# General Questions **URL:** https://prepomax.discourse.group/c/general-questions/6.md?page=1 [Latest](https://prepomax.discourse.group/latest.md) · [Categories](https://prepomax.discourse.group/categories.md) · [Tags](https://prepomax.discourse.group/tags.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [Contact pressure distribution](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/contact-pressure-distribution/3639)
**Author:** [@nCarma](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/nCarma)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/contact-pressure-distribution/3639 "2026-09-07T22:06:15Z")
Hi everyone, currently I’m working on a project which requires to know the value of the tensions generated by the contact between a flat punch with rounded edges and a flat surface and I can’t get a value which is aligne… --- ## [Debugging suggestions requested for NL static w/ contact model](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/debugging-suggestions-requested-for-nl-static-w-contact-model/3653)
**Author:** [@johns\_coffee](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/johns_coffee)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 10:36pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/debugging-suggestions-requested-for-nl-static-w-contact-model/3653 "2026-09-05T22:36:41Z")
Hi All, First let me say thank you for a great tool and a fantastic user community. I am really enjoying the journey into more complex FEA territory and appreciate all your efforts. I am trying to build a static model… --- ## [RBE3 implementation](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/rbe3-implementation/3596)
**Author:** [@Marco](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Marco)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/rbe3-implementation/3596 "2026-09-05T16:20:53Z")
Good afternoon All, I’m trying to implement the RBE3 link in one simple model that I found on line. It’s a simple rectangular plate, fixed on one side and with a force of compression applied on the otherside. I’ve … --- ## [Reinforced carpentry angle bracket](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/reinforced-carpentry-angle-bracket/3633)
**Author:** [@Optima](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Optima)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 11:14am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/reinforced-carpentry-angle-bracket/3633 "2026-09-02T11:14:16Z")
Hello everyone. To start off, I should mention that I am a beginner when it comes to advanced FEM analysis. I have a connection between a timber beam and a reinforced concrete beam using a metal connector, and I want to … --- ## [Bending of the element onto another element](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/bending-of-the-element-onto-another-element/3640)
**Author:** [@calimero22](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/calimero22)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 10:23am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/bending-of-the-element-onto-another-element/3640 "2026-09-02T10:23:59Z")
Hello everyone. When I apply a load L, the entire block moves downward. But rod B must not enter the block; it must obviously bend. How do I solve this? Thanks everyone. Giovanni qqq.pmx (5.6 MB) --- ## [Calculix 2.23 has released](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/calculix-2-23-has-released/3626)
**Author:** [@Maxing](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Maxing)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 2:15pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/calculix-2-23-has-released/3626 "2026-08-30T14:15:57Z")
Why we can’t use the lastest solver Calculix 2.23? --- ## [Forces in the fixing screws](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/forces-in-the-fixing-screws/3624)
**Author:** [@Piotr](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Piotr)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2026, 7:19am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/forces-in-the-fixing-screws/3624 "2026-08-30T07:19:21Z")
Hi Guys, I have analysed dozens of different approaches, and I keep getting different results for the reactions in the fixing screws :confused: What am I doing wrong? I have a situation where an element is fixed to the… --- ## [Optimax example](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/optimax-example/2151)
**Author:** [@belov](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/belov)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/optimax-example/2151 "2026-08-24T23:08:50Z")
Good day. Tell me, is there a test example for Optimax? --- ## [Pipe Wrench Stress Concentration](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/pipe-wrench-stress-concentration/3617)
**Author:** [@Pasqualeg10](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Pasqualeg10)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/pipe-wrench-stress-concentration/3617 "2026-08-24T15:42:12Z")
I’m simulating a Stilson wrench (pipe wrench) in PrepoMax 2.5. I fix the jaw teeth (as if gripping a pipe) and apply a load on the handle, trying to see the real stress concentration at the elbow/bend of the wrench. Wha… --- ## [Surface Interaction Non-convergence when using anything other than Tetrahedral Gmsh](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/surface-interaction-non-convergence-when-using-anything-other-than-tetrahedral-gmsh/3613)
**Author:** [@cwyco](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/cwyco)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2026, 1:37pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/surface-interaction-non-convergence-when-using-anything-other-than-tetrahedral-gmsh/3613 "2026-08-20T13:37:26Z")
I am new to using PrePoMax and am having issues getting surface contacts/constraints to work with any mesh other than Tetra Gmsh. I am trying to model a hydraulic piston to estimate the stresses in the piston head where … --- ## [Solar Collector](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/solar-collector/471)
