Assigning mesh controls

In this section you will use the Mesh Controls dialog box to examine the technique that Abaqus/CAE will use to mesh the model and the shape of the elements that Abaqus/CAE will generate.

  1. In the Model Tree, expand the Beam item underneath the Parts container and double-click Mesh in the list that appears.

    Abaqus/CAE switches to the Mesh module. The Mesh module functionality is available only through menu bar items or toolbox icons.

  2. From the main menu bar, select MeshControls.

    The Mesh Controls dialog box appears. Abaqus/CAE colors the regions of your model to indicate which technique it will use to mesh that region. Abaqus/CAE will use structured meshing to mesh your cantilever beam and displays the beam in green.

  3. In the dialog box, accept Hex as the default Element Shape selection.
  4. Accept Structured as the default Technique selection.
  5. Click OK to assign the mesh controls and to close the dialog box.

    Abaqus/CAE will use the structured meshing technique to create a mesh of hexahedral-shaped elements.