\gdef\putwordsee{VERVERVERVER}
\input gid_base.tex
\input psfig.sty
\pssilent %\psnoisy
\hoffset=1.52cm
\input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-

@tex

\def\verysmallbook{
  \global\chapheadingskip = 15pt plus 4pt minus 2pt
  \global\secheadingskip = 12pt plus 3pt minus 2pt
  \global\subsecheadingskip = 9pt plus 2pt minus 2pt
  %
  \global\lispnarrowing = 0.3in
  \setleading{12pt}
  \advance\topskip by -1cm
  \global\parskip 2pt plus 1pt
  \global\hsize = 5.5in
  \global\vsize=6in
  \global\tolerance=700
  \global\hfuzz=1pt
  \global\contentsrightmargin=0pt
  \global\deftypemargin=0pt
  \global\defbodyindent=.5cm
  %
  \global\pagewidth=\hsize
  \global\pageheight=\vsize
  %
  \global\let\smalllisp=\smalllispx
  \global\let\smallexample=\smalllispx
  \global\def\Esmallexample{\Esmalllisp}
  \global\hoffset=1.75cm
}

\verysmallbook

@end tex

@c  $Id: faq.texinfo,v 1.30 2004/05/03 10:22:15 escolano Exp $

@c To update all in emacs use: C-u C-c C-u m
@c to get a gid.info file without running makeinfo try: C-c C-e C-b


@c Primer mail 2 Juny 1999 - Ultim mail mirat: 30 Agost 1999 (150)

@c %**start of header
@setfilename faq.info
@settitle Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
@paragraphindent 3
@iftex
@c @smallbook
@c @afourpaper
@c @finalout   ---to avoid black squares in hboxes (long lines)---
@finalout
@end iftex
@c %**end of header gid.texinfo

@setchapternewpage odd

@set photo
@set Version  $Revision: 1.30 $
@set Date April 2002


@ifinfo
This is the GiD FAQ

Copyright 1997-2002 CIMNE
@end ifinfo

@titlepage

@title GiD frequently asked questions (FAQ)


@c The following two commands start the copyright page.
@page
@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
@tex

@end tex


@url{http://www.gidhome.com}

CN @value{Version} 
@end titlepage

@iftex
@headings off
@end iftex

@node Top, General, (dir), (dir)
@comment node-name, next, previous, up

@ifinfo

TO USE THIS HELP:

@example
-Pick with left mouse button on colored item to go into it.
-Use letters @code{p, n, u, l} as shortcuts for previous, next, up, last.
-Use arrows @samp{up} and @samp{down} to go up and down in the page.
-Use @code{Control-s} to make an incremental search.
@end example
@end ifinfo

@menu
* General:: 
* Install::                    
* Geometry modeling and file import::  
* Mesh generation and data::    
* Customization::               
* Postprocess::                 
* Export files::                
* GiD and the Operating System::  
* Input/output devices::        
* Buy GiD::                     
* Concept Index::               

@detailmenu
 --- The Detailed Node Listing ---

General

* What is GiD?::                

Install

* Problems installing GiD with Windows 2000::


Geometry modeling and file import

* Which are the interfaces with CAD systems?::  
* Does does GiD support Super-surfaces?::  
* Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?::  
* How can a create 2D contacts?::  

Mesh generation and data (boundary conditions, materials, etc)

* Is it possible to extract information about boundary edges and faces?::  
* Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files::  
* Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?::  
* Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?::  
* What methods are used to define element sizes?::  

Customization

* Repeating a condition::       

Postprocess

* How can GiD read postprocess information?::  
* Can GiD display results on Gauss points?::  
* For higher degree elements::  
* I read the postprocess mesh with mesh read. Is it correct?::  
* In the postprocessing .res files::  
* Could you provide me with a simple procedure to visualise a 3D velocity field with streamlines?::  

Export files

* How can GiD export the mesh and the boundary conditions::  
* Export to SAP90-SAP2000::     
* Does GiD works for finite volumes?::  
* How I could print in the calc file the number of the layer which an element belongs to?::  

