Documentation XFEM4U: Difference between revisions

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__NOTOC__
[[Main Page | BACK]]
===Introduction===
===Introduction===
This page contains the documentation of [[XFEM4U]]. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Β 
This page contains the documentation of [[XFEM4U]]. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Β 
Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:
Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:
* [[Tutorials XFEM4U]]
* [[Tutorials XFEM4U]]
* [[XFEM4U | Full list of features of XFEM4U]]
* [[XFEM4U |Full list of features of XFEM4U]]
* [[Example Projects]] Β 
* [[Example Projects]] Β 


===Release Notes===
===Release Notes===
Releasenotes of XFEM4U: [[http://www.struct4u.com/nl/Release%20notes%20XFEM4U%20en.pdf link]]
Release notes of XFEM4U: [https://software.struct4u.com/downloads/XFEM4U/Release_notes_XFEM4U_en.pdf link]


===Possibilities and limitations===
===Features and limitations===


Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found [[XFEM4U | here.]]
Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found [[XFEM4U | here.]]


[[File:Residential Steel Trusses Roof_3.png |600px]]


===Coordinate System===
===Chapters user manual===
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[[Get started with the Struct4U Engineering Tools | 1. Get Started]]
The program knows four '''clockwise''' coordinate systems.
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====Main coordinate system====
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The location of this global coordinate system is arbitrary. The XY-plane coincides with the plane of the framework. This coordinate system is used for setting the node coordinates, node limitations and node loads. Calculated node deformations and support reactions will be displayed relative to this coordinate system.
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[[File:MainCoordinates.png|200px|none|]]
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====Beam coordinate system====
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The origin of this coordinate system is always in the beginning of the relevant beam. The XZ-plane coincides with the plane of the framework. The x-axis coincides with the beam-axis.
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[[File:BeamCoordinates.png|200px|none|]]
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====Node coordinate system====
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[[File:NodeCoordinate.png|200px|none|]]
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It is possible to use a local (node-) coordinate system. The origin lies in the relevant node. The direction of the x-axis is determined by assigning a relative dx and dz coming from the relevant node ( see the figure above). Local coordinate systems can be used to calculate node limitations ( support reactions and restrains ), node loads and/or node deformations in an arbitrary direction.
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====Plate coordinate system====
The planar plane of the plate is the local XY-plane. If the plate is drawn clockwise then the Z-axe is positive.
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[[File:PlateCoordinateSystem.png|200px|none|]]
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The in- and output data will be displayed with regard to the above explained coordinate system.
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*A force in the direction of the positive x- or z- axis is considered positive.
*A moment rotating from the positive x-axis to the positive z-axis (according to the cork-screw rule) is positive.
*A moment opposite to the 'clockwise' rotation is positive.
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===Input===
====Navigation in 3D====
For navigating in your 3d model, 2 common methods are supported. You can set which one you want to use. Tab Settings & Manual > Settings > Navigate tab See Navigating
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1. Method as in '''Autodesk Revit''' (default)
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* '''Zooming in and out'': Use the mouse wheel.
* '''Pan'': Press the mouse wheel and drag.
* '''Orbit'': Press the mouse wheel and '''SHIFT''' key together and drag.
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2. Method as in '''Tekla structures'''
* '''Zoom in and out": Use the mouse wheel.
* '''Pan": Press the mouse wheel and drag.
* '''Orbit": Press the mouse wheel and '''CTRL''' key together and drag.
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XFEM4U also supports the use of a 3d mouse (from e.g. [https://3dconnexion.com/nl/spacemouse/ 3D Connection] ) which makes working even easier and faster.
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[[File:3DConnection.jpg | 200px]]
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====Geometry====
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In this section we have a look at all the geometry functions within [[XFEM4U]]
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[[File:DocumentationXFEM4UGeometry.png | 1000 px]]
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=====Beams=====
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======Preface======
In the graphical screen beams can be added very easy by drawing them. Select this item in the function bar.
Beams are drawn as a 'polyline' just as you know it from AutoCAD.The begin node from a following beam is the end node of the last drawn beam.
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It is possible, but not necessary, to draw nodes before you insert the beams.
You can also start with drawing the beams, in this way the nodes will be inserted automatically.
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When you draw your first beam, the dialog box shown below appears. In this box you can, among other things, insert the beam connections and the profile of the beam. Use the escape-key or click the right mouse button to end the drawing of the beams.
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[[File:DocumentationXFEM4UBeam1.png | 500px]]
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As you are drawing a beam, help lines (horizontal and vertical) will appear connected to the previous inserted nodes. Often the node, to which you want to draw the beam, has the same x- or y- or z-value as the previous one. In this way it is easy to insert nodes. Obviously you can adapt the coordinates afterwards numerically or by moving the node.
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While drawing a new beam, a dimension line parallel to the beam in one of the main directions x,y or z will appear. You can, just as you know it from AutoCad, immediately insert the distances numerically by entering the value / values from your keyboard. There are 3 possibilities for drawing a beam:
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'''1. Drawing a beam with a known length in one of the main directions.'''
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The value will appear in the dimension line. Here you can type in the distance. By the use of the enter-key the input is closed and the beam with that length will be added.
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'''2. Drawing a beam using relative Cartesian coordinates (dx, dy, dz).'''
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First you enter the distance in x-direction. The value will appear in the dimension line. Thereafter you type a semicolon ";" and the distance in y-direction. The value will appear in a second input field. Next you type a semicolon ";" and the distance in z-direction. The value will appear in a third input field. By the use of the enter-key the input is closed and the beam is added.
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'''3. Input of relative cartesian coordinates (dx, dy, dz) or absolute cartesian coordinates (x, y, z).'''
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Press the space key and the dialog box below appears. Here you can enter relative coordinates or absolute coordinates directly.
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[[File:DocumentationXFEM4UBeam2.png | 300px]]
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In this way, you can quickly insert your construction.
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When you draw a beam for the first time, a profile needs to be chosen / inserted. There is asked what kind of profile you want to add. Also when you insert a new profile, there is asked which kind of profile you want to add.
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Subsequently the following dialog box of the profiles is shown. See Profiles
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[[File:DocumentationXFEM4UBeam3.png | 300px]]
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'''Changing a beam'''
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Changing a beam is possible by clicking on the beam with the left mouse button, and subsequently choose for properties by clicking with the right mouse button. There is a more easy way, namely a double click on the beam. Consequently the following dialog box will be opened.
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[[File:DocumentationXFEM4UBeam4.png | 500px]]
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======Beamproperties: General======
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'''Beam number'''
The number of the beam.
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'''Length'''
The length of the beam in mm.
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From node no.
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The number of the begin node.
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To node no.
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The number of the end node.
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flip
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By the use of this function, you can turn around the beam orientation. The begin- and end node will be switched.
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Angle x-axis
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The angle in which the local coordinate system can rotate around the x-axis.
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The clockwise direction is positive.
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Layer
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Beams can optionally be drawn in layers. This corresponds to the functionality of AutoCAD. The layers can be set visible or invisible. (on/off). You can adapt the names of the layers. See Display options
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Orientation node
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The number of the orientation node. This is a node in the local x-y plane or in the x-z plane.
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Split into structural member sections for analysis
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Setting whether, for the determination of the force distribution (framework calculation), the beam has to be split in in partial beams when nodes are found on the beam. This function is enabled by default.
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Automatically generate dead weight of the beam.
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Setting whether the dead weight of the beam needs to be generated. This function is enabled by default. See Calculation settings


