MARii ALTAIR HYPERWORKS FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

(FEA) TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME 2024

Altair Linear Analysis (Fundamental)

Training and Certification 2024
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 HyperMesh for Pre-Processing - Agenda
Training Sessions

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5

Interface Topology Cleanup 2D Mesh and 3D and 1D Model Setup
(Optional) and Midsurfacing quality editing Meshing OptiStruct and
Connectors

Exercises: 1A-1E Exercises: 2A-2G Exercises: 3A-3E Exercises: 4A-4D Exercises: 5A-5D

3h 6h 9h 12h 15h

• Getting Started • Importing, Exporting • 2D Mesh • 3D Mesh • Introduction

• File Management CAD and Topology Generalities and Generalities • Rigids and
• Selection of • Topology Cleanup Setup • Tetra Mesh Connectors
Entities • Geometry • Batch Meshing • Hexa Mesh • Model and Analysis
• Model Exploration Preparation • Interactive Shell • Beam Modeling Setup, Validation
through Browsers • Create, Edit and Mesh • Demos, Q&A and Run
• Move/Measure Review Midsurfaces • Editing Shell • Analyze Results
• Demos, Q&A • Additional tools to Elements • Demos, Q&A
manipulate • Demos, Q&A
Geometry
• Demos, Q&A
 Session 3
2D Mesh and Direct Midmesh

2D Mesh Batch Meshing Interactive Shell Editing Shell

Generalities and Mesh Elements
Setup

Exercises: 3A-3B Exercise: 3C Exercise: 3D

20m 50m 90m 120m 160m 180m

 Shell Meshing
Overview

• A surface or shell mesh represents model parts that are

relatively 2D.
• Placed on the outer faces of solid objects, it’s used as a baseline
mapping point when creating more complex 3D meshes.

• Create 2D mesh in HyperMesh with various algorithms

depending on your type of part and target type of simulation:
1. BatchMesher as an automated generic mesh process. It requires
the set-up of Param/Criteria with target requirements.

2. Interactive methods such as General 2D Mesh, CFD 2D Mesh,

Panel Mesh or Rigid Body Mesh

3. MidMesh workflow for cast plastic parts (Extract, Edit, Rebuild and
Map Thickness).

4. Mesh Controls to automate and streamline the meshing process.

 Shell Meshing
Overview

1.All the 2D mesh methods will

rely on Topology and
Features.
• Consolidated geometry and
meshing tools with FE geometry
improvement.

• HyperMesh supports the

detection, review and
management of features:
Holes (2D and 3D), Fillets and
Logos, as well as Mesh Holes and
Flanges.

2.Use editing tools to create and

edit 2D elements and manually
improve the quality of surface
mesh elements and nodes.

3.Fix and validate elements.

 Shell Meshing
How Topology affects the Mesh?

• Surface edges control how mesh created on adjacent

surfaces interact.

• Free Edges (red)

1. Free edge between 2 surfaces

2. Nodes are placed along edge for meshing

3. Mesh is discontinuous; nodes along the free edge are not

equivalenced (Nodes only separated for illustration)

• Shared Edges (green)

4. Shared edge between 2 surfaces

5. Nodes are placed along edge for meshing

6. Mesh has proper connectivity; nodes along the edge are

equivalenced
 Shell Meshing
How Topology affects the Mesh?

• Surface edges control how mesh created on adjacent

surfaces interact.

• Suppressed Edges (blue)

1. Suppressed edge between 2 surfaces

2. Edge is ignored; nodes are not placed along the edge

3. Area is treated just like 1 surface; there is no line of nodes along

the edge

• T-Junction Edges (yellow)

4. Non-manifold edge between 2 surfaces

5. Nodes are placed along edge for meshing

6. Mesh has proper connectivity; nodes along the edge are

equivalenced
 Shell Meshing
How Topology affects the Mesh?

