vgen

Mapdl.vgen(itime='', nv1='', nv2='', ninc='', dx='', dy='', dz='', kinc='', noelem='', imove='', **kwargs)

Generates additional volumes from a pattern of volumes.

APDL Command: VGEN

Generates additional volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, and areas) by extruding and scaling a pattern of areas in the active coordinate system.

If element attributes have been associated with the input area via the AATT command, the opposite area generated by the VEXT operation will also have those attributes (i.e., the element attributes from the input area are copied to the opposite area). Note that only the area opposite the input area will have the same attributes as the input area; the areas adjacent to the input area will not.

If the areas are meshed or belong to meshed volumes, a 3-D mesh can be extruded with this command. Note that the NDIV argument on the ESIZE command should be set before extruding the meshed areas.

Scaling of the input areas, if specified, is performed first, followed by the extrusion.

In a non-Cartesian coordinate system, the VEXT command locates the end face of the volume based on the active coordinate system. However, the extrusion is made along a straight line between the end faces. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Warning

Use of the VEXT command can produce unexpected results when operating in a non-Cartesian coordinate system. For a detailed description of the possible problems that may occur, see Solid Modeling in the Modeling and Meshing Guide.

Parameters:

itime

Do this generation operation a total of ITIMEs, incrementing all keypoints in the given pattern automatically (or by KINC) each time after the first. ITIME must be > 1 for generation to occur.

nv1, nv2, ninc

Generate volumes from pattern beginning with NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected volumes [VSEL]. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

dx, dy, dz

Keypoint location increments in the active coordinate system (–, Dθ, DZ for cylindrical, –, Dθ, – for spherical).

kinc

Keypoint increment between generated sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

noelem

Specifies if elements and nodes are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and elements associated with the original volumes, if they

exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

imove

Specifies whether to redefine the existing volumes:

0 - Generate additional volumes as requested with the ITIME argument.

1 - Move original volumes to new position retaining the same keypoint line, and

area numbers (ITIME, KINC, and NOELEM are ignored). Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Notes

Generates additional volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, areas and mesh) from a given volume pattern. The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the volumes in the pattern and not upon the current settings of the pointers. End slopes of the generated lines remain the same (in the active coordinate system) as those of the given pattern. For example, radial slopes remain radial, etc. Generations which produce volumes of a size or shape different from the pattern (i.e., radial generations in cylindrical systems, radial and phi generations in spherical systems, and theta generations in elliptical systems) are not allowed. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Volume, area, and line numbers are automatically assigned (beginning with the lowest available values [NUMSTR]).