This is gid.info, produced by Makeinfo version 3.12h from gid.texinfo.

   This is the GiD manual

   Copyright 1997-2002 CIMNE


File: gid.info,  Node: Preferences,  Next: Renumber,  Prev: Utilities,  Up: Utilities

Preferences
===========

   NOTE:There are some pre-definitions or ways of working that can be
set in GiD. They can be set in two ways: via the Preferences window or
with the `Preferences' command.  In the following description, the
different Preferences options are shown, giving their associated
variables.

   The first group of Preferences (general preferences) is used to set
different ways of working with GiD:
   * `Splash window:' If this option is set, when program is open again,
     a welcome window is displayed. Variable: `SplashWindow'. Values:
     1,0. Default is 1 (`Yes').

   * `Create new point:' It alters the way how the points are entered
     in GiD (*note Point definition::.). Options are:
        - `Always:' If trying to create a new point in the vicinity of
          an existing one, the new point is always created.

        - `Ask:' If trying to create a new point in the vicinity of an
          existing one, GiD asks the user whether to make use of the
          existing point or create a new one.

        - `Never:' Only allows to select existing points. It can be
          changed interactively  when in creation point mode by setting
          `No join' until all points are entered.
     Variable: `CreateAlwaysNewPoint'. Respective values: 1,0,-2.
     Default is 0 (`Ask').

   * `Display coordinates:' If set, GiD shows the coordinates in the
     graphical window.  Variable: `DisplayCoordinates'. Values: 1,0.
     Default is 1 (`Yes').

   * `Automatic redraw:' If this option is not set, redraws caused by
     window expositions, or by internal functions are not performed.
     This avoids spending a lot of time for large models. Variable:
     `AutomaticRedraw'. Values: 1,0. Default is 1 (`Yes').

   * `Use more windows:' Depending on the selected field, `yes', `no' or
     `beginner', some options are asked to the user inside a new window
     or with a message in the regular messages window. Variable:
     `UseMorewindows'. Values: 1,0,2.  Default is 1 (`Yes').

   * `Backup file:' If this option is set and a model name is given,
     model is saved automatically into that model name with the
     frequency given in the next option.

     *Note:* Mesh is not saved into the backup to save time.  Variable:
     `BackUpName'. Default name is `backup.gid' in current or temporal
     directory.

   * `Backup time:' Number of minutes between each backup save. 0
     minutes means not to save backup.  Variable: `BackUpMinutes'.
     Default is 20 minutes.

   * `Write batchfile:' If this option is set, and a filename is given,
     all commands used during the current session are saved into this
     file. It can be executed later by means of a script file with the
     predefined commands to be run in GiD (*note Batch file::.).
     Variable: `BatchFileToWrite'.


The second group of preferences (graphical) are used to set different
ways of visualizing the model.  They do not change the geometry and the
model information. These preferences are:
   * `Smoothed Elements:' If set and when rendering a mesh (*note
     Render::.), the intersection between elements with a small angle
     between their normals will be illuminated as if it were a
     continuous solid. If not, illumination is made considering every
     element as planar.  Variable: `LightSmoothedElems'. Values: 1,0.
     Default is 1 (`Yes').  The angle (in degrees) is the maximum angle
     between normals of two elements to allow smooth lighting between
     them. If not, one edge is drawn between them.  Variable:
     `CosSmoothedElems'. Saved as the cosinus of this angle. Default is
     0.8.

   * `Surface drawing type:' Lets the user choose how to draw the
     surfaces when in wireframe (normal) mode. Options are:
        - `None:' Surfaces are not drawn.

        - `Boundary lines:' One magenta line is drawn for every contour
          line. This set of lines have a small offset towards the
          interior of the surface.

        - `Isoparametric lines:' Two yellow lines are drawn for every
          NURBS surface.  The one for `u=0.5' and the one for `v=0.5'.

        - `Both:' Draws both modes.

   * `Change color:' It is possible to change the default color of
     several things in the program with this option. One possibility is
     to change the background color of the GiD graphical window. Other
     possibilities are the color of the entities in normal mode (no
     render). Variable: `BackgroundColor'. Value: hexadecimal RGB char.
     And others.

   * `Curve precision:' This option gives the precision used to draw
     curves. The internal definition of curves does not change. In the
     preferences window, it is possible to dynamically change the
     drawing of a curve to test the precision.  Variable:
     `CurvePrecision'. Values: 1.0 to 0.0 from best to worst.  Default
     is 0.8

   * `Surface precision:' This option gives the precision used to draw
     surfaces in render mode. The internal definition of surfaces does
     not change. Variable: `SurfacePrecision'. Values: 1.0 to 0.0 from
     best to worst.  Default is 0.6

   * `Fast rotation:' If set, some options are able to be chosen. These
     options will apply only when rotating. Options are:
        - `points,lines,surfaces,volumes:' To draw or not to draw this
          type of entity when rotating. Variables: the same. Values:
          0,1. Default is 0 (`No').

        - `Always Geometry:' If set, when viewing the mesh and
          rotating, the geometry is drawn instead. Variable:
          `UseAlwaysGeom'. Values: 0,1. Default is 0 (`No').

