Finite Element Mesh |
 
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Finite Element Mesh |
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The finite element mesh in the contact region need not be particularly refined. The contact algorithm is sufficiently intelligent to predict contact, based on the shortest distance between potential contact elements, and this is effectively independent of the element lengths used in the contact region. However, in order to accurately capture the structural response, it is recommended that relatively short elements are used in the contact region. A suggested modelling approach would be to use a relatively coarse model initially to facilitate identification of contact areas, and then to subsequently refine the finite element mesh in appropriate areas to provide a more precise contact model.
When two adjacent lines are in close proximity, the minimum clearance is computed using some straightforward geometrical relationships, assuming that curvature is not a significant factor, and the elements can be treated as straight line segments. When the lines come into contact, the exact point of contact is identified in terms of distances along each element. Naturally, it is very unlikely that the contact point will coincide exactly with any node of the finite element discretisation, so Flexcom distributes the various finite element terms between the nodes nearest the contact point. Consequently, the contact model should provide a more accurate representation if shorter elements are used.
•*LINES is used to define a line (and sections within that line), by specifying relevant set names, lengths, start and end locations, and mesh generation settings.