Prediction — What happens before SOLVE?
Two 80×40×12 mm plates with a 0.1 mm gap and Fx=4000 N, Fy=−3000 N applied at head_pilot.
| Quantity | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Interface gap | 0.0001 m | No shared nodes between plates |
| Captured head/thread nodes | 25 + 25 | Auditable selection with mesh_h=0.004 m |
| Topology | 1848 nodes / 1200 SOLID185 elements | Two blocks meshed separately |
| Load | head_pilot | Main load path through the 1D connector |
Prediction: if you omit the gap, the plates share nodes at y=plate_t and some of the load bypasses the bolt. With the gap, the local forces must balance the applied Fx and Fy.