Data Generation Wizard : 2D Element Elliptical Mesh

The information supplied on this page provides a description of a regular warped grid of 2D elements, which is subsequently used to generate the structural model. The units of length are reported on the dialog, alongside a sketch of the structural form.

Definition

Bottom, Top and Height

Specify the major and minor axis dimensions at the bottom and top of the mesh. If height is non-zero the mesh will be 3D , and if zero it will form a planar 2D mesh.

Blend to Square

If selected, the bottom or top of a frustum or outside edge of a planar grid is square.

Mesh Density

This width is subdivided by the number of elements in the two directions. To create a solid or hollow polygon, pyramid or pyramidal frustum, set the circumferential density equal to the number of sides in the polygon.

2D Property

Opens the 2D Element Property dialog to allow the element properties to be defined. This is marked as unspecified until a section is assigned when the actual section will be displayed.

Include Spacers

This generates spacer elements along the 2D element edges for use in form finding.

Internal & Edge

If spacers are to be generated this opens the spacer properties wizard to allow properties to be defined for internal spacer elements (those between 2D elements) and around the edge.

Generate Edge Elements

This generates 1D elements around the edge of the grid of the type selected.

Section

If edge elements are to be generated this allows the properties for the edge elements to be specified.