Sap 2000 for FEA question

[yaroosh]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to model a simple rectangular plane for FEA using SAP 2000 where I would like to do meshing. I have been trying to learn how to divide this area diagonally, so far sap allow me to divide it just rectangular shapes. Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[precast78]

You have to draw the meshes manually.

 

[stressed]

You do have to draw triangular elements.. however, SAP2000 can automatically mesh triangular areas using quad elements. Please see the attached screenshots.

I understand that triangular elements are less accurate than quads, but I wish CSI would offer more options to mesh with triangular elements, particularly at transitions. CSI recommends using quads combined with edge constraints if necessary at transitions.