Planar pattern grouping allows you to force OptiStruct to create variables
that consolidate the perturbations of active grids in a given plane.
This can be very useful in forming beads that run in a fixed direction across an uneven part or
in solid models to control the changes in the
shape of a cross section.
For a planar pattern grouping (TYP=3 or 13),
OptiStruct generates a
series of parallel planar shape variables that are
defined by the first vector. These shape variables
have a width equal to the minimum bead width
parameter, but have no limit on length. Beads
formed using planar pattern grouping can turn
vertical corners. For simple planar pattern
grouping, the anchor point and first vector can be
located anywhere. Figure 1. TYP=3: Simple Planar Pattern
Grouping
For one plane planar symmetry (TYP=13), the planes are
symmetric about a plane located at the anchor
point. There is no need for two and three plane
planar symmetry. Figure 2. TYP=13: One Plane Planar Symmetry
