FRACOD2D provides a pre-processor to help users in setting up the numerical model. The pre-processor is a Window based interface which enables users to see instantly the geometry of the fractures and boundaries they have defined. It also provides pop-up windows to guide the input whenever values are needed. After all the fractures and parameters are defined for a problem, a FRACOD2D input data file can then be created in a format that FRACOD2D can read and it is equivalent to the data file created manually by using a text editor.
The pre-processor can be activated by clicking Tool | Model Design in the display Window (i.e. the default Window when FRACOD2D is activated). A second Window, i.e. the Model Design Window will then pop up. The following functions are included in the Model Design Window.
Besides the above menu commands, one can manage the model objects with mouse pointer and keyboard inputs. Here are some useful hints for using mouse pointer and keyboard keys:
Select an Object: Move mouse pointer to the object you want to select and click the left mouse button;
Unselect an Object: Move the mouse pointer to an area without any object and then click left mouse button;
Move an Object: Point the mouse pointer to the object you want to move and the mouse cursor will turn to a move cursor then you hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse around for a desired location. Release the left mouse button to finalise the new location of the object.
Resize an Object: Select the object first and then move the mouse pointer to the corner box of the object. When the mouse cursor becomes a resize shape or , then hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse around to resize the object. Release the left mouse button to finalise the new size of the object.
Delete an Object: Select an object then using the delete command to delete the object. Please see other editing commands in menu Edit.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Move an Object: Select an object first using the mouse. Arrow keys to move object in single pixel step; Ctrl-Arrow Keys to move object in 5-pixel step.
Resize an Object: Select the object first. Shift-Arrow Keys to resize the object in single pixel step while Alt-Arrow Keys to resize the object in 5- pixel step