Member Openings

Member openings allow you to insert cutouts or holes into a member element. In this way, for example, hole or castellated beams can be modeled in the structural model.

Dialog Box "New Member Openings"

Member openings are possible for nearly all thin-walled cross-sections from the library and RSECTION. However, the Elements of the cross-section must be straight. Openings in curved components such as pipes are therefore not permitted.

Type and Position of the Opening

First, define the type of opening. The following reduction types are available in the list (see image above):

• Rectangular opening – for ducts or supply lines
• Circular opening – for hole beams
• Hexagonal opening – for castellated beams

The definition options in the 'Parameter' section are adapted to the reduction type.

Enter the numbers of the Elements in the cross-section where the opening is located. This makes it possible to arrange several member openings at the same member location x, provided they do not overlap geometrically. In combination with the Position reference (element start, middle, end), even complex perforated profiles can be represented (see image Model of a perforated cross-section).

Specify the location 'x' of the opening. It describes the distance from the start node of the member and refers to the center of the opening.

If, as with a hole beam, several identical member openings are arranged at regular intervals along the member, activate the 'Multiple' check box. You can then define the offset of the openings in the 'Parameter' section.

Parameters

In this section, the dimensions of the opening must be specified. The parameters of the individual reduction types are illustrated in the dialog graphic.

If the opening is not located in the center of the element, you can adjust the 'Position'. In the 'Position reference' list, select the reference location of the element:

• Element start
• Element middle
• Element end

The element start and element end are defined by the direction of the element (see image Elements of the cross-section).

Then enter the 'Distance' s_o to shift the opening along the element. This value refers to the center of the opening.

Model of a Perforated Cross-Section