“Macro / FE structure” dialog

After all SURF and FACE elements have been approximated by macro elements, a macro model is created from these macro elements and the finite element model is created by subdividing the macro elements. This finite element model may then be smoothed on the basis of the originating SURF elements.

Following sequence of actions is important:

1. Generate a macro model by clicking button “Create macro model”.

2. Generate the finite element model after clicking the button “Subdivide macro model”. The VDAFS dialog is hidden, and the dialog for the subdivision of macro elements pops up. Using this dialog, the subdivision of the macro elements is defined and the finite element model is created as is described in chapter “Subdivision of macro elements into finite elements”. After closing the dialog for macro element subdivision, the VDAFS dialog is shown again.

3. If large or strongly curved macro elements are used, it may be useful to smooth the finite element model on the basis of the originating SURF elements as described above. To do this, click button “Smooth FE model”.

4. Add additional VDAFS element types. When creating the macro model, only macro elements that approximate the SURF and FACE elements are considered. If additional VDAFS elements of types POINT, PSET, CIRCLE or CURVE shall be added to the macro or FE model, this must be done after smoothing the FE model.

Following dialog shows the available options.

Generate macro model

Clicking this button the macro elements of all SURF elements are combined in one macro model.

Subdivide macro model

Clicking this button the VDAFS dialog is hidden, and the dialog for subdividing the macro model pops up. After the finite element model has been created, close this dialog; the VDAFS dialog will be visible again.

Smooth FE model

Clicking this button will smooth the finite element model on the basis of the originating SURF elements.

Add VDAFS elements

POINT + PSET: Single points are added as point elements ( type 1).

CIRCLE: CIRCLE elements are approximated by one or two elements of type 22.

CURVE: Each segment of the curves is approximated by one element of type 22.

Only actual selection: If this option is marked, only the VDAFS elements that are contained in the actual VDAFS element selection are considered.

Macro / FE model: You have to choose whether the element shall be added to the macro model or the FE model.

Apply: Clicking this button the chosen VDAFS elements are added to the macro model or FE model, respectively.