K

Defines a keypoint.

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Reference number for keypoint. If zero, the lowest available number is assigned [NUMSTR].

Keypoint location in the active coordinate system (may be R,,Z or R,,). If X = P, graphical picking is enabled and all other fields (including NPT) are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Defines a keypoint in the active coordinate system [CSYS] for line, area, and volume descriptions. A previously defined keypoint of the same number will be redefined. Keypoints may be redefined only if it is not yet attached to a line or is not yet meshed. Solid modeling in a toroidal system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >In Active CS

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >On Working Plane

Associates attributes with the selected, unmeshed keypoints.

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Material number, real constant set number, type number, and coordinate system number to be associated with selected, unmeshed keypoints.

Keypoints subsequently generated from the keypoints will also have these attributes. These element attributes will be used when the keypoints are meshed. If a keypoint does not have attributes associated with it (by this command) at the time it is meshed, the attributes are obtained from the then current MAT, REAL,TYPE, and ESYS command settings. Reissue the KATT command (before keypoints are meshed) to change the attributes. A zero (or blank) argument removes the corresponding association.

In some cases, ANSYS can proceed with a keypoint meshing operation even when no logical element type has been assigned via KATT,,,TYPE or TYPE. For more information, see the discussion on setting element attributes in Chapter 7 of the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Define >All Keypoints

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Define >Picked KPs

Specifies stepped or ramped loading within a load step.

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Ramping key:

0 - Loads are linearly interpolated (ramped) for each substep from the values of the previous load step to the values of this load step.

1 - Loads are step changed (stepped) at the first substep of this load step to the values of this load step (i.e., the same values are used for all substeps). Useful for rate-dependent behavior (e.g., creep, viscoplasticity, etc.) or transient load steps only.

Notes

Specifies whether loads applied to intermediate substeps within the load step are to be stepped or ramped. Used only if DTIME on the DELTIM command is less than the time span or, conversely, if NSBSTP on the NSUBST command is greater than one. Flags (FSI, MXWF, MVDI, etc.) are always stepped.

For ramped loading (KBC,0), when a load is applied for the first time, it is interpolated from zero to the value of the current load step, and not from the initial condition or value of the DOF from the previous load step.

It sometimes is difficult to obtain successful convergence with stepped loading in a nonlinear transient problem. If divergence is encountered, check if stepped loading was used by default, then determine if it is appropriate for the analysis.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Time/Frequenc >Freq and Substps

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Time/Frequenc >Time - Time Step

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Time/Frequenc >Time and Substps

Main Menu >Solution >Time/Frequenc >Freq and Substps

Main Menu >Solution >Time/Frequenc >Time - Time Step

Main Menu >Solution >Time/Frequenc >Time and Substps

Creates a keypoint between two existing keypoints.

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First keypoint. If KP1=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Second keypoint.

Number assigned to the new keypoint. Defaults to the lowest available keypoint number.

Type of input for VALUE.

RATIO - Value is the ratio of the distances between keypoints as follows: (KP1-KPNEW)/(KP1-KP2).

DIST - Value is the absolute distance between KP1 and KPNEW (valid only if current coordinate system is Cartesian).

Location of new keypoint, as defined by Type (defaults to 0.5). If VALUE is a ratio (Type=RATIO) and is less than 0 or greater than 1, the keypoint is created on the extended line. Similarly, if VALUE is a distance (Type=DIST) and is less than 0 or greater than the distance between KP1 and KP2, the keypoint is created on the extended line.

Placement of the new keypoint depends on the currently active coordinate system [CSYS]. If the coordinate system is Cartesian, the keypoint will lie on a straight line between KP1 and KP2. If the system is not Cartesian (e.g., cylindrical, spherical, etc.), the keypoint will be located as if on a line (which may not be straight) created in the current coordinate system between KP1 and KP2. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >KP between KPs

Calculates stress intensity factors in fracture mechanics analyses.

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Plane stress key:

0 - Use plane strain or axisymmetric displacement extrapolation.

1 - Use plane stress displacement extrapolation.

Material number used in the extrapolation (defaults to 1).

