Move Elements

Use the Edit Elements: Move tool to move nodes, drag tria elements, modify holes and washers, and automatically optimize nodes and elements.

  1. From the 2D ribbon, click the Edit Elements > Move tool.
    Figure 1.


    Elements are colored according to how well they adhere to the pre-set quality requirements defined in the criteria file.
  2. Optional: On the guide bar, click to to define the options used to edit elements.
  3. Optional: Find all elements at or below a certain quality level.
    1. Click Find on the guide bar.
    2. Increase or decrease the number of layers around patches of failed elements by clicking or on the guide bar.
    3. Review the next or previous patch of failed elements by clicking or on the guide bar.
  4. Edit elements in the following ways:
    OptionDescription
    Left Click
    • Drag nodes along surfaces or feature edges and lines.
      The quality of the elements that depend on the node being moved dynamically adjust as you drag.
      Figure 2. Along edge


    • Drag hole/washer nodes for circumferential movement.
    • Drag trias.
    Alt + Left Click
    • Drag nodes across edges and away from boundaries.
      Figure 3. Across edge


      Figure 4. Away from boundary


    • Drag hole nodes for radial movement.
    Shift + Left Click
    • Drag nodes normal to surfaces.
      Use the microdialog to enter a precise value. This helps fix warped elements and remove dents.
      Figure 5.


    • Drag hole/washer nodes for angular movement
    Shift + Alt + Left Click Drag hole/washer nodes for radial and angular movement
    Double Click Optimize elements and nodes along surfaces or edges.
    Alt + Double Click Optimize elements and nodes across edges.
    Shift + Double Click Optimize nodes normal to surfaces.
    Shift + Alt + Double Click Optimize nodes along and normal to surfaces.
    Tip: You can toggle graphical previews from the options menu.