The Mesh Numbering object is a Model-level object in the tree hierarchy. You can insert this object by selecting the Mesh Numbering option on the Mesh Context Tab.
The Mesh Numbering feature allows you to renumber the node and element numbers of a generated meshed model consisting of flexible parts. The feature is useful when exchanging or assembling models and could isolate the effect of using special elements such as superelements.
The Mesh Numbering feature is available for all analysis systems except Rigid Dynamics analyses.
Because this feature changes the numbering of the model's nodes, all node-based scoping is lost when mesh numbering is performed, either in a suppressed or unsuppressed state. If this situation is encountered, a warning message allows you to stop the numbering operation before the node-based scoping is removed.
You can prevent the loss of any node-based scoping by using criteria-based Named Selections, or by scoping an object to nodes after mesh renumbering has taken place. Criteria-based Named Selections scoped to nodes are supported in combination with the Mesh Numbering object as long as you have the Generate on Remesh property set to .
To activate Node Number Compression:
By default node numbers will not be compressed to eliminate gaps in the numbering that can occur from events such as remeshing or suppression of meshed parts. This allows maximum reuse of mesh based Named Selections but can result in node numbers that are higher than required. Node number compression can be turned on by setting Compress Node Numbers to Yes. If compression is turned on, the compression will occur before any other numbering controls are applied.
To activate Mesh Numbering:
Insert a Mesh Numbering folder by highlighting the Model folder, then:
Select the Mesh Numbering toolbar button.
Or...
Right-click on the Model folder and choosing .
Or...
Right-click on the Geometry window and choosing .
In the Details view, set Node Offset or Element Offset values for the entire assembly, as needed. For example, specifying a Node Offset of 2 means that the node numbering for the assembly will start at 2.
Note: The Node Offset value cannot exceed a value that results in a node number having a magnitude greater than one (1) billion. Mesh numbering of this magnitude requires considerable processing power.
Insert a Numbering Control object by highlighting the Mesh Numbering folder (or other Numbering Control object), then:
Select the Numbering Control toolbar button.
Or...
Right-click on the Mesh Numbering folder (or other Numbering Control object) and choosing .
Or...
Right-click on the Geometry window and choosing .
Specify a part, a vertex, or a Remote Point in the model whose node or element numbers in the corresponding mesh are to be renumbered.
To specify a part:
Select the part.
In the Details view, set Scoping Method to Geometry Selection, click the Geometry field and click .
Enter numbers in the Begin Node Number and/or Begin Element Number fields. Also, if needed, change the End Node Number and End Element Number from their default values.
To specify a vertex:
Select the vertex.
In the Details view, set Scoping Method to Geometry Selection, click the Geometry field and click .
Enter the Node Number.
To specify a Remote Point that has already been defined:
In the Details view, set Scoping Method to Remote Point, click the Remote Points field and choose the specific Remote Point in the drop-down menu.
Enter the Node Number.
Right-click the Mesh Numbering folder, or a Numbering Control object, and choose Renumber Mesh. If the model is not meshed, it will first generate a mesh and then perform mesh numbering. The nodes and elements are numbered based on the values that you specified.
Note: During the mesh numbering process, the user interface enters a waiting state, meaning you cannot perform any actions such as clicking objects in the tree. In addition, you cannot cancel the process once it is started and must wait for its completion. However, a progress dialog box appears to report status during the operation.
Mesh Numbering Characteristics
The Mesh Numbering feature is available in both the Mechanical application and the Meshing applications.
The Node Offset value cannot exceed a value that results in a node number having a magnitude greater than one (1) billion. Mesh numbering of this magnitude requires considerable processing power.
Geometry selection is part-based, not body-based.
Selecting Update at the Model level in the Project Schematic updates the mesh renumbering.
The Solve is aborted if mesh renumbering fails.
Whenever a control is changed, added, or removed, the mesh renumbering states are changed for all controls where mesh numbering is needed.
When exporting mesh information to Fluent, Polyflow, CGNS, or ICEM CFD format, the last status is retained at the time of export. If renumbering has been performed, the mesh is exported with nodes and elements renumbered. If not, the original mesh numbering is used.
Mesh renumbering of a Point Mass is not supported.
The Convergence object is not supported with Mesh Numbering folder.
Note: Be cautious when deleting the Mesh Numbering folder. Deleting this folder leaves the mesh in the numbered state that you specified. There is no way to know that the existing mesh has been renumbered.
Mesh Numbering Suppression Characteristics
For Mesh Numbering, the suppression feature operates differently. Rather than excluding the object when the Mesh Numbering object is suppressed, the mesh numbering instead returns to the original numbering. That is, it resets and updates the input deck’s contents. This change can affect analysis operations.
As a result, restrictions have been implemented, and Mechanical no longer supports suppression of the Mesh Numbering object. For legacy (v14.5 and earlier) files, an error is generated in the Message Window if suppressed Mesh Numbering objects are present. You can continue your analysis by manually changing the Suppressed property setting to , but the change is then permanent. The application will not allow you to return this setting to .