Symmetry key:

0 or1 - Half-crack model with symmetry boundary conditions [DSYM] in the crack-tip coordinate system. K_II=K_III=0. Three nodes are required on the path.

2 - Like 1 except with antisymmetric boundary conditions (K_I= 0).

3 - Full-crack model (both faces). Five nodes are required on the path (one at the tip and two on each face).

Local displacements print key:

0 - Do not print local crack-tip displacements.

1 - Print local displacements used in the extrapolation technique.

Calculates the stress intensity factors (K_I, K_II, and K_III) associated with homogeneous isotropic linear elastic fracture mechanics. A displacement extrapolation method is used in the calculation (see Section 19.8 of the ANSYS Theory Reference). The PATH and PPATH commands must be used to define a path with the crack face nodes (NODE1 at the crack tip, NODE2 and NODE3 on one face, NODE4 and NODE5 on the other (optional) face). A crack-tip coordinate system, having x parallel to the crack face (and perpendicular to the crack front) and y perpendicular to the crack face, must be the active RSYS and CSYS before KCALC is issued.

Main Menu >General Postproc >Nodal Calcs >Stress Int Factr

Creates a keypoint at the center of a circular arc defined by three locations.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Type of entity used to define the circular arc. The meaning of VAL1-VAL4 will vary depending on Type. If Type=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

KP - Arc is defined by keypoints.

LINE - Arc is defined by locations on a line.

Values used to specify three locations on the arc (see table below).

Number assigned to new keypoint. Defaults to the lowest available keypoint number.

If Type=KP, inputs VAL1-VAL4 are defined as follows:

VAL1 - First keypoint.

VAL2 - Second keypoint.

VAL3 - Third keypoint.

VAL4 - Arc radius. If VAL4=0 or blank (default), the arc is defined by the three keypoints specified as VAL1, VAL2, and VAL3 and arc radius is not used. If VAL4 is non-zero, VAL1, VAL2, and VAL4 are used to calculate the center point, and VAL3 is used to locate the center point as follows:

VAL4>0 - Center point and VAL3 are on the same side of the line between the first two keypoints.

VAL4<0 - Center point and VAL3 are on opposite sides of the line between the first two keypoints.

If Type=LINE, inputs VAL1-VAL4 are defined as follows:

VAL1 - Line number.

VAL2 - Line ratio (0 to 1) indicating the first location (defaults to 0).

VAL3 - Line ratio (0 to 1) indicating the second location (defaults to 0.5).

VAL4 - Line ratio (0 to 1) indicating the third location (defaults to 1).

KCENTER should be used in cartesian coordinate system (CSYS,0) only. This command provides three methods to define a keypoint at the center of three locations. As shown below, the center point can be calculated based on a) three keypoints, b) three keypoints and a radius, or c) three locations on a line. Note that for method c, if a circular line is specified by VAL1, VAL2-VAL4 are not needed.

Menu Paths

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >KP at center >3 KPs and radius

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >KP at center >3 keypoints

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >KP at center >Location on line

Deletes nodes and point elements associated with selected keypoints.

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Delete mesh for keypoints NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and the mesh for all selected keypoints [KSEL] is deleted. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1.

Deletes all nodes and point elements associated with selected keypoints (regardless of whether the nodes or elements are selected). Nodes associated with non-point elements will not be deleted. Attributes assigned as a result of KATT are maintained. In the program's response to the command, if a keypoint is tallied as "cleared," it means either its node or element reference was deleted.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Clear >Keypoints

Deletes unmeshed keypoints.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Delete keypoints from NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and all selected keypoints [KSEL] are deleted. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Deletes selected keypoints. A keypoint attached to a line cannot be deleted unless the line is first deleted.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Delete >Keypoints

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Topo Repair >Delete >Keypoints

Calculates and lists the distance between two keypoints.

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First keypoint in distance calculation. If KP1=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Second keypoint in distance calculation.

KDIST lists the absolute distance and the current coordinate system offsets from KP1 to KP2. KDIST is valid in any coordinate system except toroidal [CSYS,3].

KDIST returns a variable, called "_KDIST," which contains the distance value. You can then use the value for other purposes; for example, to set the default number of line divisions to be generated along region boundary lines [ESIZE,_KDIST].

