Idealization

The output using TXHSTL-R is very useful when a larger part of the model should be exported for example, to an FEM system. When the model should be used for FEM meshing, the geometry needed is however not the normal one. Instead an idealized form of the geometry is used. In order to support this activity an idealizer option has been developed.

The Finite Element Idealizer option makes it possible to export the geometry in a form that is adapted to the way a FEM mesh is built up. It is still within the same XML format containing for example, material data and all other attributes. But the geometry is exported as if the plates had no thickness and profiles had no height, width or thickness.

The following entities are affected:

• Panel and plate bounding contours. Normally these contours are adapted to the plate thickness of surrounding panels but with the Idealizer they are extended to meet the mould planes of the surrounding panels.

• Stiffener trace lines. Stiffeners that are connected to the flange of other intersecting stiffener are stretched to meet the mould line of these stiffeners. All gaps are removed and if the stiffener end is within a certain distance from another stiffener trace or end, the ends are connected.

• Faceplates and pillars will also have possible gaps removed at the ends.

Brackets will be moved if they connect to for example, stiffeners as the stiffeners act as if they had no height.