Mesh Compatibility

SOLIDWORKS Simulation estimates a global element size for the model taking into consideration its volume, surface area, and other geometric details. The size of the generated mesh (number of nodes and elements) depends on the geometry and dimensions of the model, element size, mesh tolerance, and contact specifications.

Mesh generation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform considers the global element size (solid meshes only) in SOLIDWORKS Simulation and attempts to recreate a similar mesh of high-quality tetrahedral elements. Only the global element size is considered—additional mesh controls that you specified with SOLIDWORKS Simulation are not imported.

When transferring a SOLIDWORKS Simulation model with shells, the geometry on which the shells is defined is imported. However, the shell mesh and associated features are not transferred. Beam elements also are not transferred from SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

You can redefine shells and features applied on shells using the 3DEXPERIENCE apps. From the Assistant panel in the 3DEXPERIENCE app, select Shell Section to define the shell thickness. To create a shell mesh, from the Assistant panel, select Mesh, and apply Surface Quad Mesh.

You can use Mesh Creation to modify the default mesh that is created when you transfer your model to a 3DEXPERIENCE scenario creation app. For example, to increase accuracy, you may want to increase the mesh density in certain areas.

To access the Mesh Creation app, expand the Model action in the standard area of the action bar for a scenario creation app, and select Mesh .