FEMAP

Custom Tools

Version 11.1.1

Proprietary and Restricted Rights Notice

This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
2014 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. NX is a trademark or registered trademark
of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.

Siemens PLM
Web:

http://www.femap.com

Customer Support
Phone:
Web:

(714) 952-5444, (800) 955-0000 (In US & Canada)

http://support.ugs.com

The following copyright refers only to the bmp2raster.exe executable distributed with FEMAP:
NeuQuant Neural-Net Quantization Algorithm
Copyright (c) 1994 Anthony Dekker
NEUQUANT Neural-Net quantization algorithm by Anthony Dekker, 1994.
See "Kohonen neural networks for optimal colour quantization" in "Network: Computation in Neural Systems"
Vol. 5 (1994) pp 351-367 for a discussion of the algorithm.
See also http://members.ozemail.com.au/~dekker/NEUQUANT.HTML
Any party obtaining a copy of these files from the author, directly or indirectly, is granted, free of charge, a full and
unrestricted irrevocable, world-wide, paid up, royalty-free, nonexclusive right and license to deal in this software
and documentation files (the "Software"), including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons who receive copies from any
such party to do so, with the only requirement being that this copyright notice remain intact.

Conventions
This manual uses different fonts to highlight command names or input that you must type.

a:setup

Shows text that you should type.

OK, Cancel

Shows a command name or text that you will see in a

dialog box.

Throughout this manual, you will see references to Windows. Windows refers to Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit versions). You will need one of these
operating environments to run FEMAP for the PC. This manual assumes that you are familiar with the general use
of the operating environment. If you are not, you can refer to the Windows Users Guide for additional assistance.
Similarly, throughout the manual all references to FEMAP, refer to the latest version of our software.

Table of Contents
Proprietary and Restricted Rights Notice
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.2 Accessing the Custom Tools Menu .
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1.3 Setting the Location of the Custom Tools Application Files .
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1.3.1 FEMAP Preference for the Custom Tools Path .
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1.4 Customizing the Custom Tools Toolbar Menu.
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1.4.1 Example of Adding a Program File to the Custom Tools menu

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1-2
1-4
1-4
1-5
1-5

2. Custom Tools > Data Table

2.1 Add Corner Thickness .
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2.2 AddNodesandDisplacementstoDataTable
2.3 Get Change Column Width
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2.4 Output Max Min Across Sets .
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2.5 Show Hide Columns By Type .
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2-1
2-2
2-2
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2-2

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3-2
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3-3
3-3
3-3
3-3
3-3
3-3
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-5
3-5
3-5

3. Custom Tools > Element Update

3.1 AlignSolidElemCsysToSurfaceTangents .
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3.2 Beams Normal to Surface .
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3.3 Choose Separate Colors for RBE2s and RBE3s
3.4 Color Elements to Match Property .
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3.5 Color Elements to Match Solids
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3.6 Color Elements to Match Surfaces .
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3.7 Convert RBE2s to RBE3s.
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3.8 Convert Rigid to Active Beam .
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3.9 Divide Beams .
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3.10 Entity Reorient
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3.11 Orient Material Angle Tangent to Curve
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3.12 RenumberNodesAndElements
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3.13 Set Separate Colors for RBE2s and RBE3s .
3.14 Split Linear Quad and Hex Elements with Plane
3.15 Update Material Angle using Delta Value .

4. Custom Tools > Event Callback

4.1 callback .
4.2 Startloop .

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. 4-1
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. 5-2
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. 6-1

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. 8-1
. 8-1

5. Custom Tools > Examples

5.1 Examples, Read Airfoil
5.2 Examples, Using Text

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6. Custom Tools > File Processing

6.1 Custom Tools, File Processing, Import Inventor

7. Custom Tools >

GeometryProcessing
7.1 Break Curves at Middle .
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7.2 Create Points At Nodes .
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7.3 Extrude Multiple Surfaces
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7.4 Find Tangent Surfaces .
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7.5 Free Edges of Sheets to Groups
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7.6 MidSurface Clean Stitch Color and Delete
7.7 Move Workplane Tangent to Curve .
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7.8 SliceSolidsUpdateLayersAndGroups
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7.9 Solid Align Csys
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7-1
7-1
7-2
7-2
7-3
7-3
7-3
7-3
7-3

8. Custom Tools > Grouping

8.1 Element Group Expand .
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8.2 Export Groups to Patran Session File

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TOC-2

Table of Contents

8.3 Generate groups with solid names

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8.4 Geometry Group Expand .
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8.5 Group Elem Surface .
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8.6 Group From Displayed Groups .
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8.7 Group Matching Thickness .
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8.8 Group Nodes on Surface
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8.9 GroupRigidIndependentNodes .
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8.10 GroupSurfacesWithSelectedRadius .
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8.11 Property to Layers
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8.12 Removed Solids From Group Based On ID
8.13 Renumber Groups Alphabetically .
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8-2
8-2
8-2
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8-2

9.1 HoneyComb PShell Property

9-2

10.1 Import Connect .

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11-2
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12.1 Auto Boundary Faces With Poles, Auto Boundary Faces With Poles
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12.2 Auto Boundary Faces With Poles, Select Auto Boundary Faces With Poles .
12.3 Combine and Mesh Surface with One Curve .
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12.4 Combine and Mesh Surfaces .
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12.5 Compression Only Gaps .
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12.6 Connect Nodes on Surfaces with Rigid Elements .
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12.7 Copy Nodes with Increment
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12.8 Create Grounded CBUSH Elements .
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12.9 Hole to Hole Fastener .
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12.10 Merge All Nodes
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12.11 Move Merge Nodes .
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12.12 Multi DOF Springs from single DOF Spring .
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12.13 Multi Mass Elements
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12.14 ShowBadTetras .
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12.15 Show Worst Element
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12.16 Spider Curves .
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12.17 Spider Nodes .
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12.18 Spider Surfaces .
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12.19 Spider
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12-1
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12-3
12-3
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12-3
12-4
12-4
12-4
12-5
12-5
12-5
12-5
12-5
12-5

