Sewing Tools

Connect two dissimilar 2D shell meshes using RBE3 connection.

1. From the menu bar, click Aerospace > Connections > Sewing Tools.
2. Select the global finite element model (GFEM).
   The free edges that need to be connected display.
3. Select the detailed finite element model (DFEM).
   The free edges that need to be connected display.
4. Click Sew.
   This connects the 2D shell meshes using RBE3 connection.

   Note: Height is the cordial height difference between GFEM and DFEM models. RBE3 is not created if the height is more than the height tolerance that you provide. Global finite element models are coarse FE models with shell and beam elements for internal loads calculation. Detailed finite element models are fine models, mostly with shells and solids with finer mesh for detail strength calculation.

   
   
   Figure 1. Coarse (GFEM) and Fine (DFEM) Mesh

   
   
   Figure 2. RBE3 Connection only on the Two Free Edges of the GFEM and DFEM Element Sets

   Note: You can also create stuck node connection (double RBE3) to connect master nodes and slave nodes of two disconnected components. Select the master nodes (from a coarse mesh) and then select slave nodes from fine mesh to sew.