1.6.5. Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin

The purpose of this plugin is to make it easier for users who typically use Rhinoceros as a design application to export geometry created using this CAD application to the E-SeaFEM application.

1.6.5.1. How to get and install this plugin

The Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin is currently available on food4Rhino.

A registered user in food4Rhino can download the Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin from the website.

Fig. 1.146 The button directs to the Downloads section of the website, where the latest version of the plugin can be downloaded.

Fig. 1.147 The Install button is only available for registered users. When it is pressed, Rhinoceros application is started if it had been installed previously and Package Manager window is opened showing the `Rhino E-SeaFEM`plugin.

It is also possible to open the Package Manager window with Tools > Package Manager menu option of Rhinoceros and search the plugin.

Fig. 1.148 Pressing Install button in the Package Manager window, the plugin will be installed and ready to be used.

1.6.5.2. How to get contextual help

When the following menu option in Rhinoceros is executed, then a contextual help panel is opened and help about this plugin and E-SeaFEM application is shown:

Menu option: Panels > Help

Fig. 1.149 Contextual help about Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin available executing the Panels > Help Rhinoceros menu

1.6.5.3. How to run this plugin

The plugin includes a command called ESeaFEM which can be executed from the button contained in the plugin’s built-in toolbar or by entering the command in the command line.

1.6.5.3.1. How to download E-SeaFEM application

The first time the command is run, if E-SeaFEM is not installed, then a dialog box allows to download E-SeaFEM from Compass website.

1.6.5.3.2. How to validate E-SeaFEM application

The second time the command is run, it is necessary to enter passwords for GID and FULL_ESEAFEM modules according to the Getting Started manual of E-SeaFEM.

1.6.5.3.3. How to export geometry to E-SeaFEM application

Afterwards, each time the ESeaFEM command is executed, the geometry will be exported to IGES format, the E-SeaFEM installation will be started, and the geometry will be imported.

According to the E-SeaFEM manual, the geometry must meet other criteria, besides the units, in order to be able to run a wind tunnel simulation. These criteria are not checked when executing the ESeaFEM command but are checked by the E-SeaFEM application.

In case different versions of E-SeaFEM are installed, the most recent version shall be run.

After verifying the units and exporting the geometry in IGES format, E-SeaFEM opens with the imported geometry.

For more information on how to perform a seakeeping simulation, please visit the E-SeaFEM manual.

1.6.5.3.4. How to solve problems with geometry export

One of the requirements that the geometry must meet in order to be used in E-SeaFEM is that it must be a closed volume.

If a set of surfaces generated in Rhinoceros, which encloses a volume, is exported to E-SeaFEM, a volume will be created automatically when the geometry is imported into E-SeaFEM.

However, if the set of surfaces is not correct, for instance, has gaps or has intersecting surfaces, then an error will occur when trying to create the volume. The following image shows the type of error that will occur.

Fig. 1.150 Error that happens when it is not possible to create a volume from the imported geometry.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to create a solid with the set of surfaces before executing Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin. If it is not possible to create the solid, then it is necessary to correct the errors of geometry, such as, gaps or intersecting surfaces, to make possible a successful export of geometry to E-SeaFEM application.

Fig. 1.151 It is recommended to create a solid before executing Rhino E-SeaFEM plugin. If it is not possible, then it is necessary to correct the errors in geometry to make possible a successful export of geometry to E-SeaFEM application.