Volume Distribution Using Size Based Specification

You can specify the size of the cell layers for a part collection as a whole or else apply specific settings to parts within the collection.

  • Make sure that, for the [Distribution] you are working with, Size Specification is set to Size.
  1. Expand the [Distribution] > [distribution] child node, and set the Base Size and Target Size.
    For more information on the default controls, see Volume Distribution Properties.

  2. Right-click the Directed Mesh node and select Execute.
  3. Examine the mesh. If the layer distribution requires adjustment, try modifying the Growth Rate and Spacing and generate the mesh again. See Volume Distribution Properties.
In some cases there are curved portions of the geometry that are not adequately resolved by the mesh. To resolve this issue, you can activate the curvature-based sizing option to increase the number of cell layers in curved sections.
  1. To apply curvature-based sizing:
    1. Select the [Distribution] > [distribution] > Curvature node and activate Customize Curvature.
    2. Within the Curvature node, specify a new value for # Pts/Circle.
      Note
      • If you specify multiple # Pts/Circle values for a portion of a sweep, then the largest specified value is chosen.
        1. If the size obtained by curvature specification is greater than target size, cell layer thickness is capped at the target size. If start/end spacing are defined, then it takes precedence over any other mesh control.
        2. Any start or end spacing values take precedence over sizes specified by other mesh controls.
        3. In certain cases cell layers applied on a curved surface are mirrored on other parts in the geometry when the curvature option is activated. The following image shows a board containing some electronic parts. Observe how the increased density of cells layers around the bend (green color) is being reflected on the large square part colored in beige



  2. To set custom layering properties for one or more parts within a part collection:
    1. Select the parent [Distribution] node and set Mesh Controls to Specify Custom.
    2. Right-click Custom Controls and select New Part Control.
    3. Select the part control and set Parts to include the parts on which the custom control applies.
    4. Within Part Control > Controls, select each value that you wish to customize and set its corresponding property to Specify Custom Value. If you wish to customize the Spacing option, activate Customize Start and Customize End.
    5. Within Part Control > Values, select each value node and set its property.
    Note Custom controls take precedence over default controls. For example, if curvature-based sizing is activated in default controls and deactivated in custom controls then the option is deactivated for parts to which the custom control applies.


    NoteIf a portion of a sweep has both target size and start/end spacing defined, start/end spacing takes precedence over target size.