Mesh Controls

Use mesh controls to assign an element size to parts or faces.

The element size can affect the quality of the results. Using smaller element sizes on specific faces allows for a finer mesh density and typically a better convergence on stress results accuracy.

By default, a part uses a global element size when creating a flexible body. This value can be seen in the Property Editor under Mesh. Mesh Control creates groups of parts or part faces that can have their own element size specified for them. For example, you may choose to define a smaller element size on some high stress fillets on a part but leave the part’s global element size slightly larger.

Mesh Control groups can be created for:

  • all parts in the model
  • one or more specific parts only
  • specific faces on one or more parts

Define a Global Element Size

Use mesh controls to define a default global element size.

  1. Open the Mesh Control tool:
    1. On the Motion ribbon, on the FlexBody icon under Setup, select , and then select one or more parts. A microdialog appears.
    2. Select the Mesh Control tool.
      Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
  2. Enter an Element Size.
    Note: To improve overall performance, when a CAD file is imported the mesh sizes are not calculated and are shown as Auto. Click the Calculate button to display the Element Size.
  3. Right-click, swipe left to exit Mesh Control.
  4. Right-click, swipe left again to exit the FlexBody microdialog.

Create a Mesh Group

Use mesh controls to create a mesh group and assign an element size.

  1. Open the Mesh Control tool:
    1. On the Motion ribbon, on the FlexBody icon under Setup, select , and then select one or more parts. A microdialog appears.
    2. Select the Mesh Control tool.
  2. Select a face on a part.
    Tip: Hold down Ctrl to select multiple faces, or use the Model Browser to select an entire part.
  3. Enter an Element Size.
  4. Press Enter or click Create to create the mesh group.
  5. Right-click, swipe left to exit Mesh Control.
  6. Right-click, swipe left again to exit FlexBody microdialog.

Mesh Control Legend

Select and edit mesh control groups.

The mesh control legend is shown whenever the Mesh Control tool is active.


  • Click a row in the legend to make it active and editable.
  • Hover over a row in the legend and click Isolate to show only the entities included in the mesh group. Hover and click All to show all entities.

Keyboard Shortcuts

To Do this
Add/remove face from selection Hold down the Ctrl key and click an unselected face.
Exit the tool Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.