I created 4 models out of shell elements primarily and I want to merge them together. I have moved the node coordinates of each model separately so that they are in the correct geometrical position to be merged.
1. Should I renumber the nodes, shells and members to avoid overwriting and losing these elements?
2. For plates (for example: bent plate flanges) that mate or partially mate with the plates of the adjacent model, should the node numbers for the corresponding nodes match if they occupy the same coordinates? I assume that this will become a fixed connection in the merged model. True?
3. For plates that mate in the same plane but the nodes are not in the same position, Will Ram mesh the portion of the plates that overlap in a similar pattern such that the FEM nodes are shared or connected?
4. Most of the 4 models are constructed with 1/4" plate and bent plate. There are a few plate stiffeners made from small HSS square tubes.The stiffeners have nodes within the plane of the shell elements but not necessarily at the outer edge of the shell it is attached to or welded. Also, I set the cardinal points of the stiffeners to correspond to the plane of the shell element. Will these stiffeners behave the way I am thinking they should?