I’ve seen many models that have there components, like the image below, not attached to the SC body. I know there are complications when meshing different geometries together–especially thin wires or panels-- what I would like to know if its standard practice to keep geometries and thin components separate for good meshing convergence. Are there any issues/differences with this practice or is there no impact if its meshed together or not, as long as you get good mesh quality?
The accuracy of the simulated currents are not always worth the constraints it puts on the meshing (for these fine elements close to other surfaces).
Let’s remember that whenever we launch a thing into space, the surface material parameters change drastically (easily 50% on photoemission and secondary electron emission yield). The worst material property studies for space are on pristine materials. The solar spectrum is also not constant, etc, etc.
If your simplification can be motivated, like it doesn’t represent a significant surface area for current collection that is relevant in your study, then do these simplifications and expect the need to motivate them.
And as you know, we can connect these elements in the circuit editor instead