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A mesh is a network of line elements and interconnecting nodes used to model a structural system and numerically solve for its simulated behavior under applied loading. First, computational techniques create an analytical model by populating the material domain with a finite-element mesh in which each line element is assigned mathematical attributes (axial, bending, shear, and torsional stiffness, etc.) which simulate the material and geometric properties of the structural system. The system is then restrained within boundary conditions and subjected to mechanical or thermal loading. Numerical solution may then resolve structural stresses, strains, and displacements.

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• Mesh size should be decreased through a series of analysis iterations until two subsequent sets of results are similar, or until the balance between accuracy and analysis time are acceptable according to engineering criteria.