• Topology operations:

1. Suppressing edges

Before
2. Adding edges

3. Removing fixed points

4. Adding fixed points

5. Replacing fixed points

After
 Shell Meshing
2D Mesh Strategy Overview

1.Whatever the 2D shell meshing 2D Mesh

Geometry Geometry
method, it follows the steps Cleanup Preparation
Meshing Quality
showed on the right. and Editing

Interactive meshing require • Find and remove • Define washers • Define target • Review element
the four steps to be addressed unnecessary mesh quality
• Find and remove
manually by the user. free edges logos • Run the mesh • Correct areas
• Find and remove with low quality
• Please note that integrating 2D mesh • Find and remove • Adjust the mesh
duplicate surfaces unnecessary (for interactive • Modify shell
quality in the meshing process may
force HyperMesh to ignore geometry • Close unexpected holes and details processes) meshing with
topology locally. holes Cut Holes,
• Split geometries for
Replicate,
guiding 3D mesh
Hole/Gap Fill
2.Defeature > Batch Repair +
Param and Criteria allows to
automate geometry cleanup
and preparation.

3.BatchMesher + Param and

Criteria allow the four steps to
be run at once.
 Demo
2D Mesh Strategy

File Name and Location:

..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\Demo\Clip_Start.hm

Demo Goals:
1. Load the geometry model file

2. Explain how to use Param/Criteria.

3. Show the process of an interactive mesh versus a BatchMesher

 Shell Meshing
Edit Criteria and Parameter

• Topology ribbon > Setup group > Param/Criteria

1. Use Parameter Editor to manage parameter settings used in

geometry cleanup and defeaturing.
• Param file is used by BatchMesher, Autocleanup, Auto Quality and Rebuild.

2. Use Criteria Editor to manage criteria settings used in QI (Quality

Index), batch meshing, and in QI-based element checks.
• Setting a proper Criteria file is one of the most important steps before
starting meshing or mesh editing.

• Many tools like Midmesh, Rebuild, Auto Quality, Edit Elements and even the
Element Quality Face Color mode all depend on having this set properly.

Hint: If Criteria and Param files are already loaded in the session,
then users don’t need to load them again and they will be accessible
in the session for all relevant tools.
 Tips & Tricks
Edit Criteria and Parameter

1.Param and Criteria files are pre-registered in the installation. Open File,
Save File and
Save File As...

2.Can be retrieved by using the Open File icon in the

Parameter and Criteria Editor.
Use Save and Save File As icons to save the current
settings to a new or different file name.
a. The loaded file with the proper path location will appear under
brackets […].

3.Always make sure Target element size is the same

between param and criteria file dealing with a method using
both.
 Shell Meshing
Parameter Settings

• Overview of geometry cleanup and defeaturing parameter

settings used to define washer layers around holes,
defeaturing pinholes and solid holes, rows of elements along
fillets and many other options.
• Basic - Include importing, outputting and meshing.

• Midsurface - Define the tasks that are performed by BatchMesher

when extracting the midsurface.

• Midmesh - Define settings used to create the midmesh.

• Geometry Cleanup - Define a variety of geometry feature

recognition and preparation tasks performed by BatchMesher.

• Features - Recognition of features.

• Quality Correction - Used by BatchMesher to generate a mesh on

the cleaned-up geometry.

• Special Components - Define a method for selecting special

components.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair HyperWorks Online Help.

 Shell Meshing
Criteria Settings

• Overview of the criteria settings used in QI (Quality Index)

and batch meshing and in QI-based element checks.
1. Switch between 1D, 2D and 3D Criteria from the tree on the left of
the dialog.

• General criteria settings include:

2. Target element size - Desired element size for the mesh.

• Modifying this value may generate errors (red text) in the Minimum size and
Maximum size.

a. With Recalculate option on, failed values will be automatically updated based on
Target element size.

• We can quickly get rid of the error by setting Minimum size (half of Target element
size), and Maximum size (twice Target element size), then adjust.

3. Calculation method - Select the solver to be used when calculating criteria

checks.

4. In the Fail column, edit the failed values for each specific check.

5. Ideal, Good, Warn and Worst fields are interpolated or extrapolated

automatically but could be changed using the Advanced checkbox.
 Change Display Settings
Shell Meshing

1.View Controls toolbar > Global Geometry and Mesh

Visualization
a. Shaded elements with mesh lines.

b. Set mesh transparency.

c. Wireframe elements with internal mesh lines.

d. Don't draw mesh (G) - Turn off mesh display.

e. Display associated Geometry/FE on Show/Hide/Isolate.