        - `Draw graphic objects:' If not set, when rotating the
          geometry, some graphical and temporal objects like normals or
          materials or conditions symbols are not drawn.  Variable:
          `DrawGraphicObjects'. Values: 0,1. Default is 1 (`Yes').

        - `Curve precision:' The same as general item `Curve
          precision', but applied only when rotating. Variable:
          `CurvePrecision'. Values: 1.0 to 0.0 from best to worst.
          Default is 0.8
     Variable: `FastRotation'. Value: 0,1. Default is 0 (`No').

The third group of preferences are meshing options:
Surface meshers can be:

   * `Rfast' The most efficient in speed and reliability. With deformed
     surfaces can give distorted elements.

   * `Rsurf' Meshes are generated directly in the space. Quality is
     better but it is slower and can fail for distorted surfaces.

   * `2dumg' Its use is deprecated.

   These generators are based on the advancing front generation mesh
technique in order to improve speed and portability.

   *Note:* GiD can internally try another mesher when one of them fails
to generate the mesh for one surface.

   * `Mesh until End' If this preference is set, the mesh generator
     will continue until end although there are surfaces or volumes
     that cannot be meshed.

   * `Automatic correct sizes'  If this preference is set, just when
     meshing begins, there is a correction to the meshing sizes
     assigned to entities so as to improve meshing.

   * `Unstructured size transitions:' It controls whether the
     transitions between different element sizes are slow or fast.

   * `Allow automatic structured:' If this preference is set, functions
     like `Assign sizes by Cordal Error' will define some surfaces as
     structured with highly distorted elements over them.

   * `Smoothing:' Options for smoothing to enhance the mesh after the
     generation. Options are:
        - `Nomal:' only the standard smooth is performed.

        - `HighAngle:' an additional smooth with angle criteria is
          performed.

        - `HighGeom:' an additional smooth with cordal error criteria
          is performed.

   * `Mesh always by default:' Changes the default meshing criteria.
     Entities will always be meshed even if they have higuer entities.
     Example: If surfaces are checked, when meshing a volume, volume
     elements and surface elements will be obtained.

The fourth group of preferences are the geometry import and collapse
options:
   * `Automatic Collapse After Import:' If this option is set, after
     reading one IGES file, one global collapse is made. If not, every
     surface and line will be independent from each other.  Variable:
     `AutoCollapseAfterImport'. Default is active (1).

   * `Import tolerance:' When importing a file or collapsing, the
     points closer than this distance are considered to be unique
     (*note IGES read::.). Lines and surfaces can also be collapsed.
     Variable: `ImportTolerance'. Default is 0.0001.

   * `Collapse'
        - `Ignoring Layers:' entities are collapsed also if they belong
          to different layers.

        - `Each layer separately:' entities in different layers are not
          collapsed. (Entities belonging to frozen layers are never
          considered).  Variable: `CollapseIgnoringLayers'. Value is 1.

   * `IGES:Ignore invisible entities:' If this option is set, entities
     with 'invisible' flag in an IGES file are ignored. If it is not
     set, all these entities are sent to a layer with name: "Invisible".
     Variable: `IGESIgnoreInvisible'. Value is 1.

   * `IGES: Curve on surface from 3D:' If this option is set, the IGES
     curves on surface entities are created from the direct 3D space
     definition (recommended); if the option is not set, IGES curves
     are created form the surface space parameter definition.

The fifth group of preferences are the fonts used inside GiD:
   * `Normal font:' This is the font normally used inside GiD.

   * `Fixed font:' This font must have the same spacing for every
     letter. It is used in places where this property is necessary.

   * `Big font:' Used in some dialog boxes.

   * `Comments font:' Used for comments.


File: gid.info,  Node: Renumber,  Next: Calculator,  Prev: Preferences,  Up: Utilities

Renumber
========

   When creating new entities, the label of the new entity will be the
lowest number greater than 0 that still does not exist for this entity
type. If an entity is deleted, a gap is left in the label's list. This
gap would be filled with new entities but it is possible to renumber
the geometry to change the former entity labels.  There are no problems
with materials and conditions applied to entities.

   In geometry mode, the renumbered entities are the geometrical ones.
In mesh mode, the renumbered entities are the meshed ones. In this case,
renumbering not only fills the gaps in the labels list but also changes
the node numbers so as to minimize the difference of node numbers
within each element.  This can be useful when the calculating module
uses band or skyline storage methods.

   *Note:* It is usually not necessary to use this command because it is
automatically applied when generating the mesh.


File: gid.info,  Node: Calculator,  Next: Id,  Prev: Renumber,  Up: Utilities

Calculator
==========

   This option opens a scalar and vectorial calculator. It has its own
help. Try button 2 or 3 over one button.

   It's possible to transfer scalar and vector and points and distances
from and to the calculator and the main graphical display.


File: gid.info,  Node: Id,  Next: Signal,  Prev: Calculator,  Up: Utilities

Id
==

   This command gives the label and coordinates of an existing or new
point.

