How to get element IDs using Python recording, and how to select top surface elements based on heigh
'd like to ask for your guidance, @Michael Herve.
I'm currently using the recording feature in HyperMesh and noticed that the recorded Python script does not show the element IDs, specifically at the part I've circled in red in the attached image. The generated command looks like this:
collection = hm.Collection(model, hm.FilterByEnumeration(ent.Element, ids=hm.hwUIntList([])))
recording cotext
import hm
import hm.entities as ent def run(): model = hm.Model()
# [TCL]: *startnotehistorystate {elemoffset}
model.startnotehistorystate(name="elemoffset")
# [TCL]: *createmark elements 1
# [TCL]: *elemoffset 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0.25 0 1 1
collection = hm.Collection(model, hm.FilterByEnumeration(ent.Element, ids=hm.hwUIntList([])))
model.elemoffset(collection=collection, density=4, bias_style=0, bias=0, initial_offset=0, corner_type=0, thickness_type=0, thickness=0.25, shells_only=0, offset_type=1, component_flag=1)
# [TCL]: *endnotehistorystate {elemoffset}
model.endnotehistorystate(name="elemoffset")
As you can see, the ids are always empty and are not captured by the recorder. Is this a bug, or am I missing something? Could anyone help clarify how to correctly retrieve these IDs using Python?
Additionally, I have two more Python-related questions since I'm more familiar with TCL scripting:
there is a example:
When performing an offset operation (facet), and selecting elements on the top surface (shown by the arrow):
- How can I select these top surface elements using Python based on a specified height (Z-value)?
- Alternatively, how can I select the top surface elements by using an on-plane selection criterion with Python?
Here is the TCL syntax for the model (for your convenience to copy and use directly):
*solidblock 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.5
*createmark solids 1 1
*solidmap_solids_begin3 solidmark=1 elemsize=0.250000 elem_type=2 orthogonal_extrusion=0 create_boundary=0 skip_non_mappable=1
*solidmap_solids_end
Best Answer
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hello again @asdfsdfasdfasdfasdf ,
Python does not store raw list because the raw list command.tcl file generates is in most of the case (let me say 99.9% of the case) the worst approach from a scripting perspective. I ran many tcl intro sessions, my #1 avice when starting from command.tcl was: "how to adjust the *createmark to make it robust"? This can be retrieved in our e-learning:
I'm waiting for some feedbacks from my colleagues regarding the facet selection, will keep you posted
Best Regards,
Michael
1
Altair Employee
Answers
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Hello @asdfsdfasdfasdfasdf ,
Python recorder is not storing raw ids of selection on purpose. This was the way command.tcl was working, BUT my first recommendation ever for users starting from a command.tcl was "ok, so how do you replace a raw list of ids by a robust selection method"?
Looking at your case, you are selecting facets. I am surprised the recorder returns it as an element selection, as facet includes both an element id and a face id.
Let me check with my colleagues what should be the strategy here?
Regards,
Michael
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@Michael Herve
First of all, I want to thank you for replying to my question, because this issue has been bothering me for a long time.I don’t quite understand why Python purposely avoids storing raw selection IDs, whereas Tcl used to directly list all selected IDs.
I’m not very familiar with Python yet, and I’ve listed two specific questions. Could you please guide me on how to use Python to solve these examples?
One of the reasons I’m asking is because the new interface introduces the “facets” option, which allows users to select the surface of 3D elements. This is quite different from the traditional approach. So I’d like to learn from you how to use this “facets” method to select nodes, for example, by using the *elementoffset command.😅
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hello again @asdfsdfasdfasdfasdf ,
Python does not store raw list because the raw list command.tcl file generates is in most of the case (let me say 99.9% of the case) the worst approach from a scripting perspective. I ran many tcl intro sessions, my #1 avice when starting from command.tcl was: "how to adjust the *createmark to make it robust"? This can be retrieved in our e-learning:
I'm waiting for some feedbacks from my colleagues regarding the facet selection, will keep you posted
Best Regards,
Michael
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Thank you very much for your reply once again. I will try it out myself first, and if I really can’t figure it out, I’ll share my script with you. Thank you!
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