuse to bond.

SolidWorks image - large propane storage sphere
A large propane storage sphere
SolidWorks image - meshed with 802,000 elements
Meshed with the standard mesher - 802,000 elements - 12" large and 4" small element sizes

The standard mesher has run, but when the analysis is performed, some of the bodies are not joined.

SolidWorks stress results
Stress results - a surface has not joined (Displacements magnified 100x)
SolidWorks close-up
A close up of the area that did not bond (Displacement magnified 20x) The 4" elements at the leg and the 12" general shell elements can be seen.

The curvature based mesher produces a less uniform looking mesh, and in this case the produced mesh has more elements.

SolidWorks - curvature based mesher settings used
Curvature based mesher settings used. A mesh refinement of 4" size is set for the legs.
SolidWorks detail of mesh
A detail of the mesh created with the curvature based mesher, 925,000 elements are produced.
Correct results from the curvature
Correct results from the curvature based mesh run
Close up of the results
Close up of the results

In theory it should be possible to alter any model to make it meshable by the standard mesher. Here the panel that will not mesh into the leg is split in half.

Alternate solution
Alternate solution - a panel where the mesh does not work has been split in half.
The model has successfully meshed and run.
The model has successfully meshed and run. The split panel is shown.

Note: this model run is used to determine the frequency of vibration of a sphere with a 1g sideways load. The stresses and deflections do not represent real world seismic conditions.