Preparing Your Model
Before using AutoGEM, you should take the following steps to ensure that AutoGEM creates the best set of elements for your model:
• If you know in advance that you want more solid or shell elements near a specific location, add geometry or simulation features that AutoGEM can use to refine the mesh, such as datum points, curves, surfaces, or regions.
• Before using AutoGEM on a curve for 3D models, you need to assign a beam idealization. AutoGEM automatically creates beam end points, as required, so you do not need to add datum points.
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When you select a curve for AutoGEM and the curve does not have a beam idealization, AutoGEM will mesh the curve, but you will encounter problems at analysis time if you have not fully defined the beam. To prevent problems of this sort, we recommend always adding the beam idealization before you run AutoGEM.
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• Before using AutoGEM on a curve for 2D models, you need to assign a simple or advanced shell idealization.
• Before using AutoGEM on a surface for 2D plane stress models, you need to assign a simple or advanced shell idealization.
• When you use AutoGEM on a surface or volume, make sure that the Insert points and Move or delete existing points options on the Settings tab of the AutoGEM Settings dialog box are selected. For most cases, these options enable AutoGEM to generate the best set of elements.
• When you use AutoGEM on a surface, make sure all the options under Isolation for shells and 2D solids are active. These options direct AutoGEM to isolate:
◦ reentrant corners on individual surfaces
◦ points with loads or constraints in Structure or with heat loads, prescribed temperatures, or convection conditions in Thermal