I'm attempting some mixed meshing between Solid and Shell elements.
Can someone give me some tips on how to force a compatible mesh in this situation? Thanks.
I'm attempting some mixed meshing between Solid and Shell elements.
Can someone give me some tips on how to force a compatible mesh in this situation? Thanks.
When I hear "compatible mesh" I think of node sharing; is that what you mean?
Yes. If that's possible...
I believe that SW won't allow node sharing between solid and shell elements due to the different number of DOF associated with them. Most FEA packages (including SW) will use multi-point constraint equations to "link" solid elements to shell elements, so you won't (and don't) need to see the nodes line up in a mesh for a "compatible" connection to exist. If you were to instead just share nodes, then you'd have nodal compatibility issues that could result in a mechanism (thereby giving you a singular stiffness matrix).
why do you need compatible meshing? what problem are you running into with the results or meshing?
shaun's answer covers what is likely going to happen
I'm modeling thick parts welded into thin plates. I think these thick parts should be modeled using solid elements rather than shell elements. I just ended up using mesh controls to get a good incompatible mesh.
Keep in mind that the stress results at the interface between shell and solid elements (i.e. where the multi-point constraints are) are not very accurate.
probably same goes for the incompatible mesh
keep an eye on our website www.hawkridgesys.com, we just did a presentation yesterday about simulation and one of the topics was shells vs solids, solids is not more accurate than shells when shells are used correctly. i think you'd be surprised if you compared them.
I believe that SW won't allow node sharing between solid and shell elements due to the different number of DOF associated with them. Most FEA packages (including SW) will use multi-point constraint equations to "link" solid elements to shell elements, so you won't (and don't) need to see the nodes line up in a mesh for a "compatible" connection to exist. If you were to instead just share nodes, then you'd have nodal compatibility issues that could result in a mechanism (thereby giving you a singular stiffness matrix).