Hi, I wanna study the diffusion problem in a spherical structure with FEM. I think it is natural to use the axisymmetric element. But I am not sure that whether the axisymmetric feature of the problem just simplifies the 3-D problem into 2-D one without introducing other issues? I mean the interpolation formulation and isoparametric transformation are similar to those of the isoparametric quadrilateral element? Thank you for your attention.
If symmetry exists in a model then you can solve using axisymmetric model for 2D and 3D simulation. This may also reduces the computational time significantly.
2D vs 3D simulations depends on case by case. Generally it works well for axisymmetric problems but in cases like fluid flow, variations in quantitative characteristics are discussed.
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You may compare a 2D vs 3D case for your problem.
Generally speaking, initially axisymmetric states can transform into asymmetric ones, for example, in the cases of loss of stability.
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