MIDAS FX

 No more worries for complicated finite element mesh modeling! The state-of-the-art automatic finite element MESH generator can now dramatically lessen your effort to create complicated structural analysis models.

	MIDAS/FX+ program supports component feature-based modeling and complete auto-generation of mesh. Even those who are unfamiliar with mesh modeling need not be intimidated.
	MIDAS/FX+ contains a unique collection of basic features that can be applied in combination to form any complex configuration encountered in civil/architectural structure and industrial facility modeling. The only aspect that the user is required to perform is to simply imagine the makeup of the configuration in terms of basic components. Compared to the preprocessors of other mesh modelers, MIDAS/FX+ works as if a child is playing with building blocks. The superior MIDAS/FX+ modeling technique renders substantially higher productivity.
	MIDAS/FX+, a creation of MIDAS, provides an optimized mesh network in practical structural engineering.

In practice, using the creative basic features of MIDAS/FX+, the modeling task of accurately representing a 3-D configuration becomes as easy as 1-2-3.

Select a desired feature from the basic feature templates. Then, enter the relevant geometric parameters and assign the placing location and orientation.

3-D basic features are immediately created in the working window.

Assign the features for which an intersection calculation is to be carried out. Answer the questions by a simple process of mouse-clicks whether to use the domain(s) divided by the intersections.

The status of activating/deactivating the domain(s) can be readily verified by graphic displays in real time.

Once the desired element size is specified, the entire mesh is created automatically.

Additional modeling work may be subsequently performed, such as auto-generation of soil springs, using the various functional capabilities of the program.

FX+ is an ideal preprocessing program, which consists of multiple window frames such as project window, model window and mesh window. It provides a wide range of functionality for modeling, element mesh control mechanisms and convenient user interface.

The program provides 24 different types of basic features. In order to create a 3-D structural configuration, the user selects a suitable feature from the basic feature templates and enters the relevant geometric parameters. And, subsequent features can be added on to the previously created model.

Feature

Geometric
Parameters

Descriptions

Cone

Variation from a cylinder to a cone shape may be created by varying the top and bottom diameters, with or without eccentricities at each end.

Pyramid

Varying the widths and depths at the top and bottom may create different hexahedron, pyramid or tent shapes. Eccentricities may be imposed in each planar direction, to a corner or side.

Rectangular
Box

Various rectangular box shapes can be created depending on the width, depth and corner rounding.

Blending
Box

Blended box configurations can be created by combining one circular end and one rectangular end, linearly connecting both ends.

Elliptic
Head

Varying the diameter, height and effective rotational angle can create various elliptical configurations.

Elbow

A curved pipe is created at a given rotational angle, varying from an elbow to a ring.

Sphere

Varying effective latitudinal and longitudinal angles can create a variety of full, semi or quarter spheres.

Shell of
Revolution

A 3-D object is created along the path of a revolving curved line about +z axis. A partial revolution creates an irregular configuration.

Circular
Plate

A basic plate feature representing a full circular plate.

Rectangular
Plate

Varying the width, depth and radii of rounding corners can create various plate shapes.

General
Plate

A general planar feature defined by curves and points drawn by the user.

Stiffener
Plate

Varying the widths at the top and bottom and the heights at the left and right sides can create basic plates in the shapes of rectangles, trapezoids or triangles.

Circular
Pipe

Specifying the diameter and heights of top and bottom parts and angle of inclination can create various circular pipes.

Rectangular
Pipe

Specifying the cross sectional dimensions and heights of top and bottom parts and angle of inclination can create various rectangular pipes

I-Beam

By designating a zero width, many different section shapes can be formed.

+-Beam

By eliminating one or more webs of a cruciform, many derivatives can be created.

C+C Double
Plate

A circular band of reinforcing plate (with a circular opening) used in welded connections. The width of the band is the only data necessary.

R+R Double
Plate

A rectangular band of reinforcing plate with a rectangular opening and rounded corners used in welded connections. The width and radii of the corners are the only data required.

