Defining a Mesh Quality Plot

Plots quality parameters of mesh plots.

To define a mesh quality plot:

  1. Right-click Mesh in the Simulation study tree and select Create Mesh Quality Plot.
  2. In the PropertyManager, under Display, select:
    Option Description
    Mesh Generates a regular mesh plot showing element edges.
    Aspect Ratio Plots the Aspect Ratio for each element.
    Jacobian ratio Available for second-order mesh elements (high-quality solid and shell mesh). Plots the Jacobian ratio for each element. The Jacobian ratio measures the deviation of an element’s shape from an ideally shaped element (one that has straight edges with equal lengths). The Jacobian ratio of a perfect second- order tetrahedral element with linear edges is 1.0. The Jacobian ratio of an element increases as the curvature of the element edges increases to map a curved geometry. Distorted elements have a negative Jacobian ratio and produce inaccurate results.

    The Jacobian ratio calculation considers the Gaussian points located within each element. The default value in a new study is 16 Gaussian points.

    A good quality mesh has a Jacobian ratio between 1 and 10 for most elements (90% and above).
    Render beam profile Available for beams only. Displays the mesh on actual beam geometry as opposed to cylinders.
  3. Under Advanced Options, select a color for the shell elements. These options apply only when you select Mesh under Display for a shell mesh.
    Option Description
    Uniform color for shell bottom surface Displays the bottom shell surfaces in one color and the top shell surfaces in another color.
    Color based on shell material or Color based on shell thickness Colors the shells according to their thickness or material.
  4. Under Property, select Include title text and enter the required text.
  5. To associate the plot with a view, select Associate plot with name view orientation and select a view from the list. If you clear this option, the plot appears in the active view orientation.