Thicknesses are required for the definition of surfaces. The thickness properties are included in the stiffness of the surface. In the simplest case, you specify a uniform thickness of the surface. However, you can also use the thickness properties to describe orthotropic features or layer models.
Name
The name of the thickness is generated from the parameters that have to be defined for each thickness. You can replace this name with another name by clicking the
button next to the text box.
Main
The Main tab manages the basic thickness parameters.
Thickness Type
The thickness type defines the geometry of the thickness. It affects the surface stiffness. Various thickness types are available for selection in the list.
Uniform
The standard type is suitable for surfaces that have a uniform thickness at any location. You can define the thickness in the "Properties" section.
Variable
A variable thickness describes a linear decrease or increase of the surface thickness. You can use different reference objects for the definition. Define the thicknesses available at specific nodes. The variable thickness is then obtained by a linear interpolation.
You can use any nodes or create new ones to define the thicknesses. However, it is necessary that FE nodes can be generated on these locations.
Layers
The "Layers" thickness type is suitable for models whose surfaces have a multilayer structure. This thickness type is described in the chapter Layers.
Shape Orthotropy
The "Shape Orthotropy" thickness type allows you to define orthotropic object properties by using geometric parameters. The different types are described in the chapter Shape Orthotropy.
Stiffness matrix
This type of thickness allows you to freely define the coefficients of the stiffness matrix. Define the orientation in the "Orthotropy" tab. Then, you can enter the matrix elements in the "Stiffness Matrix" tab.
Wall-Shear-Free
The 'Wall Shear Free' thickness types can be used to model the stiffness conditions of walls that only transfer axial forces but not shear. They can be used to model masonry or timber stud walls, for example.
For example, in the case of thicknesses without wall shear, the shear stiffness element D44 is determined by dividing D44 of the regular thickness type by the larger value of D66 or D77. This small shear stiffness prevents the surface from becoming kinematic.
With the thickness types 'Wall Shear Free in X' and 'Wall Shear Free in Y', you can control whether only horizontal or vertical forces are transferred.
Beam Panel
In 3D models, you can use the "Beam Panel" thickness type to define load-bearing structures composed of members and surfaces, such as timber panel walls. This thickness type is described in the chapter Beam Panel.
Material
It is necessary to assign a material to all thicknesses with the exception of the Stiffness Matrix thickness type. You can select it from the list of already defined materials. The buttons next to the text box allow you to select a material from the library or to define a new one (see the chapter Materials).
Properties
Define the parameters in the "Properties" section for uniform and linearly variable thickness types. The parameters of a variable thickness are shown in the image Defining Variable Thickness.
When you have assigned the thicknesses to particular surfaces, you can check the distribution of surface thicknesses in the rendering: Set the option Filled incl. Thickness in the "Navigator – Display".
