Basic User Interface > Selection > Tools for object selection

 

Tools for object selection

In VisualFEA, curves, primitive surfaces, nodes, elements, and meshes are the kinds of objects that can be selected. There are a few diff e rent tools of selection specific to each kind of the objects.

> Node selection tool

The node selection tool is used to select node(s). When the tool button is p ressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a node number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected node number is shown in this text box only when a single node is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the node with corresponding number is selected. The text box is initially blank as shown below, when the tool is started. It also becomes blank when more than one node is selected. The number can be increased or decreased by using or keys respectively. The first and the last number can be selected instantly by pressing or keys respectively.
Although the nodes on the backside of the model are hidden in shading or wireframe image with hidden line removal, they are still electable. You may make these nodes unselectable by choosing "Shut Invisible Node" item from menu. See also "Making invisible nodes unselectable" in the "Viewing Control" section of this chapter.

> Curve selection tool

The curve selection tool is used to select curve(s). When the tool button is p ressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a curve number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected curve number is shown in this text box only when a single curve is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the curve with corresponding number is selected. The text box is blank, when the tool is started, or when more than one curve is selected.

> Surface primitive selection tool

The surface primitive selection tool is used to select surface primitive(s). When the tool button is pressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a surface primitive number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected surface primitive number is shown in this text box only when a single surface primitive is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the surface primitive with corresponding number is selected. The text box is blank, when the tool is started, or when more than one surface primitive is selected.

> Element selection tool

The element selection tool is used to select element(s). When the tool button is pressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a element number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected element number is shown in this text box only when a single element is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the element with corresponding number is selected. The text box is blank, when the tool is started, or when more than one element is selected. When the element selection tool is on, there appears menu to the right of the menu bar. The menu has items designating what type of element is to be selected: line, surface or volume element. The current type of element for selection is indicated by the check mark in front of a menu item.

< Selecting elements >

> Surface mesh selection tool

The surface mesh selection tool is used to select surface mesh(s). When the tool button is pressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a mesh number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected surface mesh number is shown in this text box only when a single surface mesh is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the surface mesh with corresponding number is selected. The text box is blank, when the tool is started, or when more than one surface mesh is selected.

> Volume mesh selection tool

The volume mesh selection tool is used to select volume mesh(s). When the tool button is pressed, a text box for inputting or displaying a mesh number appears at the bottom of the tool palette. The selected volume mesh number is shown in this text box only when a single volume mesh is selected. If a number is entered in this text box, the volume mesh with corresponding number is selected. The text box is blank, when the tool is started, or when more than one volume mesh is selected.