Show Mesh on Section Plane in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2016

In a previous blog article we showed you how to use the new mesh sectioning functionality to visualize a mesh inside your model.  This can be very useful for investigating mesh sizing and transitions.  When using the mesh sectioning tool, it’s very similar to a section view, but the mesh is clipped to element faces nearest the section plane.  This leads to plots like the one shown below:

Mesh Sectioning Plot

Another Way to Visualize Internal Mesh

This is a great plot, but sometimes, the “jagged” element faces can be distracting and reduce clarity. Another way to visualize the internal mesh is to create a section clip of any plot.  To turn this on, just start a section clip with the section clipping tool, then enable the Show mesh on section plane option as shown in the figure below:

Mesh PropertyManager

Show mesh on section plane display

This view projects the mesh edges onto the section plane, allowing for a flat view of the mesh without the jagged element faces.  This can be useful for visualizing stress distribution, and the transition of your mesh sizing.

Mesh shown on section plane

More SOLIDWORKS 2016 Tips

To learn more about what’s new in SOLIDWORKS 2016 software you can review other SOLIDWORKS 2016 update posts here. You might also consider attending a SOLIDWORKS Advanced Update course where you can learn how to obtain new SOLIDWORKS skills. Learn more about our Update Training.