# Introduction

WARNING

GSA-Grasshopper plugin [GsaGH] is pre-release and under active development, including further testing to be undertaken. It is provided "as-is" and you bear the risk of using it. Future versions may contain breaking changes. Any files, results, or other types of output information created using GsaGH should not be relied upon without thorough and independent checking.

# Introduction

GSA-Grasshopper, or GsaGH, is a Grasshopper (opens new window) plugin wrapping GSA's .NET API.

The plugin enables you to work parametrically with GSA, utilising the powerful geometry engine in Rhino and the low-entry, visual scripting of Grasshopper.

# Parameters

Go to the Parameters page to explore the underlying data being sent between components.

# Components

Or head over to the Components page to get an overview of all components and their category.

# Features

GsaGH allows you to:

  • Run GSA headless through the .NET API:
    • Fast and responsive, utilising the speed of GSA's solver.
    • No 'interoperability'; you are literrally running GSA inside Rhino's process.
  • Units:
    • All components and parameters are underpinned by units.
    • Convert to and from any relevant engineering units.
    • Based on opensource UnitsNet (opens new window), and extended with engineering units by Oasys.
  • Work with existing files:
    • Not all team members required to know how to use Grasshopper
    • Share GSA files (.gwb) created parametrically in Grasshopper with colleagues for checking or further work.
    • Open existing GSA files (.gwb) inside Grasshopper
  • Geometry transformations:
    • Use all build-in Grasshopper components for geometry transformations, like:
    • Move, mirror, morph, array, twist, offset, etc.
  • Meshing:
    • Utilise GSA's powerful meshing capabilities inside Grasshopper; GsaGH uses one of the markets fastest and most robust FE meshing algorithms.
    • Create your geometry using Members and let GSA handle intersections and the creation of the analytical model.
  • Results:
    • Visualise results within Rhino/Grasshopper to check the design on the fly or use it to automate your engineering workflow
    • Combinations: use the powerful post-processing tools in GSA for creating and retrieving Combination Case results.