   Options are:
   * `Line parameter:' Selecting a line and given the line parameter
     (t) from 0.0 to 1.0, the point belonging to that line and t is
     returned.

   * `Surface parameter:' Selecting a surface and given the surface
     parameters (u,v) from 0.0 to 1.0, the point belonging to that
     surface and u,v is returned.


File: gid.info,  Node: Signal,  Next: List,  Prev: Id,  Up: Utilities

Signal
======

   With this option, the user can select one entity (point,line surface
or volume), and a pair of crossed lines in the graphical window signal
the center of the entity.

   They must be existing entities, except the especial case of point or
nodes, where they can be existing or defined with any of the usual
methods.

   Option `Superpose Lines' is useful when in render mode. Depending
whether it is set or not, lines will be always in front or the object or
they can be partially hidden by the model.


File: gid.info,  Node: List,  Next: Status,  Prev: Signal,  Up: Utilities

List
====

   Command `List' gives information about the selected entities. This
information is read only.

   If option `Mass' is checked, information about physical properties
is given: length of lines, center of masses, area of surfaces, volume of
solids. It works either for the geometry or for the mesh.


File: gid.info,  Node: Status,  Next: Distance,  Prev: List,  Up: Utilities

Status
======

   Option `Status' gives information about useful general data of the
project.


File: gid.info,  Node: Distance,  Next: Draw line normals,  Prev: Status,  Up: Utilities

Distance
========

   Command `Distance' gives the distance between two existing or new
points.


File: gid.info,  Node: Draw line normals,  Next: Draw surface normals,  Prev: Distance,  Up: Utilities

Draw line normals
=================

   Command `DrawNormals. Lines' draws the sense of the selected lines.

   If the line lies on the plane `z=0', apart from the sense, GiD
displays the normal of the line in 2D.

   Viewing commands (zoom, rotation, etc.) can be applied and the
normals remain on the screen.

   It is possible to swap the sense of the lines using the options `All
swaped' or `Swap some'.

   Options are:

   * `Swap some' changes the sense of the selected lines.

   * `All swaped' changes the sense of all lines asking confirmation
     for the change.


File: gid.info,  Node: Draw surface normals,  Next: Copy,  Prev: Draw line normals,  Up: Utilities

Draw surface normals
====================

   Command `DrawNormals. Surfaces' draws the normals of the selected
surfaces.

   Surfaces belonging to the plane `z=0' will have, by default, its
normal oriented towards the z positive. Then, they are defined as
anti-clockwise surfaces in 2D.

   It is possible to swap the sense of the normals when the
corresponding surfaces do not belong to higher entities.

   Options are:

   * `Swap some:' changes the sense of the normals of the surfaces after
     selecting them again.

   * `All swaped:' changes the sense of all selected surfaces, asking
     for confirmation for the change.

   * `Swap group:' changes normals of all selected surfaces or elements
     so as all of them have its normal to the same sense that adjacent
     entities.  This sense is arbitrary but common to all adjacent
     entities.

   * `Sel by normal:' user is prompt to enter a vector and selection is
     reduced to entities that have their normal in the same sense (dot
     product positive) as the given normal.

   * `Color:' With this option set, all surfaces are draw with filled
     color.  Their front side will be drawn with their regular color,
     and their back face with yellow.

   *Note:* Volumes are correctly oriented by GiD, regardless of their
surface orientation.


File: gid.info,  Node: Copy,  Next: Move,  Prev: Draw surface normals,  Up: Utilities

Copy
====

   `Copy' is a general function that allows the user select a group of
entities and copy them with a movement that can be `translation',
`rotation', `mirror',`scale' or `offset'. The process is:

   Select the type of entities to copy: `point', `line', `surface' or
`volume', when being in geometry mode, or option `nodes' or `elements',
when being in mesh mode. All the lower entities that belong to the
selected ones will be automatically computed.  the type of movement
needs to be chosen and the parameters for the movement are defined.
Options are:

   * rotation: It is necessary to either enter two points in 3D or one
     point in 2D.  These two points define the rotation axis and its
     orientation. In 2D, the axis goes from the defined point towards z
     positive. Enter the angle of rotation in degrees. It can be
     positive or negative. The sense is defined by the right hand rule.
     In 2D, the sense is counter-clockwise.

   * translation: It is defined by two points. Relative movements can
     be obtained defining the first point as 0,0,0 and considering the
     second point as the translation vector (*note Point definition::.).

   * mirror: It is defined by three points that cannot be aligned.
     These points form a plane that is the mirror plane. In 2D, the
     mirror line is defined by two points.

   * scale: It is defined by a center and a point. Every coordinate of
     the point is the scale factor for every `x,y,z' axis. Scale factor
     greater than one, increases size, while less than one decreases
     the size. It may also be negative, changing the sign of the
     corresponding coordinates.

   * offset: It is defined by one positive or negative scalar
     magnitude. It will move each entity in the sense of its normal, the
     magnitude given. In 2D, normal is considered to lie in the `z=0'
     plane. This option works either for lines, surfaces or for mesh
     elements.