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13-1
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13-4
13-4
13-4

9. Custom Tools >

HoneyComb PSHELL >
HoneyComb PShell Property
10. Custom Tools >
Import then Connect Startup
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11. Custom Tools > Load Processing

11.1 Bearing load in active load set .
11.2 Bearing load in new load set
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11.3 Solid Face Loading with Equation
11.4 Load Processing, Temp Grad in X
11.5 Load Processing, Temp Grad in y
11.6 Temp Grad in Z .
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12. Custom Tools > Meshing

13. Custom Tools > Model Query

13.1 CBUSH Csys Display Reset
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13.2 CBUSH Csys Display Reset with Message Box
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13.3 CBUSH Csys Display.
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13.4 Distortion to Output Vectors for 10 .
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13.5 Distortion to Output Vector
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13.6 Element Count by Type and Group .
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13.7 Element Count by Type .
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13.8 Group Elements with No Material Angle Defined .
13.9 Group Shell Elements with No Material Angle Defined
13.10 GroupShowAllConnectedElements .
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13.11 Highlight Tria3s
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13.12 LSDyna_Time_Step_Calculator
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13.13 Model Contents.
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13.14 Multi Dependent Rigid Check .
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13.15 ShowConnectedElems .
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TOC-3

Table of Contents

14. Custom Tools > Node Update

14.1 Create Nodes Project Nodes Onto Curve.BAS
14.2 Move Nodes Normal To Curve .
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.14-1
.14-1

15.1 ASME Stress Intensity Calculator .

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15.2 Bar Get Output Data
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15.3 Beam List Axial and Total Shear .
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15.4 Calculate Factor of Safety for Solid Elements
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15.5 Calculate Mid Plate Stresses .
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15.6 GROUP_POST_FNO .
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15.7 Laminate Envelope Failure Indices
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15.8 Laminate Max Fiber Strain .
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15.9 Laminate Next Ply .
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15.10 Laminate Prev Ply.
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15.11 Line Element Elongation From Displacements .
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15.12 List Output to Excel .
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15.13 Nodes Move By Deform with Options .
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15.14 Nodes Move By Deform
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15.15 RealVonMises_All Output Sets .
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15.16 RealVonMises_Select Sets .
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15.17 Strain Energy Participation .
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15.18 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum AdvNonlin Contact Force
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15.19 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum AdvNonlin Contact GPF On Connector
15.20 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum Contact GPF On Connector .
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15.21 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum Contact GPF .
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15.22 Tetra Adaptive Mesh and Rerun .
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15.23 Word Report Generator
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16.5 Surface Color Fixup

15. Custom Tools > PostProcessing

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17. Custom Tools >

Standard Analysis
17.1 modal analysis.
17.2 static analysis .

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18. Custom Tools > Views

18.1 Snap to Closest Orthogonal View
18.2 Switch Background For Printing
18.3 View Color Swap .
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TOC-4

Table of Contents

1.

Introduction

This section introduces the API scripts contained within the API folder in FEMAP.

1.1 Introduction to the Custom Tools API Scripts included

with FEMAP
FEMAP includes tools to automate repetitive and/or multi-step geometry, meshing and model editing workflows via the
Custom Tools toolbar menu in FEMAP. These tools were created using the Femap API and are located under the main
FEMAP installation folder under the api folder. The majority of these API automation tools are Basic Language.BAS
scripts, while the remaining are Microsoft visual Studio Basic compiled projects in the form of .exe files.

1-2

Introduction

1.2 Accessing the Custom Tools Menu

By default, the Custom Tools toolbar is activated the first time FEMAP is executed. If the Custom Tools menu is not activated in your FEMAP session, right-click your mouse on a command in the Main Menu bar or in an area outside of docked
tool bars and select Custom Tools from the pop-up menu as shown below. Note that activated tool bars will be displayed
with check box to the left of the toolbar name.

Introduction

1-3

The Custom Tools toolbar can also be activated or deactivated through the Tools, Toolbars command. When the Customize
dialog box is activated, click the Toolbars tab, then click the check box for the Custom Tools menu.

1-4

Introduction

1.3 Setting the Location of the Custom Tools Application

Files
The default location of the Custom Tools menu is the api folder under the main FEMAP installation folder. You can override
this by two (2) methods:

Modify FEMAPs preference for the location of the Custom Tools files.

From the Custom Tools toolbar menu, select the Tools Directory command where you specify a folder where automation
files are located. Using this method will

1.3.1 FEMAP Preference for the Custom Tools Path

Select the FEMAP command, File, Preferences. Under the Library/Startup tab, click the Browse icon for Custom Tools
Path, and select a folder location where the custom tools are located. Note, only the files located under this folder and its
subfolders will be included in Custom Tools toolbar menu.

Introduction

1-5

1.4 Customizing the Custom Tools Toolbar Menu

You can add a file to be accessed from the Custom Tools toolbar menu.
Selecting the Add Tools command from the Custom Tools toolbar menu you to assign a *.exe; *.com; *.pif; *.bat; *.cmd;
*.pro; *.prg; *.bas file to the custom tools menu. Adding one of these files will copy the selected file to the folder designated
as the Custom Tools Path and the file name without its file extension will appear in the Custom Tools toolbar menu arranged
alphabetically as shown in the following example.

