FE Model
The FE-model in PragTic comprises of definition of nodes and elements altogether with specification of element group parameters and real constants, sets of nodes or elements and FE-results. If you are importing a FE-model through the general import procedure, upload the nodes first, since the elements are dependant on nodes and not vice versa. Continue with elements description then. The FE-results should be the last items imported to an already known structure.
Once the elements are read, a proposal for separation of surfacial nodes is given to the user. Afterwards, a definition of normal lines at these surfacial nodes is done. The user can cancel this separation and prepare the node set N_NRM by a separate import, as well as import of normal lines data_vector NORMALS is possible.
Be aware that if the automated free surface recognition is done on a segment of the real FE-model, the free surface is diagnosed also on the faces, which are free only due to separation of this part, otherwise would be hidden somewhere inside the FE-model.
Note: It is possible to upload the FE-model topology in more steps (e.g. to read node description in two subsequent imports), but this option is not wholly tested, so be careful and either upload data in one step only or at least check the data read.
Note: Since the coordinate system and material parameters can be related to isolated points also, they are assigned to the item Properties.
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