Use an Import node () to import mesh data from a Filter or Partition dataset. You can import mesh data from any simulation results. To position, rotate, and scale the mesh, use one or several Transform attributes.

To import additional meshes, add another Import node. Then COMSOL Multiphysics adds the elements of the newly imported mesh to the existing mesh.

In the Source list, choose Dataset to import the visualization mesh of a Filter or Partition dataset. This option is only available if there is at least one Filter or Partition node under Datasets in Results. Then, select a Filter or Partition dataset from the Dataset list below.

In 2D and 3D, it is possible to import the result of a Filter or Partition dataset evaluation. An example of where import of a dataset is used is when setting up a verification study for topology optimization results.

Select the Import selections check box (selected by default) to also import the selections defined by the component corresponding to the dataset. If you choose to import these selections, they will appear in the Domain Selections, Boundary Selections, Edge Selections, or Point Selections sections, depending on space dimension and the entity level for the imported selections. You can use the imported selections, for example, to add as a selection to a dataset or plot during postprocessing. See also Entity Selections below.

In 3D, select the Import domain elements check box to import volumetric elements, such as tetrahedrons, hexahedrons, prisms, and pyramids. Clear this check box to only import boundary elements. The default is OFF when Source is set to Dataset. Domain mesh elements can only be imported if the result that the dataset is evaluated on is defined on a domain mesh.

The partitioning algorithm aims to split boundary elements (edge elements in 2D, face elements in 3D) into boundary entities in such a way that no large angles appear between neighboring elements within the same boundary entity. In 2D, you can limit the angle between any two elements within the same boundary entity using the Maximum angle within boundary field. The maximum accepted neighbor angle can be set using the Maximum neighbor angle field (default: 40 degrees).

If the Detect planar faces check box (3D) or the Detect straight edges check box (2D) is selected (both are selected by default), the mesh import detects (approximately) planar faces or straight edges, respectively. The minimum size of a straight or planar boundary entity, relative to the entire boundary, can be set using the Minimum relative length field (2D) and Minimum relative area field (3D). The maximum accepted angle (in degrees) between elements for a boundary to be considered straight or planar can be set using the Maximum deviation angle field. If the Detect adjacent fillet faces check box (3D) is selected, the algorithm also searches for adjacent groups of boundary elements that form cylindrical faces.

The partitioning algorithm aims to split edge elements into edge entities in such a way that no large angles appear between neighboring elements within the same edge entity. The maximum accepted neighbor angle can be set using the Maximum edge neighbor angle field (default: 60 degrees).

If the Detect planar edges check box is selected (it is selected by default), the mesh import detects (approximately) planar edges. The Detection parameter specifies to which extent the operation searches for planar edges. Use the slider to tune the detection level, where Strict means that only fully planar edges are searched for, and Tolerant means that the algorithm searches for planar edges with a wider tolerance. You can also enter the parameter value directly as a value between 0 (strict) and 1 (tolerant).

If the Detect straight edges check box is selected (it is selected by default), the mesh import detects (approximately) straight edges. The Detection parameter specifies to which extent the operation searches for straight edges. Use the slider to tune the detection level, where Strict means that only fully straight edges are searched for, and Tolerant means that the algorithm searches for straight edges with a wider tolerance. You can also enter the parameter value directly as a value between 0 (strict) and 1 (tolerant).

From the Minimum edge length list, choose one of the following options: Automatic (the default), Relative, or Absolute to specify the minimum required length of an edge to be detected. If you select Relative, specify a minimum relative length in the Minimum relative length field that appears, and if you select Absolute, specify a minimum absolute length in the Minimum absolute length field that appears.

The sections Domain Selections, Boundary Selections, Edge Selections, and Point Selections appear after building the Import operation. The selections are generated during the import based on selections defined in the source. In the Name column, the name of each selection appears. For import of mesh data from results, each name is by default the name of the selection in the original geometry or mesh that appears in the Name in source column. Select the name in the Name column to highlight the selection in the Graphics window. You can change the name of a selection by editing the corresponding table entry in the Name column. Note that not all of these selection sections are available for all space dimensions.

The selections can be used to specify entity selections in operations and attributes within the same meshing sequence and, if the mesh defines the component’s geometric model, for physics and material settings. For more information about the component’s geometric model, see The Mesh Node.