Before generating an assembly mesh model, you need to define where loads and displacements transmit through the various assembly components. You accomplish this by setting up load paths—assembly-level idealizations that establish a load-transmitting connection between two components.

When the mesh generator encounters these idealizations, it creates nodes where the idealizations contact each of the components. Thus, at the location of the load paths, the component meshes are said to be consistent about the nodes. This consistency, along with the idealizations themselves, enables loads to pass through the assembly.

The way you establish load paths varies depending on whether you are working with flat meshes or hierarchical meshes. However, the underlying issue in both cases is whether Creo Simulate recognizes a mesh connection between components. In some cases, the mesh generator recognizes the connection automatically and, in others, you must establish the connection yourself.

To learn about establishing load paths for the two mesh types, see Load Paths for Flat Meshes and Load Paths for Hierarchical Meshes.