G+R Doulble
Plate

A rectangular strip of reinforcing plate with a general (circular/rectangular) opening and rounded corners used in welded connections. The dimensions of the rectangle and rounding radii are the only data required.

Circular
Flange

By specifying the inner diameter and width, the connection position at the basic feature where the flange is to be connected to is defined in the feature coordinate system (FCS).

Rectangular
Flange

Rectangular opening dimensions, inside and outside corner rounding radii and width define a rectangular flange.

Hole

Various shapes of openings can be created through an object by specifying the opening dimensions and radii of the corners.

Tunnel

A basic feature depicting a tunnel curvature defined by three circular curves.

Coons Patch

A basic feature representing a free surface curvature defined by bi-directional interpolation of a group of four separate curved lines.

By combining 24 basic features, virtually unlimited number of different configurations encountered in practice may be created.

FX+ supports (local) feature coordinate systems, which are unique to each individual base features. We may locate a specific base feature relative to another base feature already defined rather than working in the global coordinate system. Some examples are "locate the new feature at the top of the existing feature F1" and similarly "at the bottom" or "in the middle". The feature coordinate system is supported throughout the process of all the tasks including modeling and generating meshes and is used quite extensively without referring to the global location.

FX+ provides the CAD modeling method in addition to the feature-based parametric modeling. The CAD modeling function enables us to draw the outline shape of the model by points and curves in which subsequent mesh generation takes place by the automatic mesh generation function. Alternatively, drawing data can be transferred to the FX+ program in the form of the AutoCAD DXF file.

Once the user specifies the subject basic features, MIDAS/FX+ automatically calculates the intersections and identifies the individual components separated by the intersections. The only task remaining for the user then, is to selectively determine whether to include the separated components in the mesh model by a simple process of mouse-clicks.

MIDAS/FX+, an achievement of MIDAS, is exclusively developed for civil and architectural structures and industrial facilities. The unique algorithm automatically generates a complete mesh network. MIDAS/FX+ is capable of including openings, lines and nodes that are present in the objects for automatic mesh generation. MIDAS/FX+ offers a control mechanism to manipulate mesh sizes and generates optimum meshes required in practice.

Mesh Generation Algorithm

Grid Mesher :	Generates non-structured element grids, which maintain superior orthogonal characteristics.
Flex Mesher :	Generates non-structured element grids with versatile density controls and smooth size transitions
Map Mesher :	Generates structured element grids.

MIDAS/FX+ implements 3 different methods of generating element grids.
	Extrusion (Translation & Rotation)
	Planar elements are translated and/or rotated to generate solid element grids.
	Mapped Meshing
	A group of 12 curved lines defining a closed volume generates structured solid element grids.
	Automatic Tetrahedral Meshing
	MIDAS/FX+ generates tetrahedral solid element grids within a given 3-D volume.

In addition to the capability of automatic mesh generation, FX+ provides a variety of other functions that enable us to generate and manipulate meshes manually. We may select and readily modify a specific part of meshes and optimize the meshing. Using extrusion and different Meshers in conjunction with fully automated mesh generation, we can readily create meshes for even complex planar and solid models. Also, various standards can be adopted to evaluate the quality of meshes generated prior to analysis.

The output of generated meshes can be produced in various types of data files [fn.mgb, fn.mgt / fn.mcb, fn.mct] in MIDAS/Gen and MIDAS/Civil as well as the following file types:

In addition, FX+ offers such other convenient functions as unlimited Undo and Redo, AutoCAD DXF file insertion, project integration, interface with MS-Excel, data check for unconnected elements, context help, etc.

The overall work process of FX+ using the base features consists of the three main steps: Generation of Features, Geometric Calculations and Mesh Generation.

FX+ performs the preprocessing steps initially required in the finite element analysis, whereas Gen and Civil include steps for specifying analysis conditions such as loading conditions, boundary conditions, etc., followed by analyzing and post-processing.