Convert
Use the Convert () node to convert quads to triangles in 2D (see Figure 8-26) and hexahedra, prisms, and pyramids to tetrahedra in 3D.
Figure 8-26: A center point is inserted in each quad element, resulting in a structured triangular mesh.
Geometric Entity Selection (3D) / Domain selection (2D)
First define the geometric entities where you want to convert the mesh elements. You choose the level of the geometry from the Geometric entity level list:
Choose Entire geometry to convert the mesh elements on all domains (and all boundaries in 3D).
Choose Domain to specify the domains for which you want to convert mesh elements. Choose Manual in the Selection list to select the domains in the Graphics window, choose All domains to select all domains, or choose any applicable user-defined selection, if available.
Choose Boundary to specify the boundaries for which you want to convert mesh elements. Choose Manual in the Selection list to select the boundaries in the Graphics window, choose All boundaries to select all boundaries, or choose any applicable user-defined selection, if available. This option is only available in 3D.
Element Split Method
From the Element split method list, select Insert diagonal edges (the default setting) to split each quadrilateral element into two triangular elements and each hexahedral element into five tetrahedral elements, or select Insert center points to split each quadrilateral element into four triangular elements and each hexahedral element into 28 tetrahedral elements. The conversion also affects quadrilateral elements on the boundaries of the specified domains in 3D.