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Check Geom >KP distances

Specifies the edge lengths of the elements nearest a keypoint.

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Number of the keypoint whose lines will be adjusted. If ALL, use all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If NPT = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Size of elements along lines nearest keypoint NPT (overrides any other specified size). If SIZE is zero (or blank), use FACT1 or FACT2.

Scale factor applied to a previously defined SIZE. Not used if SIZE is input.

Scale factor applied to the minimum element division at keypoint NPT for any attached line. This feature is useful with adaptive mesh refinement. Not used if SIZE or FACT1 is input.

Affects only the line divisions adjacent to the keypoint on lines not previously assigned divisions by other line commands [LESIZE, etc.]. The remaining line divisions are determined from the division nearest the keypoint at the other end of the line (specified by another KESIZE command or the ESIZE command). Divisions are transferred to the lines during the mesh operation. If smart element sizing is being used [SMRTSIZE], KESIZE specifications may be overridden (i.e., a smaller element size may be used) to accommodate curvature and small features.

This command is valid in any processor.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Size Cntrls >All KPs

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Size Cntrls >Clr Size

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Size Cntrls >Picked KPs

Sets element key options.

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Element type number as defined on the ET command.

Number of the KEYOPT to be defined (KEYOPT(KNUM)).

Value of this KEYOPT.

Alternative to inputting KEYOPT values on ET command. Must be used if KEYOPT(7) or greater values are to be input. ITYPE must first be defined with the ET command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Element Type >Add/Edit/Delete

Main Menu >Preprocessor >FLOTRAN Set Up >Flow Environment >FLOTRAN Coor Sys

Main Menu >Preprocessor >FLOTRAN Set Up >Multiple Species

Main Menu >Solution >FLOTRAN Set Up >Flow Environment >FLOTRAN Coor Sys

Main Menu >Solution >FLOTRAN Set Up >Multiple Species

Specifies "Keypoints" as the subsequent status topic.

PREP7:Status

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This is a status [STAT] topic command. Status topic commands are generated by the GUI and will appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if status is requested for some items under Utility Menu>List>Status. This command will be immediately followed by a STAT command, which will report the status for the specified topic.

If entered directly into the program, the STAT command should immediately follow this command.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Sets a keyword used by the GUI for context filtering (GUI).

SESSION:RunControls

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A keyword which, when set to either true or false, changes the behavior of the GUI.

Keyword switch:

0 - Sets the keyword to "false."

1 - Sets the keyword to "true."

Defines a keyword used by the GUI for context filtering. This is a command generated by the GUI and may appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if the GUI is used. This command is usually not typed in directly in an ANSYS session.

This command is valid in any processor.

Main Menu >Preferences

Generates keypoints between two keypoints.

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Beginning and ending keypoints for fill-in. NP1 defaults to next to last keypoint specified, NP2 defaults to last keypoint specified. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Fill NFILL keypoints between NP1 and NP2 (defaults to |NP2-NP1|-1). NFILL must be positive.

Keypoint number assigned to first filled-in keypoint (defaults to NP1 + NINC).

Add this increment to each of the remaining filled-in keypoint numbers (may be positive or negative). Defaults to (NP2-NP1)/(NFILL + 1), i.e., linear interpolation.

Spacing ratio. Ratio of last division size to first division size. If > 1.0, divisions increase. If < 1.0, divisions decrease. Ratio defaults to 1.0 (uniform spacing).

Generates keypoints (in the active coordinate system) between two existing keypoints. The two keypoints may have been defined in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Any number of keypoints may be filled in and any keypoint numbering sequence may be assigned.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >Fill between KPs

Generates additional keypoints from a pattern of keypoints.

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Do this generation operation a total of ITIMEs, incrementing all keypoints in the given pattern automatically (or by KINC) each time after the first. ITIME must be more than 1 for generation to occur.

Generate keypoints from the pattern of keypoints beginning with NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If NP1 is negative, NP2 and NINC are ignored and the last |NP1| keypoints (in sequence from the highest keypoint number) are used as the pattern to be repeated. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint location increments in the active coordinate system (DR,D,DZ for cylindrical, DR,D,D for spherical).

