BatchMesher 11.0 User Guide

HyperWorks 11.
0
BatchMesher User Guide
Altair Engineering Contact Information

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HyperWorks 11.0 Release Notes
Trademark and Registered Trademark Acknowledgments
Listed below are Altair HyperWorks applications. Copyright Altair Engineering Inc., All Rights Reserved for:
HyperMesh 1990-2011; HyperCrash 2001-2011; OptiStruct 1996-2011; RADIOSS 1986-2011; HyperView
1999-2011; HyperView Player 2001-2011; HyperStudy 1999-2011; HyperGraph 1995-2011; MotionView 1993
2011; MotionSolve 2002-2011; HyperForm 1998-2011; HyperXtrude 1999-2011; Process Manager 2003-2011;
Templex 1990-2011; Data Manager 2005-2011; MediaView 1999-2011; BatchMesher 2003-2011;
TextView 1996-2011; HyperMath 2007-2011; ScriptView 2007-2011; Manufacturing Solutions 2005-2011;
HyperWeld 2009-2011; HyperMold 2009-2011; solidThinking 1993-2011; solidThinking Inspired 2009-2011;
Durability Director 2009-2011; Suspension Director 2009-2011; AcuSolve 1997-2011; and AcuConsole
2006-2011.
In addition to HyperWorks trademarks noted above, GridWorks, PBS Gridworks, PBS Professional,
PBS and Portable Batch System are trademarks of ALTAIR ENGINEERING INC., as is patent # 6,859,792. All
are protected under U.S. and international laws and treaties. All other marks are the property of their respective
owners.
BatchMesher User's Guide
BatchMesher
About...........................................................................................................................................2
BatchMesher
To start
BatchMesh on a PC:
...........................................................................................................................................4
To start
BatchMesh in UNIX:
...........................................................................................................................................5
BatchMesher
Setup
...........................................................................................................................................6
Batch...........................................................................................................................................8
Mesh Tab
Configurations
Tab
...........................................................................................................................................11
Run ...........................................................................................................................................13
Status Tab
User...........................................................................................................................................16
Procedures Tab
BatchMesher
Customization
...........................................................................................................................................18
User-registered
Procedures
...........................................................................................................................................20
BatchMesher
Parameter Editor
...........................................................................................................................................22
Editing
Parameter
Files
...........................................................................................................................................23
Basic Options:
Target Element Size, Import Model Tolerance, Extract Midsurface
..............................................................................................................................26
Geometry
Cleanup Options
..............................................................................................................................27
Create Mesh
Options
..............................................................................................................................29
Special ..............................................................................................................................31
Component Selection Options
Editing
Criteria Files
...........................................................................................................................................32
hw_batchmesh
...........................................................................................................................................34
BatchMesher
Error Codes
...........................................................................................................................................37
Grid ...........................................................................................................................................39
Computing with BatchMesher
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Proprietary Inform ation of Altair Engineering
BatchMesher
Altair's BatchMesher is a tool that can perform geometry feature recognition, cleanup and automatic meshing
(in batch mode) for given CAD files. Consult the following topics for more details:
About BatchMesher
BatchMesher Setup
Batch Mesh Tab
Configurations Tab
Run Status Tab
User Procedures Tab
BatchMesher Customization
User-registered Procedures
BatchMesher Parameter Editor
hw_batchmesh tcl command
BatchMesher Error Codes
Grid Computing with BatchMesher
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About BatchMesher
BatchMesher is a tool that can perform geometry feature recognition, cleanup and automatic meshing (in
batch mode) for given CAD files. The BatchMesher can read a geometry file using the specified CAD
translator, and perform a variety of geometry cleanup operations to facilitate better mesh creation for the
selected element size and type. Cleanup operations include equivalencing free (red) edges, fixing small
surfaces (relative to the element size), and detecting features such as beads, fillets, flanges etc.
BatchMesher also performs specified surface editing/defeaturing operations like removing of pinholes smaller
than a specified size, removing edge fillets, or adding layers of washer elements around holes.
The BatchMesher also uses criteria set by the user to determine the quality index (QI) of a model, uses this
QI rating to assess the potential value of each geometry cleanup and meshing tool, and then applies the
tools accordingly. QI optimized meshing and node placement optimization are performed to obtain the best
quality meshing. Final results are stored in a HyperMesh database file containing both the cleaned-up
geometry and the finite element mesh.
The required input (element size, quality requirements, etc.), are set within a parameter file and a criteria file.
The parameter file contains the average element size and type (quads or trias) as well as any special
handling of geometry features. The criteria file contains the target element quality requirements for tests like
Jacobian, warpage, etc.
Input to BatchMesher
Geometry data file
Any CAD format that can be imported into standard HyperMesh or a

HyperMesh database file can be used.
Parameter file
Contains average element size, type of elements to be generated (quads or

trias), and various options for geometry cleanup.
Criteria file
Contains all element quality requirements, such as Jacobian and warpage.