GiD and the Operating System

* I try to open GiD by the first time on MS Windows and it crashes::  
* Upper Menu locked::
* What OS versions does GiD support?::  
* does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?::  
* Demonstration version on SGI possible ?::  
* Which are the requirement for one PC  300 MHz or less or more?::  
* Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames?::  
* Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names?::  
* How can I see MPEG files on my Microsoft Windows NT machine?::  

Input/output devices

* Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?::  
* Does GiD support spaceballs?::  
* How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD? ::  

Buy GiD

* Is the GiD version 7 license compatible with version 6 one?::  
* How much does GiD cost?::     
* Licenses policy::             

@end detailmenu
@end menu

@ifinfo
CN @value{Version}
@end ifinfo

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

@iftex
@c @unnumbered 
@titlepage
@title Preface
@comment @sp 10

This is a FAQ about GiD. There are here several questions and their answer. They
are divided in several parts to facilitate the reading and searching.


@end titlepage
@end iftex

@node General, Geometry modeling and file import, Top, Top
@chapter General

@menu
* What is GiD?::                
@end menu

@node What is GiD?,  , General, General
@unnumberedsubsubsec What is GiD?

GiD is a general purpose pre-postprocessor for computer
analysis. All the data, geometry and mesh generation can be
performed inside. Also, the visualization of all types of results
can be performed. It is easy customizable and adaptable by the final
user. 

It can be adapted to an analysis by the creation of a 'problem type'. In
this problem type, it is explained to GiD how are the boundary
conditions, materials and al the information needed for the analysis. It
is also shown to GiD how is the format of the input file of the analysis
program.

There is a second level of adaptation where, by the means of the
TCL-TK scripting language, it is possible to change the look and
fell of the program and add some functionality to it (until a
certain point).

You can get more information in @url{http://www.gidhome.com}


@node Install
@chapter Install
@cindex Install
@cindex Setup

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

Questions about GiD setup.
You can get more information in @url{http://www.gidhome.com/support/su01.subst}

@menu
* Problems installing GiD with Windows 2000::   
@end menu


@node Problems installing GiD with Windows 2000
@unnumberedsubsubsec Problems installing GiD with Windows 2000 
@cindex Windows 2000

Setup can fail if the current user does not have administrator privileges.

@node  Geometry modeling and file import, Mesh generation and data, General, Top
@chapter Geometry modeling and file import
@cindex import
@cindex geometry import

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

Questions about geometry, NURBS and modeling operations.

@menu
* Which are the interfaces with CAD systems?::  
* Does does GiD support Super-surfaces?::  
* Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?::  
* How can a create 2D contacts?::  
@end menu

@node Which are the interfaces with CAD systems?, Does does GiD support Super-surfaces?, Geometry modeling and file import, Geometry modeling and file import
@unnumberedsubsubsec Which are the interfaces with CAD systems? 
@cindex IGES
@cindex VDA
@cindex DXF
@cindex PARASOLID
@cindex ACIS
@cindex STL
@cindex NASTRAN

For geometries:

@itemize @bullet
@item IGES (input and output)
@item VDA (input)
@item DXF (input and output)
@item PARASOLID [*.x_t, *.x_b] (input)
@item ACIS [*.sat] (input)
@end itemize

For meshes:

@itemize @bullet
@item NASTRAN
@item STL
@item GiD format
@end itemize

Other information can be entered by the means of a @emph{batch file}.


@node Does does GiD support Super-surfaces?, Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?, Which are the interfaces with CAD systems?, Geometry modeling and file import
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GiD support Super-surfaces?
@cindex super-surfaces
@cindex super patches
@cindex patches, group of
@cindex surfaces, group of
@cindex poli surfaces


It is not possible to do it inside GiD. We have recently added some
power to the structured meshing of NURBS surfaces (structured trimmed
surfaces, any number of boundary lines, etc), but we rely on the shape
of the original geometry. The idea of creating super-surfaces has been
considered for a long time and probably, one day it will be there. The
problem is that this approach give some difficulties to both, to the
development stage and to the final user. The meshing of these complex
surfaces would be more difficult and time consuming than the normal
one. In the other side, this is an additional complication for the end
user, because he must know of another GID capability.

Basically, there are to approaches when meshing:

@itemize @bullet
@item The user only controls mesh density and type of elements all
     around the domain.

