Line To Plate Converter

Intro

This plugin converts selected Beam elements into Plate elements in MIDAS CIVIL NX for more detailed and accurate analysis. It offers flexible control over mesh density, division method, and boundary connectivity between converted plates and the remaining frame model.
The plugin generates plate sections matched to the original cross-section geometry, material, and stiffness properties, preserving the structural intent of the original model. 
 

Developed with

Benefits of this plugin

• Enhanced Analysis Accuracy: Converting 1D beam elements into 2D plate elements provides more detailed and accurate analysis.
• Flexible Meshing Control: Users can choose between two longitudinal division strategies, by target mesh size (in meters) or by number of divisions. Separately control transverse mesh density through a section mesh size parameter.
• Preserved Structural Connectivity: The optional Rigid Link feature automatically creates rigid links at both span ends, maintaining connectivity and boundary constraints between the converted plate mesh and the remaining frame model.
• Time - Saving: Automates what would otherwise be a tedious manual process of creating plate meshes, assigning thicknesses, and connecting them to the existing model. It reduces hours of manual modelling to a few clicks.
   

How to use this plugin?

1. Select the beam elements in MIDAS CIVIL NX that you want to convert to plate elements.
2. Choose the Division Type using the toggle switch:
   • Toggle OFF - Mesh division (number): Enter the number of longitudinal divisions (range: 2-500, default: 5).
   • Toggle ON - Mesh size (m): Enter the target longitudinal mesh size in meters (range: 0.1-10.0 m, default: 0.50 m).
3. Set the "Section Mesh size (m)" to control the transverse subdivision of the cross-section into plate strips (range: 0.1-10.0 m, default: 0.50 m).
4. Enable or disable "Rigid Link" checkbox (enabled by default). When enabled, rigid links are created at both span ends to maintain connectivity with the original frame model.
5. Click "Convert" to initiate the conversion. All input fields will be disabled during processing, and a progress spinner will be displayed.

[Line To Plate Converter]
 

Note

• The plugin deletes the selected 1D elements from the model. Any associated loads and tendons will also be removed and must be manually recreated (if any).
• If the selected elements are not a single continuous chain, only the partial continuous segment (starting from the smallest element ID) will be processed.
• Unsupported section types will trigger an "Unsupported Section" error message. The interface will reset, allowing the user to retry.

Supported Sections:

Uniform and Tapered sections mentioned below can be converted to Plate elements.

Conclusion

The Line to Plate Converter plugin helps engineers convert simple beam models into plate element models easily. It automatically handles alignment, interpolation, meshing, element creation, and rigid links. This reduces modelling effort and delivers accurate, reliable results for advanced analysis.