create 2D surface mesh from 3D mesh - [face]

Altair Forum User

Hi

 

I would like to create 2D surface mesh from existing 3D mesh.

The geometry has complex inner surfaces, so when I use 'face', the faced mesh also has inner surfaces.

 

Is there any possible way to create only outer surface mesh?

 

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

 

Jay

tinh

Hi

Just create face and delete the inner faces

If too many inner faces, you can select outer face (use 'by face' option with big 'feature angle' in panel option/mesh) then reverse the selections

Altair Forum User

I found HyperWorks tip/trick 386 about how to use 'by face'.

But actually I cannot find option panel.

I am using Hypermesh 12.0, does the panel have the same name in 12.0?

tinh

Hi,

Press 'O'

or from menu Preferences/Mesh Options

Altair Forum User

Actually I pressed 'O' and did look into mesh subpanel, but I could not find 'by face'.

There is feature angle and other options, but I do not know how to 'run' the 'by face'.

There is only 'return' button.

Here is image below.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B542eW0LkUzIdGppUEdUdGR3Rnc/edit?usp=sharing

I would appreciate your help.

tinh

Hi

when selecting face elements, click on button 'elems' you will se 'by face'

if outer face is separated from inner face, you just select 'by attached' (display only face component, then only elems attached to outer face selected)

if between outer face and inner face has ridge features, select 'by face' may be useful, increase 'feature angle' to an appropriate value until you can select almost of outer face elems

Altair Forum User

If you look at the image that I attached by link above, there is no 'elems' button. There is only 'return' button.

I pressed 'O' and clicked 'mesh' subpanel. And that image is how look like.

Am I looking at the wrong panel?

 

I really appreciate your answers.

Thanks!

tinh

You are right

but i will explain more detail;

You have a 3D component, you create face elements (2D) on it by 'faces' panel

now you want to retain only outer face elements:

for example i will move the outer face elements to a new component

- right click on ^faces component in model browse, select 'isolate only', there is only face elements displayed

- create a new component named 'OUTER_FACE'

- F11 enter 'organize' panel, select a face element on outer

- then click on 'elems' button (the yellow button), you will find 'by face' option

- now click 'by face', hm will select some elements that are on quite smooth area until encounter a ridge feature (similar to a sharp edge)

- if you increase 'feature angle' in option panel over angle between elements at ridge feature, hm will continue select other elements over the ridge feature

now you understand?

I am not sure how complex your model is, so try increase feature angle gradually until you can select almost outer face elements

Altair Forum User

Thank you sooooo much.

Finally I did!

You are such a life saver. /emoticons/default_wink.png' alt=';)' srcset='/emoticons/wink@2x.png 2x' width='20' height='20'>

I appreciate it.

Altair Forum User

Thank you sooooo much.