1.4.1 Example of Adding a Program File to the Custom Tools menu

In this example, a FEMAP Program File (.pro file extension) is desired to be added to the Custom Tools menu.
The steps are as follows:

Select the command, Custom Tools, Add Tools

Select the file to copy in the Select File to Copy to Custom Tools Directory dialog box. In this case, the file is located in
the C:\Femap\Automation\Program Files folder and is titled Create Load and Constraint Set.pro. The Open button is
clicked to confirm the selection.

1-6

Introduction

When the Custom Tools menu is selected, the newly added program file has been added to this menu. Note that all files
added to the Custom Tools menu are arranged by alphabetically.

2.

Custom Tools > Data Table

This section provides an overview of the Data Table API scripts under the Custom Tools, Data Table toolbar menu.

2.1 Add Corner Thickness

This script adds columns for the values of the corner thickness of elements included in the Data Table.

2-2

Custom Tools > Data Table

2.2 AddNodesandDisplacementstoDataTable
This API .bas script populates the Data Table with the X, Y, and Z coordinates and displacements of selected nodes.

2.3 Get Change Column Width

This API .bas script reduces the column widths of all displayed columns in the Data Table by a factor of 2.

2.4 Output Max Min Across Sets

This script requests the selection of Output Sets, Output Vectors, and elements for determining either the maximum
or the minimum values of the Output Vectors and their Element ID. This script does not generate enveloped output
sets and output vectors like the Model, Output, Process command.

2.5 Show Hide Columns By Type

This script will show all columns in the Data Table based upon the entity type displayed in the Data Table. For
nodes and elements, the active Output Set Output Vector results will be added. Values for Layers and Colors will be
hidden.

3.

Custom Tools > Element Update

This section provides an overview of the API scripts used modify element property attributes, types and display
attributes under the Custom Tools, Element Update toolbar menu.

3-2

Custom Tools > Element Update

3.1 AlignSolidElemCsysToSurfaceTangents
This FEMAP API .bas script creates a Csys at the centroid of the selected element(s) aligned with the selected surface U and V tangent directions at the projected element centroid. The Csys is used to create a Solid property with
its material angle aligned with the Csys.

3.2 Beams Normal to Surface

This API .bas script aligns the selected beam Y-axes with the normal projected to the selected surface from the
beam centroid.
In this example, the beams are meshed with their Y-axes parallel to the global X-axis as shown below on the left.
When the script is run, all the beam elements are selected to be re-oriented to be normal to the green surface which
results in an updated model as shown below on the right.

3.3 Choose Separate Colors for RBE2s and RBE3s

This API .bas script modifies the color of allRBE2 and RBE3 elements in the active model to the colors set by
pushing one or both of the Select RBE2 Color and/or Select RBE3 Color buttons. The color of the RBE2 elements will be changed only if the Select RBE2 Color button is pushed and the color of RBE3 elements will be
changed only if the Select RBE3 Color button is changed.

Color Elements to Match Property

3-3

3.4 Color Elements to Match Property

This API .bas script modifies all elements in a model to match the element property color. Does not change the
View Option for Element Color Mode.

3.5 Color Elements to Match Solids

This API .bas script modifies the color of solid elements in a model to match the color the solid associated with the
element. Does not change the View Option for Element Color Mode.

3.6 Color Elements to Match Surfaces

This API .bas script modifies the color of planar elements in a model to match the color the solid associated with
the element. Does not change the View Option for Element Color Mode.

3.7 Convert RBE2s to RBE3s

This API .bas script modifies selected RBE2 elements to RBE3 elements. This script does not remove any rotational DOFs from the independent nodes on the converted RBE3 elements that previously existed when they were
dependent nodes on RBE2 elements.

3.8 Convert Rigid to Active Beam

This API .bas script converts selected rigid elements to the active beam property ID. If the active property is not a
beam, the script activates a message box informing the user to activate or create and activate a new beam property.

3.9 Divide Beams

This API .bas script converts splits a single selected beam element into the number of elements entered. The start
and end nodes of the original element are retained in their positions.

3.10 Entity Reorient

This API .bas script allows you to select one or more entities of a single type, reposition by selecting a initial position plane and the final position plane. When an element is selected, all nodes on that element are repositioned as
well, which could effect any adjacent elements using those nodes.

3-4

Custom Tools > Element Update

3.11 Orient Material Angle Tangent to Curve

This API .bas script projects the centroid of the selected elements to the selected leading curve and uses the tangent of the curve at that location as the material angle for that element. Elements are selected after the leading
curve.
This API has been updated for FEMAP v11 to display the material angle (View Option: Element - Material Direction) and prompt to reverse the angle if the curve direction is reversed from the desired material direction.
The Modify, Update Element, Material Orientation command has been updated in FEMAP v11 to provide the
same functionality as this API and includes the ability to select multiple curves as well as input a delta angle to the
tangent.

RenumberNodesAndElements

3-5

3.12 RenumberNodesAndElements
This API .bas script renumbers all nodes and elements in the active model by the selected order and coordinate system.

3.13 Set Separate Colors for RBE2s and RBE3s

This API .bas script sets one color for all RBE2 and a single different color for all RBE3 elements in the model.

3.14 Split Linear Quad and Hex Elements with Plane

This API .bas script splits selected linear quad and hex elements with a user-specified plane. Elements whose existing nodes lie to close to the plane are ignored for splitting.

3.15 Update Material Angle using Delta Value

This API .bas script prompts the user to input a delta value of the material angle to be applied to the elements
selected. This script has been modified for FEMAP v11.1 to display the element material angle before selecting the
elements.

3-6

Custom Tools > Element Update

4.

Custom Tools > Event Callback

This section provides an overview of the Event Callback API scripts under the Custom Tools, Event Callbacks toolbar menu.

