Engineering Technology Associates, Inc.

Extend Surface Feature:  View Flash Video Clip

This video demonstrates a new capability in eta/VPG 3.4 which allows you extend the edges of selected surfaces to the intersection of another surface or at a specified length

The example illustrates how much more user-friendly VPG 3.4 is than prior releases and competitive products in regards to manipulating surfaces.  In this particular example, our goal is to have the three vertical surfaces to intersect with the horizontal surface for meshing purposes.  In the past this result would require 20+ steps to achieve.  In this new release, it can be done in just a few simple steps.  

Intersecting Mesh Feature:  View Flash Video Clip 

This next example takes these finished intersecting surfaces (from Extend Surface) and demonstrates the power of the intersecting mesh function in surface mesh.

Washer Mesh Feature:  View Flash Video Clip

This video illustrates the difference between paving and not paving inner holes while using the surface mesh function.

The first few steps are rotating a structure that contains holes in it and demonstrating what the mesh would look like with the with the pave inner hole option toggled off.  It is then re-meshed with the pave inner hole toggled on.  You will notice that the first mesh is of good quality, but the second meshing sequence creates high quality elements around the two selected holes.  This mesh pattern is highly desirable where bolts need to be created and attached.

Washer Mesh Feature 2:  View Flash Video Clip

This video demonstrates how quick and easy it is to create paved inner holes (or a washer mesh) on a pre-existing model.  Without this new feature, creating bolt type attachments on an existing model would be extremely labor intensive.