How are the general mesh options used?

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Advance Design provides the option to define the mesh in order to correctly simulate the different structural models that can be defined. An appropriate mesh definition could make the difference between good results and totally wrong results.

From this window you can select:

Note: Because of the different structural models that can be defined, the Grid method cannot always be applied with success. Because of this, when a planar element cannot be meshed in some areas using this method, Advance Design will automatically apply a "Delaunay" mesh algorithm.

Note: This method must be used with care, the load state of the element must be taken into consideration and to ensure result correctness a prior analysis must be done on simplified models.

From finite element theory, a structural model meshed in triangular elements will ensure almost the same results as a model meshed with quadrangles when the element is subjected to out-of-plane loads, the planar element is subjected to bending. In conclusion it is best to keep this mesh type only for shell and plate planar elements.

When this option is active, the mesh will automatically adjust if there are linear or point loads outside the mesh edges (or nodes) by creating specific nodes.

If include loads in the mesh is activated:

When include loads in the mesh is inactive, the point loads and the linear loads will not affect the meshing of the elements, as can be seen in the picture:

Note: When the element to be meshed has a general form, this dimension will be adjusted lower or higher so that no discontinuities will appear.

The following example shows a plane element placed at a distance of 3 mm to another plane element.

If the default value is kept (1mm), Advance Design will not connect the two elements and each one will have specific nodes.

But if the tolerance is modified to a value equal or higher than the distance between them (4mm), Advance Design will create common nodes and the two elements will be considered as connected. By displaying the linear contour you can see the distance between the two elements but only one node is shown at the intersection, which means that the results will be transmitted from one element to the other.

Note: Modifying the mesh tolerance must be done with great care because it could have unwanted behavior, for example connecting elements that should not be connected. Always verify the meshed model to ensure structural integrity.