4.1 callback
This API .bas script checks for existence of variables (ITER, K, K1, K2, and PID) in the active FEMAP model file.
If these variables exist, an IF statement is run against K1 <= K <= K2. If the test passes and an active Analysis Set
exists in the FEMAP model, then the API script renames the active Analysis Set to the value of the callback
returned with the method App.feAppEventCallback (FEVENT_RESULTSEND, ).

4-2

Custom Tools > Event Callback

4.2 Startloop
This API .bas script checks for Shell properties in the active FEMAP model file, then prompts the user to enter a
starting value for the thickness of a selected Shell property, the ending value of the thickness and the number of
iterations from the stating to the ending value.

The API uses the App.feAppEventCallback (FEVENT_RESULTSEND,path) call modifies the name of the analysis set and result set as it iterates from the Starting Thickness to the Ending Thickness.

5.

Custom Tools > Examples

This Custom Tools API .bas scripts contain basic examples of using FEMAPs API to develop custom applications.

5-2

Custom Tools > Examples

5.1 Examples, Read Airfoil

This API .bas script reads a text file containing X and Y coordinates of an airfoil shape and creates points on the
workplane using the X and Y coordinates in the supplied text file.
This example uses the FEMAP API object Read and the fileRead file read method.

5.2 Examples, Using Text

This API .bas creates a text object with the Node ID at the location of the selected node.

6.

Custom Tools > File Processing

6.1 Custom Tools, File Processing, Import Inventor

This API .bas script is an example of calling an external program from within Femap to process files. In this case,
the Autodesk Inventor Apprentice Object Library is used to open an Inventor file, export it as an ACIS .sat file,
then import it into the active Femap model file. In order to run this API, the Autodesk Inventor viewer is required
to be installed on the PC that this script is run on.

6-2

Custom Tools > File Processing

7.

Custom Tools >

GeometryProcessing
These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate FEMAP geometry creation and editing operations.

7.1 Break Curves at Middle

This FEMAP API .bas script breaks curves at the midpoint of selected curve(s).

7.2 Create Points At Nodes

This FEMAP API .bas script create a point at every selected node.

7-2

Custom Tools > GeometryProcessing

7.3 Extrude Multiple Surfaces

This FEMAP API .bas script is similar to the Geometry, Solid, Extrude command, except that multiple surfaces
can be selected to extrude along a user-defined vector and distance in a single operation. Surfaces selected are
retained, while the surfaces selected to be extruded are extruded into separate solids.

7.4 Find Tangent Surfaces

This FEMAP API .bas script is used to find a chain of tangent surfaces by selecting a single starting surface. The
color of tangent surfaces are colored red. Tangent surfaces must be on the same solid as the selected surface.

Resulting model with red surfaces indicating surfaces continuously tangent to the selected surface.

Free Edges of Sheets to Groups

7-3

7.5 Free Edges of Sheets to Groups

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a group containing the free edges of all sheet solids in the active FEMAP
model file.

7.6 MidSurface Clean Stitch Color and Delete

This FEMAP API .bas script creates generates and stitches mid-surfaces from a selected solid. The original solid is
automatically deleted.

7.7 Move Workplane Tangent to Curve

This FEMAP API .bas script sets the origin of the workplane at the start point of the selected curve and the workplane X-axis aligned with the tangent of the curve at its start point. The workplane Y-axis is aligned with the vector
cross product of the curve tangent vector and the perpendicular to a vector defined by the curve start and end
points.

7.8 SliceSolidsUpdateLayersAndGroups
This FEMAP API .bas script slices a selected solid with a user-specified plane, and assigns the resulting solids to
the selected solids layer and group(s)

7.9 Solid Align Csys

This FEMAP API .bas script transforms a selected solid from a selected coordinate system to a another selected
coordinate system. The from coordinate system is also transformed.

7-4

Custom Tools > GeometryProcessing

After selecting the from and to coordinate systems are selected and the bracket is selected, the from and the
bracket are transformed as shown below.

8.

Custom Tools > Grouping

These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate FEMAP Group rule modifications.

8.1 Element Group Expand

This FEMAP API .bas script uses elements in the active group and adds all adjacent elements. Nodes attached to
the elements are also added to the group.

8.2 Export Groups to Patran Session File

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a Patran session file that generates groups and group rules duplicating the
selected FEMAP groups ID(s), title(s) and element and node IDs in the group(s).

8-2

Custom Tools > Grouping

8.3 Generate groups with solid names

This FEMAP API .bas script generates a group for every solid in the active FEMAP model file including its related
entities.

8.4 Geometry Group Expand

This FEMAP API .bas script adds adjacent surfaces using curves attached to the existing surfaces in the active
group. Curves on the adjacent surfaces are also added to the group.

8.5 Group Elem Surface

This FEMAP API .bas script adds any surface to the active group associated to a selected element.

8.6 Group From Displayed Groups

This FEMAP API .bas script creates combines displayed groups into a new group.

8.7 Group Matching Thickness

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a new group containing elements with a thickness value equal to the thickness
of a selected property. Works only for plate or plane strain elements.

8.8 Group Nodes on Surface

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a new group containing nodes on a selected surface.

8.9 GroupRigidIndependentNodes
This FEMAP API .bas script appends to the active group, or creates a new group of independent node(s) on rigid
element(s) in the active FEMAP model file.

8.10 GroupSurfacesWithSelectedRadius
This FEMAP API .bas script creates a group of cylindrical surfaces with a user-specified radius.

8.11 Property to Layers

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a new layer for every property in the active FEMAP model file and modifies
the elements with that property to the layer corresponding to the property.

8.12 Removed Solids From Group Based On ID

This FEMAP API .bas script removes selected solid(s) along with the solids surfaces, curves, points, and associated elements and nodes from the active group.

8.13 Renumber Groups Alphabetically

This FEMAP API .bas script renumbers groups beginning with ID = 90,000,000 by their title.

