ErrElemVolSmallNegZero with Orphan Mesh 1

[yaston4]

I am running analysis with an orphan mesh and the analysis exists with the following error message:

***ERROR: The volume of 1 elements is zero, small, or negative. Check
coordinates or node numbering, or modify the mesh seed. In the case
of a tetrahedron this error may indicate that all nodes are located
very nearly in a plane. The elements have been identified in element
set ErrElemVolSmallNegZero.

I have check in the visualization element sets where the problematic element lies and this is not anywhere critical, however, this stops my analysis from running. Is there anyway around this problem, please note that I have an orphan mesh. Otherwise I would normally re-seed or adjust the mesh before running this analysis and this would normally solve the problem, but I do not have this option with an orphan mesh.

Thank-you.

 

[PIwillRuleThemAll]

Hi yaston4,

I have the very same problem with the orphan mesh, it is really a pain in the ass. I validate the mess and create a new set with the corrupted elements but I haven't found yet any way to delete them. The job wouldn't run properly until those elements are fixed.

Have you or anyone else found a solution for this yet?

Thank you.

 

[burningDiesel]

Well, the solution is to fix your mesh. You can try the manual tools in abaqus (mesh module), moving points, merging edges etc.
A 3rd party tool might be better, what's the one you made your mesh with?
Meshlab is free & open source.

 

[yaston4]

After finding out where the problem element was, I just deleted the element, it was not not in a critical location, I am not sure if you are able to do the same, probably not the most recommended way to solve this problem. I much prefer sdebocks suggestions in the first instance (thanks sdebock).