Dimension of shell (plate) element in FEM

[dawn836]

hi all
what is limitation and recomendations of shell (plate) elemnts dimesnions in Finite elemnt method ?

i have read in sap2000 manual that best results when aspect ratio is near one and good if not more than 4 and should not by anyway be more than 10

i realy think there is other limation because i can not imagine for EXAMPLE that i have a shell 10mX10m with thickness 5mms and the results are accepted !

so i mean what divisions shall i divide my shell to so that the results are accepted

 

[PEStructural]

I have always modeled my finite element meshes at one foot ( say 0.25 m for you). This usually gives good results.

 

[SimpleStructures]

The closer to "square" that you make your panel elements, the more accurate the results will be. Aspect ratios cited by CSI (SAP) are good recommendations.

Most importantly though, be consistent as possible with your mesh. Localized regions with poor aspect ratios will be less susceptible to inaccuracies if your overall mesh is consistently divided.

Good luck!