Optimizing element numbering

If "Frontal" solver is used, the required memory and computing time are directly related to the critical frontal length of the system equations. The critical frontal length is determined by the element numbering. Similarly to node number optimization, it is desirable to renumber the elements before processing stage so that the critical frontal length becomes the minimum. This procedure is called element number optimization. Element number optimization can be dictated as an optional item to be done before processing as explained in the previous section. This option, however, may cause redundant repetition of the operation, if the same modeling data are used for multiple analysis. This redundant operation may be avoided by doing the element number optimization once and executing the processing multiple times without optimization option. Element number optimization can be invoked by choosing "Optimize Element Number" item from menu. A dialog shows the intermediate state of progressive reduction of critical frontal length and the final critical frontal length after completion of optimization. If you click button, the elements will be renumbered as optimized. If you click button, the optimization is ignored and the old element numbering will be retained. Save the file in order to keep this renumbering for future processing.

It should be noted that the optimization does not mean absolute minimization of the critical frontal length, but means relative reduction of the critical frontal length. There may exist an element numbering with smaller critical frontal length than the optimized one. However, it is too time consuming or not feasible to find the numbering with this absolute minimum critical frontal length.