@item The user also controls the general shape and orientation of the
     generated elements.
@end itemize

The first approach can be made by GiD and is enough for most
applications. The second approach can be made partly, or with more human
effort inside GiD.

@node Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?, How can a create 2D contacts?, Does does GiD support Super-surfaces?, Geometry modeling and file import
@unnumberedsubsubsec Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?

Gid have a function to create automatic 6-sided volumes (Geometry Create Volume 
Automatic Struct).

In the current version, several volumes can be created simultaneously, selecting all the boundary surfaces. 
GiD automatically detects the holes. 

To add manually a hole to a volume, invoke the menu: Geometry->Create->Volume->Hole, then select the outer volume 
and then select the volumes of the hole.

Option @code{Search} in volume creation permmits to select one surface
and GiD tries to find one volume that contains this surface.

@node How can a create 2D contacts?,  , Can GiD create multiple volumes at the same time?, Geometry modeling and file import
@unnumberedsubsubsec How can a create 2D contacts?
@cindex Contacts

To create a 2D contact the process is:

@itemize @bullet
@item Create one side lines and put them in one layer.
@item Set another layer as active
@item Create another line that exactly duplicates the first one. Points must
   be also duplicated (Typically using copy with translation 0 and with
   flag 'Duplicate entities' activated).
@item Set another layer as active
@item Create a contact surface selection the two lines or more at the same
   time (if using copy, it has the option 'Create contacts').
@item Several element types can be generated in the contact (degenerated
   elements):
@itemize @minus
@item 2-noded elements (by default).
@item No elements (useful to force the same mesh in both sides)
@item Quadrilateral elements
@end itemize
@item Layer in this process have only been set for viewing and selecting
   purposes. In fact, they are not necessary. 
@end itemize

     If 2-noded elements are meshed, later it is easy in the .bas file to list
them by pairs.


@node  Mesh generation and data, Customization, Geometry modeling and file import, Top
@chapter Mesh generation and data (boundary conditions, materials, etc)

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

Questions about mesh generation of any element types.

@menu
* Is it possible to extract information about boundary edges and faces?::  
* Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files::  
* Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?::  
* Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?::  
* What methods are used to define element sizes?::  
@end menu

@node Is it possible to extract information about boundary edges and faces?, Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files, Mesh generation and data, Mesh generation and data
@unnumberedsubsubsec Is it possible to extract information about boundary edges and faces?
@cindex boundaries edges
@cindex boundaries faces

If you need the boundary edges or the faces of surface elements or
volume elements you can do it in several ways:

@itemize @bullet
@item Give a mesh criteria of type "mesh" to the lines or surfaces
    that are the boundaries of your surface or body. After
    generation, you will have linear or triangle or quadrilateral
    elements apart from the main ones.

@item Assign a condition "over face elems" to the line or surface 
that is the boundary. You can then list the element faces with this condition in
the '.bas' file with the order *globalnodes  or *localnodes.
@end itemize

@node Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files, Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?, Is it possible to extract information about boundary edges and faces?, Mesh generation and data
@unnumberedsubsubsec Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files, so that mesh optimisation can be coupled to the solver?
@cindex geometric information
@cindex mesh optimisation
@cindex remeshing

There is now one feature in GiD (field #FUNC# in conditions definition)
that allows to write the number of every geometric entity for every
element in the mesh. Then, you can get the geometry with any command
like @code{write ASCII} or whit the order @code{*tcl} inside the bas file, 
and you have the relationship.

To do remeshing, it is available to read a background mesh file (of triangles or tetrahedras), containing
the description of the new mesh sizes desired.

To do optimisation of shapes is a more difficult problem. We are
thinking on several ways to do it. One of them would be that the
solver gave, as output, one description of the desired movement of
the mesh and then, apply this movement to the geometry. We would
appreciate any feedback that you can give to us.

@node Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?, Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?, Do you have any plans to allow geometric information to be incorporated into the customization files, Mesh generation and data
@unnumberedsubsubsec Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?
@cindex tetrahedra
@cindex quadratic tetrahedra
@cindex 10-noded tetrahedra

The current version supports 10-noded tetrahedra.