[[XFEM4U UI | 2. Basic concept User Interface]]


Surface load bearing
[[Struct4U Design Arrangements | 2.1 Design Arrangements and coordinates]]


Setting whether the beam carries the surface load or not. See Surface loads.
'''3. Export/Import'''


[[Autodesk Revit/Dynamo | 3.1 Autodesk Revit/Dynamo]]


Profile name
[[Tekla Structures | 3.2 Tekla Structures]]


Here you choose the profile type
[[XML Interface | 3.3 XML Interface]]


[[DWG/DXF | 3.4 DWG/DXF]]


Angle
[[SDNF| 3.5 SDNF]]


The angle of the profile. That is the angle relative to the local coordinate system. Normally this is zero degrees. When you want to for example enter the column rotated (so loaded at it's weak axis) you fill in 90 degrees
'''4. Geometry'''


[[XFEM4U Nodes | 4.1 Nodes]]


new delete properties
[[XFEM4U Supports | 4.2 Supports]]


[[XFEM4U Beams | 4.3 Beams]]


You can also add new profiles and delete profiles. Choose for Properties when you want to adapt the profile data and/or want to select another standard profile type from the profile database.
[[Profile| 4.4 Section/Profile]]


[[XFEM4U Plates | 4.5 Plates]]


[[XFEM4U Grid Lines/ levels | 4.6 Grid lines/levels]]


With every new profile, there is asked what kind of profile you want to add.
[[XFEM4U Outer Panels | 4.7 Outer Panels]]


[[XFEM4U Hall Wizard | 4.8 Hall Wizard]]


kindofprofile
'''5. Loads'''


[[XFEM4U Load Cases | 5.1 Load cases]]


Tapered beam
[[XFEM4U Load Combinations | 5.2 Load combinations]]


You can optionally enter a tapered beam (Non-prismatic beam). The tab "Profile end" is activated. Here you can enter the 2nd profile at the end of the beam. Attention! The basic shape of the profile section (H-, U-, L-shape, etc.) must match that of the profile at the beginning of the beam.
[[XFEM4U Loads | 5.3 Loads]]


For calculation background. See Tapered beam.
[[XFEM4U Load generator | 5.4 Load generator]]


'''6. Analysis & Design'''


z
[[XFEM4U Analysis | 6.1 Calculation settings]]


With this the profile is orientated relative to the schematic line. ( The schematic line is the line from the begin node to the end node)
[[Documentation Eurocode | 6.2 Eurocode Steel & Timber Design]]


z is the distance in the local z-direction between the schematic line and the reference line of the profile. The reference line of the profile is showed in the middle by default, but can be set at the top, middle or bottom.
[[XFEM4U Eurocode RCΒ  | 6.3 Eurocode Reinforced Concrete Design]]