Keypoint increment between generated sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies if elements and nodes are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and point elements associated with the original keypoints, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether keypoints will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Generate additional keypoints as requested with the ITIME argument.

1 - Move original keypoints to new position retaining the same keypoint numbers (ITIME, KINC, and NOELEM are ignored). Valid only if the old keypoints are no longer needed at their original positions. Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates additional keypoints (and corresponding mesh) from a given keypoint pattern. The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the keypoints in the pattern and not upon the current settings. Generation is done in the active coordinate system. Keypoints in the pattern may have been defined in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Copy >Keypoints

Generates a keypoint at a specified location on an existing line.

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Number of the line. If negative, the direction of line (as interpreted for RATIO) is reversed. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Ratio of line length to locate keypoint. Must be between 0.0 and 1.0. Defaults to 0.5 (divide the line in half).

Number to be assigned to keypoint generated at division location (defaults to lowest available keypoint number [NUMSTR]).

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >On Line w/Ratio

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >On Line

Lists the defined keypoints or hard points.

PREP7:Keypoints

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List keypoints from NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL (default), NP2 and NINC are ignored and all selected keypoints [KSEL] are listed. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Coordinate listing key:

<blank> - List all keypoint information.

COORD - Suppress all but the keypoint coordinates (shown to a higher degree of accuracy than when displayed with all information).

HPT - List only hard point information.

Lists keypoints in the active display coordinate system [DSYS]. An attribute (TYPE, MAT, REAL, or ESYS) listed as a zero is unassigned; one listed as a positive value indicates that the attribute was assigned with the KATT command (and will not be reset to zero if the mesh is cleared); one listed as a negative value indicates that the attribute was assigned using the attribute pointer [TYPE, MAT, REAL, or ESYS] that was active during meshing (and will be reset to zero if the mesh is cleared).

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >List >Keypoints >Coordinates +Attributes

Utility Menu >List >Keypoints >Coordinates only

Utility Menu >List >Keypoints >Hard Points

Utility Menu >List >Picked Entities >Keypoints >Coordinates Only

Utility Menu >List >Picked Entities >Keypoints >Coords +Attributes

Generates nodes and point elements at keypoints.

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Mesh keypoints from NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and all selected keypoints [KSEL] are meshed. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1.

Missing nodes required for the generated elements are created and assigned the lowest available numbers.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Mesh >Keypoints

Modifies an existing keypoint.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Modify coordinates of this keypoint. If NPT = ALL, modify coordinates of all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If NPT = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NPT.

Replace the previous coordinate values assigned to this keypoint with these corresponding coordinate values. Values are interpreted according to the active coordinate system (R,,Z for cylindrical, R,, for spherical). If X = P, graphical picking is used to locate keypoint and Y and Z are ignored. A blank retains the previous value. You cannot specify Y = P.

Lines, areas, and volumes attached to the modified keypoint (if any) must all be selected and will be redefined using the active coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Warning-Redefined entities may be removed from any defined components and assemblies. Nodes and elements will be automatically cleared from any redefined keypoints, lines, areas, or volumes.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Set of KPs

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Single KP

Calculates and moves a keypoint to an intersection.

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Move this keypoint. If NPT = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NPT.

First coordinate system number. Defaults to 0 (global Cartesian).

Input one or two values defining the location of the keypoint in this coordinate system. Input "U" for unknown value(s) to be calculated and input "E" to use an existing coordinate value. Fields are R1,1,Z1 for cylindrical, or R1,1,1 for spherical.

Second coordinate system number.

Input two or one value(s) defining the location of the keypoint in this coordinate system. Input "U" for unknown value(s) to be calculated and input "E" to use an existing coordinate value. Arguments are R2,2,Z2 for cylindrical, or R2,2,2 for spherical.

Calculates and moves a keypoint to an intersection location. The keypoint must have been previously defined (at an approximate location) or left undefined (in which case it is internally defined at the SOURCE location). The actual location is calculated from the intersection of three surfaces (implied from three coordinate constants in two different coordinate systems). Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. See the MOVE command for surface and intersection details. The three (of six) constants easiest to define should be used. The program will calculate the remaining three coordinate constants. All arguments, except KC1, must be input. Use the repeat command [*REPEAT] after the KMOVE command to move a series of keypoints, if desired.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >To Intersect

Defines a keypoint at an existing node location.

