Computing the Size Function

By understanding how the size function is computed, you can more effectively apply the most appropriate sizing options to the objects in your model.

When meshing begins, the mesher computes the size functions as follows:

1. The mesher examines each of the size sources:

   • Edge and face curvature, based on the normal angle variation between adjacent mesh elements in surface (edge) or solid (face) bodies

   • Edge and face proximity, based on the number of element layers created in a gap between edges (in surface bodies) or between faces (in solids bodies)

   • Local element sizing on selected edges, faces, or bodies

   • Influence of a swept body

   Even if neither curvature nor proximity settings are set, the computation of the size functions can be triggered by selecting Fixed size function usage in the global mesh options.

2. Based on the smallest size obtained at the location of the sources, the distance to each source, and the growth rate, the smallest size at each point is selected and stored in a background grid.

3. The mesher uses the sizes from the background grid to generate a mesh.

   The background grid is refined automatically to provide size distribution to the mesher.