Convert
Use the Convert () operation to convert quads to triangles in 2D (see Figure 8-32) and hexahedra, prisms, and pyramids to tetrahedra in 3D.
Figure 8-32: A centerpoint is inserted in each quad element, resulting in a structured triangular mesh.
To convert elements in a mesh to simplex elements, select one or several entities in the mesh, then:
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Right-click in the Graphics window, and select Convert from the Modifying Operations menu. For more information, see The Graphics Context Menu.
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In the Mesh toolbar, choose Convert from the Modify menu ().
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Right-click the Mesh node and choose Convert from the Modifying Operations menu.
Enter the properties for the Convert node using the following sections:
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:
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Choose Entire geometry to convert the mesh elements on all domains (and all boundaries in 3D).
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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 a named selection to refer to a previously defined selection, or choose All domains to select all domains.
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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 a named selection to refer to a previously defined selection, or choose All boundaries to select all boundaries. 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 centerpoints 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.