2.Change the visualization style or transparency of select part

using Local Geometry/Mesh Visualization.
• Press X to open the dialog bar.

Hint: Click on the small triangle to open other visualization options.

 Change Display Settings
Elements and Handles

1.View Controls toolbar > Elements and Handles

Visualization

a. Display 1D beams as 3D elements.

b. Display 2D shells as 3D elements.

c. Display plies as independent layers.

d. Shrink elements.

e. Display fixed points.

f. Display element handles.

g. Display load handles.

Hint: Click on the small triangle to open other visualization options.

Main Concepts - Summary
 MORE TO EXPLORE

20
 Meshing Preferences
Overview

• File > Preferences > HyperMesh > Meshing

1. Specify a Default size for elements created when meshing.
• Element size will be in the same units that the loaded model was created in
(mm, inches and so on).

2. Set Node Cleanup Tolerance (Automatic or Manual).

3. Adjust Mesh feature angle.

4. Change the default thickness for beamsection shell part.

5. Use first-order (corner nodes only) or second-order (corner and

mid-edge nodes) elements when meshing.

6. Manage CAD and FE topology revision.

Hint: Hoover the mouse on an option to visualize the tooltips.

 Tips & Tricks
Mesh Feature Angle

• What is the Mesh feature angle about?

• Where is it relevant to take it into consideration?

• The feature angle tolerance specifies the maximum distance that

the selected entity must be within to be included in the selection.

• When entities are selected by face, attached adjacent elements

are progressively selected as long as the feature angle between
them is less than or equal to the mesh feature angle.

• This will also affect automatic mesh cleanup.

 Meshing Preferences
CAD Topology Revision

• File > Preferences >

HyperMesh > Meshing > Before split After split
CAD topology revision
• Select a method for handling your
model when the geometry's
topology is changed.

1. Deletes the mesh from the effected

surfaces.

2. Disassociates the mesh from the

effected surfaces.

3. Remesh automatically the effected

surfaces.
 Meshing Preferences
CAD Topology Revision

• File > Preferences > After suppress: Remeshed

HyperMesh > Meshing >
CAD topology revision
• Keep mesh along matched
topology
• Select to skip remesh when geometry Before suppress Suppress
topology is matched with FE edge.

• There is no remesh happens, if the

change of geometry topology is done
along the FE edge.

After suppress: No Remesh

• Set the Number of adjacent

layers used for remeshing.
 Meshing Preferences
CAD Topology Revision
After surface transformation
• File > Preferences >
HyperMesh > Meshing >
CAD topology revision
Select a method to control the 2D
remeshing and connectivity with
surrounding mesh on CAD surface
transformation. Before surface transformation
1. Transformation off
• Move mesh along surface, break the
connectivity and remesh.

2. Keep and break

• Keep mesh in position, break the
connectivity and no remesh.

3. Move and break

• Move mesh along surface, break the
connectivity and no remesh.
 Meshing Preferences
FE Topology Revision

• File > Preferences >

HyperMesh > Meshing >
FE topology revision
1. Keep mesh
• Keeps the existing mesh on the finite
element topology revision.

2. Remesh
• Remeshes the surrounding mesh on
the finite element topology revision.

3. Rebuild
• (Default) Rebuilds the surrounding
mesh on the finite element topology
revision.

Hint: Use Number of layers to

define the zone to remesh or rebuild
on the topology revision.
 Session 3
2D Mesh and Direct Midmesh

2D Mesh Batch Meshing Interactive Shell Editing Shell

Generalities and Mesh Elements
Setup

Exercises: 3A-3B Exercise: 3C Exercise: 3D

20m 50m 90m 120m 160m 180m

 Perform Batch Meshing
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh group > BatchMesher

• BatchMesher performs geometry feature recognition, cleanup and
automatic meshing in batch mode for given CAD files.
• On the guide bar, open hamburger menu to access Param/Criteria file via
the Parameter/Criteria Editor.

• Param file contains the average element size and type, as well as any
special handling of geometry features.

• Criteria file contains the target element quality requirements for tests like
Jacobian, Warpage and more.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair HyperWorks Online Help.

 BatchMesher
Capabilities

1.BatchMesher can identify complex bead shapes

• The identified beads are meshed with nodes on the top midline to
provide consistency in bead capture.

