Members and element meshes

1D, 2D and 3D meshes are generated from 1D, 2D and 3D members

Adding members interactively

To add a member in the graphical view

1. Ensure that
   1. The grid layout is set to the desired spacing
   2. The correct grid plane is set
   3. The grid display is on (Draw grid or Ctrl+Alt+G)
   4. The graphical display is set to the Design layer
2. Use the Add entities sculpt tool (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E)
   1. Set the member type in the Properties pane
   2. Click on the graphical view to place the member nodes
      1. For 1D members, hold down the Ctrl key to add a chain of members. Release Ctrl before defining the last node
      2. For 2D members, finish by either clicking back on the first node or press Return

Nodes and lines can be added interactively to existing 2D members:

1. Select the member in the graphical view
2. Click the Add entities sculpt tool
   1. Ensure that the member type in the Properties pane matches the 2D member
   2. To add a void: Hold down the Shift keys while adding the corner points. Click back onto the first node to close the void definition.
   3. To add a line: Hold down the Ctrl key while adding the lines. Press Esc to exit.
   4. To add nodes: Hold the Ctrl + Shift keys while adding the nodes. Press Esc to exit.

Meshing tips

Here are some tips on modelling for mesh generation:

• Model the member to achieve the desired mesh; this is not necessarily exactly the same as a physical representation.
• Try to avoid placing internal nodes or the ends of internal elements close to member boundaries as this will produce very small elements. Nodes on the member boundary are OK.
• The number of elements generated along an edge will increase automatically as necessary to achieve a feasible mesh and to reduce large discrepancies in the mesh.