Analysis Task View

Once a model has been created GSA is then used to analyse the model. Analysis tasks and analysis cases are used to define the analysis.

The basic analysis unit in GSA is the analysis task. This gives the solver information about the analysis that is to be carried out such as whether static or modal analysis is requested. Associated with each analysis task is one or more analysis cases. Each analysis case holds details that are particular to the case such as the case description. An analysis case may also be thought of as a container for a set of results.

For example, a static analysis of a dead load case, a live load case and a wind load case would form a single analysis task consisting of three analysis cases. Multiple analysis tasks can be set up, so, for example, task 1 may be a static analysis, task 2 a static P-delta analysis and task 3 a modal dynamic analysis. The Task View gives a way of inspecting and working with these tasks.

An analysis task can have one of the following states:

• pre-analysis – the task is set up but has not yet been analysed
• post-analysis – the task has been analysed and the model contains results

Each task can also be enabled or disabled.

When a static analysis of each load case is requested by simply giving the Analysis | Analyse Enabled Tasks command (or Analyse Enabled on the GSA toolbar) a static analysis task and analysis cases for each load case are set up automatically. For every other type of analysis it is necessary to define the analysis task and cases explicitly using the options described in this section.

Only pre-analysis tasks can be edited. It is useful to edit a task when, say, a solution has not converged and some minor adjustment is required in the task details.

With the exception of the “Delete all results” command, all deleting of analysis tasks and cases should be carried out from the Task View.

By using the Enabled option several tasks may be identified as being ready for analysis. This allows for a key subset of tasks to be run.

See also the Getting Started section on Running Analyses.