CAD > Build > Grid Plane

Builds a grid plane. Analysis results (stresses, strains and displacements) are calculated on these grid planes. Each grid plane will be further subdivided at a later stage in the program (line grids can be created using CAD > Build > Grid Line).

When the routine is initiated the user is prompted to select 4 corners that define the perimeter of the grid plane. The grid plane is considered to be complete when either the 4th corner is selected or the user selects

CAD > Build > Build

Once at least two points have been entered, the remaining points can be generated by offsetting

CAD > Build > Offset Remaining

The coordinates of the corners can be typed in from the keyboard

CAD > Build > Enter Point

selected by freehand drawing, picked from other entities (other blocks or construction lines) or digitized

CAD > Digitizer Setup > Activate

A large variety of drawing tools are available to assist in visually selecting points from the model

CAD > Snap

Corners can be unselected using

CAD > Build > Undo Point

Corners can be reselected using

CAD > Build > Redo Point

Upon completion of grid plane construction the user is prompted to enter the properties. This allows you to specify a name for the grid plane.

Name - specifies a descriptive name for the grid.

Grid Type - specifies whether you want the grid to be active (used in the stress analysis) or inactive (not used in the stress analysis).

Fixed Grid Spacing - specifies the user grid spacing.

This parameter can be used to force uniform discretization on selected grids. Extreme caution should be used in specifying this value since a small value can easily lead to enormous problem size.

In general this option should not be used (unchecked) and discretization should be left to the AG parameter. This latter parameter will concentrate elements only where analysis results are requested thus optimizing the use of elements and minimizing problem size.

CAD > Properties Control Parameters

Undo - unselects the last point entered and returns to the grid construction routine

CAD > Build > Undo Point

Build - completes grid construction and enters the block into the model database.

Once you have completed this operation you have one last chance to undo this and remove this grid from the model database by selecting

CAD > Build > Undo Build

Cancel - aborts grid construction.

For examples on the use of field point grid planes refer to:

Model Building Tutorials

Pressing the space-bar automatically activates the last build function that was used.