2.Perform geometry cleanup

• Flexibility in capturing detailed geometry features.

• Control, predictability and consistency in cleanup.

3.Low number of trias, with strategic placement for better mesh

flow.

4.Element counts by controlling the average element size, near

holes and washers.
 BatchMesher
Cleanup Operations

• BatchMesher can read geometry files and perform a variety

of geometry cleanup operations to facilitate better mesh
creation for the selected element size and type.

• Cleanup operations include, but are not limited to:

• Equivalencing free edges.

• Fixing small surfaces, relative to the element size.

• Detecting features such as beads, fillets and flanges.

• BatchMesher also performs surface editing/defeaturing operations:

• Removing pinholes smaller than a specified size.

• Removing edge fillets.

• Adding washer layers around holes.

 Tips & Tricks
Washer Treatment for Holes in Proximity

• BatchMesher can create washers for holes in proximity

while better honoring the Parameter file settings.
• The washer width is adjusted in the proximity area, maintaining the
ratio of widths defined in the table.

• If the priorities of the holes in proximity are different, then for a

higher priority hole BatchMesher will try to keep the width defined
in the table and holes with less priority will have an adjusted width
within the proximity area.

• For holes in proximity with “auto” treatment defined, BatchMesher

tries to reduce the number of layers around the hole.
 BatchMesher
Features

1.Under Features, detect, review and manage geometric

Beads/Bosses, Fillets, Flanges, Holes 2D and 3D, Logos
and Threads.
• Holes 2D of different shapes and sizes are recognized and treated
appropriately. The following shapes are recognized and treated:
• Circle

• Rectangle/Square

• Slots

• Ellipse

• Mixed

Example: Circle > Washer Types:

a. Corner quad

b. Radial

Hint: For more details, visit Altair HyperWorks Online Help.

 BatchMesher
Allow Midmesh

1.Allow execution of the Midmesh

algorithm for relevant parts.

2.This functionality allows for

generating Midmesh
Representations via the
standalone BatchMesher, via
the Part Browser, and
interactively via Mesh Controls
Browser.

3.All options available from the

Midmesh tab are available via
BatchMesher.
BatchMesher and Features
BatchMesher output stores Features which can be accessed by Feature Manager
Main Concepts - Summary
 Exercise 3A - Batch Meshing

File Name and Location:

..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3A\Practice_bm.hm

Hint:..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3A\Practice_bm.mp4 *
(*) May differ from the steps described here

Exercise Steps:

1. Load and edit Parameters and Criteria

2. Create 2D Mesh with BatchMesher

 Session 3
2D Mesh and Direct Midmesh

2D Mesh Batch Meshing Interactive Shell Editing Shell

Generalities and Mesh Elements
Setup

Exercises: 3A-3B Exercise: 3C Exercise: 3D

20m 50m 90m 120m 160m 180m

 Interactive Shell Mesh
What can I do?

1.General Meshing
• Size and Bias
• QI optimized
• Edge deviation
• Surface deviation
• Panel Mesh
• Rigid Body
• Shrink Wrap
• Electromagnetic Lattice
• ...

2.Special mesh operations

• Replicate
• Refinement
• Imprint
• Hole and Gap filling
• Fuse
• Coarsening
• …
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > General 2D Mesh
• Generate and edit mapped
surface mesh.
1. Create a surface mesh and remesh
elements.

2. Edit element density and size along

surface edges.

3. Apply linear, exponential, or bell-

curve biasing to individual edges of a
surface and edit the element size
distribution.

4. Edit the mesh type and mapping

method of individual surfaces.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Create

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh group > General 2D Mesh >

Create
• Create a surface mesh and remesh elements.
1. Select Surfaces, Solids, or Elements to mesh from the guide bar entity
selector.

2. To select only unmeshed surfaces, right-click on a surface and choose

Select > Unmeshed Surfaces from the context menu.

3. On the guide bar, click hamburger menu to define Options.

4. Click Mesh from the microdialog or guide bar.

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

• Elements based remesh workflow support is available for General

2D Mesh, CFD 2D Mesh and Panel Mesh.
• User can perform local and global remesh for FE only models as well.

