Meshing is a technique used for software-based simulation for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It is a very important process as the size and shape of the mesh directly impacts the accuracy of the solution.

Each element represents an individual solution for the differential equations applied to it. The results of which will help engineers create a 3D simulation of the component denoting the areas that will buckle under stress. 

The geometry of mesh elements can be categorized into 1D, 2D, and 3D.  The accuracy of the FEA model depends on the type of element chosen for simulation.

There are two different ways of creating a mesh-

1. Structured (also known as Grids)
2. Unstructured 

 

 

Meshing is an important step when it comes to performing an accurate simulation using FEA. It is a process of discretizing a CAD model into small elements. 

PDEs are mathematical denotations of any physical system, and a few boundary conditions as well. The product behaviour in the actual world can be determined by calculations.

 

In that situation, techniques like FEA turn out to be a convenient method to demonstrate the complex behaviour of any product by capturing its physical phenomenon by the use of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). 

 

Generally, in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the accuracy of results depends upon the fineness of the mesh.  

 

 

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that employs applied physics, mathematics, and analytical models. For CFD analysis we use computer software tools to visualize the movement of a gas or a liquid.

It's all about numerical flow simulations.

 

Importance of Meshing in CFD

Let’s explore  the importance of meshing in CFD in brief:

• Experienced in solving the equations applied directly to the entire object. This happens due to the complexity or the irregularity of the shape. Meshing converts the irregular shape into more recognizable “elements”.
• It becomes easier for you to solve a partial differential equation allocated to a particular element. Solving these individual equations provides the solution for the complete geometry. 
• It applies a numerical grid to the fluid body and its boundary revealing the ease and importance of meshing through Finite element simulations.

 

Finite Element Method 

Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique used in simulating physical phenomena in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). 

 

In FEM, a mesh is created which splits the domain into a discrete number of parts (called discretization) or elements for which the solution could be derived conveniently. 

 

Importance of Meshing in FEA

Let’s understand the importance of mesh flow in FEA below;

1. Various branches of Mechanical Engineering use the integrated FEM software tools for the design and development.
2. It allows the construction, refining and optimization of the entire design before it is finally manufactured. It provides an accurate representation of the complex geometry of the CAD drawing.
3. FEM plays an important role in producing firmness and strength visualizations during structural simulations. It also helps to minimize weight and costs.
4. It allows an elaborate visualization of any stress acting on the structure.

 

Types of Meshing in Ansys and their Importance

ANSYS is an engineering simulation software. It is an FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software that is used to simulate different CAD models for analysing the strength, toughness, firmness, elasticity, temperature, electromagnetism and other attributes.  It is used to test the structural integrity of the design.

There are two main types of meshes in ANSYS-

1. Hybrid Meshing 
2. Sweep Meshing

 

Both these meshes use 3D elements

• Tetrahedral element meshing (Tet) 
• When solving a complex structure, using a mix of meshes will reduce the computation time and increase the accuracy of the models.
• Hexahedral element meshing (Hex)

Hexahedral elements result in more accurate results with a lower number of element counts used than tetrahedral elements.

 

Hybrid Meshing 

In mechanical engineering, you can prefer using a multizone method. It is a hybrid of hexahedral and tetrahedral elements. Hybrid meshing allows the user to create different parts of the geometry with different methods. 

 

Sweep Meshing 

It is useful for the user in spreading the mesh through the volume and faces of the structure, which in turn helps the user to create an efficient mesh with a regular size. 

Deciding the type of mesh usually depends upon the level of accuracy based on the analysis type, whether explicit or implicit.

The importance of ANSYS in meshing is that it helps in reducing the amount of time, work and effort spent in order to get accurate results. Meshing generally consumes a significant amount of time to process simulation results. ANSYS helps by providing a more reliable, better and more automated meshing tool, hence saving both time and effort.

 

Conclusion

The convergence, speed, and accuracy of a simulation are all affected by its mesh. The best possible mesh can be generated in Ansys with the help of the software's mesh generation tools. Skill-Lync has curated the Basics of Electric Vehicle Simulations using Ansys course for engineers who desire to master the art of mesh generation. It will assist you in creating practical meshes before setting up effective solver configurations for various issues. This course is built for engineers, designers and even engineering students pursuing their undergrad, Post graduate or PhD. Skill-Lync's certification course is the best place to start if you are looking to boost your career as an EV engineer.