You can export this file from the QI panel in HyperMesh after you update the
settings to your requirements.
Note:
as of version 8.0, the Parameter file and Criteria file are both modified
by using the BatchMesher Parameter Editor.
Output from BatchMesher

The BatchMesher creates a unique directory for each run in the results directory where it stores output files.
The directory is named bm_date_001 (002), etc.
For each CAD input file:
This HyperMesh file is the main output of the BatchMesher
and contains the geometry (as cleaned up by BatchMesher)
and the final mesh.
Inputgeometryfilename_
criteriafilename_
paramfilename.hm

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Inputgeometryfilename_
criteriafilename_
paramfilename_res.txt
This is a text file that reports the progress and status of the
BatchMesher at various steps in the batch meshing process.
It reports information such as the number of surfaces (total,
unmeshable, etc.), number of elements, percentage of trias,
quality index value, etc. COMPLETE at the end of this file
indicates successful completion of the BatchMesher
process.
For each run:

run_results.txt
This is a text file that reports the progress and status of

the jobs (CAD files) submitted to the batch meshing
process. It reports number of jobs submitted, waiting in
the queue, complete etc. For completed jobs it provides
summary information such as time taken to complete the
job, number of surfaces in the model, number of elements
created etc.
RunView.log
Maintains a log of submitted runs. This log file can be

loaded back into the Batchmesh GUI to review the results
at a later time
In addition to the files mentioned above, additional output files may be created due to customization
procedures performed at various stages of the batchmeshing process (pre-geometry load, post-batchmesh
etc).
How do I
Start BatchMesher on a PC
Start BatchMesher in UNIX
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To start BatchMesh on a PC:

On a PC, the BatchMesher module can be accessed via the Start menu (Start=>programs=>Altair
HyperWorks=> BatchMesher), or from a command line by typing hw_batchmesh with the full path (
~altairhome\hm\batchmesh\hw_batchmesh).
Examples:
C:\altair\hm\batchmesh\hw_batchmesh\hw_batchmesh
or
C:\altair\hm\batchmesh\hw_batchmesh\hw_batchmesh nogui -cad_translator <name
of cad translator> -cad_model_dir <directory with path> -cad_model_ext *.<cad
model extension> -criteria_file <criteria file path> -param_file <param file
path>

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To start BatchMesh in UNIX:

You can type the hw_batchmesh command to invoke the user interface or hw_batchmesh -nogui to
perform the batch mesh without a user interface.
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BatchMesher Setup
The following steps outline the setup of a batch mesh run.
1.
Create a mesh type (Configuration tab): The mesh type consists of a Criteria File and a Parameter
File. In the Configurations tab, you can add a new mesh type by clicking:
(add new entry)
2.
Specify a name, and select the criteria and parameter files (browse to select the criteria and parameter
files).
Choose the models to batch mesh: Click on the Batch Mesh tab in the interface and choose the
Input model directory the directory containing your source files. Click the open-folder icon in the
Input model directory: text box, and browse to & select the desired directory (not the files themselves).
This sets your default directory when adding files. After choosing the directory, click:
(select files)
After the new browser window opens, select the files you want to mesh from the chosen directory, as
well as the desired CAD geometry type. Either click the desired files, or use the all or none buttons.
You can also click directory to browse to a new folder and select additional model files.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Once you have highlighted all of the desired model files, click the select button to close the browser and
add the files to the list in the batch mesh tab.
Set the mesh type for each model: The selected geometry files displayed in the table along with their
geometry type. The same geometry file can be added twice, allowing you to mesh the same file with
different mesh types. For each of the geometry files in the table, you choose the mesh type from a dropdown list by clicking the cell for that files mesh type.
For ease of use, you can apply the same mesh type to all files above and/or below the current one by
right-clicking and choosing Propagate Up or Propagate Down. This also applies to a blank entry so
that you can remove the mesh type by propagating a blank mesh type.
Choose an Output directory: Near the bottom of the tab you can choose an optional directory where
the BatchMesher will save all results. If no output directory is specified, the results will be saved to the
current working (input) directory.
Start BatchMesher run: Click Submit.
Check run status: Go to the Run Status tab. All runs are listed, along with the status next to each one.
Each batch mesh run (which can contain multiple model files) creates a unique directory inside of the
output directory, where it stores its meshed results. This unique directory name displays on the Run
Status tab.
You can obtain the details of a highlighted job within a run that is "complete" or "working", or a summary
of the details of all of the jobs within a highlighted run that is "complete" or "working", by clicking on the
Details button.
You can also cancel or pause runs individually when a job is highlighted, or cancel or pause all of the
jobs in a run if the run is highlighted. Paused jobs can be restarted (resumed) immediately (Resume

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Now) or at a specified later time (Resume At:).

Note:
A report is automatically generated for all jobs submitted from the BatchMesher user interface and
saved in the output directory as run_results.txt.
See also
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Batch Mesh Tab

This tab or panel allows you to select the geometry files and their corresponding mesh types that you want
to mesh.
Geometry source directory:
Enter the directory that contains the geometry/CAD files required

for batch meshing or click
to use the file browser to pick a
directory. Note that you need to select the directory containing
the CAD files and not the CAD files themselves. You can
choose to select the CAD files in all the subfolders of the
selected directory.
Once the source directory is specified, click here to select the
individual files in the directory to be batch meshed. Use the Shift
and control (Ctrl) keys to select or deselect geometry files from
the list. Once your selection is complete, click Select to add the
highlighted files to the geometry list.

