Using a mesh to make a honeycomb
Hi all, I'm new to using hyperworks so I'm not sure yet what it can and cannot do.
For context, for a uni project I'm working on I need to create a 'context-sensitive' irregular honeycomb and I wanted to generate a mesh on a flat plate and use that as a starting point as the mesh can be tailored pretty easily (element size distribution and so on). The idea is to use the 2D mesh geometry as the honeycomb geometry and extrude it to make the cell walls. I've managed to do so from a regular mesh (generated with automesh) and converting the elements into surfaces individually using script. Below is a screenshot of what I just described for reference
Ideally, I would need the triangle/square mesh elements to merge into hexagons or pentagons. I've found the element combining tool but I can't think of a way to use that tool in a structured way to make somewhat consistent hexagonal shapes.
I would really appreciate any ideas or suggestions to help me with this. Any method for generating a hexagonal mesh-like pattern would work too, I am only using the mesh as a geometrical stepping stone.
Thanks in advance.
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Answers
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No way to combine TRIA to get regular HEXAGONS. You have to start to make regular hexagons (geometry) firstly and try to fit your surface on it.
Good luck!
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Hexagons and pentagons are solid elements. Where exactly do you need solid elements?
Do you want the honeycomb walls to be shell elements (quad elements) or do you want each cell of the honeycomb to be a solid element (hexa or penta). To me, the latter does not make sense.
If you want the cells to have a square shape instead of triangular, I think it would be easier to adjust your initial mesh accordingly. (e.g. split geometry of base surface into rectangular surfaces to get more orthogonal mesh)
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Hi zoltaaaan,
I want each cell to be a hexagon or a pentagon. I'm using the mesh only as a means to draw a 2D honeycomb-like pattern that I can extrude into a 3D honeycomb, like the one in the picture which was based on a tria mesh. I would then re-mesh the whole thing before running any simulations.
I am not fully familiar with the distinctions between shell elements and solid elements so sorry if my explanations are confusing. I'm aware I'm using the tools in ways they are technically not intended to be used, but the principle worked for a tria mesh. My goal is to do the same for a penta/hexa honeycomb.
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If you want to create solid hexa and penta elements from a shell mesh of quads and trias, then there is a simple way for exactly that purpose:
https://altairhyperworks.com/hwhelp/Altair/2017/help/hm/hmbat.htm?hm3210.htm
You would not need the 'extruded' surfaces from the shell mesh edges, which you have shown in your picture. You only neet one surface mesh and using 'Mesh > Create > 3D Elements > Element Offset' and 'solid layers', you can create your solid elements.
But to be honest, I am not sure, if it makes sense to simulate honeycomb with solid elements. I would rather create shell elements (quads) on those extruded surfaces from your picture.
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