694x
004597
2020-08-06

Question

When selecting the elements for a stiffener of a stiffened panel, I get a message saying that at least one of the selected elements is a null element. What should I do?


Answer:

Stiffeners may only contain elements with a thickness t > 0 mm. If you select null elements (thickness t = 0 mm), the message shown in Image 01 appears. It is necessary to replace the null elements with elements with a thickness t > 0 mm.

The stiffener shown in Image 02 includes Element 8 and Element 3. However, Element 3 has thickness t = 0 mm, so the message in Image 01 is displayed. For Element 3, define a thickness t > 0 mm. As an alternative, you can delete Element 3 and connect Element 8 directly to the panel. This is also shown in the video.


Author

Ms. von Bloh provides technical support for our customers and is responsible for the development of the SHAPE‑THIN program as well as steel and aluminum structures.