Introduction – Midsurface Geometry and Meshing for FEA with MSC Apex

Introduction – Midsurface Geometry and Meshing for FEA with MSC Apex
4
Jun

In Finite Element Analysis, structures can be represented with a variety of elements including 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D elements. Thin walled structures are commonly represented with 2D or planar elements.

Different dimension elements can be used to represent the same geometry. An I-Beam (W Shape) can be idealized as 1D, 2D, or 3D elements.

Planar elements, also called two-dimensional (2D) elements, are used to represent a structure whose thickness is small compared to its other dimensions. Planar elements can model plates, which are flat, or shells, which have single curvature (e.g., cylinder) or double curvature (e.g., sphere). Planar elements can also be used to model sections that are uniform or non-uniform in thickness.

Below are various examples of thin structures and their respective midsurface representations.

Caption: Built up connection of an aerospace application

Caption: Injection molded plastics used in an automotive headliner

Caption: Machined rib used in aerospace applications

Caption: Injection molded plastic used in an electronic box

Caption: The midsurface is displayed within the original solid geometry

Caption: Wing tie used in aerospace applications

Midsurface Creation Process

A common way to produce a planar element mesh is to first create midsurface geometry that represent the midplanes of the thin walls and then mesh the midsurface geometry.

Caption: Midsurface Creation Process

Caption: Midsurface Creation Process for an Automotive Injection Molded Plastic

More on midsurface extraction, creation, and meshing

Comments

  • dbarlam@gmail.com
    June 4, 2019

    Very impressive example. This is a common problem. It generally requires a lot of time

  • Manekshaw
    June 6, 2019

    Nowadays the major companies are investing heavily on the midsurfacing technology to create the mid mesh directly instead of extracting the mid surface first and then mesh on the mid surface. This result in big man hours to complete the parts especially when it comes to injection Moldes plastic parts in automotive parts.

    With respect to the other commercial products available, how does this tool benefit to the user in terms of saving time and money.

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