Splitting Line Sections

New lines are initially composed of a single section. The number of sections that make up the line can be controlled by splitting the initial section into several sections or by merging consecutive sections. Line sections may be split in several sections to introduce several intermediate primary points at once, by using the split feature.

Any section can be split into several sections by clicking the Split button in the Structure sheet once the section has been selected from the sections table. Two consecutive sections can also be merged into one by clicking the Merge button - the section that was selected from the sections table will be merged with the next section.

Any section may be split either into 2 sections by selecting the Simple split method or into several sections (2 or more) by selecting the Advanced split method.

Simple split

The Simple split method will result in the selected section to be split into two sections by introducing an intermediate primary point at a certain curved abscissa along the original section. The curved abscissa is positive from the first end point to the second end point and is defined relative to the location of the first primary point of the section.

You must define the curved abscissa at which the intermediate primary point is to be created.

Advanced split

The Advanced split method is a convenient way to split one section in any number of sections that will be given identical lengths, number of pipe elements, and Line Segment Type.

The following data items must be defined :

• Number of splits: The number of sections you want to split the current line section into.

• Base name of segment: Segments in the section will be given names starting with the root name specified.

• Segment partition: the number of elements in each of the segments.

• Segment property: the Line Segment Type name allocated to these segments comprising this section.

• Internal boundary condition: the type of link that is used to connect adjacent sections.

  • Select "None" is you wish to get the elements located at both sides of the split points being linked together as within a continuous line. This option is similar to the standard split feature which only adds primary points along the line without adding intermediate connection devices.

  • Select "Spring" is you wish to connect the elements located at both sides of the split points using a spring. Spring properties may be defined by clicking the Edit button and further setting data in the Edit connection type data form.

  • Select "Flexjoint" is you wish to connect the elements located at both sides of the split points using a flexjoint. Flexjoint properties may be defined by clicking the Edit button and further setting data in the Edit connection type data form.

  Note

  Flexjoint internal connection types may be used to model the interlink stiffness in chains. This kind of internal connection is required to further assess out-of-plane bending of chain links.

  • Select "Clamp" is you wish connect the elements located at both sides of the split points using a clamps.

The Split section window is shown below :