Dear SolidWorks Simulation Users,

In a shell model using mid-surfaces with assigned thickness, bolt connectors are applied between two plates as shown in the attached image.

Visually, the bolt head and nut appear to contact only the mid-surfaces, while each plate actually has thickness distributed in the ± direction from the midsurface.

Question:
In this situation, does SolidWorks Simulation internally include the full physical plate thickness when calculating bolt connector stiffness and deformation, or is the bolt behavior evaluated only based on the midsurface-to-midsurface distance?

I would appreciate any clarification from experienced users.

Best regards.

Sagar