New default SPH element conversion method based on uniform background grid conversion

Previously, the default SPH element conversion method was based on the generation of a fixed number of SPH particles per Lagrangian element. In situations when the Lagrangian parent elements are not uniform in size, this method leads to a nonuniform distribution of converted SPH particles, which adversely affects simulation accuracy.

In this release, the default option for SPH element conversion is changed to the uniform background grid conversion method. Uniform background grid conversion is the preferred method because it generates a uniform distribution of SPH particles that can help achieve better simulation accuracy. Uniform background grid conversion automatically converts Lagrangian elements to SPH particles at the beginning of the increment. For per element–based element conversion, you must explicitly set SPH CONVERSION=PER ELEMENT in the SECTION CONTROLS option.