9.

Custom Tools >

HoneyComb PSHELL >
HoneyComb PShell Property
This FEMAP API .bas script follows the NASA FEMCI (Finite Element Modeling Continuous Improvement)
guidelines for representing a composite honeycomb sandwich with a NASTRAN PSHELL. For further information
on this method, go to http://femci.gsfc.nasa.gov/hcplate/index.html.

9-2

Custom Tools > HoneyComb PSHELL > HoneyComb PShell Property

9.1 HoneyComb PShell Property

This script requires that at least one material be available to create the PSHELL property. The following inputs are
required:

Property Title

Total Face Sheet Thickness (assumes that both the top and bottom sheets are the same thickness)

Face Sheet Material - selected from a list of materials in the active FEMAP model

Core Thickness

Core Material - selected from a list of materials in the active FEMAP model

Core Density (RHO)

HoneyComb PShell Property

9-3

The resulting PSHELL property results as follows given the data entries in the snapshot of the dialog box:

9-4

Custom Tools > HoneyComb PSHELL > HoneyComb PShell Property

10.

Custom Tools >

Import then Connect Startup

10.1 Import Connect

This FEMAP API .bas script is used as an example of calling FEMAP commands using the feRunCommand
method. This API script prompts for a Solid Edge part or assembly file then using the eFileProgramRun method,
a Program File activates the command, Connect, Automatic.

10-2

Custom Tools > Import then Connect Startup

11.

Custom Tools > Load Processing

These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate FEMAP load creation.

11-2

Custom Tools > Load Processing

11.1 Bearing load in active load set

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for surface(s), a cylindrical coordinate system and total load value, then creates a element pressure load distributed by a sinusoidal equation. If the value of the load is less than zero (0), then
the load on the element is not created. The load is applied to the active load set. If no load set(s) exist, or none are
active, a new load set is created and activated.

11.2 Bearing load in new load set

This FEMAP API .bas script is similar to the Custom Tools, Load Processing, Bearing load in active set, except
that it always places the load in a new load set.

11.3 Solid Face Loading with Equation

This FEMAP API .bas script is an example of finding the solid element faces attached to a selected surface using
the ElementFaces method. A convection load is applied to the element faces with an equation based on the position
of the element face centroid. This API script requires that an active load set be present in the active FEMAP model.

11.4 Load Processing, Temp Grad in X

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for an initial temperature and a temperature gradient, or the change in temperature over the extent of the mesh in the global X direction. These user-input values are used to apply a nodal
temperature load to all nodes in the model based on the delta-X from the lowest X-coordinate value of nodes to the
highest X-coordinate value of nodes in the model. This API script requires that an active load set be present in the
active FEMAP model.

11.5 Load Processing, Temp Grad in y

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for an initial temperature and a temperature gradient, or the change in temperature over the extent of the mesh in the global Y direction. These user-input values are used to apply a nodal
temperature load to all nodes in the model based on the delta-Y from the lowest Y-coordinate value of nodes to the
highest Y-coordinate value of nodes in the model. This API script requires that an active load set be present in the
active FEMAP model.

11.6 Temp Grad in Z

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for an initial temperature and a temperature gradient, or the change in temperature over the extent of the mesh in the global Z direction. These user-input values are used to apply a nodal
temperature load to all nodes in the model based on the delta-Z from the lowest Z-coordinate value of nodes to the
highest Z-coordinate value of nodes in the model. This API script requires that an active load set be present in the
active FEMAP model.

12.

Custom Tools > Meshing

These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate FEMAP meshing.

12.1 Auto Boundary Faces With Poles, Auto Boundary Faces With
Poles
This FEMAP API .bas script finds all surfaces with poles and applies the feBoundaryFromSurfaces method to
those surfaces.

12-2

Custom Tools > Meshing

12.2 Auto Boundary Faces With Poles, Select Auto Boundary Faces
With Poles
This FEMAP API .bas script is similar to Custom Tools, Auto Boundary Faces With Poles, Auto Boundary Faces
With Poles, except that the user selects the surfaces to check for poles.

12.3 Combine and Mesh Surface with One Curve

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for the selection of one or more curves. These curves are used to select the
surfaces attached to the curves, and then combines them into a single boundary surface using the
feBoundaryFromSurfaces API function.
The original mesh on the surfaces attached to the curve(s) is deleted and the resulting boundary surface is meshed.
The curves selected must all be part of a contiguous set of surfaces, if not, the API script will flag and error and exit
without making any changes to the model.

12.4 Combine and Mesh Surfaces

This FEMAP API .bas script is similar to Custom Tools, Meshing, Combine and Mesh Surface with One Curve,
except that the user selects the surfaces to combine.

12.5 Compression Only Gaps

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for a surface. Coincident nodes are generated at all node locations on the surface. The coincident nodes have permanent constraints applied in all six (6) degrees of freedom.
A Coordinate System is created for each node location on the surface with its local X-axis in the direction of the
surface normal at the node location and a compression GAP element is generated from the surface node to the coincident node.

12.6 Connect Nodes on Surfaces with Rigid Elements

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for two (2) surfaces to be connected with rigid elements between the nodes
surfaces The connections will be from nodes on the surface with the lowest number of nodes to the closest node on
the other selected surface using the API feMeshClosestLink function.

Copy Nodes with Increment

12-3

12.7 Copy Nodes with Increment

This FEMAP API .bas script copies selected nodes along a user-selected vector direction and distance. The user
first inputs an increment from the original node number that is used to calculate the copied nodes IDs

12.8 Create Grounded CBUSH Elements

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for an existing CBUSH (Spring/Damper) Property with an Orientation Csys
assigned.
Next, the user is prompted to selected node(s) and a coincident node is generated at each selected node location
with permanent constraints applied in all six (6) degrees of freedom. A CBUSH element is then generated for every
original node selected and its coincident node.

