Create multiple mesh types

Practice to mesh a CPU cooler assembly using different mesh types, such as 3D solid, 2D, or 1D beam meshes.

Download and extract the part files.

Open the FEM file

Open the FEM file and reset the dialog box settings.

  1. Choose File→Open and open cpu_cooler_esc/cpu_cooler_fem.fem.
  2. Choose File→Preferences→User Interface and on the Dialog and Precision page, reset the dialog box memory.

Mesh the copper plate using a 2D mesh

Mesh the copper plate using a 2D mesh.

  1. Choose Home tab→Mesh group→2D Mesh .
  2. In the graphics window, select the top face of the cooler plate, as shown.


  3. In the Element Properties group, from the Type list, select QUAD4 Thin Shell.
  4. In the Mesh Parameters group, in the Element Size box, specify 4 mm.
  5. Clear the Automatic Creation check box.
  6. Click OK.

Mesh the heat sink using a 2D mesh

Mesh the heat sink using a 2D mesh.

  1. Rotate the model and press F8 to orient the work view to the nearest orthographic view.


  2. Choose Home tab→Mesh group→2D Mesh .
  3. In the Top Border bar, from the Type Filter list, select Polygon Face.
  4. Select all 120 heatsink faces.


  5. Note that Type list is now set to QUAD4 Thin Shell.
  6. In the Mesh Parameters group, in the Element Size box, specify 0.4 mm.
  7. In the Destination Collector group, from the Mesh Collector list, select heatsink collector.
  8. Click OK.

Mesh the air volume using a 3D mesh

Mesh the air volume using a 3D mesh.

  1. Choose Home tab→Mesh group→3D Tetrahedral Mesh .
  2. Select the polygon body as shown.


  3. In the Element Properties group, from the Type list, select TET4.
  4. In the Mesh Parameters group, in the Element Size box, specify 2 mm.
  5. Clear the Automatic Creation check box.
  6. Click OK.

Mesh the heat pipe with beams

Mesh the heat pipe with beams.

  1. In the Simulation Navigator, hide Polygon Geometry, 2D Collectors, and 3D Collectors nodes.
  2. Choose Home tab→Mesh group→1D Mesh .
  3. Select the Auto Chain Selection check box.
  4. Select the three curves as shown.


  5. In the Element Properties group, make sure that the Type list is set to Beam.
  6. In the Mesh Parameters group, in the Number of Elements box, specify 50.
  7. Select the Merge Nodes check box.
  8. Clear the Automatic Creation check box.
  9. Click OK.
  10. In the Simulation Navigator, expand the 1D Collectors→heatpipe collector nodes.
  11. Right-click the 1d_mesh(1) node and choose Edit Display.
  12. Select the Text check box to display the label for 1D elements.
  13. Click OK.

Create a node

Create a node for a 0D mesh.

  1. Choose Nodes and Elements tab→Nodes group→Node Create .
  2. In the Location group, in the Y box specify -50.
  3. Click OK.

Create a 0D mesh on the node

Create a 0D mesh, which you can use to specify concentrated mass for a thermal analysis.

  1. Choose Nodes and Elements tab→Elements group→Element Create .
  2. In the Element Family group, select 0D.
  3. Select the created node as shown.


  4. Click Close.
You have completed this lab.