I have two models variations:

• a mass model in which I generate the my load from a block and apply gravitational acceleration
• force model in which I apply a force of the same magnitude as the mass from the mass model

I have applied mesh control to specific regions on a support pin and measured strain in those regions.  The support pin and mesh control on the pin is identical in both model varients.  I get a 10% difference in the measurements between the two models even though the contact force on the support pin is identical between the two model varients when measured after the simulation is complete.  The mass model is quite larger, so is it possible that the additional mesh elements outside of my mesh controlled regions are causing that big of a deviation?

Thanks,

Ian