al

Mapdl.al(l1='', l2='', l3='', l4='', l5='', l6='', l7='', l8='', l9='', l10='', **kwargs)

Generate an area bounded by previously defined lines.

APDL Command: AL

Lines may be input (once each) in any order and must form a simply connected closed curve. If the area is defined with more than four lines, the lines must also lie in the same plane or on a constant coordinate value in the active coordinate system (such as a plane or a cylinder).

Solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Areas may be redefined only if not yet attached to a volume.

This command is valid in any processor.

Parameters:

l1, l2, l3, … , l10

List of lines defining area. The minimum number of lines is 3. The positive normal of the area is controlled by the direction of L1 using the right-hand rule. A negative value of L1 reverses the normal direction. If L1 = ALL, use all selected lines with L2 defining the normal (L3 to L10 are ignored and L2 defaults to the lowest numbered selected line). A component name may also be substituted for L1.

Returns:

int

Area number of the generated area.

Return type:

int

Examples

Create an area from four lines

>>> k0 = mapdl.k("", 0, 0, 0)
>>> k1 = mapdl.k("", 1, 0, 0)
>>> k2 = mapdl.k("", 1, 1, 0)
>>> k3 = mapdl.k("", 0, 1, 0)
>>> l0 = mapdl.l(k0, k1)
>>> l1 = mapdl.l(k1, k2)
>>> l2 = mapdl.l(k2, k3)
>>> l3 = mapdl.l(k3, k0)
>>> anum = mapdl.al(l0, l1, l2, l3)
>>> anum
1