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HOW TO PERFORM A MESH CONVERGENCE STUDY

In finite element modeling, a finer mesh typically results in a more accurate solution. However, as a mesh is
made finer, the computation time increases. How can you get a mesh that satisfactorily balances accuracy and
computing resources? One way is to perform a mesh convergence study as follows:

Create a mesh using the fewest, reasonable number of elements and analyze the model.

Recreate the mesh with a denser element distribution, re-analyze it and compare the results to those of
the previous mesh.

Keep increasing the mesh density and re-analyzing the model until the results converge satisfactorily.

This type of mesh convergence study can enable you to obtain an accurate solution with a mesh that is
sufficiently dense and not overly demanding of computing resources.

To modify the density of a finite element mesh, you can use a number of features including the following:

For a hand-generated mesh:

 Return to the unmeshed wireframe geometry and modify the number of divisions; or
 Use surface mesh enhancement.

For a two-dimensional automatically generated mesh:
 Return to the unmeshed wireframe geometry and use the "FEA Mesh:Two-Dimensional Mesh
Generation:Generate Mesh..." command sequence in Superdraw to access the "Two-Dimensional
Mesh Generation" dialog; then, modify the "Mesh Density" value or the "Mesh Size" value.

For a solid mesh:
 In the CAD Solid Model environment, on the "Create Mesh" dialog, move the slider bar to specify
the mesh size or access the "Detailed Mesh Creation Options" dialog and specify the "Size" value;
or
 Use surface mesh enhancement.

For a beam element model, use the "Construct:Divide" command sequence in Superdraw to break
beams into smaller elements.

To determine when results have converged satisfactorily

and accurately, you can use the following means:

Display precision contours (see Figure 1), which

show a graphical representation of the stepped
changes in results from one element to the next.
This contour can be used to determine the effect of
the mesh on accuracy and as guidance for the
locations needing localized mesh refinement.
 The easiest method for localized mesh
refinement is to remesh using refinement
points, which are available for both 2-D and
solid meshes. See How to Enhance a Surface
Mesh by Using Refinement Points for models
originating in CAD. Refinement points can be
used to improve the precision and overall
quality of the mesh as well as the accuracy at
a key area of interest.

Display unsmoothed result contours to see the
stepped changes in the results between adjacent
elements.

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Display residual forces in the model and check the

reactions at supports to make sure they balance or
otherwise meet expectations based on engineering
judgment.

Inquire on the result values at the same location
(e.g., the center).
Figure 1: A precision contour display gives a
visual indication of the effects of the finite
element mesh on accuracy.

As an illustration, consider the following example:

As shown in Figure 2, a stainless steel plate (4" x

4" x 0.1") with fixed boundary conditions on all
sides is subjected to a uniform pressure load of
100 psi normal to the element faces. A mesh
convergence study is performed using an n x n
mesh where n = 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 plate
elements.

Figure 2: A diagram shows a plate model with a 4 x 4

mesh.

As shown in Figure 3, the displacement results converged

as the mesh density increased. The displacement
magnitudes are as follows:

n Displacement
2 0.01299
4 0.01163
8 0.01230
16 0.01254
32 0.01261
Figure 3: A plot of maximum displacement
versus n shows the changes in displacement
results for the different mesh densities.

As shown in Figure 4, the stress results at the center of the

plate model converged upon a solution (~22 ksi) as the
mesh density increased. The maximum von Mises stresses
are as follows:

n Stress
2 14344
4 22867
8 22240
16 22047
32 21994
Figure 4: A plot of maximum von Mises stress
versus n shows the changes in stress results for
the different mesh densities.

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Although this example shows displacement and stress results, the same general method can be used to
perform a mesh convergence study for other types of results.

For more information about meshing and mesh convergence studies, see the ALGOR User's Guide.

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6/9/2010