[[Eurocode Steel Connections | 6.4 Eurocode Steel Joint Design]]


Torsion reduction.
'''[[Documentation ANSI | 7. Building Code ANSI]]'''


Percentage by which the torsion stiffness of the beam is reduced. Specifically for concrete beam grids, it is allowed to reduce the torsion stiffness in case of compatibility torsion. Thereby the occurring torsion moment is lower, and less torsion reinforcement is needed. (stirrups and longitudinal reinforcement)
'''8. Display calculation results'''


[[XFEM4U Display Results | 8.1 Display results]]


Beam connection begin and end
[[XFEM4U Analysis | 8.2 Calculation settings]]


Here you enter how the beam is connected at the begin node and at the end node. There are multiple options.
[[Struct4U Optimization | 8.3 Optimization]]


'''9. UI and other settings'''


You can make use of the most common / standard connections:
[[XFEM4U Edit | 9.1 Edit]]


[[XFEM4U Selection | 9.2 Selection]]


Fully fixed
[[XFEM4U View | 9.3 View ]]


Tx=A(Absolute), Ty=A, Tz=A, Rx=A, Ry=A, Rz=A. (That is the standard setting)
[[XFEM4UΒ  Display Options | 9.4 Display options]]


[[Struct4U Dockable Windows | 9.5 Dockable windows]]


Hinge
[[Struct4U Changing Dimensions | 9.6 Changing dimensions]]


Tx=A, Ty=A, Tz=A. There is no transfer possible between moments, only shear force and normal force.
[[XFEM4UΒ  Menu | 9.7 Menu]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Preferences | 9.7.1 Preferences]]


Tension only
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Drawing| 9.7.2 Drawing]]


This works the same as a hinge support, the only difference is that tensile forces (positive normal forces) can be transferred. Β 
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Snap options| 9.7.3 Snap options]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Regular grid| 9.7.4 Regular grid]]


Springer connection
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Output| 9.7.5 Output]]


You can also add a beam with a springer connection. Tx=S(Spring), Ry=S en/of Rz=S. You also need to insert the spring constantΒ  Kx, Cy and/or CzΒ  in kN/m resp. kNm/rad
[[XBeam2D XFrame2D User defined profiles| 9.7.6 User defined profiles]]


[[XBeam2D XFrame2D Preview | 9.7.7 Preview]]


Input per beam.
[[XFEM4U Backup files | 9.8 Backup files]]


This gives you the possibility to adapt the input for every new beam.
[[XFEM4U Context menu | 9.9 Context menu]]


'''10. Background information about calculations'''


[[XBeam2D Deflection Calculation | 10.1 Deflection]]


======Beamproperties: Eurocode======
[[Struct4U tapered section| 10.2 Tapered section]]


=====Profiles=====
[[Background Information and Theory | 10.3 Background steel & timber Eurocode]]


=====
[[FEM best practices and examples | 10.4 Finite Element Mesh & Solver]]


===Shortcuts===
[[XFEM4U UI and settings | 11. UI and other settings]]

Latest revision as of 20:13, 11 November 2022

BACK

Introduction

This page contains the documentation of XFEM4U. It is meant as a full description of all functions and possibilities of the program. Other relevant information about XFEM4U can be found in the following links:

Release Notes

Release notes of XFEM4U: link

Features and limitations

Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found here.

Residential Steel Trusses Roof 3.png

Chapters user manual

1. Get Started

2. Basic concept User Interface

2.1 Design Arrangements and coordinates

3. Export/Import

3.1 Autodesk Revit/Dynamo

3.2 Tekla Structures

3.3 XML Interface

3.4 DWG/DXF

3.5 SDNF

4. Geometry

4.1 Nodes

4.2 Supports

4.3 Beams

4.4 Section/Profile

4.5 Plates

4.6 Grid lines/levels

4.7 Outer Panels

4.8 Hall Wizard

5. Loads

5.1 Load cases

5.2 Load combinations

5.3 Loads

5.4 Load generator

6. Analysis & Design

6.1 Calculation settings

6.2 Eurocode Steel & Timber Design

6.3 Eurocode Reinforced Concrete Design

6.4 Eurocode Steel Joint Design

7. Building Code ANSI

8. Display calculation results

8.1 Display results

8.2 Calculation settings

8.3 Optimization

9. UI and other settings

9.1 Edit

9.2 Selection

9.3 View

9.4 Display options

9.5 Dockable windows

9.6 Changing dimensions

9.7 Menu

9.7.1 Preferences

9.7.2 Drawing

9.7.3 Snap options

9.7.4 Regular grid

9.7.5 Output

9.7.6 User defined profiles

9.7.7 Preview

9.8 Backup files

9.9 Context menu

10. Background information about calculations

10.1 Deflection

10.2 Tapered section

10.3 Background steel & timber Eurocode

10.4 Finite Element Mesh & Solver

11. UI and other settings