OPEN CURVE (Fills in an open area)

2

This function allows the user to fill in elements in a cut out area. Figure 6.1.25 shows the result of filled mesh using a spline curve to close the opening.

Figure 6.1.25 Filled mesh with Open Curve

Figure 6.1.26 Open Curve Options

Select the OPEN CURVE option, and the program will prompt the user to select elements near the expected fill area.

Select OK to accept the selected elements, and a window will be displayed, as shown in Figure 6.1.26, to prompt the user to select one of the following methods to fill the area.

SELECT NODES


This option allows the user to select a set of nodes to define the boundary to close the open curve for filling.

SELECT LINE


Allows the user to select an existing line as the outer boundary to close the open curve for filling. After a line is selected, the program displays the SELECT NODES window and prompts the user.

SELECT TWO NODES TO SPLIT THE LINE, OR PICK OK TO USE THE ENTIRE LINE
After selecting two nodes, the line segment between the selected nodes will be used as the boundary to close the open curve.


CREATE LINE


This option allows the user to create a line as the outer boundary to close the open curve for filling. After a line is created, the SELECT NODES window will be displayed.

SELECT TWO NODES TO SPLIT THE LINE, OR PICK OK TO USE THE ENTIRE LINE
After selecting two nodes, the line segment between the selected nodes will be used to close the open curve.


CREATE SPLINE


Allows the user to create a spline curve as the outer boundary for fill mesh. After the spline is created, the program will display the SELECT NODES window and prompt the user with the following message.

SELECT TWO NODES TO SPLIT THE LINE, OR PICK OK TO USE THE ENTIRE LINE
After selecting two nodes, the spline segment between the two points will be used

After the curve is defined by any of the above methods to close the region, the program will fill in a set of elements within the region.