Solid[95] element with curved edges
Solid[95] element with curved edges
(OP)
I want to simulate a one inch diameter steel rod with only four elements across its section. I wonder if it is possible to define a Solid[95] element with curved edges? I could use a fine mesh so that the the curvature of the rod could be fairly simulated, but I don't want to do that, I thought there might be a way to define elements with defined curved edges?
Thanks for your help
Amin
Thanks for your help
Amin





RE: Solid[95] element with curved edges
RE: Solid[95] element with curved edges
RE: Solid[95] element with curved edges
No, it's not a matter of SOLID95 not being able to "cover" curved edges.
SOLID95 IS a "parabolic" element, its edge-functions are 2nd-order polynomials, so it can approximate curved edges fair well...
NOW, recall basic plane geometry, and consider that you want to approximate an arc of circle with a parabola. The parabola will give exact approximation (i.e. null positional error) only in three points: the first corner node, the second corner node and the midside node. Everywhere else, the curve described by the parabola is obviously different from the curve described by the arc of circle.
Bagarbilla's point is thus the following one: is this approximation acceptable for you? By standard meshing, Ansys tryes to keep the arcspan angle within 25° for a 2nd-order element, you want this to become 90°: is that coherent / acceptable for your analysis?
Regards
RE: Solid[95] element with curved edges
Thanks a lot for the information and help. I am clear on the problem now.