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All files (of the chosen geometry file type) in the source directory
are selected by default. You can repeat the process to add more
files from different directories or to add the same files multiple
times to generate different sizes/types of mesh. You can also
choose a new directory and select the geometry file from that.
Allows you to add a new row to the geometry file list (to be batch
meshed). You can then select a new geometry file either by
selecting it from the source directory or by entering the complete
path of the geometry/CAD file.
Allows you to remove a row from the geometry file list (to be
batch meshed).
Result directory:
Enter the directory where the BatchMesher result files should be

saved or click
to use the file browser to pick a directory. The
results of the run are saved in a sub-directory named
bm_<date>_<run> within the result directory specified on the
Batch Mesh tab. For example, a first run on December 15, 2005
will be named bm_051215_001. The next run on the same day
would be bm_051215_002.
Once the setup is complete, click here to start the BatchMesher
run. It automatically takes you to the Run Status tab. You can
also choose to start your run at a later time (see next item
below).
Click here to start the BatchMesher run at a later, specified time.
The GUI automatically takes you to Run Status tab. The job
status becomes "Waiting" until the specified time, when the run
starts.
For each geometry file selected to be batch meshed, a Mesh Type can be chosen from a drop down list of
mesh types set in the Configurations tab. Left-click in the files Mesh Type cell to invoke the drop-down
list. If you wish to mesh all of the geometry files with the same mesh type, you can right-click in the Mesh
Type cell and choose either Propagate Up or Propagate Down to apply the same mesh type to all of the
preceding or following geometry files.
You can also customize the BatchMesher by creating user specific procedures and registering them in the
User Procedures tab. Once they are registered, these procedures can then be selected to be performed at
one of the three stages of the batch mesh process:
Pre-geometry load:
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Before the CAD geometry is imported

Pre-batch mesh:
After the CAD geometry is imported but before any geometry

editing or meshing.
Post-batch mesh:
After the batch mesh process is complete.
Select the user procedures from the drop down list of the corresponding cells. The drop down list is
generated from the procedures registered in the User Procedures tab.
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Configurations Tab
This tab allows you to configure BatchMesher with the CAD translator and mesh types to be used. A mesh
type is a name given to a set composed of one criteria file and one parameter file.
Mesh Type
A mesh type is a name given to a set including one criteria file and one
parameter file. several different mesh types are available by default:
8mm auto
Average element size of 8 with one layer of washer elements

around holes whose width is determined by the batchmesher
8mm user
Average element size of 8 with multiple layers of washer

elements around different size holes and width of individual
washer layers is specified by the user
10mm auto Average element size of 10 with one layer of washer elements
10mm user Average element size of 10 with multiple layers of washer
12mm user Average element size of 12 with multiple layers of washer
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File browser that can be used to select a new criteria or parameter file.
Allows you to add a new mesh type. You can give the new mesh type a
name and browse for a criteria or parameter file. You can also enter the
complete path of these files in the corresponding fields.
Allows you to remove a mesh type from the list.
Invokes a BatchMesher Parameter Editor which allows you to set various

options available in the criteria file and parameter file. Note that you may
not be allowed to change the default parameter and criteria files from the
installation due to write permissions.
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Run Status Tab

Once the run is initiated in BatchMesher, this tab allows you to obtain the status of the run. Each run is
listed as a sub-directory in a tree, along with the exact path of the results location. Each geometry file is
listed in the subdirectory along with its mesh type and the status of the run.
The Status can be posted as one of the following:

Working
Batch meshing is currently being performed on this CAD model.
Pending
This model is currently in the queue and has not started the BatchMesher process yet.
The models in the status can be canceled if necessary.
Waiting
The job will begin automatically at a user-specified date and time.
Done
The batch meshing process is complete, and results can be reviewed.
The following tasks can be performed in the Run Status tab:

LoadMesh
Click here after highlighting/selecting the appropriate model row to review the mesh
generated by the BatchMesher. This function can only be performed on models that show
a status of Done (complete). This function invokes interactive HyperMesh with the final
batch meshed model. It also loads the appropriate criteria file in the QI panel so that
when the users check the quality of the model it represents their meshing requirements
set in the BatchMesher.
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Details
Click here after highlighting/selecting the appropriate model row to obtain more details on
the status of the BatchMesher job. This will display a results text file for the appropriate
model.
The details shown include:

Complete path of the CAD/Geometry model file(s).
Complete path of corresponding criteria and parameter files.
Element size.
A table containing the number of surfaces (faces, splines), elements, number of
surfaces that failed to mesh, number of surfaces with a poor quality mesh (bad
mesh), number of elements that failed quality index (QI) and the QI value of the
model. All of the above parameters are written at certain steps in the batch mesh
process.
Current step in the BatchMesher process (allows you to Refresh the details to
obtain the latest status).
Final status of the run. COMPLETE or ERROR at the end of the details indicates
either a successful completion or the errors that caused a failure.
Checking the Auto Refresh option will repeatedly update the details window with the latest
step details while the job is running.
Run Details
Provides a summary of the status of all the jobs in the selected run, as well as:
The number of jobs completed, in process and waiting.
For completed jobs, it lists each one of them with statistics such as time required
to complete that job, final number of faces/surfaces/elems, and the quality index.
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Pause
Click here to pause the jobs that are pending.
Resume Now Starts jobs that have been previously paused.

Resume At
Allows you to set a specific date and time for selected, paused jobs to resume.
Cancel
Highlight the intended run (file) and click Cancel to remove it from the list of runs the
BatchMesherwill perform. You can cancel runs that are Pending or Working.
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User Procedures Tab

This tab allows you to customize the BatchMesher by registering user-specific topiclinks (TCL) in three
different stages (Pre-geometry load:, Pre-batch mesh:, and Post-batch mesh:) for each model/job and two
stages per run. A user procedure can be registered by giving a name and the corresponding tcl file that
contains the procedure (TCL topiclink).
Name
A name given to the topiclink or user procedure. A nastran export

procedure which is run as a Post-batch mesh: operation is available by
default.
File browser that can be used to select a new tcl file contains the procedure
or topiclink.
TCL Procedure
Once a TCL file is loaded, a drop down list of all of the procedures in that
file is provided to choose the required procedure.
This allows you to add a new procedure.
Allows you to remove a procedure from the list.
Pre-geometry load:
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Select from drop down list of procedure names to choose to run as soon as
the BatchMesher is invoked and before loading the CAD geometry.

