Running the FE Modelling Process

In general the topological connection of plane panels with the hull, decks and other curved objects determines the portion(s) of the curved surface(s) that shall be part of the FE model. The FE modeller calculates a bounding box of these panel trace curves and intersects the surface by the principal planes forming the box. A boundary polygon is created from the intersection curves (blue) and refined by curves representing shell profiles, seams and so on. Adding the panel trace curves to this grid guarantees the topological connection between the surfaces and the inner structure. Material properties for the curved parts are fetched from shell plates and shell stiffeners belonging to shell profiles.

Due to the great variety of surface shapes it is not always possible to find and assemble those polygon boundaries automatically and it might be necessary to interactively indicate the portion of the surface that is part of the FE model.

It is therefore recommended to have at least one view to create and/or select some seams or shell curves that shall create a closed boundary polygon in the surface(s). The intersection points of the curves must not be more than 5 x element size far away from the FE model box limits.

Portside and starboard are handled separately, so when the model is extending over CL there need to be a curve near CL as well to limit both parts of the model in centerline.

After these preparations the FE Model dialog can be opened, the necessary settings made and the FE model built by pressing the OK button. When user support is needed do as described in the following section.