In Advance Design it is possible to convert a closed shape contour into a planar element.
Create a contour using the Advance Design CAD functions (arc, circle, fillet, polyline, etc.), and then access the convert to planar elements function.
1. First, create a closed shape:
2. Select the contour and activate the converting function (Modify / CAD / Convert lines to / planar elements menu, or click the corresponding icon on the CAD Modifications toolbar):
3. The planar element is generated:
4. The meshing can be automatically generated.
Next apply the same function on a circular slab. In Effel Structure, a linear element (representing the radius) is extruded in the plane => this function is also available in Advance Design:
1. Create the linear element:
2. Access the "Extrude" function (from the CAD Modifications toolbar or from the Modify / CAD / Extrude menu).
3. Apply the extrusion and the planar element is generated. The meshing can be automatically generated.
The downside of this method is that the mesh must be manually edited at the center of the circle to avoid the meshes in "points".
Advance Design allows converting the geometric object "circle" to a structure element.
A circle is defined by its center and radius and the number of sides. After creating a circle it is possible to apply the previous function and convert the circle to a structure element:
The benefit of this function is that the meshing is obtained immediately, without the "points" effect that the super-element has.