The terms structured meshing and mapped meshing are used interchangeably in the finite element analysis literature. However, Abaqus/CAE makes a subtle distinction between the two terms. Mapped meshing is a subset of structured meshing. Mapped meshing refers only to structured meshing of four-sided, two-dimensional regions—the square mesh pattern in Figure 17–42.
Some models that appear very complex actually contain faces with relatively simple geometry. When you mesh such a model with free or swept meshing, the resulting element quality can be poor on these faces. However, if you allow Abaqus/CAE to use the mapped meshing technique where the geometry is appropriate, it often generates elements of good quality, especially if the region is a long, thin rectangular face.
You cannot apply mapped meshing directly to a region. However, you can apply it indirectly by meshing a region and allowing Abaqus/CAE to apply mapped meshing where appropriate. For example, Figure 17–43 shows the effect of free meshing a part and allowing Abaqus/CAE to use mapped meshing where appropriate.
By default, Abaqus/CAE uses mapped meshing where appropriate when you are doing the following:
Using the advancing front algorithm to sweep mesh a solid region with hexahedral or hexahedral-dominated elements.
Using the advancing front algorithm to free mesh a shell region with quadrilateral or quadrilateral-dominated elements.
Free meshing a solid region with tetrahedral elements.
Free meshing a shell region with triangular elements.
