The Meshing panel is where the user defines the finite element (FE) mesh including the Interface Condition between each layer. The first step is to decide whether to use a Locally Refined mesh or a Simple Grid mesh. The use of a Locally Refined mesh may result in more efficient solution times for a given level of solution accuracy. If the user selects the Simple Grid option, the mesh in plan view is only defined by two parameters. If the user selects the Locally Refined option, the mesh in plan view is defined by 6 parameters.
The mesh in the Z-direction is simply defined by choosing the number of element divisions for each layer. The user must also define the Interface Condtion betweens Layer 1 and Layer 2, as well as between Layer 2 and Layer 3 if there are 3 or more layers. The Interface Condtion can be defined as Fully Bonded or Partially Bonded. The Interface Condtion between Layer 3 and Layer 4, if applicable, is always assumed to be Fully Bonded. If Partially Bonded is selected, the user must specify the Interface Stiffness (N/mm^3) for the applicable layer. A value of 0 implies that the layers are completely debonded and interface elements will not be used in the FE mesh. Otherwise, a positive value will define the stiffness of the interface elements used in the FE model.
One feature to be aware of in EverStressFE is that the length/width of the refined meshing region in plan-view is automatically sized as changes are made to the loading parameters so that these respective dimensions extend 100 mm further from the planes of symmetry in each direction than the tire contact area. This feature does not apply when the refined meshing region already extends more than 100 mm further from the tire contact area.
The Number of Nodes and Number of Elements in the FE model are also displayed at the bottom of the Meshing Panel. The accuracy and solution time of the FE model is generally related to the number of nodes and elements in the FE model. An example screenshot of the meshing tab is shown in Figure 1 below.