Cross Section of a Dam built with Arcs and Polygons in the Map Module
Once a set of feature objects has been created for a SEEP2D or a FEMWATER conceptual model, the Map -> 2D Mesh command can be used to generate a 2D finite element mesh from the objects. The Map -> 2D Mesh command creates a 2D Mesh on the interior of all of the polygons in the current coverage. The figure below shows a cross section of a dam built using the feature objects in the Map Module. The second figure shows a 2D Mesh created from the polygons.
Cross Section of a Dam built with Arcs and Polygons in the Map Module
2D Mesh created from Map Objects using Map -> 2D Mesh command
When the Map -> 2D Mesh command is selected, the Map -> 2D Mesh Options dialog appears. The options in the dialog are as follows:
The Size bias can be used to indicate whether the meshing algorithm should favor the creation of large or small elements. In either case, the elements in the interior of the mesh will honor the arc edges and the element sizes specified at nodes. The bias simply controls the element sizes in the transition region. If the large bias is chosen, the elements transition more quickly to the larger sizes when moving away from an arc with short edge lengths. If a small bias is chosen, the elements transition more slowly from small to large.
If the Merge after meshing option is used and a Min interior angle is specified, GMS merges a portion of the triangular elements into quadrilateral elements following the meshing process. This tends to reduce the total number of elements in the mesh. The elements can also be merged after the meshing process is completed using the Merge Triangles command in the 2D Mesh module.
If the Display meshing process option is selected, each step of the meshing process is displayed. This tends to slow down the meshing significantly.
The results of Map -> 2D Mesh on a particular polygon can be viewed with the 2D Mesh Polygon Properties dialog. This dialog is accessed by selecting the polygon and then selecting the Properties command from the Feature Objects menu.
Related Links:
Creating 2D Meshes
2D Mesh Polygon Properties