**Author:** [@calimero22](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/calimero22)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 4:03pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/solar-collector/471 "2026-08-11T16:03:49Z")
Hi All Can I simulate a Solar Collector, shown in the photo? Can PrePoMax do this? The cold air passes from bottom to top, on the top the air is hot. The pipes are in ALluminium. Thank you very much. Giovanni --- ## [2D plane stress can't get Reaction Forces/Moments from A Reference point](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/2d-plane-stress-cant-get-reaction-forces-moments-from-a-reference-point/3600)
**Author:** [@Claudio](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Claudio)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 10:49am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/2d-plane-stress-cant-get-reaction-forces-moments-from-a-reference-point/3600 "2026-08-11T10:49:52Z")
Hello watch desinger here, im quite new to Prepomax and i’m struggling to get Moment reactions from the reference point I’m trying to get the reaction moment from the pin rotation around de reference point but in the re… --- ## [How to do a thermal analysis?](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/how-to-do-a-thermal-analysis/3593)
**Author:** [@Lt72884](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Lt72884)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/how-to-do-a-thermal-analysis/3593 "2026-08-08T00:25:26Z")
Hello all. I am trying to learn prepomax and i have only done a FEW tutorials from FEAnalyst ( a member here) on youtube. I do not have the ability to draw a pretty picture but i do have a picture i drew in power point. … --- ## [Step increment corresponding to load](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/step-increment-corresponding-to-load/3592)
**Author:** [@electrolyteman](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/electrolyteman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/step-increment-corresponding-to-load/3592 "2026-08-01T14:18:51Z")
I have run a successful static step elastic-plastic analysis, with geometric non-linearities. There is only one load (pressure). Results provide 10 increments. Does each of these increments correspond to a different l… --- ## [Problem with creating mesh](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/problem-with-creating-mesh/3588)
**Author:** [@\_szczepko](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/_szczepko)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 10:03am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/problem-with-creating-mesh/3588 "2026-07-28T10:03:04Z")
Hi, Recently, I’ve been working on simple FEM simulations - small elements and simple force cases. Yesterday I tried to create a mesh for a part - screenshots of the part below - but I haven’t got mesh, no matter what t… --- ## [Reaction force on bolt (SPRINGA element)](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/reaction-force-on-bolt-springa-element/3581)
**Author:** [@Marco](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Marco)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2026, 11:28am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/reaction-force-on-bolt-springa-element/3581 "2026-07-27T11:28:15Z")
Good morning All, I modeled, on my simple model, two bolt as SPRINGA element (as explained on this forum); but I’m not able to find the reaction force on the Springa element (on the node). I saw that in one of the outp… --- ## [Is there a way to remove the card \*HEADING?](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-the-card-heading/3571)
**Author:** [@SergioP1975](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/SergioP1975)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 2:23pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/is-there-a-way-to-remove-the-card-heading/3571 "2026-07-21T14:23:00Z")
Hi, I´m making some tests and would need to remove the \*Heading card of the model, but cannot do it using the keyword editor as far as I know. --- ## [Unability to select some surface](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/unability-to-select-some-surface/2298)
**Author:** [@Riga00](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Riga00)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/unability-to-select-some-surface/2298 "2026-07-20T10:34:04Z")
Hello comuinity, I am facing some serious issues right after switching to a windows 11 laptop. The issues I am facing consist into the unability to select some random faces of step models when defining new surfaces or n… --- ## [Bolt and washer contact not converging](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/bolt-and-washer-contact-not-converging/3564)
**Author:** [@Giuseppe](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Giuseppe)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/bolt-and-washer-contact-not-converging/3564 "2026-07-16T16:45:52Z")
Good evening everyone, lately I’ve been struggling a lot with the convergence of the analysis attached in the .pmx file. It consists of two aluminium plates held together by a steel pre-loaded bolt on G10 busing. There … --- ## [Struggling with convergence](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/struggling-with-convergence/3567)
**Author:** [@JKnight](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/JKnight)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2026, 1:43pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/struggling-with-convergence/3567 "2026-07-15T13:43:06Z")
I’m trying to run a non-linear simulation on this plastic part. I’ve simplified the CAD how I can, but it is still somewhat detailed. I struggle to mesh it, and fell back to using Tetrahedral Gmsh. I believe I have th… --- ## [Split Surfaces Without Breaking References to Dependent Features/Contacts/Constraints](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/split-surfaces-without-breaking-references-to-dependent-features-contacts-constraints/3527)
