topic Re: Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh? in AutoCAD Forum

Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh?

betsy.kirtland — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:33:05 GMT

Hi all, I am working on a finite element model of a concrete structure, and I'd like to develop the mesh for the model in AutoCAD and then import it into my FEA software. I have a 3D Solid (see attached) that I'd like to convert into a group of Polygon Meshes, as Polygon Meshes are the element type needed to import into my FEA software. I can model half of my shape within my FEA software (and export it to AutoCAD - see attached), but unfortunately I can't model the entire thing due to program limitations. Any help or advice anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh?

AVCPlugins — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:28:19 GMT

Try experimenting with the _CONVTOMESH command

Re: Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh?

betsy.kirtland — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:40:30 GMT

Hi @AVCPlugins , unfortunately I don't think this converts objects to Polygon Meshes; it converts them to standard meshes. The FEA software that I am using reads standard meshes as shell objects, and polygon meshes as solid objects, and I need to model my concrete as a solid object. Therefore, it has to be polygon meshes.

Re: Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh?

AVCPlugins — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 16:58:21 GMT

I could create a similar conversion program. but not free. Maybe someone will create a free script for you.

Re: Convert Solid to Polygon Mesh?

betsy.kirtland — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 17:03:33 GMT

Understood, @AVCPlugins, thanks. I don't have budget to pay for someone to create a script.

Alternatively, do you understand how to use the "3Dmesh" command? That command creates polygon meshes manually, and since my shape is relatively simple, I could draw them myself (begrudingly), but the command is very confusing to me and I'm having trouble just drawing a rectangular prism.