Element Types
When you mesh a model, the software generates a mixture of solid, shell,
spring, and contact elements based on the created geometry. The program
automatically creates the following meshes:
Solid Mesh.
The program creates a solid mesh with tetrahedral 3D solid elements for
all solid components in the Parts folder. Tetrahedral elements are suitable
for bulky objects.
Shell Mesh. The program automatically creates a
shell mesh for sheet-metals with uniform thicknesses (except drop test
study) and surface geometries. For
sheet metals the mesh is automatically created at the mid-surface. The
program extracts the shell thickness from the thickness of the sheet metal.
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The mid-surface of a sheet metal is highlighted. |
A shell element created at the mid-surface with the nodes shown. |
For surfaces, the program locates the mesh
on the surface (mid-plane of shell). You assign the thickness for the
shell in the Shell Definition PropertyManager.
Beam Mesh.
The program automatically uses beam mesh and identifies joints for touching
or interfering structural members and non-touching structural members
within a certain distance (tolerance). A beam element is a line element
defined by two end points and a cross-section. Beam elements are capable
of resisting axial, bending, shear, and torsional loads. Trusses resist
axial loads only. When used with weldments, the software defines cross-sectional
properties and detects joints.
Mixed mesh.
The program automatically uses a mixed mesh when different geometries
are present in the model.