Hint: If a surface is determined to not be mappable, that surface is not

meshed.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Element Quality Legend

1.Surface mesh is created, and

elements are colored according
to how well they adhere to the
pre-set quality requirements.

2.Use the Element Quality

Legend (QI Range and
Criteria) to assist you in
evaluating element quality.

3.Visualization toolbar >

Element Quality

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help
Review Element Quality
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Element Quality Legend

1.Number of Trias in the model

along with its % shown in the
legend summary area.

2.Right-click on legend to:

• Activate Failed Count information
for each criteria.

• Edit Criteria through Criteria

Editor.

• Save Quality Report in a *.txt file.

• Save Failed Elements

a. A message will appear in the Status
bar.

b. To retrieve the elements, use

Elements entity selector, right-click
Select > Retrieve Selection or press
Ctrl + Shift + W.

c. Keep the selection and remesh only

the failed elements.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Element Quality Legend

1.From the legend, click on an

element quality checks to open
the specific legend bar, for
example Min Size.

2.Switch between Quality Index

Range (Worst, Fail, Warm,
Good, Ideal) and Criteria tabs.

3.Left-click and drag to move the

slider up and down and change
the element displayed.
Iso < 0.9 Iso > 0.9
a. Click on Iso to switch between >
or > of a certain value.

4.Right-click on a legend value to

display additional options in the
context menu.
 Tips & Tricks
2D Element Quality Checks

Types:

1. Aspect Ratio → Ratio of the longest edge of an element to either its

shortest edge or the shortest distance from a corner node to the
opposing edge ("minimal normalized height").
Aspect ratios should rarely exceed 5:1.

2. Warpage → Amount by which an element, or in the case of solid

elements, an element face, deviates from being planar.
The check only applies to quads (three points define a plane).
The quad is divided into two trias along its diagonal, and the angle
between the trias’ normals is measured.

3. Skew → Skew of triangular elements is calculated by finding the

minimum angle between the vector from each node to the opposing
mid-side, and the vector between the two adjacent mid-sides at each
node of the element.
The minimum angle found is subtracted from ninety degrees and
reported as the element’s skew.

4. Jacobian → Deviation of an element from its ideal or "perfect"

shape, such as a triangle’s deviation from equilateral.
The Jacobian value ranges from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1.0 represents a
perfectly shaped element.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Density

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > General 2D Mesh >
Density
• Edit element density and size
along surface edges.

• Before you begin, use Create tool

to generate an initial mesh.

1. In the microdialog, click the

Density value icon to switch the
value definition, then click Update.

2. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Options:
• Link opposite edges - Select if an
aspect ratio should be used to link
the default mesh density on opposing
edges of rectangular surfaces.

Hint: Clear your selection by clicking

in empty space.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Biasing

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > General 2D Mesh >
Biasing
• Improve element quality when
transitioning from smaller to larger
element sizes and enables you to
moderate the changes in aspect
ratio from the start to the end.

• Select edge(s) by left-click to

modify them.

1. In the microdialog, you can edit

Bias type and Biasing factor.

2. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Options.
 Interactive Shell Mesh
Face Edit

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > General 2D Mesh >
Face Edit
• Edit the mesh type and mapping
method for one or multiple
surfaces at once.

1. A legend appear in the modeling

window.

• In the microdialog, set:

a. Element Type

b. Map Type

c. Mesh Type

• Choose Advanced from the drop-down

menu to activate additional option.

Hint: Append or remove surfaces to

your selection by holding Ctrl + left-
click or Shift + left-click.
 Tips & Tricks
Create FE with Extrude

1.Activate Extrude tool and choose Lines entity selector.

2.Check Mesh option.
3.Select lines to extrude and left-click and drag to create a
new mesh.
4.General 2D Mesh automatically open after creating
surfaces.

• File > Preferences > Meshing > FE topology revision

• Select a remeshing method for revising modified topology.

Hint: Mesh option is available inside Patch, Skin, Ruled, Extrude,

Revolve…
Main Concepts - Summary
 MORE TO EXPLORE

57
 2D Mesh - Other Mesh Methods
Panel Mesh

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > Panel Mesh
• Generate and edit mapped panel
mesh.

