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How to Perform a Mesh Convergence Study
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In finite element modeling, a finer mesh typically results in a more
Support Offerings accurate solution. However, as a mesh is made finer, the Did this page resolve your issue?
Documentation computation time increases. How can you get a mesh that
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Data & Downloads satisfactorily balances accuracy and computing resources? One
way is to perform a mesh convergence study. [ Provide suggestions or feedback ]
Training
Community This process is partially automated for CAD-based, auto-meshed
Consulting models and only for the static stress with linear material models Submit
analysis type. For more information regarding the process, search
for “Mesh Study Wizard” within the In-Product Help or Online Wiki Translate This Page (Beta)
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This article discusses how to perform a mesh convergence study
manually, and is applicable to all types of models. The following
basic steps are required: Select Language  Translate

• Create a mesh using the fewest, reasonable number of Automatically translate with this language
elements and analyze the model.
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• Recreate the mesh with a denser element distribution, re-
analyze it, and compare the results to those of the previous Yes No
mesh. [ Provide suggestions or feedback ]
• Keep increasing the mesh density and re-analyzing the model
until the results converge satisfactorily. Submit

This type of mesh convergence study can enable you to obtain an

Document Information
accurate solution with a mesh that is sufficiently dense and not
overly demanding of computing resources. Published date: 2012-Mar-20
ID: TS16977655
To modify the density of a finite element mesh, you can use a
number of features including the following:
Applies to:
• For a hand-generated mesh: Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical 2013
• Return to the unmeshed wireframe geometry and modify the Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical 2012

number of divisions; or
• Use surface mesh enhancement.

• For a two-dimensional automatically generated mesh:

• Right-click the 2-D Mesh heading near the bottom of the
Browser (tree view) and choose the Edit command to access
the "2-D Mesh Generation" dialog box; then, modify the Mesh
Density value or the Mesh Size value.

• For a solid mesh:

• Click the 3D Mesh Setting command to access the “Model
Mesh Settings” dialog box. Move the Mesh Size slider bar to
alter the mesh size or click the Options button dialog and
specify the Size value. The size may be specified as a
percent of automatic or an absolute size dimension. Or,
• Use surface mesh enhancement.

For a beam element model, use the Draw: Modify: Divide

command to divide beams into shorter elements.

To determine when results have

converged satisfactorily and accurately,
you can use the following means:

• Display the von Mises Precision

contours (see Figure 1), which show
a graphical representation of the
stepped changes in results from one View Larger

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element to the next. This contour can Figure 1: A precision

be used to determine the effect of the contour display gives a
mesh on accuracy and as guidance visual indication of the
effects of the finite element
for the areas needing localized mesh mesh on accuracy.
refinement.
• The easiest method for localized mesh refinement is to
remesh after defining 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.
• 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.

When comparing one version of the model with another, inquire on

the result values at the same location for each variant (for
example, the midpoint of an arc or edge, or the center of a
surface).

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
View Larger
conditions on all sides is subjected to a
uniform pressure load of 100 psi normal Figure 2: A diagram shows
to the element faces. A mesh a plate model with a 4x4
mesh.
convergence study is performed using
an n x n mesh where n = 2, 4, 8, 16 and
32 plate elements.

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

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Figure 4: A plot of maximum von Mises stress versus n

shows the changes in stress results for the different
mesh densities.

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 Autodesk Simulation In-Product Help or Online
Wiki Help.

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