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Pre-batch mesh:
Select from drop down list of procedure names to choose to run as just
before the BatchMesher starts to mesh the loaded CAD geometry.
Post-batch mesh:
Select from drop down list of procedure names to choose to run after the
BatchMesher complete the meshing and just before you exit the
BatchMesher.
Pre-run
Use the drop-down list to pick a procedure name to be executed before the
first model/job starts.
Post-run
Use the drop-down list to pick a procedure name to be executed after the
last model/job completes batchmeshing.
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BatchMesher Customization
The BatchMesher can be customized, through TCL procedures, to meet your specific needs. See the User
Procedures Tab for more information. For example, the customization of BatchMesher could allow you to:
Export a mesh in solver format.
Generate the midsurface of a thin solid geometry.
Perform a surface offset to move the sheet geometry to a midplane location.
Name and number parts to user-specific requirements.
The BatchMesher has built in provisions to perform user-specified procedures at the following steps for each
job:
Pre-geometry load:
This procedure will be run right after the batch meshing process begins,
before the selected model is imported.
Post-geometry load:
This procedure will be run right after the selected geometry model is
imported (a midsurfacing procedure or surface offset can be performed
at this point).
Post-batch mesh:
This procedure will be run after the batch mesh is complete. Examples
include creating solver-specific property cards, or exporting the mesh in
a solver format.
Customization can also be performed at the run level. This enables users to perform operations such as
reading all the batch-meshed parts into a single model, creating properties, materials etc, or creating
connections such as welds between the parts. Customization options at the run level can be set to execute
at two points in the batch mesh process:
Pre-run
This procedure will be executed before the first model/job starts.
Post-run
This procedure will be executed after the last model/job completes

batchmeshing.
Example post-mesh user procedure:

This example exports the generated mesh to a NASTRAN model. The NASTRAN output file created is
named Input_geometry_filename.dat.
# args from BatchMesh is input file name
proc nastranexport {args} {
set modelName " batchmesh_nastranoutput";
if {[llength $args]>0} {
set modelName [lindex $args 0];
}
set template_dir [ hm_info -appinfo SPECIFIEDPATH TEMPLATES_DIR]
set template [file join $template_dir "feoutput" "nastran" "general"]
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*feoutput "$template" ${modelName}.dat 1 1 1

}
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User-registered Procedures
User-registered procedures can be invoked using two different methods.
The first method is via an additional Tcl script. This method is compatible with 7.0.
1. Create a temp file (e.g. /tmp/driver.tcl). The file should contain: set userproc(<event name>)
{"<tcl file name> " "<procedure name>"}
For example:
set userproc(POST_BATCHMESH) {"/usr/bm/userproc.tcl " "myproc"}
2. Add the following command line argument: -user_proc_file <Tcl file>
For example:
hw_batchmesh nogui cad_translator catia criteria_file /data/mycriteria.
txt param_file /data/myparams.txt cad_model_dir /data/ -cad_model_ext
"model" -user_proc_file /tmp/driver.tcl
The second method does not require creating an additional Tcl script. Instead, all of the required parameters
are included in the -user_procedure option of the hw_batchmesh command:
-user_procedure
<proc_type>
Specifies the type of user-registered procedure. Valid

values for include:
PRE_GEOMETRY_LOAD
PRE_BATCHMESH
POST_BATCHMESH
<file_path>
The complete path to the Tcl script file containing the

user specified <proc_name> procedure.
<proc_name>
The name of user-registered procedure.
<args>
The list of additional arguments to pass to

<proc_name>. This can be empty if no additional
arguments are needed. Quotes must be used if the list
contains more than one argument.
The -user_procedure option can be used multiple times in in one hw_batchmesh command, once for
each proc_type. For example:
hw_batchmesh nogui cad_translator catia criteria_file /data/mycriteria.
criteria param_file /data/myparams.param cad_model /data/mymodel.model user_procedure PRE_GEOMETRY_LOAD /data/mytcl.tcl myprocedure "myarg1
myarg2" -user_procedure POST_BATCHMESH /data/NastranOutput.tcl
nastranexport
The following model-specific variables can also be used within user-registered procedures:
Variable Name
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Description

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::hwbm::gVarArray(modelpath)
Contains the complete path to the input CAD file.
::hmbm::gVarArray(modelname)
Contains the name of the input CAD file.
::hmbm::gVarArray(cadtype)
Contains the type of CAD file.
::hmbm::gVarArray(criterpath)
Contains the complete path to the criteria input file.
::hmbm::gVarArray(critername)
Contains the criteria input file name.
::hmbm::gVarArray(parampath)
Contains the complete path to the parameter input file.
::hmbm::gVarArray(paramname)
Contains the parameter input file name.
::hmbm::gVarArray(outpath)
Contains the complete path to the directory with all

output files. It is the same directory as specified if the work_dir option is used.
::hmbm::gVarArray(resfilename)
Contains the output result file name.
::hwbm::gVarArray(outmodelname) Contains the output CAD file name.
It is important to remember to save the model after running user procedures, as this is not done
automatically. For example:
hm_answernext "yes"
*writefile "$::hmbm::gVarArray(outmodelname)" 0
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BatchMesher Parameter Editor

