Model Query Picker

Mechanical APDL Function

Displays existing information or computes simple geometric/loading information by picking items in the Mechanical APDL window.

Pick Indicator

Enables selection or deselection of items in the active workspace. The selection in the On Entities: box will determine the type of item (point, line, area, volume, etc.) that will be selected or deselected by each individual pick.

Selection Method

You can select individual items (Single), or multiple items within adjustable geometrical areas (Box, Polygon, Circle, Loop).

Query Item:

You can use the Query Picker to display existing information or to calculate simple geometric, DOF or loading information. The following items/parameters can be queried:

  • Attributes: Displays coordinates, attributes, properties and node listings (as applicable) for the entities selected in the On Entities: option.

  • Distance Between: Computes distance between two picked nodes or keypoints.

  • Angle Between: Computes included angle between three nodes or keypoints (center, from, to). The angle is displayed in degrees or radians according to the List Option: Selection.

  • Length: Determines length of the selected line.

  • Area: Determines the area of the selection.

  • Volume: Determines volume of the selection.

  • Constraints: Lists constraints for the lines, areas, nodes or keypoints.

  • Point Loads: Lists force loads on the nodes or the keypoints.

  • Surface Loads: Lists surface loads on one or more nodes, elements, lines or areas.

  • Body Loads: Lists body loads on one or more nodes, elements or keypoints.

  • Initial Conditions: Lists initial conditions for one or more nodes.

On Entities:

Lists the specifics of the Query Item: selection.

  • Nodes: One or more nodes

  • Keypoints: One or more Keypoints

  • Lines: One or more lines

  • Areas: One or more areas

  • Volumes: One or more volumes

  • Elements: One or more elements

List Option:

Determines the display/measuring system to be used to present the queried information.

  • DSYS Coordinate System

  • Layer

  • Radius

  • RKEY

  • Degrees

  • Radians

  • DISP

  • VEL

  • Load Labels

Selection Tracking

Displays a running count of the number of items picked, the minimum and maximum number required and the specific label identifier (line, area, node, or keypoint number, etc.) for the last item picked.

Keyboard Entry Options

  • List of Items: List of all entities selected (default).

  • Min, Max, Inc: Allows you to specify a range and increment of entities selected.

Generate 3D Annotation

Applies the queried information to the model as 3D annotation.