Model Building |
 
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Model Building |
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Two data entry methods are supported by Flexcom. Beginner or inexperienced users may prefer to use the Table Editor - data is entered in tabular format, with the various rows and columns clearly labelled. More experienced users tend to favour the Keyword Editor - working directly with the keyword entries is the quickest way of inputting data.
Flexcom provides a number of helpful features to ensure the integrity of input data. Keyword Syntax Issues provides a helpful display of any warnings or error messages associated with the input data, while Input Value Graphs allows you to preview and visually inspect any non-linear relationships in the input data. Moreover, the Model View provides a live structure preview during model building. During model building, as you add new components to the model via the Table Editor or the Keyword Editor, the Model View is automatically updated.
Nodes and Elements represent the most basic building blocks of a finite element model. Nodes represent the cornerstones of the finite element solution, while elements are used to define the finite element mesh connectivity. However, the majority of model building in Flexcom is performed using Lines, which provide an automatic mesh creation facility to greatly expedite the model creation process. The Line Generation Report presents a summary of the finite element discretisation data for all lines in the model.
Flexcom can handle complex Seabed Profiles with ease. You simply specify an arbitrary cloud of data points, and Flexcom’s triangulation algorithm automatically generates a continuous profile via cubic spline interpolation. The Seabed Utility is a standalone application which allows you to generate compiled seabed bathymetry data files that can later be referenced by an analysis keyword file.
The Hydrodynamic Data Importer is a very helpful utility program which allows you to automatically import characteristic data relating to a Floating Body from a range of well known hydrodynamic simulation packages into Flexcom.