Criteria and parameter files allow users to set the appropriate parameters/options to obtain the desired mesh
from the Batchmesher. The Parameter and Criteria Editor is an easy-to-use interface that allows you to
create and modify parameter files as well as geometry cleanup criteria.
Access the editor in BatchMesher from the Configuration tab by clicking the entry of the configuration you
wish to modify and then clicking the edit file button.
HyperMesh uses the same editor for both types of file, but the editors layout changes depending on whether
you are working on a parameter file or a criteria file. See Editing Criteria Files and Editing Parameter Files
for details.
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Editing Parameter Files

The criteria & parameter editor displays all parameters on one tab, with drop-down/expanding frames for each
class of parameters. In the image below, these sections are fully expanded.
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For descriptions of the options in this editor window, consult the following topics:
Basic Options: Target Element Size, Import Model Tolerance, Extract Midsurface
Geometry Cleanup Options
Create Mesh Options
Special Component Selection Options
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Basic Options: Target Element Size, Import Model Tolerance,

Extract Midsurface
Target element size
The desired element size for meshing and optimization.

Note:
The element size set here should match the ideal value for
min length and max length criteria set in the criteria file.
If it doesnt match, the BatchMesher may not be able to
produce meshes that adhere to the target quality
requirements
Import model tolerance The tolerance value to be used while importing the CAD model. Set
this to auto to let the Batchmesher choose the tolerance based on
the type and dimensions of the model imported.
Extract midsurface
Turn on this option if your model uses thin solid geometry to

represent sheet metal parts, and you want Batchmesher to detect
such parts and create midsurface geometry. The resulting midsurface
geometry will be batch meshed, while solid geometry will be ignored.
Batchmesher generates midsurface geometry by offsetting one of the
sides of the solid. Thus, this functionality is only appropriate for
stamped partsnot for machined or molded parts or castings.
When active, this option enables another one: sheet metal only.
Activating this second checkbox enables several more parameters
specific to sheet metal midsurface extractions:
Maximum thin solid thickness to width ratio: This is the
maximum ratio between the approximate thickness of the
thin solid part (shortest dimension) and its approximate width
(2nd shortest dimension). This parameter is used to limit the
midsurface extraction to parts for which the thickness is
clearly smaller than the length and width
Maximum thin solid thickness: Midsurface extraction
ignores thin solids with thickness less than this value.
Minimum feature angle between the solids edge and its
faces: The minimum angle used to distinguish top and
bottom faces of a thin solid from its sides. Angles less than
this will be treated as if they were flat for purposes of
midsurface extraction.
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Geometry Cleanup Options

Geometry Cleanup allows the Batchmesher to perform a variety of geometry feature recognition and
preparation tasks. This is one of the main functions of Batchmesher and should be turned on by default. You
can choose to turn off this option if you have already performed manual geometry cleanup and only wish to
mesh the part.
You can turn on/ off cleanup of individual features such as holes, fillets etc. The individual options available in
geometry cleanup are:
surf hole recognition
When this option is turned on, you can distinguish holes of different
sizes and treat them appropriately. You can add radius ranges in the
table and choose one of the following:
Remove the holes
Maintain a node at center (mark)
Add a tag on one of the nodes of the hole
Force a minimum number of nodes around the holes (for finer
mesh)
Add one or two layers of washers to be created
Specify width of the washer as a constant value or a scale of
the holes radius, or let Batchmesher determine the width
Set higher priority to one range of radii over others. For
example, if you wish to ensure all bolt holes (radius 10-15)
have correct washers but other holes arent critical, holes
with radii 10-15 will receive higher priority than others. This
ensures that if two holes close to each other in the model
have overlapping/conflicting washers, the hole with higher
priority gets the washer while the other does not.
use file for holes
Sometimes certain holes need special treatment. This option allows

users to provide a file with X, Y, Z locations of these special holes.
The Batchmesher compares these locations to the holes in the jobs
models, and prioritizes the holes that match. All the options for
surface hole treatment are available for these holes.
solid hole recognition
This option is valid for parts that form an enclosed volume. The
cylindrical surfaces that form holes in these solids are recognized
and treated as follows:
Remove the holes
Maintain node at center (mark)
Add tag on one of the nodes of the hole
Force a minimum number of nodes around the holes
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surface fillet
recognition
When this option is turned on fillet surfaces are recognized to be able

to perform on or more of the following options:
Prevent the main (long) edges of the fillets from being
suppressed and also prevent the nodes of those edges from
moving while fixing element quality
Specify the number of elements across the width of the fillets
for given fillet radii
Specify the chordal deviation to be achieved while meshing
flange recognition
This option allows users to recognize geometry that represent

flanges on sheet metal parts. Users can specify the minimum
number of elements to be created along the width of the flange, and
provide the minimum and maximum width of the flanges in their
design process to recognize flanges correctly.
suppress beads
Turns on bead recognition and provides the option to suppress any

beads with heights less than a specified value.
preserve rounded bead Enforces node placement along the midline of a rounded bead.
midline
suppress flanged holes When active, holes with small downward flanges will be recognized
and those whose height is less than the specified value can be
eliminated.
edge fillets
This option allows users to remove any fillets/rounded edges located

on free edges and having radii below a specified value.
remove logos
Small geometric features with specified size that represent company

logos can be removed with this option.
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Create Mesh Options

