COSMOS - I tried using Shell elements but I get a Singular Matrix Error.

Lets take this model for example.  The best way to overcome this error (to make sure that the nodes at the intersection of Vplate and Hplate get merged together) is to split the top surface of the Hplate (Where Vplate is touching the Hplate) into two surfaces based upon the common area between the Hplate and the Vplate.  Once the surface has been split, select the appropriate shell surface (in our case, there will be two surfaces from the Hplate and one vertical surface from the Vplate). The meshed model's nodes are merged at the intersection of the Vplate and the Hplate.

Comments

[Bill McEachern]

IMHO the best way to do this problem is create surface geomtery and then use the intersection split line option.