Measure relative distance between bodies/mesh-bodies

[derne058]

Hi all,

I am working on a project where I need to estimate the relative distance between bodies after deformation. My model consists of 3 bodies (modeled with shell elements) and they are connected by bolts (beam elements). The number of nodes and elements for each may not match, so I do not have pair nodes on which to easily calculate the relative distance.
I had thought of working with the “deformed” mesh (I don't know how to extrapolate deformed mesh) for each of the bodies and then using Pyvista. I found an interesting section on how to calculate the distance between surfaces/mesh.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any strategies in mind?

[germa89]

Hi @derne058

If you want to use Pyvista meshes to calculate the distance, you will have to obtain the mesh of the deformed and undeformed elements.

from ansys.mapdl.core import launch_mapdl
mapdl = launch_mapdl()

# define your model
undef_mesh = mapdl.mesh.grid

# Solve your model
mapdl.solution()
mapdl.antype("static")
# more options...

mapdl.solve()

# Updating mesh
mapdl.post1()
mapdl.set('last')
mapdl.upcoord(1)
deformed_mesh = mapdl.mesh.grid

# Use pyvista to compare distances

I think the approach is decent. Hopefully @mikerife agrees with me, he is the expert.

Related:

• Show deformation (without other nodal information) #348
• Applying increasing force over time in a specific point #3021 (comment)

[derne058]

@germa89 Thank you very much for your suggestion!

[mikerife]

@germa89 answer looks good to me. mike