How can a tapered spar cap be modeled in FEMAP 6.0

[mbrowntx1]

I want to use rod elements to model a tapered wing spar cap. There will be over 100 elements over the length or the spar cap. Writting a separate property for each element is very time consuming. I don't see a mesh command that will auto create the elements with varying cross-sectional area.

 

[nmackaron]

You could use the tapered beam property, but this is still cumbersome. I'm sure you're familiar with this capability, but let me know if you need additional information.

 

[mbrowntx1]

Thanks for your response. If I use a single tappered beam element to model a tappered wing spar cap, is there a way to use "mesh / refine" so that discrete properties are created by FEMAP for each new element or do I still have to write a separate property for each element?

 

[nmackaron]

This is still a problem. Another option is to create the geometry as a solid model, partition it off, and hex mesh it. This may make the model entirely too large though, so creating mid surfaces and using plates may make more sense.

Sorry I forgot about the difficulty in using Femap's tapered beam element. I ran into the same problem a while back and ended up creating multiple tapered beam properties.