• The options are the same

explained in General 2D Mesh.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 2D Mesh - Other Mesh Methods
CFD 2D Mesh

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > CFD 2D Mesh
• Generate hybrid grids containing
hexa/penta/tetra elements in the
boundary layer and tetra elements
in the core or fare field.

• On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 2D Mesh - Other Mesh Methods
Rigid Body Mesh

• 2D ribbon > Surface Mesh

group > CFD 2D Mesh
• Create a quick mesh to represent
the topology of a rigid object.

• On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 2D Mesh - Other Mesh Methods
Shrink Wrap Meshing

• 2D ribbon >Surface Mesh

group > Shrink Wrap
• Shrink wrap meshing is a method
to create a simplified mesh of a
complex model when high-
precision models are not Coarse STL mesh Shell mesh wrapped around
necessary, as is the case for used as Input the original STL mesh
powertrain components during
crash analysis.
• The model's size, mass, and general
shape remains, but the surface
features and details are simplified,
which can result in faster analysis
computation.

• You can determine the level of detail

retained by determining the mesh
size to use, among other options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Exercise 3C - Create and Edit an Interactive Shell Mesh

File Name and Location:

..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3C\Clip_Start.hm

Hint:..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3C\Clip_Start.mp4 *
(*) May differ from the steps described here

Exercise Steps:

1. Load and edit Parameters and Criteria

2. Check Meshing Preferences

3. Create interactive shell mesh

4. Check element quality and isolate elements with Min Size < 1

5. Improve the 2D mesh obtained with Topology tools

6. Remesh the surfaces

7. Adjust edges density to improve the final mesh

 Session 3
2D Mesh and Direct Midmesh

2D Mesh Batch Meshing Interactive Shell Editing Shell

Generalities and Mesh Elements
Setup

Exercises: 3A-3B Exercise: 3C Exercise: 3D

20m 50m 90m 120m 160m 180m

 Editing Shell Elements
Auto Quality

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Auto Quality
• Automatically correct selected
element quality.
1. Select elements to fix and, optionally,
activate the Anchors selector to
select anchor nodes to be preserved.

2. Click Review on the guide bar to

isolate affected elements.

3. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to:

• Edit parameters and criteria.

• Consider affected elements only

- Correct only elements that are
failing the criteria checks, including
an optional number of adjacent
layers.

• Remesh elements failing QI -

Correct quality by local remesh
failed elements.

• Reduce tria elements - Allows

local remeshing around tria
elements.
 Editing Shell Elements
What can I use to Edit 2D Surface Mesh Elements?

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements

• Edit 2D Elements by smoothing,

moving, splitting, collapsing,
replacing, creating and adjusting
the edge density of elements.

• It is possible to combine two or

more options in order to edit the
mesh.
 Editing Shell Elements
Smooth Elements

• 2D ribbon > Edit group > Edit Elements > Smooth

1. Smooth selected elements to optimize their quality with optional
Anchors nodes which are not moved.

When is a node of shell element free? When can be moved?

• A node of a shell element is free, and therefore can be moved, if:
• It isn’t used by an element that was not selected and It isn’t selected as an anchor
node.
• It isn’t attached to an edge, vertex or meshing fixed point of a surface.
• It isn’t used by a 1D element (whether or not that element is selected).
• It is attached to a surface but isn’t on a feature line of the mesh of the selected plate
or shell elements.

2. Open hamburger menu to define Options used to edit elements.

• Number of smooth Iterations, selection type to keep after smoothing
operation, preserve free edge nodes as anchor nodes.

3. In the microdialog, select a smoothing method.

Hint: Always set up proper Parameters and Criteria before

performing smoothing operations. This helps to achieve better
element quality results.
 Editing Shell Elements
Move Elements

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Move
• Move nodes, drag trias elements,
modify holes and washers and
automatically optimize nodes and
elements.

1. Edit elements with mouse and

keyboard shortcuts as shown in
the picture on the right.

2. Open hamburger menu to define

additional Options.
• Enables two trias to be merged into
one quad element.

• Automatically move, scale, change

the radial or angular position of
washer nodes.

• Automatically Remesh layers around

a hole after modifying it.

• You can toggle Graphical preview.

 Editing Shell Elements
Split, Swap, Combine Elements

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Split
• Split quad elements and edges,
combine tria elements and swap
element edges.