12.9 Hole to Hole Fastener

This FEMAP API .bas script generates a fastener represented by a beam element and rigid elements connecting the
ends of the beam to the start and end edges of the hole.
An active Material is required to run this script. The user is first prompted for curves at the start of the beam. These
curves must be arcs. The first curves radius is used to create a Beam property titled API Fastener and a spider
Rigid (RBE2) element with the independent node at the center of the nodes on the selected curves connected to the
nodes on the selected curves.
The used selects a second set of curves that is used to generate a second Rigid (RBE2) element. The independent
nodes on the two Rigid elements are used to generate a Beam element with the API Fastener property.

12.10 Merge All Nodes

This FEMAP API .bas scripts merges all coincident nodes in the model with a tolerance of .001.

12-4

Custom Tools > Meshing

12.11 Move Merge Nodes

This FEMAP API .bas scripts first prompts the user with option to either move the first selected node to the location
of a second selected node, or, merge the two selected nodes at the location of the centroid of the two selected nodes.

12.12 Multi DOF Springs from single DOF Spring

This FEMAP API .bas scripts prompts the user to select a single DOF Spring that is replaced with one or more
DOF springs with the specified DOF Degree(s) of Freedom and Stiffness(es).
The original DOF Spring property is replaced with the first DOF spring selected in the Specify DOFs and Stiffness
dialog box.

12.13 Multi Mass Elements

This FEMAP API .bas script creates a MASS element at every user-selected node using a user-selected MASS
property.

ShowBadTetras

12-5

12.14 ShowBadTetras
This FEMAP API .bas script checks for element distortion using the API feCheckElemDistortion function for any
elements with a Jacobian at or above a value of 0.7. Any elements exceeding this limit are placed into a distorted
element group and the distorted element group is highlighted in the graphics pane.

12.15 Show Worst Element

This FEMAP API .bas script checks for element distortion using the API feCheckElemDistortion function for any
elements with a Jacobian at or above a value of 0.7. Any elements exceeding this limit are placed into a distorted
element group and the element with the highest Jacobian value is centered and highlighted in the graphics pane.
This elements ID and the value of the Jacobian are also listed in the Messages pane.

12.16 Spider Curves

This FEMAP API .bas script generates a Rigid (RBE2) element by creating the independent node at the centroid of
nodes on user-selected curves. The dependent nodes for the Rigid element are the nodes on the selected curves.
The same functionality exists in the Define Rigid Element dialog box by selecting the option for New Node at Center.

12.17 Spider Nodes

This FEMAP API .bas script generates a Rigid (RBE2) element by creating the independent node at the centroid of
user-selected nodes. The dependent nodes for the Rigid element are the selected nodes.
The same functionality exists in the Define Rigid Element dialog box by selecting the option for New Node at Center.

12.18 Spider Surfaces

This FEMAP API .bas script generates a Rigid (RBE2) element by creating the independent node at the centroid of
nodes on user-selected surfaces. The dependent nodes for the Rigid element are the nodes on the selected surfaces.
The same functionality exists in the Define Rigid Element dialog box by selecting the option for New Node at Center.

12.19 Spider
This FEMAP API .bas script operates identically to the API script, Spider Nodes.

12-6

Custom Tools > Meshing

13.

Custom Tools > Model Query

These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate model display, output, Analysis Set editing and model
query and checking operations.

13.1 CBUSH Csys Display Reset

This FEMAP API .bas script deletes all GFXArrows used to display CBUSH coordinate systems generated by the
API script, CBUSH Csys Display.

13-2

Custom Tools > Model Query

13.2 CBUSH Csys Display Reset with Message Box

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts for the removal of GFXArrows used to display CBUSH coordinate systems
generated by the API script, CBUSH Csys Display.

13.3 CBUSH Csys Display

This FEMAP API .bas script generates GFXArrows to display the local coordinate system of all CBUSH elements
in the active Femap model.

13.4 Distortion to Output Vectors for 10

This FEMAP API .bas script creates an Output Set and Output Vectors with the results of element distortion checking. The function, feGetElemDistortion.is used to run the FEMAP command, Tools, Check, Distortion.

13.5 Distortion to Output Vector

This FEMAP API .bas script creates an Output Set and Output Vectors with the results of element distortion checking. The function, feGetElemDistortion.is used to run the FEMAP command, Tools, Check, Distortion.

13.6 Element Count by Type and Group

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts the user to select group(s) and lists the number of every element type in the
selected group(s). The list is displayed in the Model Info pane.

13.7 Element Count by Type

This FEMAP API .bas script lists the number of every element type in the model in the Model Info pane.

13.8 Group Elements with No Material Angle Defined

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts the user to select elements to check for no material angle. Any element without a material angle are assigned to a new group titled Elements without Material Angle Defined.

13.9 Group Shell Elements with No Material Angle Defined

This FEMAP API .bas script prompts the user to select elements to check for no material angle. Shell elements
without a material angle are assigned to a new group titled Elements without Material Angle Defined.

GroupShowAllConnectedElements

13-3

13.10 GroupShowAllConnectedElements
This FEMAP API .bas script prompts the user to select a single element. All elements sharing nodes with the
selected element and adjacent elements are placed into a new group, All Mesh Connected to Elem nnn, where nnn is
the ID of the selected element. Connected elements are highlighted using the feViewShow function.

13.11 Highlight Tria3s

This FEMAP API .bas script highlights all 3-node triangular elements in the active model.

13.12 LSDyna_Time_Step_Calculator
This FEMAP API .bas script calculates the minimum time step required for a LS Dyna analysis.