@node  Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?, What methods are used to define element sizes?, Can GiD generate 10-noded tetrehedra?, Mesh generation and data
@unnumberedsubsubsec Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?

Structured meshes can be done with complex surfaces but not with complex
volumes (they can only have 6 faces or surfaces). Probably, in the near
future we will add the same capabilities to the volumes that we have now
for the surfaces.

The most powerful part of GiD for CFD analysis is the tetrahedra
mesh generation. It permits to concentrate elements near the object
of study (ship, plane or any other), and let them grow fast or
slow. 

@node What methods are used to define element sizes?,  , Can GiD mesh complex structured volumes?, Mesh generation and data
@unnumberedsubsubsec What methods are used to define element sizes?
@cindex Size transitions
@cindex Mesh sizes

@itemize @bullet
@item The easiest meshing is defining a global size and small elements
for features are automatically calculated.

@item User can define a cordal error (geometry - mesh error)

@item User can manually define sizes over geometrical entities. This
sizes can be automatically corrected to allow meshing checking Preferences->Meshing->Automatic correct sizes.

@item The transition between sizes is controlled by a factor that the
user can define (Preferences->Meshing->Size transition).
@end itemize

@node Customization, Postprocess, Mesh generation and data, Top
@chapter Customization
@cindex customization
@cindex problem type
@cindex template
@cindex bas

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

@menu
* Repeating a condition::       
@end menu

@node Repeating a condition,  , Customization, Customization
@unnumberedsubsubsec Repeating a condition

@strong{Question:}

I assign X condition on some nodes and then assign Y condition on some nodes(include some nodes I select when assign X condition),then I write a calculate file,those nodes I select both when I assign X condition and Y condition only have Y condition value,but the X condition is lost.Could you tell me the reason?

@strong{Response:}

If you desire to apply a same condition (same name with different values) more of one times to a entity, 
this condition must be declared as CANREPEAT: yes in the *.cnd file. 

If CANREPEAT: no (default), then the second same condition replaces the first:

Sample *.cnd:

@example
NUMBER: 1 CONDITION: Face-Load
CONDTYPE: over lines
CONDMESHTYPE: over face elements
CANREPEAT: yes
QUESTION: X_preassure:
VALUE: 0
HELP: 2D case, X force for length unit
QUESTION: Y_preassure
VALUE: 0
HELP: 2D case, Y force for length unit
END CONDITION
@end example
 
Inside the bas file also exist a @code{*CanRepeat} keyword:

If command @code{*CanRepeat} is added after @code{*nodes} or @code{*elems} in @code{*Set cond}, one 
entity can be several times in the entities list of the loop. If command @code{*NoCanRepeat} is used, entities will be just once in the entities list. 

By default, @code{*CanRepeat} is off except for the case of one condition that have the  @code{*CanRepeat} flag already set.

 
Sample *.bas:
 
@example
*Set Cond Face-Load *elems *canrepeat
*# if @*canrepeat is missing, it is assumed by default  in this case, 
*# because Face-Load have CANREPEAT: yes
*loop elems *OnlyInCond
  Elem number=*elemsnum, Nodes of the loaded face= *globalnodes Px=*cond(X_preassure) Py=*cond(Y_preassure)
*end elems
@end example

@node Postprocess, Export files, Customization, Top
@chapter Postprocess
@cindex posprocess

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

@menu
* How can GiD read postprocess information?::  
* Can GiD display results on Gauss points?::  
* For higher degree elements::  
* I read the postprocess mesh with mesh read. Is it correct?::  
* In the postprocessing .res files::  
* Could you provide me with a simple procedure to visualise a 3D velocity field with streamlines?::  
@end menu

@node How can GiD read postprocess information?, Can GiD display results on Gauss points?, Postprocess, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec How can GiD read postprocess information?

GiD reads several files with postprocess info in a GiD-defined
format. As the information is really in a very easy format, your code
(or one interface program), should write the results of your analysis in
GiD postprocessing format. It is very easy to do it. Some people have
modified their code for GiD in 2-3 hours. The GiD postprocessing format
is defined in the reference manual and in the interactive help.