   * sweep: This is an option for copying figures along a line (path
     line). You can just copy the figures (and then specify a number of
     copies) or extrude them. Both methods have basically the same
     options.

     The extrusion (and the copy) starts always on the start point of
     the path line.  If you select 'twist mode' to be on, then the
     relative position of the figure to copy respect to the start of
     the path line is conserved along the line.

     In a non-planar curve, there is not only curvature, but also
     torsion. This may cause some unexpected behavior, because the
     figure has also a rotation along tangent direction of path:


   Next it's used 'XY plane' option, that makes certain initial vector
to remain in this plane during extrusion. (In this example, axis is Z).

   Option 'ByDer2' uses the second derivate of the path line as a
normal to the plane in which that initial vector have to remain.

   A rotation along the path line can be forced using 'Angle' parameter
(degrees):

   Finally, if path line is a polyline, then the extrusion will be
divided in several parts:

   Other available options are:
   * extrude: This option can be set to either lines or surfaces or
     volumes. When a movement is selected, the copy is made and lines
     connecting the old and the new points are created.  These lines
     will be either straight lines or arcs depending on the movement
     type.  If extrude surface is chosen, NURBS surfaces connecting old
     and new lines will also be created. If `Volumes' is chosen, the
     volume contained between old and new surfaces is also created.
     This option is not allowed when copying volumes.

   * mcopy: Selecting this option and giving the number of repetitions,
     the operation selected is performed this number of times. This
     option is not available for `mirror'.

   * create contacts: Creates separated contact volumes (*note Contact
     creation::.)  for every copied surface. This option is only
     available when copying surfaces.

   * Duplicate entities: If this option is not set, when an entity
     after the `copy' operation occupies the same position than an
     existing one that does not belong to a frozen layer, both entities
     are converted into one.

   *Note:* Entities belonging to a frozen layer (*note Layers::.), are
not checked when sharing old entities.


File: gid.info,  Node: Move,  Next: Repair,  Prev: Copy,  Up: Utilities

Move
====

   This command works like the command `Copy' but moves the entities
instead of copying  them. The program checks automatically if some of
the entities must be copied instead of moved (for this reason, these
entities belong also to non-selected entities of higher level) and
performs the corresponding operation.

   Options like `Extrude', `Multiple copy' and `Create contacts' are
disabled for movements.


File: gid.info,  Node: Repair,  Next: Collapse,  Prev: Move,  Up: Utilities

Repair
======

   This option checks the coherence of the database information. Only
use it if there are problems. When used, a window notifies repaired
items and may give some warnings about incorrect entities.


File: gid.info,  Node: Collapse,  Next: Uncollapse,  Prev: Repair,  Up: Utilities

Collapse
========

   The function  `Collapse' convert coincident entities or entities
that are close each other into one.

   The variable `ImportTolerance' (*note Preferences::.), controls the
maximum distance between two adjacents points to be converted into one.
With lines and surfaces, a maximum distance between both entities is
calculated and when it is less than `ImportTolerance', they are
converted into one.

   Select the type of entities: `point', `line', `surface' or `volume',
when being in geometry mode. All the lower entities that belong to the
selected ones will be automatically computed. After pressing `escape',
collapse is performed.

   Option `Model' performs the operation over all the entities of the
model.

COLLAPSING MESH:

   When a mesh is created the collapse menu changes and it's possible
to collapse edges, nodes, elements or the entire mesh.
   * Collapse edges joins nodes which are connected by edges shorter
     than the Import Tolerance value.

   * Collapse nodes asks you to select some nodes. The nodes which are
     closer than the Import Tolerance value, are collapsed.

   * Collapse elements asks you to select some elements. Then, the
     nodes of these elements which are closer than the Import Tolerance
     value, are collapsed.

   * Collapse mesh collapses all the nodes of the mesh.

   *Note:* Entities belonging to a frozen layer (*note Layers::.), are
not checked when collapsing.


File: gid.info,  Node: Uncollapse,  Next: Undo,  Prev: Collapse,  Up: Utilities

Uncollapse
==========

   Function uncollapse permits the user to select either lines or
surfaces and duplicate boundary entities.

   Typically, if two surfaces share one line as an edge, after applying
this function to both surfaces, that line will be duplicated and every
line will belong to a different surface.


File: gid.info,  Node: Undo,  Next: Comments,  Prev: Uncollapse,  Up: Utilities

Undo
====

   This command allows the user undo any previous commands executed
since the last time the project was saved or read. To do this, the user
must select in the undo window the set of commands that have to be
undone.


File: gid.info,  Node: Comments,  Next: Graphical,  Prev: Undo,  Up: Utilities

Comments
========

   This facility is included to add comments to the pictures obtained
through GiD (*note Print to file::.). Three lines are allowed and with
the `Comments' button the user can impose their printing on the screen
to foresee mistakes or perform changes before printing.

   All the comment lines have their corresponding input button and the
literal text, written into the command line between double-quotes, will
be the output.


