IES-VE User Forum

New user to IESVE here and I found something that I'd like to give feedback or get feedback on. I noticed that in the shape settings dialogue box (to extrude a shape) the input parameters for the plane (ft) and height (ft) are restricted to the hundredths place. However, I've also noticed that in the edit element heights dialogue box (to change floor / ceiling heights) the input parameters for heights is allowed to go to the thousandths.

Because of these differences, when I specify a plane in the shape settings dialogue box, I'll sometimes get slivers if the extrusion plane differs from the ceiling height below it by more than .001'.

Why does IESVE allow us to change the element heights by .001' whereas we are restricted on the extrusion plane to .01? I realize these small slivers won't make a huge impact on the model, but I've made it a habit to never specify the element height to the thousandths. The ability to do so seems like you're asking for trouble if you ask me!


Thanks,
- Ben K.

Hi,

I think you are right to flag this up and am glad you have picked up on this already. slivers in yoru geometry can lead to problems further down the line when the analysis applications in VE start to try to make sense of the geometry, track surfaces, calculate adjacencies etc so you are better avoiding this kind of problem early in your modelling if you can.

We've gone back and forth on the debate of how much precision to allow in the geometry modelling for years, there are arguments made by some that they need the flexibility and want the most accurate models while others argue for less precision and naturally easier modelling and more robust models. Working in Tech Support and seeing where the extra precision can lead us if the modeller goes for full detail and perhaps isn't considering the analytical model I would always vote for not allowing you to go to so many decimal places with model inputs or edits, the trade off on loss of accuracy int he thermal or lighting models is acceptable for me and means the software can be used properly for the rapid prototyping, design options and compliance reporting it is intended for

Phil