run mesh with shell elements on solid 3d

[dario__3]

Hello, everyone. I would have a little trouble to solve and hope for your help.

I modeled a 3d frame. the frame consists of welded steel plates.
I need to do a fem analysis using elemnti shell. the problem is that the model is a 3d solid model so I would like to know
if I can, starting from an external solid model, import into ansys surface elements (maybe choosing a specific surface)
so perform a mesh with shell-type elements. use ansys workbench v12. I hope the problem is clear.

Thank you and soon.

 

[dario__3]

I am following this procedure:
1) amount the 3d frame in parasolid inside the workbench;
2) in type analysis choose 2d
3) I generate the imported model with the generated command
4) I remove the intermediate surface of all plates.
here comes the nice because for one plate dm generates me a body called 2d planar body (planar) while for all other plates
it generates surface bodies with the result that when I open the mechanical I only care about the body 2d planar body. You think I'm wrong. I attach an image to make you understand the difference between the surface bodies that generates me. the body 2d different is called 3.plastra_supporto_motor.