Assigning Element Types

You can choose the types of elements used for the mesh in structural and thermal simulations.

Element types are applied for each topological shape. A global element type assignment applies to the entire model and is created automatically, but you can review and edit it. You create local element type assignments to define the element formulations for a section. Local element types assignments override the global assignment.

Global and local element type assignments appear with the Scenario Data in the Feature Manager.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Select a finite element model and include at least one procedure (analysis step) for the model.
See Also
About Element Types
Available Element Types
In Other Guides
Feature Manager

Review and Edit Global Element Type Assignments

You can view and edit the element types assigned for the entire model. Global element types are available from the Feature Manager. They are assigned automatically at the creation of the first step in the simulation.

  1. From the standard area of the action bar, click Feature Manager .
  2. In the Scenario Data view of the Feature Manager, double-click the row with Global in the Type column.

    If this row does not appear for your model, verify that you have selected a finite element model and defined at least one step.

    The Element Type Assignment dialog box appears.
  3. Optional: Enter a descriptive Name.
  4. Select the desired element option in Element family.
  5. Review the element topologies, and review or edit the associated Abaqus element formulations.

    Depending on your finite element model and the types of steps in the simulation, there might be no global assignments listed. In this case, all assignments are made locally on each section.

  6. Click OK.

Assign Local Element Types

You can edit the element types used for the mesh on a part or section.

  1. From the Setup section of the action bar, click Element Type Assignment .
  2. Optional: Enter a descriptive Name.
  3. Select a section as the support.

    The Element family list is populated with element options, and a list of the element topologies and formulations appears. The initial formulations are created by the global element type assignment, the simulation steps, and the type of mesh.

  4. Select an Element family for the type of simulation you are creating.

    The available element formulations and topologies are updated.

  5. Review the element topologies, and review or edit the associated element formulations.

    Depending on your finite element model and the types of steps in the simulation, there might be only one element formulation available.

  6. Click OK.

The local element type appears in the Feature Manager.