Sub Models
Description
A model comprises of one or more sub models that make management of the model easier. Each sub model defines a group of members that may have been individually defined or been defined as a mesh or group of meshes. Members defined in different sub-models create a single structure by being rigidly connected at joints they have in common. Sub models may contain beam members or finite element members or both.
There are two types of sub model:
2D Sub Model
All members lie in a single 2D Sub Model Plane that may be at any orientation in space. Members are often created in groups as Meshes. However, individual members may be defined in the Define Sub Model Members form.
3D Sub Model
Members can be at any position in space and are often created externally and then imported into the model. Individual members may be defined in the Define Sub Model Members form and in this case the user is prompted to define the drawing plane in which the members are created.
Outline Procedure
Sub Model data may be accessed by selecting the Structure Definition Group Button in the Explorer Navigation Pane. If the required sub model is already defined then click on the name of the required 'Sub Model' Active Group Item. If no sub model has been defined, or if a new sub model is required, then (i) ensure that the Active Group Item is not in a Sub Model, (ii) select the "Refined Model" node, (iii) click on the Add button on the Navigation Pane's Toolbar and (iv) select from:
2D Sub Model (GCS, Z=0)
Creates a 2D sub model in the Z = 0 plane of the Global Coordinates System.
2D Sub Model
Prompts the user to define a 2D Sub Model Plane and then creates a 2D sub model in the defined plane.
3D Sub Model
Creates a 3D sub model.
2D Sub Models may be converted to 3D Sub Models using Convert to 3D Sub Model; but not vice versa.
Selecting the Copy item button on the Navigation Pane's toolbar, when the Active Group Item is the Sub Model, displays a Copy Sub Model form that prompts the user to define a Sub Model Plane (relative to that of the original sub model) and copies the sub model to create a new sub model in a new position, but with all the characteristics of the old one.