Combination of Tetrahedron and Hexahedron-Elements ???

[JulesVerne77]

hi,
I have to model a structure with a complex geometry.. for first estimations, I used linear brick elements.. now, in the more detailed model, I doubt that these element type will give me good results due to high bending moments at local regions.. Alternatively I can mesh all with tet10 elements, but this will increase the calculation time enormously.. and I assume that I will get some convergence problems (I perform a nonlinear static analysis with contact definitions (in I-DEAS))..

So now my question, is it possible to use tet10 elements in the critical areas (regions with high bending moments) and brick elements (hex8) for the rest.. so I hope I will get sufficient results and a better convergence..

I don`t know, if the combination of tet and hex elements will produce other problems? Does anyone have some experiences in this problem? I would be glad, if someone could help me.. thanks..

 

[vnpenguin]

Hi,
I'm very newbie with I-DEAS (just installed I-DEAS 9 today . But from the view point of FEA, I have a question: If you use at the same time tet10 (degree 2) and hex8 (degree 1) how you can warrantir the connectivity between them ?

In Samcef code (

http://www.samcef.com)

there is special element to use in this case in order to stick one over other mesh. I don't know how I-DEAS could work with.

Regards,
NDQ