2D Elements
Creo Simulate creates three types of 2D elements. Of these three types, Creo Simulate uses only those that are applicable to the type of 2D model you are working with. For example, Creo Simulate uses 2D solid elements and 2D shell elements for 2D axisymmetric models, but does not use 2D plate elements for this model type. The three element types are:
• 2D shell—A 2D shell is a one-dimensional element that has constant thickness and represents a shell in one of the following models:
◦ 2D plane strain
◦ 2D axisymmetric
2D shell elements are linear but can be curved or straight, much as a beam element would be in a 3D model.
• 2D solid—A 2D solid is a two-dimensional element that represents a slice of a solid in one of the following models:
◦ 2D plane strain
◦ 2D axisymmetric
Because 2D solid elements represent a slice, they have no actual thickness. 2D solid elements are quadrilateral or triangular, much as a shell element would be in a 3D model.
• 2D plate—A 2D plate is a two-dimensional element that represents a solid in a 2D plane stress model. It is very thin in the Z direction, but does have an associated thickness. 2D plate elements are quadrilateral or triangular, much as a shell element would be in a 3D model.
All 2D elements must lie in:
◦ the XY plane of a Cartesian coordinate system for all 2D models
◦ the positive X half of the XY plane for 2D axisymmetric models
As mentioned, 2D shell and 2D plate elements have a constant thickness. You determine this thickness when you create the simple or advanced shell idealization upon which the 2D shell or 2D plate element will be based. In assigning thickness for the shell idealization, be aware that the thickness of 2D shell and 2D plate elements should be significantly smaller than the length of any of the body's other dimensions and radii of curvature.
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 If the 2D shell or 2D plate element is too thin, Creo Simulate may have difficulty analyzing it. |
As a guideline, the ratio of the 2D shell or 2D plate element's thickness to its other dimensions should be no greater than 1 to 10 and no less than 1 to 1000.