File: gid.info,  Node: Graphical,  Next: Coordinates window,  Prev: Comments,  Up: Utilities

Graphical
=========

   In this menu there are some options to change the windows
appearance. They can be inside another window or independent or
disappear. Windows are:

   * Toolbars: Selecting this option the following window appears:

     With this window the position: inside, outside, top left, bottom
     right, etc.  of following item can be configured, or siwtched on
     and off.

        - Geometry & View bar and Standard bar: icon toolbars used to
          perform certain operations. Use middle or right button over
          an icon to get help.

        - Right buttons: These are the buttons that appear usually in
          the right side of the windows. They can perform most of the
          actions of the program.

        - Command line: Inferior line where it is possible to write
          commands.

        - Up menu: Menus located over the graphical window.

     *Note:* To make the `Up menu' appear again, shortcut `Control-U' or
     `Control-Shift-u' can be used.



File: gid.info,  Node: Coordinates window,  Next: Read batch window,  Prev: Graphical,  Up: Utilities

Coordinates window
==================

   This option opens a window used to enter points (*note Point
definition::.).  It can be used in any place where it is possible to
enter one point.

   To accept one point in this window, press `Accept' or press the
`Return' key.

   Option `Coordinate system' allows the user select between:

   * Cartesian: Cartesian coordinate system.

   * Cylindrical: User enters the radius in XY plane, the
     anti-clockwise angle in plane XY from x axe(theta), and the z
     coordinate.

   * Spherical: User enters the radius, the anti-clockwise angle in
     plane XY from x axe(theta), and the angle with z axe(phi).

   Option `Local axes' allows the user choose:

   * Global: Global axes.

   * Relative center: User defines a center of coordinates. All new
     points created with this window will be related to this center. In
     the window where the relative center is entered, user can select
     with button `Pick' a point from graphical window.

   * Relative last: Last point entered is the relative center of
     coordinates.

   * Define new...: It allows the user define a new local axes. Once
     defined, user can select it.

   * Any local axes: All local axes defined with *Note Local axes::,
     will be listed here. Points entered will be related to this axes.

   `New point' shows the current way of entering points. Button `Change'
opens the preferences window (*note Preferences::.) where it can be
changed.

   Button `Pick' allows the user select a point from the window and it
is inserted in the point fields. Then it can be edited and used.


File: gid.info,  Node: Read batch window,  Next: Clip planes,  Prev: Coordinates window,  Up: Utilities

Read batch window
=================

   A batch file can be read to execute some functions (*note Batch
file::.) or to create an animated view of these operations. This latter
case can be performed with the `Read batch window'.

   Once selected a file, it is possible to execute it interactively and
make it stop in some interesting parts. To allow all the movements
(rotations and so on) be executed in the same way that originally,
option `Write rotations in batch:' must be set in preferences (*note
Preferences::.), when creating the batch.

   There are several ways to stop the running batch. One of them is to
include stops in the show file section with the `Mark break' button,
and selecting `Internal stop'. This marks can be saved in the batch
file with button `Write...'.

   Option `Show info' lets the program write all the usual messages in
the GiD messages window.


File: gid.info,  Node: Clip planes,  Next: Save configuration file,  Prev: Read batch window,  Up: Utilities

Clip planes
===========

   Clip planes is a way not to draw the geometry or mesh that is very
close or very far to the viewer.

   Moving `Near plane', hides the geometry that is closer to the viewer.
Moving `Far plane', hides the geometry that is further to the viewer.

   To see the changes dynamically, select `Dynamic update'.  Option
`Fixed distance', allows a constant distance between both planes.

   A new rotation center can be chosen or selected from the window.

   Option `Increase boundaries', increments the ends in the bars of Far
plane and Near plane.

   *Note:* All this information is reset when performing a `zoom frame'.
(*note Zoom::.).


File: gid.info,  Node: Save configuration file,  Next: Perspective,  Prev: Clip planes,  Up: Utilities

Save configuration file
=======================

   It is possible to save a window configuration into a file.  Then if
GiD is open again with option -c (*note Invoking GiD::.) and this file,
the windows are open in the same place and size.


File: gid.info,  Node: Perspective,  Next: Change Light Vector,  Prev: Save configuration file,  Up: Utilities

Perspective
===========

   By default, a model is viewed inside GiD using orthogonal projection.

   With this option, it is possible to change to a perspective
projection.  In this mode, the user can choose a distortion factor for
the perspective. This can be updated dynamically.


File: gid.info,  Node: Change Light Vector,  Next: Default background,  Prev: Perspective,  Up: Utilities

Change Light Vector
===================

   With this option the user can change the *VECTOR* of the light
direction interactively or just entering the *VECTOR* components on the
command line.

   Options are:

   * `Default Vector:' with this option the ligth direction vector
     changes to its default value.

   * `Change Z Sign:' here the user tells the program if the light
     comes from the front of the object, or from behind the object.
     The mouse cursor are changed arcondingly.


File: gid.info,  Node: Default background,  Next: Macros window,  Prev: Change Light Vector,  Up: Utilities

Default background
==================

   Once an image is used as background (*note Read image::.), if the
user wants to have the default one colour background again, it only
needs to use this option.


