> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to create an FE Mesh for a complex shell lattice

## Objective:

Create an FE Mesh for a Trimmed Shell Lattice.

## Applies to:

* Simulating lattices
* Shell Lattice is too complex to use the FE Lattice Mesh block (Invalid Mesh Topology error appears)

## Procedure:

1. Start with a **Trim Lattice** block to create a lattice.

2. Open the Properties of the **Trim Lattice** block and extract the 'faces as mesh' chip into the Notebook.

* * To get to this property, expand thick lattice > lattice > faces as mesh.

3. Add a **Simplify Mesh by Amount** block.

* * Set the Amount to 0.00001.

4. Add an **FE Surface Mesh** block.

* * Set the Geometric order to Quadratic.

![The nTop notebook next to an FE Surface Mesh.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/structures/41633744981651.png)

And that's it! You've successfully created the FE Mesh for a complex shell lattice.

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Download the Example file:

* [Example file](https://files.learn.ntop.com/Support%20Article%20Example%20Files/Knowledge%20Base/Simulation/FE%20Mesh%20for%20Complex%20Shell%20Lattice%20Example.ntop)

## Keywords:

*mesh surface lattice shell fe trimmed model complex simplify simulate trim how-to extract quadratic geometric order invalid*