Modeling & Meshing

Modeling & Meshing

If a lower-order (linear) element is specified, how does Mechanical choose the appropriate element type?

    • FAQFAQ
      Participant

      Mechanical meshes on part-by-part basis. When a lower-order structural element is requested, the mesher asks two questions before meshing each part. 1. Will the entire part be meshed only with tetrahedral elements, and 2. Is a nonlinear material defined for any body in that part? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then the mesher uses SOLID285 for the entire part. If the answer to either of those questions is no, then the mesher uses SOLID185 for the entire part. Also, if the entire part is meshed with only tet elements, other nonlinear option (e.g., NLAD) may also trigger the mesher to use SOLID285 rather than SOLID185. Note: Tetrahedral SOLID185 elements are not recommended, particularly for non-linear applications.