MATLAB CSG Tool and Point Boundary Conditions 2

Step 2: Generate Finite-Element Model

In the introductory tutorial, we generated the mesh using the Mapping Mesh Tool. Here we'll use the CSG Mesh Tool to create the geometry and mesh it. The latter is more convenient to use especially for complex geometries while the former gives you more control over the mesh.

Strategy for Geometry Creation

We need to apply point boundary conditions at four points A, B, C and D shown in the figure below. In redAnTS, point boundary conditions are applied to nodes. When we mesh the rectangle using the CSG Mesh Tool, nodes will automatically be created at A and B since these are corner points; the corresponding displacement BC's can be applied to these corner nodes. However, there is no guarantee that there will be nodes exactly at C and D since these are not corners. In this case, redAnTS will apply the forces at the nodes that are closest to C and D. This is possibly acceptable if the mesh is sufficiently fine.