This option allows the Batchmesher to generate mesh on the cleaned-up model geometry. This is one of the
main functions of Batchmesher and should be turned on by default. You can choose to turn off this option if
you only want to perform geometry feature recognition and cleanup, and will mesh the model manually later.
When this option is turned on the following parameters need to be set:
element type
Type of elements to be created mixed, quad or tria.
mesh flow:align
Produces a more orthogonal quad dominated mesh.
mesh flow:size
Enforces the global mesh element size with minimal min/max

element size variation.
element order
Choose whether to create First or second order elements.
place elements in
Newly created elements can be placed in either the current

component or original surfaces component.
optimized smoothing
After the surfaces are appropriately meshed, the nodes are optimized
to improve element quality while maintaining geometry features. the
smoothing options available are:
None (no smoothing).
Smooth only nodes that are within surfaces. The nodes on
the edges of the surfaces are not moved.
Smooth nodes along edges. This option also smoothes
nodes within a surface. Nodes on the edges of surfaces are
allowed to move along the edge to improve element quality.
Smooth nodes across edges. This option also smoothes
nodes within a surface. Nodes on the edges of surfaces are
allowed to move along the edge, and across the edge to the
neighboring surface if needed, to improve element quality
correct features: move

across shared edges,
max dist
Allows the nodes to move a certain distance across or away from the
geometry shared edge by less than the predefined distance
correct features: move

across free edges,max
dist
Allows the nodes to move a certain distance across or away from the
geometry free edge by less than the predefined distance
correct warped
elements: offset nodes
from surfs, max dist
Allows the nodes to move off the surface to meet the warpage criteria
defined in the criteria file. The distance specified is the max distance
the nodes can move off the surface.
correct warped
Allows quads to be split into trias to meet certain element criteria as
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29
elements: divide quads

into trias
defined in the criteria file.
feature angle
The minimum angle to be maintained (rather than flattened) while

performing element cleanup.
folding angle
Elements whose angle exceeds this value are considered folded over,
and Batchmesher attempts to clean them up.
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Special Component Selection Options

This option is used to handle two types of situations:
1.
When the model contains multiple parts of which not all are to be batch meshed.
In that situation the names of the components that must be exempt from geometry cleanup should be
listed, with this option turned on. The Batchmesher will still mesh those components but will not perform
any geometry cleanup before meshing. The remaining components that are not specially listed will be
batch meshed with the normal process, including geometry cleanup.
2.
When a user prefers to mesh his parts with multiple element sizes but still wants to maintain the
transition at the common edges of the different sizes.
In this case users should batchmesh one component with one parameter file, with this option turned on.
Then, they should batchmesh the other component with a second mesh type, again with this option
turned on.
For example: imagine you have a model in which you have two componentsfront_10 and rear_20which
share common surface edges, and you intend to mesh front_10 with element size 10 and rear_20 with
element size 20. You can accomplish this by performing these steps:
1.
First create two sets of parameter/criteria files:

One with target element size of 10 and the appropriate parameters. In this parameter file turn on the
special component selection option Mesh selected components while maintaining connectivity
to external mesh, and list front_10 in your component list.
A second file with target element size of 20 and the appropriate parameters. Turn on the same
special component selection option in this second parameter file, and list rear_20 in the
component list.
2.
Secondly, create a mesh type (name it varyingsize) and assign the first set of criteria and parameter
files. Create a second mesh type with the same name (varyingsize) and assign the second set of
criteria and parameter files.
3.
Third, choose the geometry file to be batch meshed, assign it the varyingsize mesh type, and submit
the job.
This will mesh front_10 first with the first mesh type, and then take the results of this and mesh rear_20
with the second mesh type, while maintaining connectivity with the mesh created on front_10 by the first
run.
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Editing Criteria Files

This window allows you to load and save Quality Index criteria files, as well as view and modify their
contents.
Note
this editor is the same feature found in HyperMesh on the 2D page, quality index panel page 3,
edit criteria button.
The editor is a completely separate window from the rest of the HyperMesh environment, floating above the
rest of the interface.
The active criteria files details display in a table format

Use the file menu inside the criteria file editor window to:
load a different criteria file
save changes to the current criteria file
save the current settings as a new criteria file
exit (close) the editor
The criteria file editor organizes quality criteria in a table format, with each check displayed in a vertical list
and the controls and values associated with it listed to its left.
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You can edit each of the numerical values displayed in the editor. You can also choose whether or not to
use each check for element quality criteria by checking or clearing the checkboxes for each quality check
listed.
Click advanced criteria table to access more settings for each check, including the different quality levels
("good", "pass", "fail", etc.)
Finally, you can choose different solvers calculation methods for some of the checks such as aspect ratio
or warpage, simply by picking the desired solvers from the list boxes. Note, however, that in order to use
more than one solvers methods, you must select individual methods from the list box on the checks line
of the table. Different solvers methods are described in the topic How Element Quality is Calculated.
Use the command buttons at the bottom of the window when finished editing:
Click Apply to make HyperMesh start using the current criteria settings (including any changes that
you have made).
Click OK to make HyperMesh start using the current settings and close the editor.
Click Cancel to close the editor, discarding any changes you made to the criteria.
Element Check Settings window

quality index panel
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33
hw_batchmesh
The hw_batchmesh program provides an interface for the HyperMesh BatchMesher features. You can call
this program directly in graphical user interface mode, or in batch mode using the nogui option.
Syntax
hw_batchmesh arguments
Arguments
-cad_translator <type>
Specifies the CAD file type. Legal values for