File: gid.info,  Node: Macros window,  Next: Selection window,  Prev: Default background,  Up: Utilities

Macros window
=============

   Window 'Macros' permits to create sequences of commands and give a
name to them. This group of commands can also be recorded from one
execution set inside the program.

   It is possible to assign a keyboard shortcut to a given macro.

   *Note:* Macros are considered as a user preference and not related
to the active model. So, to transfer a set of macros from one user to
another it is necessary to check the files: `gid.ini' or `.gidDefaults'.


File: gid.info,  Node: Selection window,  Next: Animate controls,  Prev: Macros window,  Up: Utilities

Selection window
================

   In these functions where the user has to select some entities
(creation of a surface or a volume, copy of entities ...) it is
possible to use the selection window. The selection window lets you
take control of the selection process.

   NOTE: the option `Sel window' is only avalaible in the mouse menu
during the selection process.
The selection window has the following options:

   * `Select all': if this option is chosen all entities are selected.
     If a filter is selected, the filter is applied to all entities.

   * `From, To': this option lets the user select a range of entities.
     If a filter is selected, the filter is applied only to that range
     of entities. To see the id numbers of entities, use the `Label'
     command (*note Label::.).

   * `Mode': there are three selection modes:
        - Swap: if you select an entity which is already selected, the
          entity deselects, and viceversa.

        - Add: in this mode it's impossible to deselect an entity. Only
          new entities are added to the current selection.

        - Rem: in this mode it's impossible to select an entity. This
          mode is used to remove entities of the current selection.

   * `Filter': if a filter is selected, only the entities that
     accomplish with the filter criteria will be selected. This menu
     changes depending on what type of entity is being selected:
          POINTS
        - Higher entities: given a point, number of lines to which it
          belongs.
          LINES
        - Higher entities: given a line, number of surfaces to which it
          belongs.

        - Min. length: selects only the lines which its length is
          smaller than the given length.

        - Max. length: selects only the lines which its length is biger
          than the given length.

        - Entity type: type of line
          SURFACES
        - Higher entities: given a surface, number of volumes to which
          it belongs.

        - Entity type: type of surface.
          VOLUMES
        - Entity type: type of volume.
          ELEMENTS
        - Bad Min Angle: number of minimum degrees accepted (*note Mesh
          quality::.).

        - Bad Max Angle: number of maximum degrees accepted (*note Mesh
          quality::.).

        - Element type: type of element. (*note Element type::.)

   * `Clear': Clears the current selection.


File: gid.info,  Node: Animate controls,  Next: Dimensions,  Prev: Selection window,  Up: Utilities

Animate Controls
================

   This windows allows the creation of animations while using GiD.  Any
of these format can be selected: MPEG, AVI True Color, AVI 15bpp
(reduced number of colors: 32768) and GIF. AVI with MJPEG compression
is also supported.  After giving a name and a delay time between frames
(for 20 frames per second, a delay of 1/20 = 50 ms. should be entered)
the process can start just clicking on the start button ( `film roll
and arrow' button), the green led will change to red.

   The user can add frame by frame the pictures he wants into the
animation file just clicking on the `film roll and arrow' button.  The
option Save redraws tells GiD to save every redraw automatically into
the animation file, so no user intervention is needed to store frames.

   The animation can be finished at any time just pressing the `closed
film roll' button, the red led will change to green.

   *Note*: To avoid problems when trying to view an MPEG format
animation in Microsoft Windows, it is strongly recommended to use the
Default menu to select a 'standard' size and press the Resize button.
The graphical window will change to this 'standard' size.  After
finishing the animation, just selecting Default on the menu and
pressing the Resize button, the previous size will be restored.

   *Note*: the AVI files with MJPEG compression, can be viewed with
`xanim' on Linux and unix machines, and with DirectX 8.x installed in
Microsoft Windows machines.


File: gid.info,  Node: Dimensions,  Prev: Animate controls,  Up: Utilities

Dimensions
==========

   With the `dimensions' option it's possible to add textual
information to your model. That information can be changed of layer or
deleted.

   There are the following options:

   * vertex: shows the coordinates of a vertex. Click over an existing
     point and then click where you want the dimension to be written.

   * distance: shows the distance between two points. You'll have to
     select two points and then click where you want the dimension to
     be written.

   * angle: shows the degrees of an angle. You'll have to select three
     points and then click where you want the dimension to be written.

   * radius: shows the center and radius of an arc. You'll have to
     select an existing arc and then click where you want the dimension
     to be written.

   * text: shows a text string defined by the user. Enter the text and
     click where you want the text to be written.

Deletes a "dimension". Select the dimension you want to delete and
press ESC.

Select the dimension you want to edit, change the text, and click OK.

This option lets you change the appearence of a "dimension"; a
"dimension" can be drawn with or without a box. Choose `ShowBox' on or
off, select a "dimension" and press ESC.


File: gid.info,  Node: Calculate,  Next: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS,  Prev: Utilities,  Up: Top

CALCULATE
*********

   Inside this window, the user can begin and manage the analysis of
the problem. Word `process' will be used to refer the running analysis
code. This word is used to show the possibility that several analysis
or processes can be run at the same time.

