Mesh generation

Rambshell accepts 3-noded and 6-noded triangles as the elements that define the shell. So, it is possible to mesh the surfaces with either Normal or Quadratic triangles (see Meshing->Quadratic Elements ). Take into care that by default, option Data->Problem data->Results->Shell internal 6-noded elem is set to on. This means that internally, 3-noded triangles will be calculated as 6-noded, giving a very similar result than the 6-noded ones.

If more elements are used to mesh the geometry, more accuracy in the results will be obtained. At the same time, more computer time and RAM memory is needed. Use Calculate->View process info after doing a preliminary analysis in order to obtain information of the memory requirements and the computer time needed.

It is also interesting to mesh smaller elements in the zones of the shell that will have a bigger gradient in the results.

To estimate the precision of the results related to the number of nodes in the mesh, check the test graphics given in the apendixes.

To obtain the desired sizes of the elements, use GiD options to control the mesh size like:

Meshing->Assing unstr. Sizes->Points

Meshing->Assing unstr. Sizes->Lines

Meshing->Assing unstr. Sizes->By cordal error

To generate the mesh use:

Meshing->Generate 1

In this model, a default size of 1 is chosen for the triangles. The total amount of nodes is 530 (2033 after the internal conversion to 6-noded triangles).