13-4

Custom Tools > Model Query

13.13 Model Contents

This FEMAP API .bas script calculates and lists the number of data blocks used for the active Femap model file by
entity type. This script uses the feAppModelContents function.

13.14 Multi Dependent Rigid Check

This FEMAP API .bas script checks for redundant dependencies on RBE2 and RBE3 elements and lists any redundancies in the Messages pane.

13.15 ShowConnectedElems
This FEMAP API .bas script is similar to the API script, GroupShowAllConnectedElements, except it only highlights the adjacent elements, and not all the elements connected. It also does not create a group of connected elements.

14.

Custom Tools > Node Update

These Custom Tools API scripts provide tools to automate the creation and modification of nodes.

14.1 Create Nodes Project Nodes Onto Curve.BAS

This API .BAS script copies user-selected nodes and projects the copied nodes onto a selected curve.

14.2 Move Nodes Normal To Curve

This API .BAS script project prompts the user first for a curve to project towards, the nodes to move and a distance
to move the nodes along the vector from the original node location to the projected location on the curve.

14-2

Custom Tools > Node Update

15.

Custom Tools > PostProcessing

These API scripts automate post-processing operations.

15.1 ASME Stress Intensity Calculator

This API .BAS script calculates mid-plane stresses for plate elements and ASME Stress Intensity values for plate,
beam and 8-node brick elements.
NOTE: If the model contains results for tetrahedral solid elements, those Output Vectors should be deleted before
running this script, otherwise an error will occur.

15-2

Custom Tools > PostProcessing

15.2 Bar Get Output Data

This API .BAS script list Bar element Bar tension and compression mean stresses.
This folder also includes a spreadsheet, Bar Get Output Data.xls, that fills spreadsheet cells with the same output
data as the API script. This Excel macro must be edited to reference the location of the Femap v11 type library,
femap.tlb.

15.3 Beam List Axial and Total Shear

This API .BAS script lists the axial force and calculates and lists the total shear force for each beam.

15.4 Calculate Factor of Safety for Solid Elements

This API .BAS script calculates the factor of safety for solid elements for a selected Output Set.

15.5 Calculate Mid Plate Stresses

This API .BAS script calculates mid-plane plate stresses and creates Output Vectors for mid-plane stresses in the
element X and Y directions.

15.6 GROUP_POST_FNO
This API .BAS script allows selection of a particular group for post-processing, then creates a new model file with
only the entities in the group (along with any entities needed to make a valid model in a new model) and attaches a
FEMAP Neutral File Output (FNO) file with the selected output.
After the group is selected, a copy of that group is made for temporary use and the Group, Operations, Add
Related Entities is run on that group (this group is later deleted by the script). This group is used to create a valid
model in the new FEMAP model. A FEMAP Neutral Output (FNO) File is then created containing the output sets
and output vectors selected using the Select Output to Export dialog box. From there, the script creates a new
model file in FEMAP with only the entities from the selected group and then attaches the FNO file to allow for
post-processing on those entities in the group.

15.7 Laminate Envelope Failure Indices

This API .BAS script envelopes the Laminate Ply Failure Indices for the active Output Set. Femap now automatically creates Output Vector 6060..Laminate Max Failure Index, so the use of this API script is no longer required.
A sample Femap Neutral File, lam1.neu is included with results as and example model.

15.8 Laminate Max Fiber Strain

This API .BAS script calculates the maximum fiber stain for all laminate elements included in the active Output
Set. Strain results must exist in the active Output Set.
A sample Femap Neutral File, lam1.neu is included with results as and example model.

15.9 Laminate Next Ply

This API .BAS script sets the Output Vector to the next ply number with the output type. For example, if Lam Ply1
X Normal Stress is the current Output Vector, running this script sets the Output Vector to Lam Ply2 X Normal
Stress.

15.10 Laminate Prev Ply

This API .BAS script sets the Output Vector to the previous ply number with the output type. For example, if Lam
Ply2 X Normal Stress is the current Output Vector, running this script sets the Output Vector to Lam Ply1 X Normal
Stress.

Line Element Elongation From Displacements

15-3

15.11 Line Element Elongation From Displacements

This API .BAS script computes new result vectors for Elongation, Elongation%, X Relative Deformation, Y Relative Deformation, and Z Relative Deformation for any selected line elements based on displacements from selected
output sets.

15.12 List Output to Excel

This API .BAS scripts populates a new Excel spreadsheet with results for selected elements for the selected Output
Vectors and Output Sets.

15.13 Nodes Move By Deform with Options

This API .bas script moves nodes by scaling X, Y and/or Z deformation values of the active Output Set.

15.14 Nodes Move By Deform

This API .BAS script moves nodes by the value of the X, Y, and Z deformation values of the active Output Set.

15.15 RealVonMises_All Output Sets

This API .bas script calculates equivalent Von Mises stresses for the top and bottom of plate elements and lists the
maximum and minimum values of the equivalent stresses and their corresponding element ID for all output sets in
the active FEMAP model. It is meant to be used for output from Frequency Response Analysis.

15.16 RealVonMises_Select Sets

This API .bas script calculates equivalent Von Mises stresses for the top and bottom of plate elements and lists the
maximum and minimum values of the equivalent stresses and their corresponding element ID for selected Output
Set(s). It is meant to be used for output from Frequency Response Analysis.

15.17 Strain Energy Participation

This API .bas script calculates the percent of Strain Energy for each selected Group(s) for every selected Output
Set. This should be applied to Normal Mode analysis output sets only.

15.18 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum AdvNonlin Contact Force
This API .bas script list the sum of contact forces on selected surfaces for the active Advanced Nonlinear Output
Set.

15.19 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum AdvNonlin Contact GPF

15-4

Custom Tools > PostProcessing

On Connector
This API .bas script lists the sum of contact force on selected connectors for the active Advanced Nonlinear Output
Set.