"type" include: ug | catia | iges | hm | hma |
proe | step.
-criteria_file <file_path>
Complete path to the criteria input file.
-param_file <file_path>
Complete path to the parameter input file.
-cad_model_file <file_path>
Complete path to a single CAD input file.
-cad_model_dir <dir_path>
Complete path to a directory where files of

the given CAD type exist.
-cad_model_ext <file_ext>
File extension to use when scanning the

cad_model_dir for CAD input files.
-recurse
OPTIONAL - The boolean flag that specifies

to get geometry files from sub-directories of
the given cad_model_dir. Default is false.
-run_tcl_file <file_path>
OPTIONAL - The tcl file with procedure

specified in run_tcl_proc.
NOTE: If run_tcl_file option is given then all
other options except run_tcl_proc are
ignored. This option will invoke tcl procedure
specified in run_tcl_proc option.
-run_tcl_proc <proc_name>
OPTIONAL - The name of tcl procedure from

file specified in run_tcl_file option.
NOTE: The run_tcl_proc option is required if
run_tcl_file option is selected.
-user_proc_file <file_path>
OPTIONAL - The tcl file with set of

command to specifying user-registred
procedures. This option is deprecated and
not recommended for new development. The
user_procedure option may be used for
user-registered procedures invoking.
See User-registered Procedures.
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-user_procedure <proce_type> OPTIONAL List of parameters:

<file_path> <proc_name>
<proc_type> - Specifies the type of user<args>
registered procedure. Legal values for
"proc_type " include:
PRE_GEOMETRY_LOAD |
PRE_BATCHMESH |
POST_BATCHMESH.
<file_path> - Complete path to tcl script file
with user specified procedure.
<proc_name> - The name of user-registered
procedure.
<args> - The list of arguments for userregistered procedure. Can be empty. Use
back quotes if list contains more then one
argument.
The user_procedure option can be
repeatedly used in one hw_batchmesh
command. (one time for each proc_type).
Also see User-registered Procedures.
-work_dir <file_path>
OPTIONAL - The directory where the

BatchMesher will run. If not specified, the
current working directory is selected.
-nogui
OPTIONAL - If not specified, the user

interface of the BatchMesher is launched.
-help
OPTIONAL - Display usage information.
Returns
0 on success, "other" on failure.
Examples
hw_batchmesh nogui cad_translator catia criteria_file /

data/mycriteria.txt param_file /data/myparams.txt
cad_model_file /data/fender.model
Runs the BatchMesher (without any user interface) on the CATIA geometry in file/
data/fender.model using specified parameter and criteria files.
hw_batchmesh nogui cad_translator catia criteria_file /
cad_model_dir /data/ -cad_model_ext "model"
Runs the BatchMesher (without any user interface) on all the CATIA geometry in files
with the extension .model in the /data/ directory using specified parameter and
criteria files.
hw_batchmesh
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35
Invokes the BatchMesher user interface where you can set up the required entries
interactively.
hw_batchmesh nogui cad_translator iges criteria_file /
cad_model_dir /data/ -cad_model_ext igs recurse true
Runs the BatchMesher (without any user interface) on all the IGES geometry in files
with the extension .igs in the /data/ directory (and all of the subdirectories inside
of it) using the specified parameter and criteria files.
Comments
The cad_model_file option cannot be used with the cad_model_dir

and -cad_model_ext options.
The cad_model_dir and -cad_model_ext options must be used
together.
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BatchMesher Error Codes

The following error codes may be encountered in BatchMesher:
Code
Description
101
Wrong count of arguments for the hw_batchmesh script. Used only in the command line.
102
Missing major arguments for hw_batchmesh script. Used only in the command line.
103
The specified output directory does not exist. (See work_dir option in hw_batchmesh
hw_batchmesh). Used only in the command line.
104
Undefined major environment variable.
105
The specified input directory contains no model files (see -cad_model_dir in

hw_batchmeshhw_batchmesh). Used only in the command line.
106
The custom pre/post-run tcl script contains an error.
107
At least three critical errors occurred during the meshing of one model.
111
HyperMesh executable file (hmopengl) is in the wrong path or inaccessible.
112
Wrong input geometry file path or file inaccessible during running hw_batchmesh script.
113
Wrong criteria file path or file inaccessible during running hw_batchmesh script.
114
Wrong parameters file path or file inaccessible during running hw_batchmesh script.
121
Either the time_limit.txt or result (*_res.txt) file was not created after the specified timeout
(10 minutes by default).
132
Result file (*_res.txt) not found.
133
Error while reading the time_limit.txt file.
134
Abnormal termination of HyperMesh (hmopengl) process (possibly crashed).
135
The HyperMesh (hmopengl) process is frozen (possibly waiting for user input).
141
Wrong input geometry file path or file inaccessible from HyperMesh (hmopengl) process.
142
Wrong criteria file path or file inaccessible from HyperMesh (hmopengl) process.
143
Wrong parameters file path or file inaccessible from HyperMesh (hmopengl) process.
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144
Error in HyperMesh geometry file or wrong file (see *readfile command)
145
Error while importing of geometry file, or wrong file (see *feinput command)
146
Error reading the criteria file (see *readqualitycriteria command)
147
Error while running hw_batchmesh command. (See hw_batchmesh command and

required arguments.)
148
Custom (Pre-Geom, Pre-Mesh, Post-Mesh) script error.
151
Licensing error (the feature you are trying to access is not supported by your license).
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Grid Computing with BatchMesher