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Arbitrary reference number for keypoint. If zero, the lowest available number is assigned [NUMSTR].

Node number defining global X, Y, Z keypoint location. If NODE = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NODE.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Keypoints >On Node

Displays the selected keypoints.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Display keypoints from NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL (default), NP2 and NINC are ignored and all selected keypoints [KSEL] are displayed.

Determines what keypoints are plotted (one of the following):

<blank> - Plots all keypoints.

HPT - Plots only those keypoints that are hard points.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Plot >Keypoints

Utility Menu >Plot >Specified Entities >Keypoints

Generates a scaled set of (meshed) keypoints from a pattern of keypoints.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Set of keypoints (NP1 to NP2 in steps of NINC) that defines the pattern to be scaled. NP2 defaults to NP1, NINC defaults to 1. If NP1=ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is defined by all selected keypoints. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Scale factors to be applied to the X, Y, Z keypoint coordinates in the active coordinate system (RR, R, RZ for cylindrical; RR, R, R for spherical). The R and R scale factors are interpreted as angular offsets. For example, if CSYS=1, RX,RY,RZ input of (1.5,10,3) would scale the specified keypoints 1.5 times in the radial and 3 times in the Z direction, while adding an offset of 10 degrees to the keypoints.) Zero, blank, or negative scale factor values are assumed to be 1.0. Zero or blank angular offsets have no effect.

Increment to be applied to the keypoint numbers for generated set. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers will be assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether nodes and elements are also to be generated:

0 - Nodes and point elements associated with the original keypoints will be generated (scaled) if they exist.

1 - Nodes and point elements will not be generated.

Specifies whether keypoints will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Additional keypoints will be generated.

1 - Original keypoints will be moved to new position (KINC and NOELEM are ignored). Use only if the old keypoints are no longer needed at their original positions. Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates a scaled set of keypoints (and corresponding mesh) from a pattern of keypoints. The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based on the keypoints in the pattern and not the current settings. Scaling is done in the active coordinate system. Keypoints in the pattern could have been generated in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Scale >Keypoints

Refines the mesh around specified keypoints.

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Keypoints (NP1 to NP2 in increments of NINC) around which the mesh is to be refined. NP2 defaults to NP1, and NINC defaults to 1. If NP1=ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and all selected keypoints are used for refinement. If NP1=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Amount of refinement to be done. Specify the value of LEVEL as an integer from 1 to 5, where a value of 1 provides minimal refinement, and a value of 5 provides maximum refinement (defaults to 1).

Depth of mesh refinement in terms of the number of elements outward from the indicated keypoints (defaults to1).

Type of postprocessing to be done after element splitting, in order to improve element quality:

OFF - No postprocessing will be done.

SMOOTH - Smoothing will be done. Node locations may change.

CLEAN - Smoothing and cleanup will be done. Existing elements may be deleted, and node locations may change (default).

Flag indicating whether quadrilateral elements must be retained in the refinement of an all-quadrilateral mesh. (The ANSYS program ignores the RETAIN argument when you are refining anything other than a quadrilateral mesh.)

ON - The final mesh will be composed entirely of quadrilateral elements, regardless of the element quality (default).

OFF - The final mesh may include some triangular elements in order to maintain element quality and provide transitioning.

KREFINE performs local mesh refinement around the specified keypoints. By default, the indicated elements are split to create new elements with 1/2 the edge length of the original elements (LEVEL=1).

KREFINE refines all area elements and tetrahedral volume elements that are adjacent to the specified keypoints. Any volume elements that are adjacent to the specified keypoints, but are not tetrahedra (for example, hexahedra, wedges, and pyramids), are not refined.

You cannot use mesh refinement on a solid model that contains initial conditions at nodes [IC], coupled nodes [CP family of commands], constraint equations [CE family of commands], or boundary conditions or loads applied directly to any of its nodes or elements. This applies to nodes and elements anywhere in the model, not just in the region where you want to request mesh refinement. See Chapter 8 of the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for additional restrictions on mesh refinement.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Modify Mesh >Keypoints

Generates a scaled pattern of keypoints from a given keypoint pattern.

