Sometimes you need to use ANSYS Mechanical to model a big part as a way to determine a very small deflection. The most common situation where this happens is optics. A lens that is around a meter in diameter may have nanometer distortions from mechanical or thermal loads that impact the optics. A customer asked if ANSYS Mechanical can handle that. Please find Alex’s interesting and in-depth response in the attached presentation. There is theory that explains the situation, then an example of how to determine if you can get the information you need, followed by advice on how to view the results.