Documentation XFEM4U

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:

• Tutorials XFEM4U
• Full list of features of XFEM4U
• Example Projects

Release Notes

Releasenotes XFEM4U 5.11: [link]

Possibilities and limitations

Full list of features of XFEM4U can be found here.

Coordinate System

The program knows four clockwise coordinate systems.

Main coordinate system

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.

Beam coordinate system

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.

Node coordinate system

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.

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.

The in- and output data will be displayed with regard to the above explained coordinate system.

• 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.

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

1. Method as in Autodesk Revit (default)

• '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.

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.

XFEM4U also supports the use of a 3d mouse (from e.g. 3D Connection ) which makes working even easier and faster.

Geometry

[File:DocumentationXFEM4UGeometry.png | 600 px]