Split tri elements
The Split tri elements dialog box is used to split Tri3 and Tri6 elements into either Tri or Quad elements maintaining element releases and offsets as originally defined.
The original elements are deemed to be of a shape as defined by the shape function of the elements. So splitting a non-planar Tri6 element, which is a quadratic element, will result in a mesh fitting a paraboloid surface.
The Tri elements that are to be split must be selected prior to opening this dialog box. Non-Tri elements will be ignored.
Open this dialog box by giving the Sculpt > 2D element operations > Split tri elements menu command when the current view is a Graphic view.
The split may be specified in one of the following ways:
- Split into tri elements: The selected elements will be split into Split along each edge tri elements per edge.
- Split into quad elements: The Split along edge is specified for each edge, abiding by the following rule:
When splitting tri elements into quads there must be an equal split along two of the edges. The split along the other edge must be an even number and not greater than the equal split plus 2.
If the two equal splits are into 2 then the split along the other edge must also be 2.
The split is carried out in the following manner:
The Kite diagonal : Skirt height ratio may be specified to adjust the mesh.
Coincident nodes: Use existing nodes where present
When checked, wherever a new node is required during the execution of this operation the program searches existing nodes for one that lies within the coincidence tolerance of the required position, and uses the first node found instead of creating a new node. Otherwise new nodes are always created.
Replace references to old elements with references to new
When checked, references to the original elements in element lists are replaced by references to the original elements in element lists are replaced by references to the new elements so, for example, a loading record that applied to the original element will apply to each of the new elements after the split.
Note: This will have a bizarre effect if, say, a variable face load is applied to the original element: the same variable face load will be applied to each new element to produce a rasp-like load pattern.
Preview
Display the consequences of this operation in the current Graphic view without committing to applying the operation. Exiting this dialog box by Cancel will undo the preview.