   Options for this window are:

   * `Start:' Begins the process module. Once it is pressed, user can
     continue working with GiD as usual.

   * `Kill:' After selecting a running process, this button stop its
     execution.

   * `Output view:' After selecting a running process, this button
     opens a window that shows process related information such as
     iterations, convergence, etc.

   * `Close:' Closes the window but does not stop the running processes.

   A list of all the running processes is shown, with some useful
information like name, starting time, etc.

   The various windows will differ in accordance to the specifications
of the problem (thermoelastic, impact, metal-forming, etc.), the
different types of elements (2D or 3D, beams, shells, plates, etc.) and
also the different requirements and specifications of the particular
solver.

   All the commands and facilities that are explained in this manual are
generally available for the different solvers. However, there may be
some commands and facilities that are only available to some of them
and therefore some displays can look slightly different from those
explained on these pages.


File: gid.info,  Node: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS,  Next: postprocessing results,  Prev: Calculate,  Up: Top

POSTPROCESS OPTIONS
*******************

* Menu:

* introduction - postprocess::
* files - postprocess::
* utilities - postprocess::
* Point and Line options::
* Display Style::
* Textures::
* Cover mesh::


File: gid.info,  Node: introduction - postprocess,  Next: files - postprocess,  Prev: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Introduction
============

   This chapter describes some relevant aspects of the Postprocessing
step and the way to load results from a numerical analysis into GiD.

   In the GiD postprocess you can study the results obtained from a
solver program. The GiD postprocess receives mesh and results
information from the solver module. If the solver module doesn't create
any new mesh, the preprocess mesh is used.

   The communication between the solver and the GiD Postprocess is made
using files. The solver program has to write the results in a file that
must have the extension `.flavia.res' and its name must be the project
name. If the solver writes a mesh, that file must have the extension
`.flavia.msh'. ( *note POSTPROCESS DATA FILES::. )

   To enter the postprocess mode, open GiD and select the `postprocess'
option from the `files' menu or click on the `pre/post' toolbar button.
Once inside the postprocessing section of GiD, all the visualization
features and management options of the preprocess section are available:
Zoom, Rotate (Rotate screen/object axes, Rotate trackball,etc.), Pan,
Redraw, Render, Label, Clip Planes, Perspective, etc.

   *Note*: There is no need to load a project into GiD to use its
Postprocessing; you can open directly the mesh and results information
directly from the GiD postprocess. ( *note files - postprocess::. )


File: gid.info,  Node: files - postprocess,  Next: utilities - postprocess,  Prev: introduction - postprocess,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Files menu
==========

   Several useful options has been added inside the `Files' menu:

   * New: Clears all postprocess information present in GiD.

   * Open: Read postprocess information into GiD.

   * Merge (ASCII): Reads mesh and results information from an ASCII
     file.

   * Import:
        - Cuts: to read cut planes, cut wires, iso-surface cuts into
          GiD so the same cuts can be used among several postprocess
          meshes.

        - Graphs: to add graphs to the already, or not, created ones
          inside GiD.

        - FEMAP / TECPLOT file: reads FEMAP Neutral ASCII file and
          TECPLOT ASCII files.

   * Export:
        - As ASCII files: saves meshes, sets and results into ascii
          files ( one for mesh information ".msh", and one for the
          results ".res").

        - As one binary File: saves meshes, sets and results into one
          binary file.

        - Binary results: saves only results information, so the pass
          between pre and postprocess will be quicker.

        - Cut: save cut planes, cut wires, iso-surface cuts so the same
          cuts can be used among several postprocess meshes.

        - Graph: saves graphs in ascii ( gnuplot) format. If the option
          `All' is choosen, the user will be asked for a `prefix'.
          Then, GiD will create a file for each Graph with the names
          `prefix'-1.cur, `prefix'-2.cur, `prefix'-3.cur and so on . . .

        - Cover Mesh: after visualizing the cover mesh of the
          points/nodes, this mesh can be saved for other uses.

   * Preprocess: allows the user, after a confirmation, to return to the
     pre-processing section of GiD.


   The rest of the options are the same on the preprocess part.


File: gid.info,  Node: utilities - postprocess,  Next: Point and Line options,  Prev: files - postprocess,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Utilities
=========

   Inside the `Utilities' menu, the options `Id', `Signal', `Distance'
and `Calculator' have the same funcionality as in the Preprocess (*note
Utilities::.). Other options of the `Utilities' menu are lightly
different:

   * `Status': a window appears showing the general postprocess status:
     number of meshes, elements, etc.

   * `List'
        - Nodes: a window appears showing information about selected
          nodes.

        - Elemets: a window appears showing information about selected
          elements.

   * `Colapse': to colapse nodes that are together in a set.

   * `Join': to join several sets into one.

   * `Delete': to delete meshes, sets and cuts.

   * `Texture': to add textures to sets *note Textures::..

