How to Generate the FE without a Surface in ANSA?

There are two options which will help us to generate the FE or Elements without any surface. These are:

1. Mesh Module > Shell Mesh Group > Fill Option
2. Mesh Module > Elements Group > Create

Fill Option:-

By using this option, we can create the 2d shell elements.

Let us see the utilisation of this option with the below examples.

Example-1:-

We must create the FE for a Locator or the Dog-house in the IP-substrate model.

For Generating the FE for the Locator or Dog-house, we need the CURVE’s or Points for reference.

We can use the Middle option from the curves group of the Topo module to create an outer periphery or boundary.

Select the Existing cons of the ribs as shown in the below picture to generate the middle curve.

After selecting two groups, accept the selection by pressing the scroll button to generate the middle curve.

Similarly, we need to do the other rib side as well.

By using these two curves as the reference we can create the FE.

Fill option is available in the Shell Mesh group of Mesh Module

When you choose the Fill option, a selection window will appear.

In Option, list changes the things as shown in the below image.

Select the Middle curves (For selecting the curves, we use the left mouse click)

Accept the selection by pressing the scroll button or middle mouse button.

Reconstruct the Elements we will get them with proper mesh size.

Example-2:-

If we need to patch a hole in the FE as shown in the below image, we can use the Fill option.

In the previous example, we have created the curves to define the outer boundary, whereas here, we can use the existing element edges.

Choose the Fill option which is available in the Shell Mesh group of Mesh Module 

When you choose the Fill option a selection window will appear.

By default it will be in the Perimeters/Curves we need to change it to the Edges.

Select all the Edges at the patch (selected edges will be highlighted in white color).

Accept the selection; it will generate the elements over there.

Create Option:-

We can create only a single element by using this option at a time. This option will help us to create any 2d or 3d elements.