Mixing different structural types in one analysis

Different types of structures may be included in one analysis. For example, you may model a 3-D solid structure in which 3-D truss members exist as shown below. This can be achieved defining and assigning element property sets of different analysis classes using the popup menu in "Pperty" dialog.

< Example of a model with mixed structural types >

> Changing the analysis class of element

The popup menu in "Property" dialog has a few items re p resenting analysis classes. When the dialog appears for the first time , the popup menu is set to the item of analysis class corresponding to the current analysis subjects. If you change the item, all the dialog items are also altered accordingly. At the same time, the assignable objects are changed, and the relevant object selection tool is automatically activated.

> Applicable analysis classes of element

In VisualFEA, not all types of structures can be mixed with each other. There are applicable types for a given analysis subject. In the popup menu shown above, only the items of applicable analysis classes are enabled. Listed in the following table are the structural types which can be included for given analysis subjects.

< Structural types applicable for a given analysis subject >