Splitting and collapsing edges

Estimated time to complete: 5–15 minutes

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the Split Edge command.

1: Setup

  1. On your desktop or the appropriate network drive, create a folder named boom2.

  2. Click the link below:

    Download the part

  3. Extract the file to your boom2 folder.

  4. Start Simcenter 3D or NX.

  5. Open boom_fem.fem.

2: Reset dialog box memory

The options you select in dialog boxes are preserved for the next time you open the same dialog box within a given session. Restore the default settings to ensure that the dialog boxes are in the expected initial state for each step of the activity.

File

Preferences→User Interface

  • Options

  •   Reset Dialog Memory

  • OK

     
3: Examine the assembly

To learn how the model is constructed, explore the components in the assembly. Examine the mesh collectors and associated physical property tables.

Polygon Geometry

  •  BOOM_TOP

    The component is highlighted in the graphics window.

  • Familiarize yourself with the rest of the assembly by selecting and highlighting the remaining BOOM components.

  • 2D Collectors

  • BOOM TOP

  • Edit

    In the Mesh Collector dialog box, note that the BOOM physical property table is defined.

  • Edit (Shell Property)

    Note that this mesh collector uses the AISI_STEEL_1008–HR material, and has a default thickness of 36.0 mm.

  • Cancel

     all dialog boxes

  • Continue to examine the other mesh collectors.

4: Change the display to static wireframe

Change the display to Static Wireframe so that you can more easily select edges.

  Static Wireframe (Top Border bar→Rendering Style list)

  •  

5: Split the edge of the side

You need to close the gap between the rib and the side of the boom. Begin by splitting the edge of the BOOM_RIGHT component.

  Split Edge (Polygon Geometry group→More list)

  • Type

    Project Point on Edge

  • Select Edge

  •   

  •   (point)

  • Note:

    The split occurs as soon as you select the point, and the Split Edge dialog box does not indicate that an edge or point is currently selected. However, you can confirm that the edge has split by hovering over the edge.

  • OK

     
6: Split the face between the rib and the side

The next step is to split the face between the BOOM_RIB_2 and BOOM_RIGHT components.

  Split Face (Polygon Geometry group)

  •  

  • Tip:

    When selecting the first point, make sure to select the start or end point of the edge that you split previously.

  • OK

     

     

7: Collapse the edge between the rib and the side

 Collapse Edge (Polygon Geometry group→More list)

  •    Move the cursor so the edge is highlighted, and click the end point.

    The corner of the rib moves to the edge.

  • OK

     

     

  Save

File

  • Close→All Parts