Mesh density and mesh orientation dependence of FE model submitted to low-frequency vibration

Finite element (FE) analysis with shell elements is frequently used in several fields such as automotive simulations or biomechanics. The use of performing FE model goes through a balance between the discretisation of a structure (number and orientations of elements) and computation time, which is closely linked to the mesh. This paper investigates the influence of the mesh densities and mesh orientations of three-dimensional FE models with shell elements on elastic wave propagation. The models with elastic material properties were created using different mesh sizes and orientations and were submitted to a dynamic sinusoidal vibration, in order to investigate the mesh density dependence of an FE model under dynamic loading. Mesh size and orientation have an influence on the propagation of shear waves and on the maximum shearing stress. The need for a specific mesh depending on wavelength to obtain accurate FE model was confirmed.