Work Smarter with Complex Geometry in Ansys Mechanical

What if preparing complex geometry for simulation didn’t have to mean hours of CAD clean-up? Anyone working with simulation knows the challenge. Imported models can contain small gaps, unnecessary details or problematic topology.

Complex geometry, small gaps and missing CAD can make preparing a simulation model time-consuming. In our Coffee with an Expert: Advanced Meshing webinar, EDRMedeso’s Lisa Lindqvist explored how Mesh Workflows in Ansys Mechanical offer engineers more flexible ways to tackle these challenges.

Less preparation, more control

Wrap can close small gaps and cover unwanted details, reducing manual CAD clean-up. Engineers can adjust local sizing and use Geometry Fidelity controls to preserve important features. Topology repairs can also be made within the Workflow when the original CAD is unavailable. If the result needs refinement, you can return to an earlier step or clear the Workflow to reactivate the original part.

Start from CAD, mesh or STL

Mesh Workflows can use geometry or an existing mesh as input. STL data, including results from topology optimisation, can also be used for Wrap. Match Morphing can fit an original mesh to a scanned component, while Direct Morphing supports simpler changes and parameterised design studies without repeated trips back to CAD.

Reuse what works

Workflows can be exported as .emx files and reused for similar tasks. Named Selections, AI shape analysis and instance meshing offer different ways to group geometry and avoid repetitive work. Even a single complex component can benefit.

Know the limitations

Hex meshes can be morphed, but inflation layers may warp and were not specifically tested. Fully hexahedral meshes may still need suitable geometry and part splitting for MultiZone. For challenging shell models, Connect is an option worth exploring, although the right approach depends on the model.

Mesh Workflows do not replace engineering judgement. They provide more options to simplify geometry, adapt meshes and prepare models for simulation.

Got a meshing challenge? Talk to EDRMedeso about the best approach for your model.