Create 2D Surface Mesh

Use the General 2D Mesh: Create tool to create a surface mesh and remesh elements.

A surface mesh or "shell mesh" represents model parts that are relatively two-dimensional, such as sheet metal or a hollow plastic cowl or case. Surface meshes are placed on the outer faces of solid objects, and are used as a baseline mapping point when creating more complex 3D meshes (the quality of a 3D mesh largely depends on the quality of the 2D mesh from which it is generated).

General 2D Mesh should be the default surface mesh tool selected. To view a drop-down menu of available surface mesh methods, click the arrow on the right side of the tool.

  1. From the Mesh ribbon, click the General 2D Mesh tool.


    Figure 1.
    By default, the Create should be selected from the secondary ribbon.
  2. Optional: On the guide bar, click to define surface mesh options.
  3. Select surfaces, solids, or elements to mesh.
    Tip: To select only unmeshed surfaces, right-click on a surface and choose Select Unmeshed Surfaces from the context menu.
  4. Enter an average element size in the microdialog.
  5. Click Mesh on the guide bar or the microdialog.
    A mapped, all quad, mesh is generated. If a surface is determined to not be mappable, that surface is not meshed.

    Any failed surfaces remain selected when returning to the Create tool, or when Mesh mode is set to Automatic.

Tip: When using the other surface mesh tools, you can always go back to the Create tool to add and/or remove surfaces from the meshing area.