Creo Simulate > Modeling Structure and Thermal Problems > Meshes > FEM Meshes > Assembly Meshing > Connections in Assembly Meshing > Load Paths for Flat Meshes
  
Load Paths for Flat Meshes
Creo Simulate establishes or recognizes a load path for flat meshes under two conditions:
Components with Mated Surfaces or Edges—In this case, the software recognizes that the geometries are fully connected at the surfaces or edges. When the mesh generator finds this type of geometric connection, it determines the default interface type for the assembly. It then automatically assigns that connection type to the geometrically connected area.
 
* Click Tools > Model command to preview of all types of interfaces created in the model.
As the mesh generator meshes the assembly, it creates matching nodes on the contacting geometries. For Bonded interfaces, these actions automatically establish load paths at each of the nodes.
Unmated Geometry—In this case, the software does not recognize any geometric connection and you must establish the load paths manually by creating assembly-level beam, spring, or connection idealizations to link the opposing surfaces, edges, or points of the components. When you create a connection of this kind, the mesh generator treats the datum points associated with the idealizations as nodes that enable it to generate a consistent mesh. Because these connections serve as load paths, you should determine the connection type and distribution based on the nature of the load and its distribution.
Return to Creating Load Paths for FEM Meshing.