**Author:** [@Sha1](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Sha1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2026, 7:43am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/split-surfaces-without-breaking-references-to-dependent-features-contacts-constraints/3527 "2026-07-15T07:43:32Z")
Hi I’m new to FEA/PrePoMax. This might be a silly question but I was wondering if there was a way to split surfaces without breaking all of the dependent features/contacts/constraints. I want to apply a remote load on a … --- ## [Telescopic Cantilever Beam](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/telescopic-cantilever-beam/3563)
**Author:** [@MisiaKu](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/MisiaKu)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2026, 10:54am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/telescopic-cantilever-beam/3563 "2026-07-11T10:54:13Z")
Hello, I’m trying to make a telescopic support. I built a very rough model for practice. I can’t get the clearances around the inner profile right. I think the clearance is causing the contact alignment issue. To enforc… --- ## [HEX Meshing issues](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/hex-meshing-issues/3495)
**Author:** [@lukerickert](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/lukerickert)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2026, 9:33am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/hex-meshing-issues/3495 "2026-07-08T09:33:15Z")
Is there anyway to mesh this shape into first order hex elements? I have tried all the various approaches I can think of with no success. This is a section of larger part that will be tied together and run in Openradioss … --- ## [Wheel CFT analysis: Elements Extent in Results](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/wheel-cft-analysis-elements-extent-in-results/3559)
**Author:** [@Manop](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Manop)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2026, 9:33am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/wheel-cft-analysis-elements-extent-in-results/3559 "2026-07-06T09:33:41Z")
Hello, I’m Manny Park and a newbie user in PrePoMax. PrePoMax\_3D\_setting Problem observation Observation: Figure 1 shown elements are extent, there is only shown only, when the variable is Forces. Method: FEA: Corne… --- ## [Adding Compression Only Constraint Causes No Covergence](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/adding-compression-only-constraint-causes-no-covergence/3557)
**Author:** [@ESzczesniak](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/ESzczesniak)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2026, 11:19pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/adding-compression-only-constraint-causes-no-covergence/3557 "2026-07-05T23:19:40Z")
I am completely new to PreProMax. I am trying to run an analysis on this model which is a bracket to mount on the ceiling holding a display item. I have not tried getting fancy with screws/bolts yet. The green surface… --- ## [Two Stacked Steel Plates supported on two steel stubs](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/two-stacked-steel-plates-supported-on-two-steel-stubs/3556)
**Author:** [@tony](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/tony)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/two-stacked-steel-plates-supported-on-two-steel-stubs/3556 "2026-07-04T16:26:08Z")
Hello there, I am trying to model two stacked steel plates on top of two steel stubs (jacks). Plates will be used as bearing plates to support a big load from a structure above them. There is no connection between plates… --- ## [The calculation fails](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/the-calculation-fails/3555)
**Author:** [@Agazzotti](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/Agazzotti)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/the-calculation-fails/3555 "2026-07-03T15:04:32Z")
The calculation fails in the attached model, and I cannot find the error. Is it possible to generate a better and more efficient mesh than the one in the attached model? Thanks in advance for the help. A. https://w… --- ## [Explicit Dynamic Step Error](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/explicit-dynamic-step-error/3551)
**Author:** [@DNatali](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/DNatali)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2026, 7:41am UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/explicit-dynamic-step-error/3551 "2026-06-30T07:41:27Z")
Hello FEAnalyst! I am currently working on an simulation using PrePoMax/CalculiX and I am encountering some persistent issues with an explicit dynamic analysis and I am struggling to identify the root cause of the prob… --- ## [Modeling I beam with 2D mesh](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/modeling-i-beam-with-2d-mesh/3549)
**Author:** [@ahmed\_fea](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/ahmed_fea)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2026, 6:49pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/modeling-i-beam-with-2d-mesh/3549 "2026-06-28T18:49:13Z")
I model the I beam as surfaces in CAD , then import the step file to prepomax and create compound part , in preprocessing i define a shell section but in post processing there is an element overlapping , how to solve thi… --- ## [Submodel and CAD model import error](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/submodel-and-cad-model-import-error/3546)
**Author:** [@MisiaKu](https://prepomax.discourse.group/u/MisiaKu)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://prepomax.discourse.group/t/submodel-and-cad-model-import-error/3546 "2026-06-25T15:42:57Z")
Dear Sir or Madam, I created a model to test the SUBMODEL option. The deformation of the detail doesn’t match the deformation direction of the global model. Is this a mesh problem? What did I do wrong? Why is the… [Previous page](https://prepomax.discourse.group/c/general-questions/6.md) [Next page](https://prepomax.discourse.group/c/general-questions/6.md?page=2)