I want to know if there is a quick way to insert a number of points and/or lines in a part or fem-file if I have a list of coordinates in Excel (or a list of start- and end coordinates in the case of lines). If yes, where can I find how to do that?
Solution
in order to import points to a fem file it is possible to follow this procedure:
Create an ASCII file contating the points coordinates. The file should only contain the coordinates values. Here is an example:
-8.57601 39.0327 58.7002
-7.73515 39.4248 63.6470
8.46866 -21.7104 112.000
-6.49016 117.504 77.3351
The file can be imported into the geometry of the model, from the cad file or the idealized file.
Select "menu --> file --> import --> points from file"
To have the points in the fem file the user just needs to select "points" in the "geometry options" panel that shows up while the user is creating a new fem file or, if the fem file file has already been created, just open it and right click on the first line contained into the "simulation navigator" selecting "edit". The fem creation option will show up again to be edited.
Depending on the way the "bodies to use" have been selected, there is the possibility the user needs to edit this too.
As an alternative you can import them if your file is organized like a solver input file, and these will be imported as nodes, not as points.
I use a NXNastran example.
GRID 1 0-8.57601 39.0327 58.7002 0
GRID 2 0-7.73515 39.4248 63.6470 0
GRID 3 0 8.46866-21.7104 112.000 0
GRID 4 0-6.49016 117.504 77.3351 0
Open the fem file in which the user wishes to import the points.
Selecting "menu --> file --> append" it is possible to import the file where the nodes are stored.
Notes