You do not have to mesh a display body. However, to display the part instance in the Visualization module, ABAQUS/CAE computes a triangular mesh that models the surfaces of the part instance. This internal mesh is written to the input file and to the resulting output database; however, it is used only to render the display and is not included in the numerical analysis. By default, the Visualization module displays only the free edges of the meshed display body part instance, although you can change the visible edges displayed.

Similarly, if you do mesh a display body, ABAQUS/CAE retains your mesh when the input file is generated; however, it is used only to render the display in the Visualization module and is not included in the numerical analysis. The same is true when you create a display body from an orphan mesh part instance: ABAQUS/CAE retains your mesh when the input file is generated, and it is used only to render the display.