Hi,
I have a simple model to check as a 3d volumetric structure. Its 2 side by side I beams, joined with plate elements on the flanges and stiffened on the webs too.
Problem 1:
I mesh it using a pretty coarse mesh, it takes 25 minutes to mesh. When I run the calculation I get an error saying mesh error (ie not refined enough). When I change the mesh parameters, it then takes 2,5 hours to mesh. Then I get the same mesh error anyway. Rafal has already answered this for me here: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Robot-Structural/Distorted-Element-in-3D-solids/m-p/3213330/h... But I'm still not happy with this functionality. Honestly, for the time it takes just to mesh the solid to this level of mesh density (a few hours - seriously), my boss will just give the job to the ANSYS/Strand 7 user in our office and I end up looking silly :(. I ask how can it possiby take this long to mesh a simple object.
Problem 2:
After I define the solid, I apply a load to one side. If I click on this side in the object inspector, it highlights it red, so I know I am selecting the right side. But when I apply planar load to that side, it applies the load to a completely different one. I have previously reported the error - http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Robot-Structural/Adding-Loads-to-3d-solids/m-p/3213336/highli... - but I'm not really happy with the response (sorry Pawel, nothing personal).
Sorry to bring up 2 old issues at once, but I really had a bad day in Robot today.
I love Robot for many reasons, but I can't get why the volumetric solids module is even included while it's so clunky. Strand 7 really makes Robot look silly today.
Tony
Solved! Go to Solution.
Solved by Rafal.Gaweda. Go to Solution.
Tony,
In fact Robot is \ was not designed to handle complex solids. It was intended to allow users to model large foundations, with rather simple geometry, rather extruded \ revolved.
For something more complex we recommend using ACIS modeling. Meshing times - it depends but nothing to compare with ANSYS.
From curiosity - please send us model.
Rafal,
Thanks for your honest answer. I will send the model at the end of this week.
Tony