Symscape

SymLab doesn't force you to generate and view a mesh in an explicit simulation phase. However, sometimes it is useful to examine a mesh to diagnose simulation problems.

Surface Meshes

Assumptions

1. You have downloaded, installed, and activated SymLab Panel Flow or SymLab Professional.
2. You are familiar with SymLab essentials.

Procedure

1. Start SymLab and do one of the following to obtain a 3D model in the View Window:
   • Read a .sym file into SymLab using File->Open.
   • Import a BRep, STEP, or IGES file into SymLab (e.g., download our simple scene) using File->Import.
   • If you have either the Builder or Professional add-ons, use the geometry creation tools to create a 3D model.
2. Select the Physics Tool Palette. Drag and drop a Substances (e.g., Air) tool onto the background of the View Window, which represents the simulation (sim).
3. Select all the faces that you want to see the mesh on. In the Properties Panel change Style to Flat.
4. Select the Results Tool Palette. Drag and drop the Scalar Fields->Area tool onto the faces in the View Window and select Color Map to see the mesh.

Notes

A similar procedure can be used to view the mesh on edges, but instead of Scalar Fields->Area use Scalar Fields->Length. To see a volume mesh replace Scalar Fields->Area with Vector Fields->Position.

Viewing the mesh in this manner doesn't perform the more time-consuming physics calculation. Therefore, this is a great way to ensure that the mesh is adequate to support subsequent physics calculations.