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Mesh from Shape (Gmsh)

In one sentence: Generate a mesh using the external Gmsh mesher — required for boundary layers, physical groups, and fluid flow analysis.

Overview

Workbench: FEM
Menu: FEM → Mesh → Mesh from Shape (Gmsh)

Creates a mesh using Gmsh. Gmsh must be installed separately and its executable path set in Edit → Preferences → FEM → Gmsh.

Why use Gmsh over Netgen

  • Boundary layers for fluid flow (viscous sublayer resolution).
  • Mesh field control — grade density precisely across the domain.
  • Physical groups — named regions for Elmer boundary conditions.
  • Structured hex meshes for certain geometries.

Step-by-step

  1. Select the body.
  2. Choose FEM → Mesh → Mesh from Shape (Gmsh).
  3. Set Max Size, Min Size, and Order (1 = linear, 2 = quadratic).
  4. Choose a Mesh Algorithm.
  5. Click OK.

Mesh algorithms

Algorithm Best for
Automatic General use
Delaunay Smooth geometries
Frontal Thin features
HXT Large meshes (fast)

Common mistakes and pitfalls

Gmsh binary not found

Install Gmsh and set the path in Edit → Preferences → FEM → Gmsh → Gmsh binary.

Elmer requires Gmsh mesh groups

For Elmer analyses, add FEM Mesh Group objects to name boundary faces before meshing.

See also