Element Type and Geometric Entity

Creo Simulate > Modeling Structure and Thermal Problems > Meshes > Native Mode Meshes > Creating an AutoGEM Mesh > Element Types > Element Type and Geometric Entity

The type of elements AutoGEM generates depends on the geometry you select and the model type:

Geometric Entity	Element Type for Solid Models	Element Type for 2D Plane Strain and 2D Axisymmetric Models	Element Type for 2D Plane Stress
points	beams springs(S) masses (S)	springs (S) masses (S)	springs (S) masses (S)
curves	beams	2D shells
surfaces	shells	2D solids	2D plates
volumes	solids

In the above table, S indicates that the element is available for Structure only.

AutoGEM generates a full set of elements on the geometry you select in most cases. The amount of time AutoGEM needs to create elements varies with:

• the type of geometry that you are using

• the number of geometric entities that you select

• the number of complex features in the selected geometry

Although there is no limit to the number of elements it can create, you should strive for AutoGEM to use the minimum possible number of elements to take full advantage of geometric element analysis, and reduce analysis time.

Tip: You may want to add mesh controls, create points, or use other techniques to subdivide any element for which you need especially detailed data.

For 3D model types, remember that the more complex the element you use, the more computation time Creo Simulate requires. Here are the 3D element types listed from least computation time to most:

1. Beams

2. Flat shells

3. Curved shells

4. Solids

If you can build the model using one of the 2D model types, the solution takes much less time. Where appropriate, you can also create symmetry constraints that will further reduce element counts. For example, you can greatly simplify some axisymmetric models by using cyclic symmetry.

Return to Creating AutoGEM Mesh Elements.