Thickness may be assigned to planar structure elements (panels) is several ways (it is assumed that at least one type exists on the active list):
- If no selection has been made prior to opening the FE Thickness dialog, highlight the selected thickness type in the list, and then in the graphic viewer, left-click the appropriate panel. The thickness is then assigned to the panel and is indicated on the active list with an arrow. When the cursor is in the graphic viewer, its shape displays as the icon of the assigned thickness. After moving from the dialog to the graphic viewer, the nearest panel will also be highlighted.
- If a selection has been made prior to opening the FE Thickness dialog, a list with this selection displays under Panels in this dialog. To assign the appropriate thickness type to the panels, highlight the type in the active list, and then either press ENTER or click Apply. After this operation is completed, the thickness will be assigned. The selected panel list no longer displays in the Panels edit field.
- If no selection has been made prior to opening the FE Thickness dialog but it is necessary to make one after the dialog displays, first click in the Panel edit field to activate it. The cursor will be in the selection mode when it is placed outside in the graphic viewer. You can then select in the graphic viewer any panels of the structure, and numbers of the panels that you have selected, will display in the Panels edit field. To assign a selected thickness type to panels, highlight the type in the active list, and then either press ENTER or click Apply. After this operation is completed, the thickness will be assigned. The selected panel list no longer displays in the Panels edit field.