15.20 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum Contact GPF On Connector
This API .bas script lists the sum of Grid Point Forces for the nodes on selected connectors for the active Advanced
Nonlinear Output Set. Force Balance must be part of the Output Requests for the Advanced Nonlinear Analysis
Set.

15.21 Sum Contact Grid Point Forces, Sum Contact GPF

This API .bas script lists the sum of Grid Point Forces for the nodes on selected surfaces for the active Advanced
Nonlinear Output Set. Force Balance must be part of the Output Requests for the Advanced Nonlinear Analysis
Set.

15.22 Tetra Adaptive Mesh and Rerun

This API .bas script increases the mesh size on curves in areas by 40 percent (40%) where the difference between
the element centroid Von Mises stress and the maximum value of the Von Mises stress at any corner node exceeds
10 percent (10%). Curves that have mesh sizes revised are highlighted in the active view.
The active Output Set is deleted and the active Analysis Set is analyzed.

15.23 Word Report Generator

This API .BAS script generates a MS Word document with a summary of results for the active Output Set. The
report includes a header with data inputted by the user, and the following:

Model File Information

Screen snapshots of the deformed model with contour plots of Solid Von Mises stress and Total Deformation for the
active Output Set.

Geometry Import Information: Solid ID, number of faces, total volume, and number of nodes and elements and the
Material ID of the mesh.

Constraints: List of the constraints in the active Constraint Set.

Mesh Information: Number of elements by type and total number of nodes

Material Information: Listing of materials used in the model organized by ID. Each materials E, , nu, and limit stress
values are also listed.

Analysis Results Information all Elements/Materials: Node ID, value of maximum deformation in the model; Node ID
and value of the maximum nodal stress in the model; and, Element ID and value of the maximum Solid Von Mises.

Analysis Results For Each Solids: Sorted by Solid ID, the Node ID and value of maximum deformation at that Node;
Node ID and the value of the maximum nodal stress at that node; and coordinates of the maximum Solid Von Mises
stress and Factor of Safety at that location.

Analysis Results For Each Solid Material: Sorted by Material ID, the Node ID and value of the maximum nodal stress at
that node; the coordinates of the maximum Von Mises stress and the value at the location; and, the minimum Factor of
Safety for the material.

16.

Custom Tools >

Solid Connection Tools
These API scripts automate the setting of surface on solids transparency and colors.

16-2

Custom Tools > Solid Connection Tools

16.1 Isolate Solid

This API .BAS script prompts the user for a Master solid. Surface transparencies on the selected solid are
removed and all other surface transparencies are set to 70 percent (70%). In addition, all solids and surfaces, except
for the selected solid, are placed on the active models No Pick Layer.
Curves and points are not affected by this API script. Use the API script, Solid Connection Tools, Reset All Surfaces to reset surface transparencies and to reassign all Solids and Surfaces to the models Active Layer.

16.2 Make Solid Transparent

This API .BAS script sets the value of transparency of the surface on a selected solid to 70 percent (70%).

16.3 Mesh Solid

This API .BAS script tet meshes a selected solid using the default mesh size for the solid. This API script will generate a mesh on top of an existing mesh.

16.4 Reset All Surfaces

This API .BAS script resets all surface transparencies to zero (0) and moves all surface and solids to the models
Active Layer.

16.5 Surface Color Fixup

This API .BAS script sets all surface colors to the color of the solid they are attached to.

17.

Custom Tools >

Standard Analysis
These API scripts automate the generation of Analysis Sets and analyses.

17-2

Custom Tools > Standard Analysis

17.1 modal analysis

This API .BAS script creates a new NX Nastran Normal Modes Analysis Set using the active Constraint Set. If no
active Constraint Set is specified, the user is prompted to activate a Constraint Set and the script terminates.

17.2 static analysis

This API .BAS script creates a new NX Nastran Static Analysis Set using the active Constraint and Load Sets. If no
active Constraint and/or Load Set is specified, the user is prompted to activate a Constraint and/or Load Set and the
script terminates.

18.

Custom Tools > Views

These API scripts automate...

18.1 Snap to Closest Orthogonal View

This API .BAS script sets the active Femap view to the orthogonal view closest to the active views current orientation.

18-2

Custom Tools > Views

18.2 Switch Background For Printing

This API .BAS script swaps the active View background color to a solid white background if the background is the
default Femap shaded background. If the active Views background is other than the default Femap shaded background, the active Views background is reset to the default Femap shaded background.

18.3 View Color Swap

This API .BAS script toggles an active View with a shaded background to solid white. If the active Views background is solid, the view background is set to the Femap default shaded view background.

18.4 View Free Edge Flip

This API .BAS script toggles the active View between Free Edge and Hidden Line modes.

19.

Custom Tools > Visualization

These API scripts automate the generation and contour plotting of model load and element thicknesses.

19-2

Custom Tools > Visualization

19.1 Plot Nodal Temp

This API .BAS script generates an Output Set with the nodal temperatures in the active Load Set and displays the
nodal temperatures as a Contour plot. The user is prompted to keep or delete the Output Set with the nodal temperatures.

19.2 Thickness To Output

This API .BAS script generates a new Output Set with an Output Vector containing the element thickness of
selected 2D elements. This is similar to using the command, View, Advanced Post, Model Contour Data, except
that the user is prompted for the elements to generate the thickness values of and the thicknesses are not plotted.

19.3 Total Laminate Thickness To Output

This API .BAS script generates a new Output Set with an Output Vector containing the element thickness of
selected laminate elements. This is similar to using the command, View, Advanced Post, Model Contour Data,
except that the user is prompted for the elements to generate the thickness values of and the thicknesses are not
plotted.