BatchMesher supports grid-based computing; the default grid is "PBS Pro".
The "Grid" option is disabled by default in the BatchMeshers base configuration (loaded from the
hw_batchmesh.cfg file). To enable BatchMesher grid computing, select Load Config from the File menu
and load the file hw_batchmesh_grid.cfg. This file is installed in the path:
InstallationRootPath/altair/hwX.X/hm/batchmesh (for UNIX), or
InstallationRootPath\altair\hwX.X\hm\batchmesh (for Windows)
Where "X.X" is a number representing your HyperWorks version number (e.g. 7.1, 8.0, etc).
After loading hw_batchmesh_grid.cfg, the Grid option displays alongside local in the File menus Run
Options sub-menu. Once this option is activated, it will remain even if you load one or more subsequent
different configuration files.
To use the Grid option, you also need to modify/configure three default scripts: qsub.tcl, qstat.tcl, and qdel.
tcl (all of which can be found in the same directory mentioned above).
The exact script configuration depends on the grid system you use, and requires detailed knowledge of your
current grid system. The three default scripts (qsub.tcl, qstat.tcl, qdel.tcl) were created for use with Unix
PBS Pro clusters and will work without modification if your cluster configuration is similar to the default
configuration.
These scripts are described below:
Qsub.tcl
This script creates a node-side script and submits the job to the computing grid.
Format:
qs ub. t c l
- bat c h_ar gs { BATCHARGS} - wor k _di r WORKDI R
BATCHARGS is a command line for one batchmesh job contained in curly
braces. This line is created by BMGUI, and has to be written to the node-side
script).
WORKDIR is the path for all result files.
Returns:
If an error is encountered at job submission, this script returns the word "error".
Otherwise, it returns the unique JobID for the submitted job.
Example:
Command: qs ub. t c l
- bat c h_ar gs { / homes / x s er v e1c / u/ us er name/
hw8. 0/ al t ai r / s c r i pt s / hw_bat c hmes h - nogui - c ad_t r ans l at or hm c r i t er i a_f i l e / homes / x s er v e1c / u/ us er name/ Conf i gs / nv h10.
c r i t er i a - par am_f i l e / homes / x s er v e1c / u/ us er name/ Conf i gs / nv h10.
par am - c ad_model _f i l e / homes / x s er v e1c / u/ us er name/ Model s /
model . hm - nobg } - wor k _di r / homes / x s er v e1c / u/ us er name/
Bat c hmes hRes ul t s / bm_060209_001/
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Return: server1.1234
Qstat.tcl
This script gets status information for jobs with specified JobIDs
Format:
qs t at . t c l
J OBI Dl i s t
Where JOBIDlist is list of unique JobIDs for submitted jobs.

Returns:
A list of JobIds paired with Status mnemonics:

"R" job is running
"Q" job is queued, eligible to run
"E" job is exiting after having run
"W" job is waiting for idle resource
"U" status undefined (if status not one of "R", "Q", "E" or "W")
"none" information about job with JOBID was not found on GRID server.
Example:
Command: qs t at . t c l
1234 1235 1236 1239
Return:
1234 none
1235 R
1236 R
1239 Q
Qdel.tcl
This script terminates jobs with specified JobID's.
Format:
qdel . t c l
J OBI Dl i s t
Where JOBIDlist is a list of JobIDs for the submitted jobs

Returns:
0 if the jobs terminated without errors,

or
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Altair Engineering
"none" if jobs can not be terminated (or termination error)

Example:
Command: qdel . t c l
1236 1248
Return: 0
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Address: ftp.altair.com or ftp2.altair.com or http://ftp.altair.com/ftp

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HyperWorks 11.0 Release Notes

Trademark and Registered Trademark Acknowledgments

BatchMesher User's Guide

BatchMesher User's Guide

BatchMesher User's Guide

Any CAD format that can be imported into standard HyperMesh or a

Contains average element size, type of elements to be generated (quads or

Contains all element quality requirements, such as Jacobian and warpage.

Output from BatchMesher

BatchMesher User's Guide

For each run:

This is a text file that reports the progress and status of

Maintains a log of submitted runs. This log file can be

BatchMesher User's Guide

To start BatchMesh on a PC:

BatchMesher User's Guide

To start BatchMesh in UNIX:

BatchMesher User's Guide

BatchMesher User's Guide

Now) or at a specified later time (Resume At:).

BatchMesher User's Guide

Batch Mesh Tab

Geometry source directory:

Enter the directory that contains the geometry/CAD files required

BatchMesher User's Guide

Enter the directory where the BatchMesher result files should be

Before the CAD geometry is imported

BatchMesher User's Guide

After the CAD geometry is imported but before any geometry

After the batch mesh process is complete.

BatchMesher User's Guide

Average element size of 8 with one layer of washer elements

Average element size of 8 with multiple layers of washer

BatchMesher User's Guide

Invokes a BatchMesher Parameter Editor which allows you to set various

BatchMesher User's Guide

Run Status Tab

The Status can be posted as one of the following:

Batch meshing is currently being performed on this CAD model.

The job will begin automatically at a user-specified date and time.

The batch meshing process is complete, and results can be reviewed.

The following tasks can be performed in the Run Status tab:

BatchMesher User's Guide

The details shown include:

BatchMesher User's Guide

Click here to pause the jobs that are pending.

Resume Now Starts jobs that have been previously paused.

BatchMesher User's Guide

User Procedures Tab

A name given to the topiclink or user procedure. A nastran export

Allows you to remove a procedure from the list.

BatchMesher User's Guide

BatchMesher User's Guide

This procedure will be executed before the first model/job starts.

This procedure will be executed after the last model/job completes

Example post-mesh user procedure:

BatchMesher User's Guide

*feoutput "$template" ${modelName}.dat 1 1 1

BatchMesher User's Guide

Specifies the type of user-registered procedure. Valid