Thin-walled Cross Section Element#

../../_images/section-panel.png Create Thin-walled Cross Section Element

Command

SOF_CM_SECTIONPANEL

Tooltip

Defines a thin-walled element in a cross section.

Sidebar

Cross Section Editor

../../_images/section-panel_m.png Modify Thin-walled Cross Section Element

Command

SOF_CM_SECTIONPANEL_EDIT

Tooltip

Modifies the properties of thin-walled cross section elements.

Sidebar

Cross Section Editor

Defines a thin-walled element in a cross section.

Due to the input of a start and end point a thin-walled element is generated with a specified thickness. Thin-walled elements of the cross section are always straight line elements. Curves or radii inside of the geometry of the cross section can be represented only by using a polygonal approximation.

If the cross section consists only of a thin-walled element, the calculation produces an error message due to the assumption of a constant normal stress about the thickness.

Thin-walled elements are shown only graphically with the ‘real’ defined dimensions as rectangles. In contrast to solid elements, forces are transferred only in the system line from element to element. The thin-walled elements have to be connected therefore at the start and end point of their system lines. The transfer of shear stresses is only possible for thin-walled elements which are connected at their start or end point. When using the AutoCAD command ‘Break at Point’ it is possible to divide a thin-walled element into two.

In order to define a sequence of thin-walled elements it is possible to use the option PIck curves using the right mouse key. Prerequisite is a curve or arc which was drawn with the AutoCAD commands. After selection of the curves or arcs the number of segments for each curve has to be defined.

For multiple thin-walled elements (plates) which together form a field for buckling, the definition of the location of clamped edge should be done by the user.

A detailed description of these properties can be found in the chapter ‘PLAT - Thin-walled Cross Section Element’ of the manual AQUA.

In the case of an existing CABD-license, a variable may be given instead of a thickness. In order to get list with available variables, enter a ‘#’ in the edit field ‘thickness’.

Information regarding assignment of construction stages, please refer to the Construction Stages.

Available options:#

For the creation of thin-walled elements, the following options are available:

Pick Points

Creates an element with the input of a minimum of 3 polygonal points.

Pick Lines or Curves

Creates an element by enclosing an area with the selected objects. Valid selection choices include closed polylines and lines.

Single Element Mode - Polygonal Input

Switches between the polygonal input type and entry of a single element. Single element mode always asks for the start and end point of a new element.