topic Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API in Robot Structural Analysis Forum

Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

mbrasiel — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:42:15 GMT

Hi,

I am working with the RSA API (RobotOM) using Python, and I would like to know whether it is possible to create Panels via the API in structures of the "Plane Deformation" type.

I can already create the contour geometry using CreateContour(). However, in a Plane Deformation structure, it seems that I cannot use I_LT_PANEL_THICKNESS, and I have not found a CreatePanel() or equivalent method in the RobotOM API that reproduces the operation available in the Robot interface.

Is it possible to create a Panel through the Robot API (RobotOM) in a Plane Deformation structure?

Thanks!

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

Stephane.kapetanovic — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:14:28 GMT

Hi @mbrasiel

The difference between a contour and a panel generally lies in the meshed attribute

Objects.Get(id).Main.Attribs.Meshed = 1

However, you should also check whether the panel, is compatible with your analysis method.

Could you share your code?

Best Regards

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

mbrasiel — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:04:50 GMT

The code below is working fine if I start a new project as Shell Design. But it doesnot work if I start a projetc as Plane Deformation structure type.

def create_single_panel(robot_app, structure, points_list, thickness_name):
points = robot_app.CmpntFactory.Create(IRobotComponentType.I_CT_POINTS_ARRAY )
points.SetSize(len(points_list))

    for i, (x, y, z) in enumerate(points_list, 1):
        points.Set(i, x, y, z)

    objNumber = structure.Objects.FreeNumber
    structure.Objects.CreateContour(objNumber, points)
    panel = structure.Objects.Get(objNumber)
panel .Main.Attribs.Meshed = True
panel .SetLabel(IRobotLabelType.I_LT_PANEL_THICKNESS, thickness_name)
panel .Update()
panel .Initialize()

    return objNumber, panel

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

Stephane.kapetanovic — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:30:42 GMT

By default, the panels do not appear to be filled, but calculations can be performed in "plane stress structure design" mode.

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

Krzysztof_Wasik — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:28 GMT

Hi @mbrasiel

Objects (panels) defined as Plane deformation structure do not use thickness definition. In case of such panels only one parameter applied to panel is material. Plane deformation finite elements are simplified finite element type where deformation in direction perpendicular to panel plane is assumed to be zero. While model simulation,fFor such type of elements thickness attribute is not used calculations

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

Stephane.kapetanovic — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:14:49 GMT

Objects.Get(id).SetLabel I_LT_SOLID_PROPERTIES, "CONCRETE"

Re: Create panels in plane deformation structure type via API

bhavani_sankuratri — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:29:50 GMT

Hi @mbrasiel ,

Hope you are doing good! I wanted to follow up and see if you had a chance to look into the responses from Krzysztof_Wasik and Stephane.kapetanovic . Please let us know if their explanations and suggestions helped answer your question or if you still need any assistance.