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Do this scaling operation one time, incrementing all keypoints in the given pattern by KINC. If KINC = 0, keypoints will be redefined at the scaled locations.

Scale keypoints from pattern beginning with NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and pattern is all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Scale factor ratios. Scaling is relative to the origin of the active coordinate system (RR,R,RZ for cylindrical, RR,R,R for spherical). If > 1.0, pattern is enlarged. If < 1.0, pattern is reduced. Ratios each default to 1.0.

Generates a scaled pattern of keypoints from a given keypoint pattern. Scaling is done in the active coordinate system (see analogous node scaling [NSCALE]). Solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Specifies a keypoint about which an area mesh will be skewed.

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Keypoint number at concentration. If NPT = ALL, use all selected keypoints. If remaining fields are blank, remove concentration from this keypoint (if unmeshed). If NPT = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NPT.

Radius of first row of elements about keypoint.

Crack tip singularity key:

0 - Do not skew midside nodes, if any, within the element.

1 - Skew midside nodes of the first row of elements to the 1/4 point for crack tip singularity.

Number of elements in circumferential direction (defaults to approximately one per 45° (or one per 30°, if KCTIP=1)).

Ratio of 2nd row element size to DELR (defaults to 0.75, or 0.5 if KCTIP=1).

Defines a concentration keypoint about which an area mesh will be skewed. Useful for modeling stress concentrations and crack tips. During meshing, elements are initially generated circumferentially about, and radially away, from the keypoint. Lines attached to the keypoint are given appropriate divisions and spacing ratios. Only one concentration keypoint per unmeshed area is allowed. Use KSCON,STAT to list current status of concentration keypoints. The KSCON command does not support 3-D modeling.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Size Cntrls >Create

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Size Cntrls >List

Selects a subset of keypoints or hard points.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

ALL - Restore the full set.

NONE - Unselect the full set.

INVE - Invert the current set (selected becomes unselected and vice versa).

STAT - Display the current select status.

The following fields are used only with Type=S,R,A, or U:

Label identifying data. Valid item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a component label. If Item=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). Defaults to KP.

Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in the table below.

Minimum value of item range. Ranges are keypoint numbers, coordinate values, attribute numbers, etc., as appropriate for the item. A component name (as specified on the CM command) may also be substituted for VMIN (VMAX and VINC are ignored). If Item = MAT, TYPE, REAL, or ESYS and if VMIN is positive, the absolute value of Item is compared against the range for selection; if VMIN is negative, the signed value of Item is compared. See the KLIST command for a discussion of signed attributes.

Maximum value of item range. VMAX defaults to VMIN. If VMIN = VMAX, a tolerance of 0.005xVMIN is used, or 1.0E-6 if VMIN=0.0. If VMAX VMIN, a tolerance of 1.0E-8x(VMAX-VMIN) is used.

Value increment within range. Used only with integer ranges (such as for keypoint numbers). Defaults to 1. VINC cannot be negative.

Absolute value key:

0 - Check sign of value during selection.

1 - Use absolute value during selection (sign ignored).

Notes

Selects a subset of keypoints or hard points. For example, to select a new set of keypoints based on keypoint numbers 1 through 7, use KSEL,S,KP,,1,7. The selected subset is used when the ALL label is entered (or implied) on other commands, such as KLIST,ALL. Only data identified by keypoint number are selected. Data are flagged as selected and unselected; no data are actually deleted from the database.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those keypoints contained in the selected lines.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of keypoint select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those keypoints associated with the selected nodes.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of keypoint select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Valid only if the nodes were generated by a meshing operation [KMESH, LMESH, AMESH, VMESH] on a solid model that contains the associated keypoints.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Calculates and prints geometry statistics of the selected keypoints.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Calculates and prints geometry statistics (centroid location, moments of inertia, etc.) associated with the selected keypoints. Geometry items are reported in the global Cartesian coordinate system. A unit density is assumed, irrespective of any material associations [KATT, MAT]. Items calculated by KSUM and later retrieved by a *GET or *VGET command are valid only if the model is not modified after the KSUM command is issued.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Calc Geom Items >Of Keypoints

Generates a reflected set of keypoints.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Symmetry key:

X - X (or R) symmetry (default).

