Selecting a proper resolution is an important part of finite element analysis.

Often when analyzing a part, there are stress concentrations that occur at sharp changes in the geometry of the model. These concentrations are often the areas of highest stress in an object, so it is important to capture their behavior accurately.

In order to do this, the resolution must be chosen to be large enough to fit enough elements into the region of stress concentration.

Hole in plate example or another

Rule of thumb?