3D-Extension/Translation: Convert surface elements to solid elements, translate or copy elements

This command allows creating several layers of solid elements out of surface elements or to translate or copy elements.

Option „3D-Extention“ is to be used to generate solid elements out of surface elements. New nodes are generated in direction of the given vector. For that, the distance of the first layer of new nodes from the originating nodes has to be given with the thickness of one or more layers of solid elements.

If option „Translation“ is used, it is distinguished between the translation of elements and the translation of nodes. In the first case (option “Translate elements” checked) you can generate several layers of elements. New nodes are generated in the same way as with „3D Extension“, the distances of the first and following layers must be given. In the second case (option “Translate only nodes” checked) selected nodes are translated in direction of the given vector, without generating new nodes and elements. The amount of translation must be given in the input field “First layer resp. translation”.

Following dialog shows the available options:

3D-Extension/Translation

3D-Extension: Function for generation of solid elements will be selected.

Translation: Function for translation of elements or nodes will be selected.

First layer respectively translation: In the input field the distance of the first layer of new nodes from the originating nodes respectively the amount of translation in case of node translations must be given.

Thickness respectively more distances: For the generation of solid elements, the thickness of one or more element layers must be given. For the translation of elements the distances of the second and following layers must be given.

Factor: If elements are moved from one coordinate system to another (option CS1->CS2) scaling factors for the different coordinate directions may be given in this input field.

Keep original elements: With this option set the original elements are kept, otherwise they will be replaced by the newly generated elements.

Direction vector

Node normals: The direction of 3D extension respectively translation is determined by the mean value of all surface normals having this node as a vertex. Prior should be tested whether all elements are oriented the same way. This option is only implemented for elements of type 30 or 40.

X-axis: 3D extension respectively translation in direction of x-axis.

Y-axis: 3D extension respectively translation in direction of y-axis.

Z-axis: 3D extension respectively translation in direction of z-axis.

Vector: The components of a vector giving the direction for 3D extension respectively translation can be given in the input field. In case a local coordinate system is selected, the coordinates are first transferred to this coordinate system and the translation of nodes is done in this coordinate system (for example normal vector (1, 0, 0) within a torroidal coordinate system).

CS1 -> CS2: This option allows to move element groups or to duplicate elements to another position. The selected nodes are first transferred to the left selected coordinate system and multiplied with given scaling factors, and then these coordinate values are used as coordinate values in the right selected coordinate system and transferred back to the global coordinate system. The global coordinate system must eventually be given using ID 0.

Element selection

Option „Translate elements“ is to use, if one or more layers of new elements are to be generated by 3D-Extension or by translation of elements. Selected elements are used as originating elements.

Node selection

Option „Translate only nodes“ is to use if nodes are to be translated without generating new elements. Selected nodes are translated in direction of the given vector.

Group ID

In case the original elements are kept it may be useful to assign new group IDs to the newly created elements. Following options are available:

From original element: Group ID of the originating element is kept

Increment: Group ID of the originating element will be incremented by this value

New: Elements will be assigned this given group ID

Undo

Clicking this button, the last newly generated elements are removed.