Meshing a box beam

[randymusk]

Is there a way to mesh a box beam constructed of  4 plates, each a different part for detailing purposes? The mesh does not intersect at plate intersections, but each plate meshes individualy. I am not including the weld, just the plates. I design welded structures every day and need to be able to do this. Is there another package that will do this?

[AstroJohnPE]

Yes.

But can you attach an image showing a close-up of the mesh so that we can see how it matches or doesn't? It depends on several factors, such as

1. The size of the mesh compared to the thickness of the plate
2. The gap between the plates, whether it is zero or some small value (for welds)
3. The setting under "Setup > Model Setup > Parameters > Contact > Smart Contact".

[randymusk]

This easy attempt is no welds at all, with no gap and std mesh density whatever default is. How do I snap a picture, and where does it go so I can find it? CRL ALT PRT SC or something?

[AstroJohnPE]

"File > Export > Image", where "File" is the big "S" button in the top left corner.