You can use Automated FEM methods with individual products or assemblies. You can use them to create an
assembled finite element model (FEM) representation and to mesh an assembly made of
subproducts with 3D shape representations. Automated FEM methods can also run procedures to idealize geometry or to complete other tasks on a
product before meshing.
Automated FEM provides general-purpose and specialized methods you can use to prepare an FEM. In addition to the general-purpose and specialized methods provided in
the app, you can define custom methods for creating finite element models and add
them to the app. Custom methods appear in a dedicated section, My
Methods. For more information, see Creating and Accessing Custom Methods for Automated FEMs.
General-Purpose Automated FEM Methods
The general-purpose Automated FEM methods use basic techniques to mesh any model geometry.
- Standard
- Manages solid and surface meshes for multiple bodies using basic
parameters of mesh type, element order, size, sag, and thickness (for
shell elements). This method can import and mesh point fasteners if they
are included in the model.
- Advanced
- Provides increased control; you can choose the mesh procedure used for
each part within the assembly. Several connection mesh procedures are
also included (point, line, virtual bolt, or read from design).
- User Driven
- Manages the application of multiple mesh procedures and inputs to the
parts in your assembly; generates meshes and quality reports for each
part. This method does not support connections.
- Empty FEM
- Creates an empty finite element model linked to selected shapes.
Specialized Automated FEM Methods
The
specialized Automated FEM methods create FEMs intended for a specific purpose.
- Axisymmetric
- Creates a cut through a 3D model to produce a 2D axisymmetric
representation, the required cylindrical axis system, the FEM, and the
mesh. You can then add model and scenario features to this simplified
representation to generate results that represent the 3D design.
- Submodel
- Creates a submodel FEM from a selected region of the model. You can use
submodels for advanced multi-scale multi-level simulations.
- Preloaded
- Creates a linked copy of the FEM from another analysis case. The new FEM
includes mesh parts, groups, and numbering, and you can also include
model constraints.
- Lattice
- Provides controls to create the FEM for additive manufacturing designs
created with the Lattice Design
app.
- Functional Structure
- Provides controls to create the FEM for large steel structures. For more information, see
Simulation | Structures | Structural Model Creation | Setup | Functional Structure Finite Element Models | Creating Functional Structure Finite Element Models.