SMS:Generic Model

While SMS contains several custom interfaces for specific numerical models, it is not possible to build interfaces in SMS for every model in existance. SMS has a generic interface whereby any two-dimensional finite element or finite difference model can be run using SMS as a pre- and post-processor.

Functionality

The following can be defined for a generic model:

• Global Model Parameters
• Boundary Conditions
• Material Properties

With the model attributes defined, generate a mesh or grid using the geometric tools in the Map, and Mesh or Cartesian Grid Modules. Model parameters can then be set, boundary conditions specified, and material properties applied to the geometric data and saved out to a generic file format.

Using Multiple Meshes

Starting in SMS 11.2, multiple generic mesh model definitions can exist at the same time. When creating a new generic 2D mesh coverage, if multiple generic model definitions exist, a dialog will appear to asking which model definition to use. When performing a map to 2D mesh operation, the definition and values will be copied from the coverage to the new mesh.

The define model menu item will define the definition for the mesh, if the menu item is in the mesh module menu, or for the coverage, if in the feature objects menu. The generic model definition, or template, is stored in a *.2dm file with the SMS project. The *.2dm file will not contain a mesh or parameter values. This template will be used whenever a new mesh or coverage of that type is created.

Graphical Interface

SMS provides a graphical interface that is designed to allow users to visualize the projects they are creating, easily modify project parameters, and view the solutions produced by the Generic Model. See Generic Model Graphical Interface for more information.

The Generic Model Graphical Interface contains tools to create and edit a Generic Model simulation. The simulation consists of a geometric definition of the model domain (the mesh) and a set of numerical parameters. The parameters define the boundary conditions and options pertinent to the model.

The interface is accessed by selecting the 2D Mesh Module and setting the current model to Generic. If a mesh has already been created for a Generic Model simulation or an existing simulation read, the mesh object will exist in the Project Explorer and selecting that object will make the 2D Mesh module active and set the model to Generic. See the Mesh Module documentation for guidance on building and editing meshes as well as visualizing mesh results.

The interface consists of the 2D Mesh Module Menus and tools augmented by the generic model Mesh menu. See Generic Model Graphical Interface for more information.

Generic Model Menu

The following menu commands are available in the Mesh (generic model) menu:

• Check Mesh

This command will bring up the Model Checker dialog. The dialog will list all potential problems with a description of the problem and a recommend procedure to fix the problem.

• Define Model

Opens the Define Model dialog.

• Global Parameters...

Brings up the Global Parameters dialog.

• Assign BC...

Opens the Node Boundary Conditions, Nodestring Boundary Conditions, or Element Boundary Conditions dialog depending if a node, nodestring, or element is selected.

• Set Active Material Group
  File:Mesh ActiveMaterialGroup.jpg

  Active Material Groups dialog.

Opens the Active Material Group dialog. Here indicate which material group is active from the parameter groups created in the Global Parameters definition dialog.

• Material Properties...

Opens the Material Properties dialog.

• Run Mesh

Launches the generic mesh model.

Case Studies / Sample Problems

The following tutorials may be helpful for learning to use the Generic Model Interface in SMS:

• General Section

• Mesh Editing [1]
• Observation [2]

• Models Section

• Generic Mesh Model [3]

Related Topics

• BASEMENT
• HYDRO AS-2D
• ELCIRC
• FVCOM