Auto generate variable plate thickness

[SWComposites]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a way in FEMAP to easily generate thickness values for plate elements that are variable over a surface? You would have to generate a separate property for each element since thickness is defined in the property rather than with the element itself. I vaguely seem to recall that this was possible in Patran, but its been to many years; I only have access to FEMAP now anyway.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[NoranTech]

Hi Steve,

Yes, you can do this in FEMAP by first meshing the surface with plate elements and then going to Modify-Update Elements-Adjust Plate. Select the elements you want to modify, and then the "Update Plate Element Thickness" window will appear. You can then use the Equation option in there to define your variable thickness.

Thank you,

Jonas Dalidd
Noran Engineering, Inc.

http://www.NENastran.com