Geometry Files

Within the program, the geometry system allows the user to create, import, and export geometric data.

Uses

Among the auxiliary inputs, geometric data probably have the widest range of application. They may be used for:

  • facilitating model visualization,

  • constructing model and/or plot ranges,

  • “tracing” guides for constructing extrusions or building blocks (in FLAC3D), or

  • describing a topological surface from which a set of zones is constructed via extrusion.

FISH extra variables and group names may be assigned to geometric data. FISH may be used to create and manipulate geometric data. Geometric data are organized into geometric sets, which are named collections of nodes, edges and polygons.

Geometry objects do not require a domain for their creation, since they are not model components.

Inclusion in a Model

Geometric data may be brought into the model in various ways:

Note

Geometric data brought into the program using the geometry import command or with the File —> Open dialog will be available to the geometry plot item; however, a geometry set added to a geometry plot item for the purposes of visualization is not subsequently accessible to commands — it is not in any sense “part” of the model, it is just a visual object in the plot that added it.

Formats

The program supports inclusion of geometric data in drawing exchange (DXF), stereolithography (STL), or the Itasca geometry (GEOM) formats.

Manipulation

The program provides a substantial set of c geometry commands and FISH functions for working with imported geometric data (note it is also possible to use commands to create a geometry set as well).