Mesh info & Convergence

[acanfield]

Hello

Just looking at Sim Mech after using Inventor FEA.

I can't see a convergence plot, is there one?

With all the meshing options how do you know which one to use?

What is there to consider when modelling a sheet metal pressure vessel regarding mesh selection & result analysis?

Thanks

Andrew

[KubliJ]

HI Andrew,

In Simulation Mechanical we do not have an automatic mesh refinement, so there is no mesh covergence plot.  In order to check on mesh convergence, a manual study will need to be done.

For your questions on which mesh options to use, they can depened on what you want to do.  My recommendation is to first take a look at the tutorials.

Things to keep in mind of when performing an analysis

• Symmetry?  Do I need to model all of the geometry or is there a symmetry plane in the geometry and is my load symmetric about this plane.
• 2D or 3D?  2D analysis run much quicker but are not always appropriate.
• How large is my model?  Is it small enough, or low detailed enought to solid mesh the part, or should I consider using plates/shell, beam, or a combination of element types.

If you have more specific questions, I can answer them better.

Thanks,

James

[acanfield]

Hello James

Thanks for the reply.

Is the workflow to first use a 'simple' mesh then keep increasing the number of elements to see how the results converge?

I have a model & will you be anble to look at it (I can't post it here).

Regards

Andrew

[KubliJ]

Hi Andrew,

With a manual mesh convergence study, you do start with a simple mesh, refine the mesh (usually double the element count) and plot a graph of elements versus results.  If this method is problematic then we can discuss midside nodes.

Regarding the model, if it is too large to upload to the forum, can you upload it to dropbox or some other online storage?  If privacy is of concer, we can create a technical support case and upload the model there.

Thanks,

James

[acanfield]

Hello Jamie

Could you forward a link to log a support case please?

Regards

Andrew

[KubliJ]

Hi Andrew,

Please follow these instructions to create a support case.

Thanks,

James

[acanfield]

Thanks for trying!