[Archive] STEP File Import

SPIS
#1

Message by Henning Wulf:
Hello,
I just wondered whether for SPIS it is also possible to import existing STEP files, rather than constructing the model on the basis of the coordinates point by point?
Kind regards,
Henning

#2

Message by Henning Wulf:
Hi,
I just noticed that the standalone version of gmsh can open STEP files, which I believe should solve the issue.
Kind regards,
Henning

#3

Message by Benoit Thiebault:
Hi Henning,
This is indeed the best way of doing in. In the upcoming version of SPIS, it will be possible to import the STEP file directly in the geometry editor.
However, beware that Gmsh generates a mesh that is conform with SPIS requirements:

  • There should be a volumetric mesh, with a closed outer boundary
  • If you want to model a spacecraft, it should constitute the closed inner boundary of the volume
  • The should be (at least) one "physical" for each of those elements (the outer boundary, the volume and the spacecraft)
Kind regards, Benoît
#4

Message by Benoit Thiebault:

Not fully clear what is meant by the inner boundary. Do you mean the inner and outer boundaries of the plasma environment, or something of the S/C itself?
You need to have a volumetric mesh. When you model a spacecraft, it creates a “hole” in the volume. The boundary of this hole is what I call the inner boundary of the volume.
Sometimes, STEP files define spacecraft that are not continuous. When Gmsh meshes the volume, it does not “see” the spacecraft and meshes through it. The inside of the spacecraft should not be meshed for SPIS to work properly.

#5