GiD forum

Hi,
I would like to use the post-process result surface utility but it doesn't display anything.
I did follow the steps proposed in the manual but it doesn't seem to work.

I have linear element with result defined as vector on gauss point.
See attached file, that's what I get?

I was hoping for something more like this : http://www.orlovsoft.com/images/screen_01.gif

My problem isn't the color, but the fact that I do not see any elevation..

... and I did use the option "show elevation" on nodes or both .. don't make any difference !

The 'Result surface tool' must be used to 'elevate a surface Z(x,y)' with a result (z==normal to the surface, not necessarily planar)
(e.g. a result defined on triangles or quadrilaterals)

What do you want is 'Line diagram', that is similar but for curves instead of surfaces.

View results->Line diagram
If you result is scalar (e.g. the axial effort Nx' of a bar) it is perfect for you, it is plotted normal to the current point of view
You can plot it filled with the result color (Utilities->Preferences... postprocess->Line diagram)

But if do you want to plot for example the bending moments My' and Mz', as scalar both cases will be plotted on the same projection plane, and alternative is that your solver write as a trick these results as a vector, with the 'appropriated visual direction'


Another visualization way that could be interesting to you is
View results->Line thickness
where the scalar result value of the bar is represented as the bar diameter

Oh nice, that's exactly what I wanted!