Create and Delete Elements

Use the Edit: Create tool to create new 1D/2D/3D elements and delete elements.

1. From the Geometry ribbon, click the Edit > Create tool.

   
   
   Figure 1.

   Elements are colored according to how well they adhere to the pre-set quality requirements defined in the criteria file.
2. On the guide bar, click to to define which type/config of element to create, where new elements are organized, and any find tolerances.

   1D

   Figure 2.

   2D

   Figure 3.

   3D

   
   
   Figure 4.

   By default, first order elements are created. In order to create second order elements, set the meshing element order preference to Second.

   
   
   Figure 5.

3. Select an element issue type from the guide bar.

   Quality

   Checks for quality as defined in quality criteria.

   Intersections

   Checks for intersecting elements.

   Face angles

   Checks for folded or sharp angle elements.

4. Optional: Find all elements at or below a certain quality level.
   1. Click Find on the guide bar.
   2. Increase or decrease the number of layers around patches of failed elements by clicking or on the guide bar.
   3. Review the next or previous patch of failed elements by clicking or on the guide bar.
5. Create or delete elements.
   • Select nodes to create 1D/2D/3D elements.
   • Select the element(s) to delete, then left-click to delete element(s).