This
function is mainly utilized for meshing flat and tubular blanks. This function
allows the user to create the blank boundary line directly. The dialog box is
shown in Figure 10.5.1.
Figure 10.5.1 Blank Generator Options
This function enables the
user to create the blank boundary line directly. After clicking this option,
the program will pop up the Create Line dialog box. Refer to Section 5.1.1 for detailed description. By clicking OK or the
middle mouse button, the program will close the boundary line automatically.
BOUNDARY LINE
This function enables the user to create a flat blank mesh using
boundary lines. After selecting the function, the user has to select the
boundary lines using the functions provided in the Select Line dialog box. Upon
completion of line selection, the Mesh Size dialog box illustrated in the Figure 10.5.2 is displayed.
Figure 10.5.2 Mesh Size dialog box
There are two methods for the user to define mesh size:
TOOL RADIUS –This input box enables the user to input the smallest concerned tool radius during the forming operation. Normally, it is the profile radius of the Die tool. The default Tool Radius is set as 6 (mm).
L (blank element size) = 16/3R (the smallest tool radius)
ELEMENT SIZE –This input box enables the user to input the average elements size for the blank mesh. The default Element Size (edge length) is set as 32.0 (mm).
CONVERT– This function enables the user to convert the Tool Radius to the Element Size or vice versa.
OK– This function enables the user to accept the defined parameters and continue the mesh operation. An eta/DYNAFORM Question dialog box illustrated in Figure 10.5.3 is displayed after the user selects OK.
Figure 10.5.3 eta/DYNAFORM Question dialog box
YES – Accept blank mesh.
NO – Cancel the operation.
REMESH – The Mesh Size dialog box is displayed. The user can modify the radius/element size.
Note: 1. The selected boundary lines should be
lying on the same plane. Otherwise, blank mesh is generated on the least square
plane of the selected line.
2. The orientation of layout of the
selected line in the XY-Plane is important for the mesh. The user is
recommended to rotate the lines along the Z-Axis prior to generating the blank
mesh. Please note that different blank mesh is generated according to the
different line orientation.
This function enables the user to create a flat blank mesh by selecting
an existing surface. The meshing operation is quite similar to blank mesh
generation using the boundary lines.
This function enables the user to create the tubular mesh for tubular
hydroforming and tube bending simulation. After the Tube function is selected,
the Tube Parameter dialog box illustrated in Figure 10.5.4 is displayed.
Figure 10.5.4 Tube Parameter dialog box
SIZE –Enables the user to input average element size of tube mesh. The default element size is set as 2.0(mm).
NUMBER –Enables the user to input number of elements along the perimeter of tube.
TUBE DIAMETER – Enables the user to input diameter of tube. The default is 6.0(mm).
TUBE LENGTH – Enables the user to input overall length of tube. The default is 50.0(mm).
DEFINE DIRECTION – Enables the user to define the direction of tube mesh.
APPLY – Generate tube mesh with the set parameters.
UNDO – Cancel the generated mesh.
CLOSE – Exit the dialog box.