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.

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.

TYP = 13: One plane planar symmetry