Learning Forum

[name11]

gear_beta_30.wbpz

[peteroznewman]

Select three points to create a plane instead of using an edge.

[name11]

Hello Peter I was trying to create those three points, but couldn't figure out how to do it. I'm finding it difficult to create a plane. Is there any video available on the creation of a plane with 3 points, or could you please put some screenshots about it?

[name11]

[peteroznewman]

Create a third point that is halfway between the two points at the root of the tooth. That plane can then be moved so that it cuts through the center of the tip instead of the two points.
It might be that a plane is not the best option. It might be that a curved surface is better. Select the edge between those two points and Copy-Paste to make an independent curve. Rotate that curve around the center of the gear so that it is at the center of the tip instead of the on the edge. Move that curve toward the center of the gear with the Ctrl key to make a copy. Now create a surface by using the Blend tool (keyboard shortcut B) between those two curves. Use that surface to cut the solid.

[name11]

I tried as you said, and used automatic meshing with hex dominant, but I am still not getting a good mesh. Do you have any suggestions for creating hexahedral elements, at least at contact of gear teeth?

[peteroznewman]

Right click on the Mesh branch of the Outline and select Show Sweepable Bodies from the popup menu. Do these two bodies light up in green? If not, you must go back to SpaceClaim and repair the geometry. There are features on the top that don't match the bottom. Use the Repair tools to look for extra points and extra edges.

[name11]

I repaired my geometry, and now it's showing green when I click on sweepable bodies. A new mesh is generated with gear having tetrahedron and other having hexaderal elements. How can I correct the other gear?

[peteroznewman]

Select Mesh Method, type = Sweep. On the Details, select the Source and Target Faces, then select the top gear face for Source and the bottom gear face for Target. It will mesh the 2D Source face and sweep it toward the Target Face.

[name11]

I did the same for another geometry and used repair option to clean the geometry. Then I checked for sweepable bodies & both bodies aren't green. Now, when I am using the sweep option under method, mesh is not generated. Can you please check what is the problem with the geometry, I'm using Ansys 2020 R2?

[peteroznewman]

The beta 20 validation archive solids will mesh with hex elements after you insert virtual topology.
Right click on the Model item in the Outline to Insert Virtual Topology.
Right click on the Virtual Topology to Generate Virtual Cells
On the Mesh, set the Element Size to 5 mm.
Generate Mesh.

[name11]

Thanks a lot for your help. I want to ask whether this will work every time for gears if sweepable option is not working?

[peteroznewman]

Nothing works every time, every problem is unique.