Advanced Discretization

The Advanced Discretization option in the Mesh Setup dialog, allows the user maximum flexibility in customizing the discretization of the model boundaries.

In most cases, the regular discretization procedure, of specifying the Number of Excavation Nodes for all excavations, and the Gradation Factor, will be sufficient to obtain suitable discretization of boundaries. However, with the Advanced Discretization options, the user has complete control of the discretization of any part of the model.

Advanced Discretization is only applicable if the Mesh Type = Graded in the Mesh Setup dialog. To use Advanced Discretization:

  1. Select the Advanced Discretization checkbox, and the Mesh Setup dialog will expand to display the Advanced Discretization options.

  2. The Number of Nodes for each individual excavation boundary of your model, can be customized by entering the desired number of nodes for any excavation. Note that by default, when you initially select Advanced Discretization, the total number of nodes for all excavations, will be approximately equal to the Default Number of Nodes for All Excavations, in the main part of the Mesh Setup dialog.

  3. User Defined Regions can be created, by using the Add button, to select any rectangular region of the model. All boundaries within the User Defined region, can then be assigned a Number of Nodes, just like an excavation boundary.

  4. To delete User Defined Regions, use the Delete button.

  5. To reset all Advanced Discretization parameters to the defaults, select the Reset button.

  6. Note that the Element Length displays the average Element Length, for each Region Type. However, the user may also specify an Element Length. To do this, enter an Element Length for the desired Region Type. Then click the mouse anywhere in the grid, and the Number of Nodes will be updated, to the required number necessary to achieve the approximate Element Length entered.

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