Creating Meshes using Extrusions

You can create a 2D from an existing 1D mesh or a 3D mesh from an existing 2D mesh using an extrusion and a basic transformation (translation, rotation and symmetry).

Before you begin: A finite element model representation that contains an updated mesh must exist.
Related Topics
Accessing the Finite Element Modeling Workbench
Inserting Finite Element Model Representations
Meshing Geometries
Updating Meshes

  1. In the Transformation Meshes toolbar, click one of the following:

    • Extrusion Mesh by Translation to create a mesh from an existing one using an extrusion by translation.
    • Extrusion Mesh by Rotation to create a mesh from an existing one using an extrusion by rotation.
    • Extrusion Mesh by Symmetry to create a mesh from an existing one using an extrusion by symmetry.
    • Extrusion Mesh along Spine to create a mesh from an existing one using an extrusion along a spine.

    The corresponding dialog box appears.

  2. Select the meshes you want to extrude.

  3. Define the extrusion parameters.

    • If you selected the extrusion by translation, you have to specify the direction of the translation.
    • If you selected the extrusion by rotation, you have to specify the axis of the rotation.
    • If you selected the extrusion by symmetry, you have to specify the symmetry plane.
    • If you selected the extrusion along spine, you have to specify the spine that is the guide of the extrusion.

  4. Define the distribution type and the parameters.

  5. Optional: To condense the nodes, select the Automatic mesh capture check box.

    1. In the Tolerance box, enter a tolerance value.
    2. To initialize automatically the tolerance value, click Initialize.

  6. Click one of the following:

    • Cancel to cancel the modifications and close the dialog box.
    • Apply to save the parameters you defined and to create, update, and generate the mesh.

      The PLM Update progress bar appears. You can interrupt the update. See Updating Meshes.

      The Octree Tetrahedron Mesh dialog box remains open to continue modifying parameters if necessary.

    • OK to save the parameters you defined, to create the mesh, and to close the dialog box. To generate and visualize the mesh, you have to update it. See Updating Meshes.

    If you click Apply or OK, the extruded mesh is created in the specification tree.