Q11: Can I combine two different FEMGEN models?

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A:

Yes, there are two ways as follows:

a: To combine two models A and B using FEMGV 6, create an archive file of the first model (A) using the command “UTILITY WRITE ARCHIVE filename”. The next stage is to read the archive file from Index level using the command “UTILITY READ GEOMETRY filename”. When FEMGV prompt for a model name, type the name of the host model (B). FEMGV will recognise it as an existing model and will display the message “Do you want to append to an existing model > where the user selects Yes. Once the user type yes, FEMGV will start combining model A into the host model B.

Note that by using this method you should be aware that all parts names, co-ordinate systems, physical, material, constraints and loads will be changed when read into model B in order to avoid redefinition of existing parts/properties of model B.

b:

If the user wishes to maintain the existing name of model parts/properties, the following method could be used:

To combine two models A and B, the user needs to change the default name of points, lines, surface etc in one model so that they don’t duplicate with the other part names in the second model (i.e. using the command ‘CONSTRUCT NAME {POINT, LINE,…} newname). This should be performed before creating the geometry of the first model. The second step is to write an archive file of the first model to be read in the second model.

However, the CONSTRUCT NAME command does not change the name of the old geometry parts, in this case, one way of combining two models is by following the steps given below:

1) create model B in FEMGEN

2) rename the default name of points, lines, etc generated by the automatic generation of geometry using: CONSTRUCT NAME (POINT, LINE….) newname.

3) create a set (i.e. setb) containing model B

4) use the command: GEOMETRY COPY setb setc translate 0 0 1 (or any other translations)

5) write an archive file containing the newly coppied geometry using: UTILITY WRITE ARCHIVE setc (filename)

6) read the new archive file into model A by typing ‘@filename’ at the command line.

7) finally, move the newly copied geometry to it’s correct position using: GEOMETRY MOVE setc TRANSLATE 0 0 -1 (to reset the translation specified in step4)

Note that a CONSTRUCT MERGE command may be required.