Mesh attributes and controls

You can specify the density of a mesh by creating seeds along the edges of the model to indicate where the corner nodes of the elements should be located. For example, Figure 1 displays a model with biased seeding along the top and left edges.

Figure 1. A model with biased seeding.

For more information, see Understanding seeding.

You can select the shape of the mesh elements. For example, Figure 2 shows a model that has been meshed first with quadrilateral elements and then with triangular elements.

Figure 2. Two meshes with different element shapes.

For more information, see Assigning Abaqus element types.

You can choose the meshing technique—free, structured, or swept—and, where applicable, you can choose the meshing algorithm—medial axis or advancing front. For more information, see Mesh generation.

You can select the element type that is assigned to the mesh by choosing the element family, geometric order, and shape along with specific element controls, such as hourglassing. For more information, see Understanding mesh generation.