3 Replies Latest reply on Dec 7, 2015 9:59 AM by Leszek Paprota

In which case, we use midplane, bottom or top offset for a shell definition? Does an offset affect the mesh orientation?

Dongwei Qi Dec 3, 2015 10:25 PM

I'm confused about the offset options of shell definition. What determines that we use midplane, bottom or top?

Is the mesh orientation the same as the offset?

For example, I select midplane, but the mesh orientation is either bottom or top. Which one should I use? What conditions decide the bottom or top?

Thanks.

Leszek Paprota Dec 4, 2015 10:16 AM (in response to Dongwei Qi)

Hi Dongwei

use the preview to see which offset you should use. the shell is a zero thickens FEA model and you are working on solids right?

If you are confused by the name shell just imagine it is a "sheet of metal"

Middle Surface	The selected surface is the midplane reference of the "sheet metal."
Top Surface	The selected surface is the top surface of the "sheet metal."
Bottom Surface	The selected surface is the bottom surface of the "sheet metal."
Specify Ratio	The selected surface is a reference surface defined by an offset value that is a fraction of the total thickness. The offset value ranges between -0.5 and 0.5.

Hope this helps.

Leszek

Re: In which case, we use midplane, bottom or top offset for a shell definition? Does an offset affect the mesh orientation?

Dongwei Qi Dec 7, 2015 7:08 AM (in response to Leszek Paprota)

Thanks for your reply.

For example, in the pulley case in the simulation training manual its outside faces are selected, then which option of the offset should I use? Top?

Solidwork Help says that mesh is aligned to the mid plane by default.
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Re: In which case, we use midplane, bottom or top offset for a shell definition? Does an offset affect the mesh orientation?

Leszek Paprota Dec 7, 2015 9:59 AM (in response to Dongwei Qi)

Hi
just use the preview button...
on the example attached earlier I would have to use an offset that would make the shell preview go right.

Cheers!
Leszek
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