2D Mesh Files (*.2dm)

A finite element mesh can be saved in a generic format defined by SMS, called the 2dm format. In addition, the Generic Model interface in the Mesh module uses this format to save a template definition, in addition to model parameter, material property, and boundary condition assignments for a specific simulation. When a .2dm file is opened, the Current Numerical Model changes to the Generic Mesh Interface. To save a numerical model definition as a template file, you should first set up the template and save a .2dm file before any nodes are created.

Data Cards

 

Card Type

MESH2D

Description

Identifies the file as a 2d mesh file. Must be the first line of the file.

Required

YES

 

Card Type

ND

Description

Defines the ID and location for each node of the mesh.

Required

NO

Format

ND id x y z

Sample

ND 1 7.75e+005 1.10e+005 5.00e-001

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the node.

2-4

x,y,z

±

The x, y, and z coordinates of the point.

 

Card Type

E3T

Description

Identifies a 3-noded triangular element.

Required

NO

Format

E3T id n1 n2 n3 matid

Sample

E3T 1 1 2 3 1

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the element.

2-4

n1-n3

+

The ID's of nodes in the element.

5

matid

+

The ID of the material assigned to the element.

 

Card Type

E4Q

Description

Identifies a 4-noded quadrilateral element.

Required

NO

Format

E4Q id n1 n2 n3 n4 matid

Sample

E4Q 1 1 2 3 4 1

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the element.

2-5

n1-n4

+

The ID's of nodes in the element.

6

matid

+

The ID of the material assigned to the element.

 

Card Type

E6T

Description

Identifies a 6-noded triangular element.

Required

NO

Format

E6T id n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6 matid

Sample

E6T 1 1 2 3 1

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the element.

2-7

n1-n6

+

The ID's of nodes in the element.

8

matid

+

The ID of the material assigned to the element.

 

Card Type

E8Q

Description

Identifies an 8-noded quadrilateral element.

Required

NO

Format

E8Q id n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6 n7 n8 matid

Sample

E8Q 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the element.

2-9

n1-n8

+

The ID's of nodes in the element.

10

matid

+

The ID of the material assigned to the element.

 

Card Type

E9Q

Description

Identifies a 9-noded quadrilateral element.

Required

NO

Format

E9Q id n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6 n7 n8 n9 matid

Sample

E9Q 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1

Field

Variable

Value

Description

1

id

+

The ID of the element.

2-10

n1-n9

+

The ID's of nodes in the element.

11

matid

+

The ID of the material assigned to the element.

 

Card Type

NS

Description

Identifies a nodestring.

Required

NO

Format

NS n1 n2 n3 ... -nn

Sample

NS 1 2 3 4 5 6
NS 7 8 -9

Field

Variable

Value

Description

all

nx

+

The ID's of nodes in the nodestring. The last node is written as a negative number, thus signaling the nodestring's end. Multiple NS cards can be used for a single nodestring.

Model Template Data

The template data section of a 2dm file is described in the generic model template section. The specific model control parameters, boundary conditions and material properties for a simulation are also described in their own sections.