Structural Analytical Model Generation Rules

Generation Rules are applied to the Structural Analytical Model to optimize it for export to structural analysis softwares.

The current Generation Rules automatically go into effect whenever you turn on the Structural Analytical Model - you do not have to activate the rules by command.

Each set of Generation Rules includes:

Adjustment Rules: These rules adjust (stretch, cutback, offset) 1D and 2D Members to achieve continuity among the nodes. Continuity is required for structural analysis, because a disconnected model results in errors.

End/Edge Releases: Define a general rule for handling End/Edge releases that have no connections. (This can be useful if the receiving analysis software requires all such releases to be “Rigid”.)

Opening filtering: Define rules to ensure that very small openings and very narrow 2D Member parts are ignored in the Structural Analysis model.

Open this dialog from:

Design > Structural Analytical Model Generation Rules

Structural Analytical Model toolbar

GenRulesToolbar.png 

SAMGenDefault.png 

The default template includes several predefined sets of Generation Rules (plus a No Rules option). Try out the defaults.

  If you need to edit the Rules, click Add to make a copy of the selected Rule set, then fine-tune them.

Details of Generation Rule settings are described in the sections below:

Adjustment Rules

End/Edge Release (Generation Rules)

Filter Openings for Structural Analytical Model