The Global component contact algorithm is enhanced to detect non-touching edges of shells within a maximum gap distance.
The improved functionality of detecting all pairs of shell edges-to-shell edges and shell edges-to-shell faces within a certain gap distance eliminates the manual definition of bonded contact sets, especially for models with many shells.
In the Component Contact PropertyManager, select Bonded for Contact Type, and select Include shell edge - solid/shell face and pairs (Slower).
The program creates automatically edge-to-edge bonded contact sets for pairs of shell edges within a certain gap distance set in
Maximum Clearance 
. The valid pairs of edges belonging to shell or sheet metal bodies are:
- A pair of straight, parallel, and non-interfering shell edges (or almost parallel within one degree of tolerance).
- A pair of circular edges that have the same radius and are concentric and non-interfering.
- A pair of shell edge (straight or arc) to a shell face (planar or cylindrical).
 |
| Mid-surface shells from sheet metal plates with a gap due to welding. Bonded contact is detected for the pair of parallel shell edges within the specified distance. |
 |
| Bonded contact is detected for the pair of circular concentric shell edges within the specified distance. |
 |
| Bonded contact is detected between the shell edges (from gussets and beams) and the shell faces of beams. |