Some result format are also imported in postprocess:

@itemize @bullet
@item FEMAP 

@item TECPLOT
@end itemize

@node Can GiD display results on Gauss points?, For higher degree elements, How can GiD read postprocess information?, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec Can GiD display results on Gauss points?
@cindex Gauss points

With version 6 or newer it is possible to visualize results in Gauss
points, both in automatically calculated and introduced by the
user.

Gauss points are several points inside every element, that are used to
perform the integration quadrature necessary for the FEM. For this
reason, the main variable of the problem is obtained in the nodes and
the variables that need an integration of this, are obtained in these
Gauss Points.

Current version can already read and display data in the Gauss
points. The standard possibilities are:
@itemize @bullet
@item Linear (beam) elements: any number of points inside, equally distributed.
@item Triangle: 1,3,6 GP in standard positions.
@item Quadrilaterals: 1,4,9 GP in standard positions.
@item Tetrahedra: 1,4,10 GP
@item Hexahedra: 1,8,27 GP
@end itemize

@strong{Note:} Standard positions means the positions of the quadrature
of Gauss-Legendre. If your positions of the points is different, it is
also possible to introduce user-defined positions.

@ifset photo
@tex
\bigskip
\centerline{\hbox{
\psfig{figure=images/GaussPoints.ps,width=1.0cm,height=4cm,angle=0}
}}
\unpie{}
{
Icon tool box menu on Preprocess
}
\bigskip
@end tex

@ifset html
@c@html
@ifhtml
<center>
<img src="images/GaussPoints.gif"> 
<p>Gauss points positions for triangles and quadrilaterals.
</center>
<p>
@end ifhtml
@c@end html
@end ifset

@end ifset

One Smoothing algorithm is the one that, given one variable defined on
Gauss Points, calculates the value of this variable in every node of the
mesh. The easiest way to do this is, for every element, transport with
the shape functions the values to the nodes, and do the mean or one
weighted mean of the several values calculated for every node. 


@node For higher degree elements, I read the postprocess mesh with mesh read. Is it correct?, Can GiD display results on Gauss points?, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec For higher degree elements, can results be visualized in the additional nodes?

Current version can read higher degree elements but will display them
equal than if they were its simple version. For example, displaying
6-noded triangles is the same than displaying 3-noded triangles.

@node I read the postprocess mesh with mesh read. Is it correct?, In the postprocessing .res files, For higher degree elements, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec I read the postprocess mesh with @emph{mesh read}. Is it correct?

  Instead of using "meshread", you shoud probably input inside the
postprocessor two files: 

@itemize @bullet
@item For the mesh, use: test.flavia.msh (old formats as test.flavia.bon or test.flavia.dat are unrecommended)
@item For the results use: test.flavia.res
@end itemize

Check the manual for the sintaxis format.

If the mesh is already in the preprocess, it is necessary only the results file. It must have the name
MODEL.flavia.res and be inside the directory MODEL.gid In this case, when going to posprocess 
this file is automatically read.

@node In the postprocessing .res files, Could you provide me with a simple procedure to visualise a 3D velocity field with streamlines?, I read the postprocess mesh with mesh read. Is it correct?, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec In the postprocessing .res files, what happens with headers?

  The name of the result must be 15 characters long. If it is shorter, the remaining
  space until 15 can be blanks.

@node Could you provide me with a simple procedure to visualise a 3D velocity field with streamlines?,  , In the postprocessing .res files, Postprocess
@unnumberedsubsubsec Could you provide me with a simple procedure to visualise a 3D velocity field with streamlines?


The easiest way to define a stream line in a 3D mesh is to select a
point by giving its coordinates. The stream line that goes through
this point is drawn. In the contextual menu there are other ways to
select several points at once. Tipically, a cut is made in the
middle of the volume mesh and the points are selected in the cut.