1. Select a Split method from the

guide bar drop-down menu.

2. Open hamburger menu to define

additional Options.

As in the other editing tools,

Enable QI Color Mode option is
off by default.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Editing Shell Elements
Replace Nodes

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Replace
• Relocate and replace the positions
of nodes.

1. Select a Replacement method

from the guide bar drop-down
menu then select nodes/element
edges.
• One to One / Multi to One

• Multi to Multi - Select

Source/Target nodes By Path using
Advanced Selection.

2. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define additional
Options.
• Choose to be warned if the node
replacement results in an element
collapsing.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Editing Shell Elements
Edit Edge Density and Element Size

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Density
• Edit element density and size
along surface edges.

1. In the microdialog, click the icon to

switch the value being defined to
either Density value or Element
size.

2. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define additional
Options.
 Editing Shell Elements
Create and Delete

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Create
• Create new 1D/2D/3D elements
and delete elements.

1. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define additional
Options:
• Where new elements are created.

• Type of element to create.

• Click on Element Config hyperlink to

open Entity Types tab under
HyperMesh Preferences.

2. Optionally, click Find to identify all

elements at or below a certain
quality level.
 Editing Shell Elements
Relocate Nodes/Elements

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Origin
• Relocate moved nodes and
elements to associated geometry.
• If nodes are moved within the
surface/edge, the current position of
the node is updated as the origin.

• Therefore, nodes are not moved back Node

to their initial locations upon using the Node away Preview
from edge of origin relocated
Origin tool. to origin

• If nodes are moved away from the

surface/edge, nodes are always
brought back to the initial locations
upon using the Origin tool, even after
multiple node movements.
 Editing Shell Elements
Associate Nodes to Geometry

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Edit Elements > Associate
• Find non-associated nodes,
review them, and associate to
target geometry.
• This is useful in cases where you
load CAD and FE separately.

1. On the guide bar, from the

drop-down menu select to:
• Associate (Automatic or Manual)

• Dissociate.

2. A legend indicates which nodes

are associated and to which
geometry entities.

3. Check the Move nodes option to

project source nodes onto the
target entity along with the
association.
 Editing Shell Elements
Normals

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Normals
• The normal of an element is
determined by following the order
of nodes of the element using the
right-hand rule.

1. Reverse the normals of selected

surfaces/unassociated mesh.

2. Adjust the normals of selected FE

Adjust the
geometry surfaces/unassociated normals of FE
mesh. geometry Reverse the normals of FE
surfaces geometry surfaces
a. On the guide bar, open hamburger
menu to define additional Options.

• View Controls toolbar >

Face Color > Normals
• Red → Positive side of a shell or
surface.

• Blue → Negative side.

 Align and Project
Overview
Align Nodes

• Topology ribbon > Edit group >

Align/Project
• Project entities to lines, surfaces,
or planes then remap and offset
projected nodes.
1. Align to Lines

• Check Use end nodes option to auto-

detect end nodes based on your source
selection and align between them.
Otherwise, select Target entities to
align to.

2. Align to Surfaces
Align Elements to Surfaces Align Elements to Plane
3. Align to Planes

4. Use the icons in the microdialog

further refinement.

5. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define to toggle Graphical
preview option.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Detach Elements
Overview

• Topology ribbon > Edit group >

Detach
• Detach elements (and solids) from
surrounding structure.
• You can detach elements from a
portion of your model so that it can
be translated or moved, or you can
offset the new nodes by a specified
value.

• Use Detach tool to detach and

remove elements from your model.

Elements are detached and offset

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Fix Elements
Edges, Faces, Equivalence

• Validate ribbon > Fix Elements

group
1.Use Edges tool to find free edges
and "T" connections in a group of
shell elements and create1D
elements from them.

2.Use Faces tool to find free faces

in a group of 3D elements and
create shell elements from them.

3.Use Equivalence tool to find, tour,

and equivalence duplicate nodes.

