Reduction thickness in 3D FEA model

[GirE]

Hi all,

thanks to those who responded to my previous query. Your answers, however, let me think of another issue I would like to ask about.

I would like to simulate my example with a 3D FEM code. This code works very well, but it is quite computationally inefficient. Therefore, I would like to reduce its thickness in the 3D model at the minimum, to reduce the computational cost.

What should I apply to the model in order to obtain realistic results and "equivalent" to those I would obtain with a model with real thickness?

Many thanks!

 

[Mustaine3]

Are you talking about shell elements?

 

[goeasyon]

Yes, you could reduce a 3D model into a 2D or engineering element model, depending on your geometry and working loads.

https://welsim.com

 

[rb1957]

the solutions for 2D elements is well understood and readily available (see FEA texts). A "problem" for you is that for 3D elements each node has 3 (translational) degrees of freedom, but in 2D (and 1D) elements there are 6 (translation and rotation).

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?