@node Export files, GiD and the Operating System, Postprocess, Top
@chapter Export files

@ifhtml
</body>
<body bgcolor="white" fgcolor="black">
@end ifhtml

@menu
* How can GiD export the mesh and the boundary conditions::  
* Export to SAP90-SAP2000::     
* Does GiD works for finite volumes?::  
* How I could print in the calc file the number of the layer which an element belongs to?::  
@end menu

@node How can GiD export the mesh and the boundary conditions, Export to SAP90-SAP2000, Export files, Export files
@unnumberedsubsubsec How can GiD export the mesh and the boundary conditions, materials and so on?
@cindex export data
@cindex calculation codes

It is possible to export the mesh and the boundary conditions just by
pressing one button (Files->Export->Write ascii). The problem is the
output format. Every calculations program has its own input format and
GiD is not prepared to know all these formats. The solution is one of:

@itemize @bullet
@item Output from GiD in one format and make external conversion to
   another one.

@item Define or modify one GiD 'problemtype' to suit your needs. In
this way, GiD will know what information should the user enter
(boundary conditions, materials, ...), and GiD would write the
calculations file in the exact format you need. We include several 
examples of problemtypes with the GiD instalation, to help people to
develop their owns.

@item Wait until we define one standard output for the most
   importants FEM analysis codes (LS-DYNA3D, ANSYS, SYSNOISE,
   NASTRAN ...). This can take several months.
@item There are already interfaces with SAP90/2000 and a basic one to
ANSYS and NASTRAN. Contact CIMNE for further information.
@end itemize

The second solution is the recommended one. Many times, a slight
modification in the 'problemtype' code by the user, can be made in
minutes and obtain very easily the desired files. To do so, check the
customization part in the help and check the 'problemtypes' given as a
example.

To export only the mesh (not condions, etc), it exist a standard directory /templates 
with some simple templates *.bas (see customization)to write the mesh in several 
formats: STL, VRML, NASTRAN, DXF.
A user can add more user-defined templates to this directory.

@node Export to SAP90-SAP2000, Does GiD works for finite volumes?, How can GiD export the mesh and the boundary conditions, Export files
@unnumberedsubsubsec Export to SAP90-SAP2000

There is one especial 'problemtype' to connect GiD and SAP90-2000. It is
not included in the GiD distribution. It can be obtained as a technical
publication (one book). Contact CIMNE @email{cimne@@cimne.upc.es}
for more information.

@unnumberedsubsubsec What is a 'problem type'?
 
To write data from GiD to a calculations program, it is necessary to
create a 'problem type' for it. It is quite easy to do. The first step
is to check one of the 'problem type' examples that are included in the
GiD distribution like 'problem_type_solid1.gid'. Studying it and
modifying accordingly to suit your needs you will get a GiD that can
write the files that your calculations code can read. Check also the
Help chapter: 'Customization' and the 'Problemtype tutorial' from the web page.

@node Does GiD works for finite volumes?, How I could print in the calc file the number of the layer which an element belongs to?, Export to SAP90-SAP2000, Export files
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GiD works for finite volumes?

Yes, It can work with either finite differences, finite elements,
finite volumes, meshless methods and others. In fact, as GiD only deals
with the geometric and mesh part, it does not mind the type of
analysis that will be made as long as it needs a mesh.

@node How I could print in the calc file the number of the layer which an element belongs to?,  , Does GiD works for finite volumes?, Export files
@unnumberedsubsubsec How I could print in the calc file the number of the layer which an element belongs to?

Now, it is available inside the bas file the layer information: 
*ElemsLayerNum *NodesLayerNum, *Loop Layers, *LayerNum, *LayerName, *LayerColorRGB, etc 

In old versions, the layers information cannot be directly dumped into the output file.
Tipicallly, it is necessary to assign a material or a condition to the elements
that reflects this property. There are bassically two options:

@itemize @bullet
@item User assigns a condition or material to the elements with a field that
reflects the property that you are working with.
@item Perform the last step automatically.
@end itemize

To do it automatically use the following:

      TCL function 'BeforeWriteCalcFileGIDProject', is executed just before
writing the calculations file. You can define this function in your
'problemtype'.tcl file and make it assign a condition to the entities depending
on the layers.

     TCL function 'AfterWriteCalcFileGIDProject' is executed just after writing
the calculations file.  You can clean up this condition if you wish.

     TCL command '.central.s info layers'  gives you the layers of the project.
     TCL command '.central.s info layers -entities Elements' returns
the elements belonging to a layer.

