Find thin bodies

When performing the analysis of parts and assemblies you can simplify you models containing thin bodies.

Prepare thin wall models for analysis:

1. Open a part or assembly file.
2. Click Stress Analysis on the Environments tab.
3. Create a new simulation.
4. On the Prepare panel:
   • Click Find Thin Bodies . Solid bodies that meet the thin component criteria are highlighted in the browser. To learn more about thin parts criteria, read the concept chapter above (Simplify the model section).
   • Click OK in the message box. Midsurface dialog box opens.
   • Click OK in the Midsurface dialog box to generate midsurface from selected solid body components.
   • Alternatively, click Offset to manually select faces to create thin shell components.
5. Add loads and constraints.

Important: Loads and Constraints applied to solid components become sick when converted to shell elements. We recommend applying them after you convert the model.

6. Solve the simulation, and view desired results.

How to convert parts back from shells to solids?

In the browser, select the Midsurface or Offset node, right-click and select Delete.

How to view midsurface or offset thickness?

1. In the browser, select the desired Midsurface or Offset node.

2. Right-click, and select Edit Shell. In parametric simulations, the base configuration thickness is displayed.

   In parametric simulations, right-click and select Show Thickness. An averaged thickness for particular configuration is displayed.

For midsurfaces, you can only view the body thickness but you are not able to edit it. For offsets, you can edit only the Thickness value which is twice as the Distance value.

How to delete multiple instances of midsurface or offset at once?

1. In the browser, right-click the Shells folder.
2. Click Expand All Children.
3. Select first middle surface (Midsurface:1), or first Offset (Offset:1).
4. Hold the Shift key, and select the last midsurface, or offset.
5. Click Delete.

How to view multiple connectors of midsurface or offset at once?

1. In the browser, right-click the Shells folder.
2. Click Expand All Children.
3. Select first middle surface (Midsurface:1), or first Offset (Offset:1).
4. Hold the Shift key, and select the last midsurface, or offset to check if all the gaps are connected with connectors, or not.