Pipe Mesh

Mesh > 3D Mesh > Hex > By Body Type > Pipe Mesh

Description

Element Type

This tool is used to generate solid mesh for CAD/ FEM pipes automatically. The element types supported are,
  • Hex8
  • Wedge6

Mesh Size
  • Average element size: The Average Element Size is the average element edge length for Tri/Quad elements in the surface of the pipe.
  • Minimum element size: The Min Element Size is used to remove all the elements that have element edges less than this value.

Geometry Approximation

In case of pipe bends and circumference, the curvature is captured based on Maximum angle per element and Curvature minimum element size along the curvature direction. By varying the Maximum angle per element and Curvature minimum element size, the desired geometry approximation can be attained.

Aspect ratio

The quality of mesh can be controlled by setting the Aspect Ratio. The value can vary from 1 (equilateral element) to infinity (straight line). The default Aspect Ratio is set to 10.

Cross section

This option is used to override the global mesh parameters and control the cross section throughout the axis of the pipe. User can specify one of the following:
  • Number of elements along circumference
  • Mesh size
  • Reference face mesh (Mesh template)

Connect pipes

This option is used to connect the overlapping disc faces between two pipe ends.

Pipe mesh output option for different inputs
  • FE Body: The output mesh will be created in a new model.
  • CAD Body: The below dialog will prompt the user to select the output location if an equivalent mesh is already present. For more details, please refer Mesh output options for CAD body.

Example 1: Cross section = OFF

Example 2: Cross section = ON