Static Structural Analysis Solves in Refine Mode but Fails in Explore Mode

[bhavani.chauhan-int]

Hi everyone,

I am working on a drone (MQ-9 Reaper) model in Ansys Discovery 2026 R1 and have encountered an issue with the structural simulation.

Simulation Setup

• Analysis Type: Static Structural

• Geometry: Single solid body (STEP model)

• Material: Aluminum Alloy 6061

• Supports: Fixed Support applied to the landing gear

• Loads:

  • Right wing distributed force = 333 N (upward)

  • Left wing distributed force = 333 N (upward)

  • Motor mount thrust = 240 N

• Gravity: Applied in the -Y direction

• Model Mass: Approximately 63 kg

Issue

• The simulation solves successfully in Refine Mode.

• The same simulation fails in Explore Mode with the message:

"An error has occurred while solving. Review the simulation setup."

There are no detailed solver messages indicating the exact cause.

[Charudatta Bandgar]

Hello,

Can you please clarify what GPU card you have?

Another reason could likely be due to fundamental differences in how the two modes handle boundary conditions, constraints, and solver formulations. Explore Mode uses simplified, rigid approximations for supports and joints, while Refine Mode applies more physically accurate, deformable formulations. This can lead to errors in Explore Mode if the setup relies on features that require deformable behavior or specific face alignment. So can you confirm if you have joints? 

Regards.

[bhavani.chauhan-int]

Hello,

My system has an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 dedicated GPU (along with Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated graphics). Ansys Discovery is configured to use the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000.

Regarding the model, I do not have any mechanical joints (revolute, cylindrical, etc.). The setup consists of a fixed support on the landing gear and applied forces on the wings and motor mount. No explicit joints are defined.

Regards,
Bhavani