Results post processing

CHAPTER 1
Introduction to Results Postprocessing
Elements indicate that results will be displayed on all selected elements of the model. For
graphs and reports the information can be extracted from the centroid, the element nodes or
element data as stored in the database.
Free faces describe those element faces common to only one element. This includes faces lining
the outside surface of a model or those inside surfaces exposed to internal voids. Free faces are
appropriate targets for displays such as fringe plots which are normally displayed on the surface
of the model or on a cutting plane through the model.
All Faces display results on each face of each element.
Free Edges display results on edges common to only one element. Use this target type when
displaying results on the same edges which are used to draw the model when Free Edge is
selected as the finite element display method.
All Edges display results on all element edges. Using this target selection allows mapping of
results onto a wireframe representation of the model.
Nodes display the selected results at each nodal location of the model. Tensor and vector plots
may all be displayed at nodal locations.
Corners display the selected results at nodes which are common to only one element. Tensor
and vector plots may all be displayed at corner locations.
Paths display the selected results along a defined path. The path can be defined as either a series
of beams or element edges, geometric curves, or selected points (either geometric or FEM based).
This target type is used with Graphs plots.
The following table summarizes the valid targets for all plot tools. When specifying target
entities in most cases you must specify both the target entities to which the plot will be assigned
and the attributes or additional display information. The table below shows target entity versus
attribute and which plots types are valid (D=deformation, F=fringe, Cl = Contour Lines, S=
Scalar, V=vector, T=tensor, Cu=Cursor, G=graph, R=report).
Target
Element
Free Faces
Current Viewport D,S,V,T,R F,Cl,S
,V,T
All Faces
Free Edges
F F,S,V
,T
Attribute
All Edges
Nodes
Corners
F D,S, V,T,R S,V,
T
Curves/
Edges/ Beams
Nodes D,S,V,T,
Cu,G,R
Elements D,S,V,T,
Cu,G,R
F,Cl F F F R
Groups D,S,V,T,G,
R
Materials D,S,V,T,G,
R
F,Cl,S
,V,T
F,Cl,S
,V,T
F F,S,V
,T
F F,S,V
,T
F D,S,V,T,G,
R
S,V,
T
F D,S,V,T,G S,V,
T
Elem. Nodes /
All Data
R
G,R
G,R
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