Layers mesh generator

Definition

This mesh generator is a mixed mesh elements generator in Flux (it creates hexahedra, prisms, pyramids, or tetrahedra).

It allows to mesh the boundary of volumes in layers with extruded elements (prisms, hexahedra) and relax the mesh in the remaining volume.

It is based on the initial surface mesh of the volume without modifying it.

This mesh generator is especially useful to mesh the skin depth.

Note: Starting from Flux 2023, the both meshers MeshGems-Hybrid and ASML (Altair Solid Meshing Library) allow to generate a mesh by layers (MeshGems by default). To define the volume mesher to use, consult: Step1 - choose the volume mesher.

Use

This mesh generator can be assigned to volumes only.

It is robust, simple and fast to use, even on complex shapes.

Control options

There are two possible control options for the zone to be meshed with layers:

  • Either by defining the global height of all layers.

    Then there are two parameters to work on:
    • the number of layers
    • the geometric progression coefficient of layers (i.e. the growth parameter between two adjacent layers)
    Note: Modifying these two parameters will not change the global height of the zone meshed with layers.

  • Or by defining the height of the first layer.

    Then there are two parameters to work on:
    • the number of layers
    • the geometric progression coefficient of layers (i.e. the growth parameter between two adjacent layers)
    Note: Modifying these two parameters will change the global height of the zone meshed with layers.

And for both cases, there are another parameter to work on: the dominant element type (tetrahedron or hexahedron) in the remaining volume.

Limitation

The layers are applied if the space allows it (i.e. not on very thin zones, neither hypertangency).

Example

The volume meshing with the Layers mesh generator is illustrated in the figure below:

[1] Remaining volume meshed with tetrahedra mainly

[2] Remaining volume meshed with hexahedra mainly

Possibility to exclude faces

By default, the mesh layer is applied of all faces of the volume, even on internal faces. For the physical aspect, it is not necessary to have the skin effect on internal face or symmetry / periodicity plane.

It is possible to avoid the application of the Layers mesh generator in some faces. It will be useful to not have layers on:

  • internal faces of a volume
  • boundary faces of a symmetry or periodicity
To exclude faces, simply edit these faces and choose "yes" in the "Exclude from Mesh Generator with Layers type" field.
Internal face not excluded (NO) Internal face excluded (YES)
The layer are generated around the internal face The layer is not applied in the internal face