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STAAD Commands and Input Instructions
Section 5
5-42
5.14 Element Mesh Generation
Purpose
This set of commands is used to generate finite element meshes.
The procedure involves the definition of super-elements, which are
subsequently divided into smaller elements.
Description
This is the second method for the generation of element
incidences. If the user needs to divide a big element into a number
of small elements, he may use this facility which generates the
joint numbers and joint coordinates, the element numbers and the
element incidences automatically. Use of this feature consists of
two parts:
1. Definition of the super-element boundary points: A super-
element may be defined by either 4 boundary points or 8
boundary points ( see Figure on next page). A boundary point
is denoted by a unique alphabet (A-Z in upper case or a-z in
lower case) and its corresponding coordinates. Hence, any 4 or
8 of the 52 characters may be used to define the super-element
boundary. If 4 points are used to define the super-element,
each side of the super-element will be assumed to have a
straight edge connecting the 2 points defining that side. If 8
points are used, each side will be a smooth curve connecting
the 3 points defining that side.
2. Generation of sub-elements: define the super-element using
boundary points (4 or 8 as explained above) and specify the
total number of sub-elements required.