# Split Quad Elements
The Split Quad Elements dialog box is used to split Quad4 and Quad8 elements into a number of elements of the same type maintaining element releases and offsets as originally defined. The split is specified in terms of an equal number of elements along edges 1 and 3 and an equal number along edges 2 and 4.
The original elements are deemed to be of a shape as defined by the shape function of the elements. So splitting a non-planar Quad8 element, which is a quadratic element, will result in a mesh fitting a paraboloid surface.
The Quad elements that are to be split must be selected prior to opening this dialog box. Non-Quad elements will be ignored.
Open this dialog box by giving the “Sculpt | 2D Element Operations | Split Quad Elements” menu command when the current view is a Graphic View.
# Split along edge
Specify the split along edges 1 and 3 and 2 and 4.
# 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 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.