Hybrid Mesh

RS3 provides the Mixed 4-Noded and 10-Noded Tetrahedra element mesh type (also referred to as the hybrid mesh) that allows meshing the model with both 4-noded and 10-noded elements.

For complex models exhibiting a high degree of non-linearity or when performing SSR analysis, it is generally recommended to employ 10-noded tetrahedra mesh to capture the material behavior with high level of accuracy. However, compared to 4-noded mesh, it demands a longer computation time. With Hybrid mesh feature, RS3 provides users the flexibility to strategically employ preferred mesh types for different regions within the model. Hence, a 10-noded mesh can be applied at regions of interest, while remaining areas can be meshed with 4-noded tetrahedra, which ensures both the computational efficiency and result accuracy.

Hybrid mesh can be employed by setting Element Type = Mixed 4-Noded and 10-Noded Tetrahedra in the Mesh Settings dialog from the Mesh menu. The regions of interest must be first defined as Higher Order Regions, to ensure a 10-noded mesh implemented within the area. A Define Higher Order Regions option is provided to do so.

To use hybrid mesh:

1. Select the Mesh workflow tab.
2. Use the Define Higher Order Regions option from the Mesh menu to specify region(s) of interest subject to a 10-noded tetrahedra mesh.
   • Follow steps in the Define Higher Order Regions topic to do so. You can either create a volume or set an existing volume.
3. Select the Mesh Setting option from the Mesh menu after the higher order region(s) are specified.
   • In the Mesh Settings dialog as shown below, choose Element Type = Mixed 4-Noded and 10-Noded Tetrahedra, which is the hybrid mesh.
   • Defined Higher Order Regions will be listed in the dialog, providing the option to delete undesired ones from the list. Deleting from the list will also delete the corresponding entity from the Visibility Tree.
   
   
   
   If no higher order regions are defined, the list will not show, and 4-noded tetrahedra mesh will be applied to the whole model.
   • Continue to set the Mesh Gradation and Advanced properties if needed. More information can be found here.
4. To generate the mesh, select the Mesh button. To save change and exit dialog, select the OK button. To exit dialog without saving changes, select the Cancel button.