Workbench export -> Classic -> p-elements? 1

[coteesh]

I have a large assembly with lots of contacts to simulate. Workbench is ideal for me to set up the contacts and loadings, so I start in Workbench. However, I do not care for the h-elements and prefer p-elements in this case, as well as other more advanced features in the classic environment for the final solution.

I have read that it is possible to switch to p-elements after importing the ansys .db file mesh and loads into Classic from Workbench, on this site:

http://engr.bd.psu.edu/davej/classes/fea2_pel.html

However, the site describes PLANE145 being switched to P-elements... I am using SOLID187 h-elements and I cannot find any way to switch to solid P-elements without re-meshing and without destroying all the loads and contacts... how can I "replace" SOLID187 elements with p-elements? Thanks.

 

[cbrn]

Hi,
the procedure should be as follows:
1- build model in WB, which will mesh volumes with tetrahedra SOLID187 (remember to force the elem order to 2: if the mesh is built with SOLID186, you won't be able to switch to p-elems)
2- generate the Ansys' .inp file, and keep only the "/PREP7" portion
3- read it into Classical (operations 2 and 3 can be condensed by launching Classical from within WB, but it is a waste of RAM memory!!!)
4- in Preprocessor, create the new p-element type using SOLID148 (10-nodes tetrahedron just like SOLID187). It will be given an elem-type number <p-elem type numbe>.
5- ensure that all elements of the proper type are selected (i.e. unselect the CONTACT / TARGET elements), and issue the command:
EMODIF,all,TYPE,<p-elem type number>

Regards