     .central.s process escape escape data conditions assign cond CND change
VALUE layer:LAYER1

     would assign to condition CND with value VALUE all the entities belonging
to layer LAYER1.


@node GiD and the Operating System, Input/output devices, Export files, Top
@chapter GiD and the Operating System

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Specific questions about GiD in the different operating systems.

@menu
* I try to open GiD by the first time on MS Windows and it crashes::  
* Upper Menu locked::
* What OS versions does GiD support?::  
* does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?::  
* Demonstration version on SGI possible ?::  
* Which are the requirement for one PC  300 MHz or less or more?::  
* Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames?::  
* Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names?::  
* How can I see MPEG files on my Microsoft Windows NT machine?::  
@end menu

@node I try to open GiD by the first time on MS Windows and it crashes, What OS versions does GiD support?, GiD and the Operating System, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec  I try to open GiD by the first time on MS Windows and it crashes

Tipically, these type of problems are caused by the graphics acceleration card. 

A possibility to avoid the problem is the following:
Try to start GiD safe mode (from the start menu) and activate use Software OpenGL
                   
If the problem persists, try to deactivate the graphic hardware acceleration
(Screen properties->Advanced options).
Also try a different colour resolutions (select 32 bits of colour for example)
Search in the web page of your card if there are actualized drivers for your graphic card.

Check also @xref{Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?}.

@node Upper Menu locked
@unnumberedsubsubsec Upper Menu locked
@cindex locked menu
@cindex blocked menu

With the OS Microsoft Windows, sometimes exists a conflict with the menu bar, and they remain 
blocked. It is possible to unlock the menu bar without restarting GiD, by using the 
keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Alt+f, to invoke the @code{Files} menu).

@node What OS versions does GiD support?, does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?, I try to open GiD by the first time on MS Windows and it crashes, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec What OS versions does GiD support?

We have currently versions only for: Silicon Graphics,
Win95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP, Digital alpha UNIX and Linux. Maybe in the future we will have more
versions for several machines. Everything depends on the interest of the
people.

@node does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?, Demonstration version on SGI possible ?, What OS versions does GiD support?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?
@cindex SGI
@cindex Silicon Graphics

Yes

@node Demonstration version on SGI possible ?, Which are the requirement for one PC  300 MHz or less or more?, does GID works on SGI with IRIX 6.4 and 6.5?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec Demonstration version on SGI possible ?

Yes. Check our web page: @url{http://www.gidhome.com}

@node Which are the requirement for one PC  300 MHz or less or more?, Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames?, Demonstration version on SGI possible ?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec Which are the requirement for one PC : 300 MHz or less or more?
@cindex pc requirements
@cindex Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP requirements
@cindex requirements for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP

GiD works in any pentium. Normally, the critical issue is the RAM
memory. It must be related to the size of the mesh to be
generated. As a rule of thumb, 32Mb for meshes of 30-40M elements
or 512Mb for half a million elements to one million or more.

@node Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames?, Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names?, Which are the requirement for one PC  300 MHz or less or more?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames? 
@cindex filename

Version 6 and newer supports spaces on filenames. But it is advisable not to
include spaces in the model names because it can give problems in the
calculations process.

@node Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names?, How can I see MPEG files on my Microsoft Windows NT machine?, Does GiD-Windows support spaces on filenames?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names? 
@cindex machine names

Version 6 and newer supports spaces on machine names.

Due to an interaction problem between GiD and Microsoft Windows, machine
names with spaces can not be used in version 5.0p47. In the meantime,
this problem can be avoided using a machine name without spaces. After
5.0p49b this problem is be solved.

@node How can I see MPEG files on my Microsoft Windows NT machine?,  , Does GiD-Windows support spaces on machine names?, GiD and the Operating System
@unnumberedsubsubsec How can I see MPEG files on my Microsoft Windows NT machine? 
@cindex MPEG
@cindex MPG
Just download the MediaPlayer (@url{ftp://www.gidhome.com/pub/drivers/windows/mpfull.exe})
and install it on your Microsoft Windows NT machine, or get it from 
Microsoft (@url{http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/}).

