Mesh generation in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Mesh generation creates a network of small shapes on your 3D model. This helps analyze how the model behaves under different conditions by breaking it into simple parts.

When you want to test how a part will handle stress or pressure in real life

When you need to simulate heat flow through a component

When checking if a design will deform under load

When preparing a model for finite element analysis (FEA)

When optimizing a design to reduce material without losing strength

Steps

Step 1: Open your 3D model

- SolidWorks main window

Your model appears ready for analysis

Step 2: Click the Simulation tab

- CommandManager toolbar

Simulation tools become visible

Step 3: Select 'Create Mesh'

- Simulation toolbar

Mesh generation dialog opens

Step 4: Set mesh parameters like element size

- Mesh generation dialog

Mesh preview updates showing how the model will be divided

💡 Smaller elements give more detail but take longer to compute

Step 5: Click 'Create Mesh'

- Mesh generation dialog

Model is divided into mesh elements visible on screen

Step 6: Review mesh quality

- Mesh display on model

You see if mesh is uniform or has errors

Before vs After

Before

3D model shows smooth surfaces with no visible mesh

After

3D model displays a network of small connected shapes covering all surfaces

Settings Reference

Element Size

📍 Mesh generation dialog

Controls the size of each mesh element to balance detail and speed

Default: Automatic

Mesh Type

📍 Mesh generation dialog

Defines the shape of mesh elements for different analysis needs

Default: Tetrahedral

Mesh Quality

📍 Mesh generation dialog

Adjusts how fine or coarse the mesh is for accuracy

Default: Standard

Common Mistakes

Using too large element size

Mesh is too coarse and misses important details, leading to inaccurate results

Choose a smaller element size or use automatic settings for better detail

Ignoring mesh quality warnings

Poor mesh quality can cause errors or unreliable simulation outcomes

Check mesh quality and refine mesh where warnings appear

Summary

Mesh generation breaks a 3D model into small shapes for analysis

Choosing the right element size and mesh type is key for accurate results

Always review mesh quality before running simulations

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of mesh generation in SolidWorks simulations?

easy

A. To color the model for better visualization

B. To divide the model into small elements for analysis

C. To create 3D animations of the model

D. To export the model to other software

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand mesh generation concept

   Mesh generation breaks the model into small pieces called elements for detailed analysis.

2. Step 2: Identify the purpose in simulation

   This division allows simulation software to calculate physical behaviors accurately.

3. Final Answer:

   To divide the model into small elements for analysis -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Mesh generation = dividing model for analysis [OK]

Hint: Mesh means breaking model into small parts for study [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing mesh with coloring or animation
• Thinking mesh exports the model
• Assuming mesh is for visual effects only

2. Which of the following is the correct way to describe mesh refinement in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Decreasing element size in important areas for accuracy

B. Increasing element size to speed up simulation

C. Removing mesh elements to simplify the model

D. Changing mesh color to highlight stress zones

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand mesh refinement meaning

   Refinement means making mesh elements smaller in key areas to improve detail.

2. Step 2: Identify correct description

   Decreasing element size in important areas increases accuracy without slowing entire simulation too much.

3. Final Answer:

   Decreasing element size in important areas for accuracy -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Refine mesh = smaller elements where needed [OK]

Hint: Refine means smaller elements in key spots [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking refinement means bigger elements
• Confusing refinement with removing elements
• Mixing mesh color with mesh size

3. Given a mesh with element size set to 5 mm in the whole model and refined to 1 mm in a small area, what is the expected effect on simulation time and accuracy?

medium

A. Simulation time increases and accuracy increases

B. Simulation time increases and accuracy decreases

C. Simulation time stays the same and accuracy decreases

D. Simulation time decreases and accuracy decreases

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze element size effect on simulation

   Smaller elements increase calculation steps, so simulation time goes up.

2. Step 2: Analyze element size effect on accuracy

   Smaller elements in important areas improve detail and accuracy of results.

3. Final Answer:

   Simulation time increases and accuracy increases -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Smaller mesh = longer time + better accuracy [OK]

Hint: Smaller mesh means slower but more accurate [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming smaller mesh speeds simulation
• Thinking accuracy drops with refinement
• Ignoring local refinement effects

4. You set a mesh element size to 0 mm in SolidWorks. What is the likely outcome?

medium

A. The software will generate the finest possible mesh automatically

B. The mesh will be very coarse with large elements

C. The mesh will ignore the size and use default values

D. An error or warning will occur because 0 mm is invalid

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand valid mesh element sizes

   Mesh element size must be a positive number greater than zero.

2. Step 2: Predict software behavior with invalid input

   Setting 0 mm is invalid and will cause an error or warning to prevent simulation issues.

3. Final Answer:

   An error or warning will occur because 0 mm is invalid -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Zero mesh size = error [OK]

Hint: Mesh size cannot be zero, causes error [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming zero means finest mesh
• Thinking zero defaults to coarse mesh
• Ignoring input validation rules

5. You want to simulate stress on a complex bracket with thin walls and thick base. How should you set up the mesh to get accurate results efficiently?

hard

A. Refine mesh on thick base and keep coarse mesh on thin walls

B. Use a uniform coarse mesh everywhere to save time

C. Refine mesh only on thin walls and keep coarse mesh on thick base

D. Use the finest mesh everywhere regardless of geometry

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify critical areas for stress accuracy

   Thin walls are more likely to have stress concentration and need finer mesh.

2. Step 2: Apply mesh refinement strategy

   Refine mesh on thin walls for accuracy, keep coarse mesh on thick base to save time.

3. Step 3: Avoid unnecessary refinement

   Using finest mesh everywhere increases time without much benefit on thick base.

4. Final Answer:

   Refine mesh only on thin walls and keep coarse mesh on thick base -> Option C

5. Quick Check:

   Refine critical areas, coarse elsewhere = efficient accuracy [OK]

Hint: Refine mesh on thin parts, coarse on thick parts [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Refining mesh uniformly wastes time
• Refining thick base wastes resources
• Ignoring geometry differences in mesh setup