In\ngeneral, the imported CAD model contains more information than is required to\ncreate a simulation model with details like fillets, chamfers and holes that\nmay be just too small to be of any significance. If left in the model they will\nlead to the creation of small elements that try to capture the small detail giving\nrise to overly large FE models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides\nsmall detail, the CAD model may also contain problematic geometry that can\nimpede the creation of a finite element model. Items such as sliver surfaces,\nshort curves etc. will misguide the FE mesher, if left unheeded, and can lead\nto the creation of badly shaped elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Idealizing\ngeometry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are\ncertain approaches in finite element modeling that adopt different model\ntopologies to improve the efficiency of the model by reducing the model size.\nThese allow you to create smaller FE models without compromising accuracy. Solid element meshes cannot realistically\nbe employed\nto represent certain modeling topologies, such as thin-walled or frame type\nstructures \u2013 the resulting models would be unmanageable. This requires a\ndeparture from 3D to 2D, 1D or even 0D finite element types through model\nidealization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More\nadvanced analyses, like dynamic response and nonlinear, are more numerically\nintensive and can also require an iterative solution approach requiring\nmultiple solves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reliance\non solid elements to represent the design model can lead to the generation of\nvery large inefficient models that take a long time to run (if they can be run\nat all) and may limit simulation scope to exclude more advanced types of\nanalysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-processing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meshing determines the degree of model discretization\nand has a direct impact on results accuracy as well as the efficiency of the\nsolution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the\ncreation of a finite element mesh, it is important to create a mesh with well-shaped\nelements \u2013 the more distorted the element, the more inaccurate the results that\nelement will display. Badly shaped elements can even stop the solver from completing\nthe analysis. Locating bad elements in a model can be difficult and fixing them\ntime consuming. Model checkout is\ntherefore important, and a lot of time can be saved if errors in the mesh are\nfound before the analysis is submitted, in the modeler where they can be dealt\nwith efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other\npreprocessing challenges include the modeling of complex loading conditions and\nmodeling composite materials.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Keys to success<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The challenges listed above, importing and fixing key geometry,\nidealizing geometry, and pre-processing, are key processes <\/em>that drive efficient FE model creation success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Efficient FEA model creation requires the use modern simulation\nsoftware that takes advantage of up-to-date modeling techniques. Simcenter\nFemap provides just that, and more. \nSimcenter Femap provides a complete mesh-centric analysis environment\nacross the simulation cycle, from FE model creation and analysis setup through\nto postprocessing helping you to gain an accurate, in-depth understanding of\nyour design as quickly and efficiently as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out this 30 minute on-demand webinar to learn how Simcenter\nFemap quickly and easily addresses the process challenges above, for more efficient\nFEA model creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modernize Your Simulation Process: Efficient FEA model creation<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Simcenter](\"https:\/\/blogs.sw.siemens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/01\/Femap-geometry-fix-600x204.png\")
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