@node Input/output devices, Buy GiD, GiD and the Operating System, Top
@chapter Input/output devices

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Several devices that can be attached with GiD.

@menu
* Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?::  
* Does GiD support spaceballs?::  
* How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD? ::  
@end menu

@node Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?, Does GiD support spaceballs?, Input/output devices, Input/output devices
@unnumberedsubsubsec Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?

The 3D graphic cards status:

@itemize @bullet
@item In Windows systems, GiD can be accelerated by any 3D graphics card
that supports OpenGL. The WinFast or the RivaTNT card are fast and works
correctly. It has some minor bugs about incorrect visualizations.
@item There is no 3D acceleration in Linux by now. We are working on
  this and there will be in the very close future.
@item In Silicon Graphics all the acceleration of their cards is used
  by GiD.
@end itemize

Version 6 and newer include a feature to disconnect a graphics card that is not
working properly. Check the 'GiD safe mode' option in the MS Windows start
menu.

@strong{Note:} To disconnect a 3D graphics card that is not working
correctly in MS Windows, see the screen properties panel. In some cards, the acceleration
is automatically disconnected selecting to display with 256 colors or true color.

@node Does GiD support spaceballs?, How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD? , Does GiD support 3D graphic cards?, Input/output devices
@unnumberedsubsubsec  Does GiD support spaceballs?

GiD supports SPACEWARE spaceballs in SGI, Linux and Windows95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP.

  To use it, just install the software given by SPACEWARE. To use it on
Linux see @ref{How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD?}.

@node How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD? ,  , Does GiD support spaceballs?, Input/output devices
@unnumberedsubsubsec  How can I use the Spaceball on my Linux Box with GiD? 
@cindex Spaceball
Being root, create this symbolic link: 
@example
ln -s /dev/cuaX /dev/spaceball
@end example

with cuaX as the serial port where the SpaceBall is attached. And be
sure that this cuaX serial port has READ/WRITE permisions for all the
people ( User/Group/Others). 

@node Buy GiD, Concept Index, Input/output devices, Top
@chapter Buy GiD

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@menu
* Is the GiD version 7 license compatible with version 6 one?::  
* How much does GiD cost?::     
* Licenses policy::             
@end menu

@node Is the GiD version 7 license compatible with version 6 one?, How much does GiD cost?, Buy GiD, Buy GiD
@unnumberedsubsubsec Is the GiD version 7 license compatible with version 6 one?

No, as it is a complete new release, it is necessary to obtain a new
license for version 7. All the following version belonging to the GiD 7
series, will be password compatible with version 7.

@node How much does GiD cost?, Licenses policy, Is the GiD version 7 license compatible with version 6 one?, Buy GiD
@unnumberedsubsubsec How much does GiD cost?
@cindex Price of GiD
@cindex Buy GiD
@cindex Academic version

For academic users, we have the academic version, which is totally free
and can be used for small meshes (700-3000 elements). For the
professional version, check the GiD web page: @url{http://www.gidhome.com/order}.

Go to the GiD web page to get a free password to use the professional version of GiD for one month. 


@node Licenses policy,  , How much does GiD cost?, Buy GiD
@unnumberedsubsubsec Licenses policy
@cindex Licenses policy

GiD is licensed per one machine and platform basis. This means that
every machine should have its own license and that if one machine
has both, linux and Windows, two licenses are required. For every
machine there can be as many users as desired using the program at
the same time.

The unitary price per license is the same for two licenses. For
more than 5 licenses there are several discounts.

There are two methods of payment: by FAX and by Internet & Credit
Card. Both of them are good and secure. Probably, by internet is
a little bit faster.

Also, you can buy the complete kit with the manuals or just the
license. A good idea is to buy one complete kit and other
licenses.

Our general considerations about licenses is that if during the
first year of the purchase something happens, we give another
license to install GiD again. We are confident with the people and
we trust the costumer that the old license will no longer be used.

The problem of dependency with the computer and the OS is totally
common. Any commercial program will have the same problem. The
question is: is it necessary to protect the programs? I'd love it
was not necessary.

@node Concept Index,  , Buy GiD, Top
@unnumbered Index by words

@iftex
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@printindex cp

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@contents
@bye
