Create FE Model

Purpose:

To create or recreate a Finite Element model from an Idealized block or to refine an existing FE model.

Prerequisites:

An idealized block or an existing FE model in case of refinement.

Instructions:

Checking Recreate FE geometry will create/recreate the FE model from the idealized block.

Divide shell elements will subdivide elements with a higher number of node points than the specified one. Elements will not be divided if it creates new elements with corner angles outside the given deviation from a right angle or if lines are created shorter than the given factor multiplied by the intended element size given when creating the idealized block.

Combine shell elements will prevent narrow shell elements by removing them if two parallel sides are smaller than the given length factor times the intended element size. Note that this factor must be smaller than the one for "Divide shell elements".

Connect FE model will connect all node points and lines that are closer than the given Distance tolerance.

Remove transition step is a special option for connection points of sloped panels and planar panels such as cambered decks. The step is ignored when the distance of the points is smaller than the given tolerance. The girder in the transition has to be indicated by a special functional code.

Unwarp shell elements allows the user to have control over shell element warping. A four sided face maybe somewhat warped. In order to have desirable meshes without warnings and errors, a maximum warping factor should be defined within a certain limit.

Divide, Combine Connect and Unwrap can be applied to an existing FE model refining it further.

Image objects can be selected for shells, beams and trusses. Also an object showing the shell elements with corner angles outside the tolerances can be created.

Result:

An FE model is created and attached to the idealized block. Various image objects are created and stored. They can be inserted in the picture as FE Images. Their names are derived from the idealized block name prefixed with _FGS for the shell image, _FGB for the beam image, _FGT for the truss image and _FGA for the angle image.