   The Copy utility introduces some changes:

   When choosing the Copy utility the `Transformations' window appears.
This window allows the user to repeat the the visualization using
translation, rotation and mirror transformations, so that GiD can draw
a whole model when only a part of it was analyzed:

   Transformations types are:

   * Translation: It is defined by two points. Relative movements can
     be obtained defining the first point as 0,0,0 and considering the
     second point as the translation vector (*note Point definition::.).

   * Rotation: It is necessary to either enter two points in 3D or one
     point in 2D.  These two points define the rotation axis and its
     orientation. In 2D, the axis goes from the defined point towards z
     positive. Enter the angle of rotation in degrees. It can be
     positive or negative. The sense is defined by the right hand rule.
     In 2D, the sense is counter-clockwise.

   * Mirror: It is defined by three points that cannot be aligned.
     These points form a plane that is the mirror plane. In 2D, the
     mirror line is defined by two points.

   Available options are:
   * Copies: Giving the number of repetitions, the operation selected
     is performed this number of times.

   * View: The trasformation is only for viewing porposes. `Show/Hide',
     `Undo' and `Clear' options are enabled.

   * Create: All the Post information (meshes & results) will be
     duplicated when doing the transformation.  The options
     `Show/Hide', `Undo' and `Clear' are disabled.

   * Show/Hide Transform.: allows the user wether to see the original
     model, or the one with the transformations active.

   * Undo: Deletes last transformation done. It can be used repeadly to
     clear all the transformations done.

   * Clear: Clear all the transformations at once.

   Button DoIt tells the program to do the transformation selected.


File: gid.info,  Node: Point and Line options,  Next: Display Style,  Prev: utilities - postprocess,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Point and Line options
======================

   As points and lines can be viewed, there are several interesting
options for each of them.

   * Point options:

     Here the user can select whether to draw the points `Quick',
     `Nice' or with the center of a `Texture' glued to the point.
     For every draw style, the `Point Size' can be changed, but ranges
     varies between `Quick', which depends on the graphics library, and
     `Nice' and `Texture'.
     When the `Nice' style is selected, the `Nice detail' level can be
     adjusted. The number represents the number of vertical and
     horizontal division of a halfsphere.
     *Note:* The changes affect all the points representation: point
     elements and the arrow head of vectors when using this detail
     level.
     *Note:* Remember to use any body ( body, body with boundaries or
     body with lines) visualization to view the point elements.


   * Line options:

     Here the user can select whether to draw the lines with a Quick
     style by selecting a `Line Size' of 0.0, or a Nice one, by
     selecting other `Line Size'.
     Then the lines are drawn nicely, the number of `sides of the
     prisma' used to draw them can be changed between 4 and 8 sides.
     *Note:* The changes affect the lines representation: line elements
     and the stream lines.


File: gid.info,  Node: Display Style,  Next: Textures,  Prev: Point and Line options,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Display Style
=============

   There is a `View Style' window from where almost all the interesing
visualization options can be choosen that only deals with meshes, sets
or cuts, and not with results.


File: gid.info,  Node: Textures,  Next: Cover mesh,  Prev: Display Style,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Textures
========

   In GiD it is also possible to assign a texture to a Set. Inside the
menu Utilities->Texture there are several options:

   * View No / Fast / Nice: to switch whether to view the textures over
     the sets or not. When the texture is small, so that a pixel of the
     textures must be drawn over several pixels on the screen, the
     `Fast' mode just draws the pixels using the 'nearest neighbor'
     policy, and the `Nice' tries to interpolate the colours of the
     pixels from the original.

   * Add Screen Map / To 4 Sided / BoundImg to BoundSet: to map a
     texture to a set. `ScreenMap': by picking four points over the
     screen, GiD projects the texture, parallel to the screen, over the
     underlying sets.  `4 sided': tries to match the 4 sides of the
     texture to the 4 sides of the set. The best results are achieved
     using quadrilateral sets which are more or less flat, at least in
     one direction.  `BoundImg to BoundSet': looks for the border of
     the texture inside the image file and tries to glue it to the
     border of the set, for instance a texture circle to a circle set.

   * Change Flip Horiz. / Vert.: changes the orientation of the texture
     once it is applied to the Set.

   Note: When the display style of the visualization is changed, for
instance from `Body' to `Body Boundaries' the visualization of the
texture is switched off. To view the texture, just select
Utilities->Texture->View->Fast/Nice.

   Once the texture is applied to a Set, when the Set is deformed, the
texture is deformed accordingly, so the deformed texture can be
visualized.


File: gid.info,  Node: Cover mesh,  Prev: Textures,  Up: POSTPROCESS OPTIONS

Cover mesh
==========

   Another feature in GiD is the calculation of the involving mesh of a
set of points or nodes. To switch the visualization of this mesh on and
off just select Options->Geometry->Covering mesh.  After saying 'Yes'
to the visualization of the covering mesh, the user will be asked for a
number. This number is the distance between the covering mesh and the
points.

   This option is not only available for points, but also for every
mesh/set present in GiD.

   Note: This covering mesh is recalculated when the mesh is deformed.
So in a particle movement system, the covering mesh will also move along
with the particles.

   This mesh can also be saved through Files->Export->Cover mesh.