4.On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define additional
Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Demo
Find Free Edges and Equivalence

File Name and Location:

..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\Demo\Free-edges.hm

Demo Goals:
1. Open HyperMesh Model.
2. Validate ribbon > Fix Elements group > Edges
3. Select the element displayed and click Review to find free boundary edges.
Click on the green flag button to create lines and exit.
(The edges are created in the ^edges_shells component)
4. Validate ribbon > Fix Elements group > Equivalence
5. Select the element displayed. In the microdialog, type Tolerance 0.1 >
Equivalence (96 nodes were equivalenced from the Status bar).
6. Validate ribbon > Fix Elements group > Edges
7. Select the element displayed and click Review to find free boundary edges.
Only red, free edges should exist on the perimeter of the part and on periphery of
internal holes.
8. After verifying that the model has correct red edges, delete ^edges_shells
component.
Main Concepts - Summary
 MORE TO EXPLORE

80
 Refine Elements
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Edit group > Refine

• Locally refine 2D elements and attached 1D elements using either
Auto Quads, Box, or Manual tool.

• These are most useful for aerospace and marine applications,

where specific transition patterns are required from the refined
mesh to the existing mesh.

• 2D ribbon > Edit group > Refine > Auto Quads

• Refine elements as quads based on a given refinement size.
Transition elements may be automatically defined or manually
selected.

• On the guide bar, open hamburger menu to define additional

Options.
1. Type: Use adjacent layers, the transition elements are previewed on each
side of the selected entities.

2. Type: Select transition elements, click Transition on the guide bar then
manually select transition elements.

Hint: Before you begin, make sure the initial mesh is a regular
mapped quad mesh, and not a free quad mesh.
 Refine Elements
Box and Manual Refinement

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Refine > Box
• Refine elements enclosed inside a
box.

1. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Refinement box
Options.

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Refine > Manual
• Refine elements manually.

2. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define manual refinement
of Split Patterns Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Tips & Tricks
Manual Refine Elements

• How can I create the mesh pattern shown in the pictures

below?
• Mesh the CAD at global size and use Manual Refine.
 Imprint and Extend Elements
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Imprint
• Extend a mesh to meet another
mesh and form a good connection
between them.

• Imprint overlapping meshes so

that they match one another.

• Define Source and Target.

1. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu to define Post imprint
options for CAD or FE.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Hole/Gap Fill and Fuse
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Hole/Gap Fill
1. Fill holes, gaps, and patches in
first order and second order
elements.

• 2D ribbon > Edit group > Fuse

2. Use Fuse 2D Shell Meshes
connect close proximity, Open
overlapping, and intersecting Shells
parts.

Feature Edge Holes Filled

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
Closed
Shells
 Cut Hole
Overview

• 2D ribbon > Edit group >

Cut Hole
• Generate holes in surfaces/2D
mesh using various kind of
shapes.

• On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu for additional Options:
1. Rebuilding mesh after holes are cut.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Coarsen
Overview

• Topology ribbon > Edit group >

Coarsen
• Simplify a mesh by combining
many small elements into a
smaller number of larger ones.
1. Coarsen 1D elements and
components to the given element
size.

2. Coarsen 2D components to the given

element size.

3. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu for additional Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Box Trim
Overview

• Topology ribbon > Edit group >

Box Trim
• Trim the model, or selected
subset, to fit any defined box
volumes.

• It is very useful when you are

doing a system-level analysis, and
when portions of a full vehicle
model include few complete
subsystems or partial subsystems.

1. On the guide bar, open hamburger

menu for additional Options.

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Additional Topology Tools
Overview

• Topology ribbon > Edit group

1. Change Element Config

2. Change Element Type

3. Change Element Order

Hint: For more details, visit Altair

HyperWorks Online Help.
 Exercise 3D - Edit 2D Surface Mesh Elements

File Name and Location:

..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3D\EDIT_ELEMS_MODEL_02.hm

Hint:..\03-2D-Mesh-Direct-Midmesh\3D\EDIT_ELEMS_MODEL_02.mp4 *
(*) May differ from the steps described here

Exercise Steps:
1. Load crash_5mm Param and Criteria files

2. Set Fail Min size < 1 from the Criteria Editor. From Visualization toolbar,
activate Element Quality view. In the Legend, select QI Range visualization.

3. 2D ribbon > Edit group > Edit Elements. Use Edit Elements tools to manually
improve the quality of surface mesh elements and nodes
CHANGING TOMORROW,
TOGETHER.
altair.com

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