Discretization refers to how refined or coarse is the mesh used for finite element analysis. Dividing or meshing of frame elements is required to get accurate results for certain types of analyses, such as buckling or dynamic analysis. Subdividing frame elements for buckling analysis enables to capture higher modes. Subdividing of frame elements for dynamic analysis better captures mass distribution, since the mass is assembled at the joints. Column elements may also need to be divided to properly capture P-small-delta effects. Finally, joints should be created at the locations where accurate displacements are needed, otherwise the displacements are interpolated from the joints of frame element.

Tips

• You can refine discretization by auto meshing (Assign > Area > Automatic Area Mesh) or dividing (Edit > Areas > Divide Areas) the shell elements in your model. By default, auto meshing at intermediate points is specified for the frame elements and the frames will get connected to the discretized shell elements at each applicable joint.