Define unfolding parameters in the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file

Tekla Structures
2022
Tekla Structures

Define unfolding parameters in the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file

The unfolding parameters define the location of the neutral axis when a profile is unfolded. The neutral axis is a line that runs along the length of a profile where stress and strain are equal to zero. Tekla Structures uses these parameters to create NC files and to show unfolded profiles in single-part drawings.

The settings in the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file have no effect in the following cases:

  1. Open the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file in a standard text editor.

    This file is usually located in your environment folder. If this file does not exist in your environment folder, modify the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file located in the ..\ProgramData\Trimble\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\system folder.

  2. Modify the unfolding parameters, then save the file.

    You can copy the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file to a model, project, or firm folder and then modify the file in the new location as required. Tekla Structures searches for this file in the default search order.

  3. Restart Tekla Structures for the changes to take effect.

Unfolding parameter properties

This example shows unfolding parameters in the unfold_corner_ratios.inp file and the descriptions of the parameters.

1 HE300A S235JR 0 180 2 0 1000 .7

Property

In the example

Description

Type

1

1 is polybeams

2 is plates modeled as polybeams (for example, PLT)

3 is for parts which are not unfolded and follow the old polybeam calculation (for example, the line 3 L* * disables unfolding of L profiles)

Profile

HE300A

You can also use wildcards with profile, for example, HE300*.

Material

S235JR

You can also use wildcards with material, for example, S235*.

Rotation / thickness min

0

For polybeams: the minimum angle when the profile is rotated around its longitudinal axis

For plates: the minimum thickness of plate

Rotation / thickness max

180

For polybeams: the maximum angle when the profile is rotated around its longitudinal axis

For plates: the maximum thickness of plate

Flag

2

This property defines what kind of parts are affected by the next two properties.

1 is sharp folds. Only polybeams with straight chamfers are affected.

2 is curved bends. Only polybeams with curved chamfers are affected.

Angle / radius min

0

For sharp folds: the minimum angle

For curved bends: the minimum radius

Angle / radius max

1000

For sharp folds: the maximum angle

For curved bends: the maximum radius

Maximum radius is measured to the plane defined by the ratio, so it is not dependent on how the part is created (where the reference axis is located).

Ratio

.7

Defines how much the profile stretches or shrinks when unfolded.

Ratio = (1 - the relative location of the neutral axis).

If only the inner surface of the profile shrinks, the ratio is 1. If only the outer surface of the profile stretches, the ratio is 0. By default, the ratio is 0.5 for length calculation and 0.0 for bending radius calculation.

Tekla Structures applies the unfolding ratio if the profile properties are within the range indicated by the minimum and maximum values.

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