Y - Y (or ) symmetry.

Z - Z (or ) symmetry.

Reflect keypoints from pattern beginning with NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and pattern is all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If Ncomp = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint increment between sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether nodes and elements are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and point elements associated with the original keypoints, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether keypoints will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Generate additional keypoints.

1 - Move original keypoints to new position retaining the same keypoint numbers (KINC and NOELM are ignored). Valid only if the old keypoints are no longer needed at their original positions. Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates a reflected set of keypoints (and corresponding mesh) from a given keypoint pattern by a symmetry reflection (see analogous node symmetry command, NSYM). The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the keypoints in the pattern and not upon the current settings. Reflection is done in the active coordinate system by changing a particular coordinate sign. Keypoints in the pattern may have been generated in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Reflect >Keypoints

Transfers a pattern of keypoints to another coordinate system.

PREP7:Keypoints

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Reference number of coordinate system where the pattern is to be transferred. Transfer occurs from the active coordinate system.

Transfer keypoints from pattern beginning with NP1 to NP2 (defaults to NP1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NP1 = ALL, NP2 and NINC are ignored and pattern is all selected keypoints [KSEL]. If NP1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NP1 (NP2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint increment between sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether nodes and elements are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and point elements associated with the original keypoints, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether keypoints will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Generate additional keypoints.

1 - Move original keypoints to new position retaining the same keypoint numbers (KINC and NOELM are ignored). Valid only if the old keypoints are no longer needed at their original positions. Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Transfers a pattern of keypoints (and corresponding mesh) from one coordinate system to another (see analogous node transfer command, TRANSFER). The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the keypoints in the pattern and not upon the current settings. Coordinate systems may be translated and rotated relative to each other. Initial pattern may be generated in any coordinate system. Coordinate values are interpreted in the active coordinate system and are transferred directly. Solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Transfer Coord >Keypoints

Specifies whether or not to reuse the triangularized matrix.

SOLUTION:LoadStepOptions

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Reuse key:

0 - Program decides whether or not to reuse the previous triangularized stiffness matrix.

1 - Force the previous triangularized stiffness matrix to be reused. Used mainly in a restart. Forcing reuse of the matrix is a non-standard use of the program, and should be done with caution. For instance, using this option and changing the number of elements, or the number or type of degrees of freedom, may cause an abort.

1 - All element matrices are reformed and are used to reform a new triangularized stiffness matrix.

Notes

Overrides the program logic to determine whether or not to reuse the previous triangularized stiffness matrix for each substep of this load step. Applies only to static or full transient analyses.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Other >Reuse Tri Matrix

Main Menu >Solution >Other >Reuse Tri Matrix

Moves the working plane origin to the average location of keypoints.

DATABASE:WorkingPlane

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Keypoints used in calculation of the average. At least one must be defined. If P1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Moves the origin of the working plane to the average of the specified keypoints. Averaging is based on the active coordinate system.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >WorkPlane >Offset WP to >Keypoints

Defines the working plane using three keypoints.

DATABASE:WorkingPlane

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Window number whose viewing direction will be modified to be normal to the working plane (defaults to 1). If WN is a negative value, the viewing direction will not be modified. If fewer than three points are used, the viewing direction of window WN will be used instead to define the normal to the working plane.

Keypoint number defining the origin of the working plane coordinate system. If KORIG = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Keypoint number defining the x-axis orientation (defaults to the x-axis being parallel to the global X-axis; or if the normal to the working plane is parallel to the global X-axis, then defaults to being parallel to the global Y-axis).

Keypoint number defining the working plane (the normal defaults to the present display view [/VIEW] of window WN).

Defines a working plane to assist in picking operations using three keypoints as an alternate to the WPLANE command. The three keypoints also define the working plane coordinate system. A minimum of one keypoint (at the working plane origin) is required. Immediate mode may also be active. See WPSTYL command to set the style of working plane display.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >WorkPlane >Align WP with >Keypoints