Key Features • Installation & setup • Worked Example • Validation: Cylinder • Case Study: NREL 5-MW
📚 CSF Building Blocks Fundamentals - CSF Geometry, Sections, Polygon Tags, and Weight Laws Guide.
CSF provides a modelling infrastructure in which each region hosts two independent longitudinal fields governing its axial-flexural and shear-torsional participation. These fields are queryable along the member axis and are decoupled from material assignment, from the geometry's longitudinal variation, and from each other.
It represents the variable geometry and material distribution as continuous functions of the longitudinal coordinate
Three-dimensional representation of the tapered pole with localized degradation. Gray regions indicate the non-degraded portions.
Full reproducible example:
Tapered prestressed degraded concrete pole
CSF combines:
-
Geometry field: arbitrary polygonal sections defined at stations (
S0,S1) with continuous interpolation for tapered or varying shapes. -
Axial/bending weight field: per-polygon participation factor
w_i(z)along the longitudinal axis, scaling each region’s effective contribution to area, axial, and bending-related section properties. -
Shear/torsion weight field: per-polygon participation factor
shear_w_i(z)along the longitudinal axis, allowing shear/torsion-related contributions to vary independently fromw_i(z).See Ekofisk Jacket Platform - Foundation Piles for a localized corrosion case.
CSF accepts two input files: geometry.yaml (cross-section definition) and actions.yaml (post-processing pipeline).
geometry.yaml file
# geometry.yaml
# Defines the geometry and material participation laws
# of the structural member.
#
# - sections: end cross-sections (S0, S1) with polygon vertices at each
# z-station.
# - polygons: 2D closed polygons, defined by ordered vertices, that compose
# each cross-section.
# - vertices: polygon coordinates in the local section plane; vertices should
# be given in counter-clockwise (CCW) order for positive area.
# - weight: base participation factor assigned to each polygon.
# - weight_laws: longitudinal participation laws w(z) that scale each polygon's
# contribution along the member axis, independently of geometric interpolation.
# - shear_weight_laws: longitudinal shear/torsional participation laws shear_w(z),
# used to scale shear- and torsion, related contributions independently from w(z).
# - iso(nu): isotropic shortcut that derives shear participation from weight
# using G = E / [2 * (1 + nu)].
CSF:
sections:
S0:
z: 0.0
polygons:
startsection:
weight: 1.0
vertices:
- [-0.4, -0.4]
- [0.4, -0.4]
- [0.4, 0.4]
- [-0.4, 0.4]
S1:
z: 10.0
polygons:
endsection:
weight: 1.0
vertices:
- [-0.2, -0.2]
- [0.2, -0.2]
- [0.2, 0.2]
- [-0.2, 0.2]
# shear_weight_laws: longitudinal shear participation laws shear_w(z),
# used to scale torsion/shear-related contributions independently from w(z)
shear_weight_laws:
# isotropic shortcut: sets shear_w(z) from w(z) using G = E / [2 * (1 + nu)]
- 'startsection,endsection: iso(0.2)'
weight_laws:
# parabolic increase: 72% at base (z=0), full section at top (z=10)
- 'startsection,endsection:1.0 - 0.28 * (1 - (z / 10.0)**2)' actions.yaml file
# actions.yaml
# Defines the post-processing operations to run on the CSF model.
# - stations: named z-coordinate sets used as analysis points
# - actions: ordered list of operations (3D plots, section analysis, property export, etc.)
CSF_ACTIONS:
stations:
station_edge:
- 0
- 10
actions:
- plot_volume_3d:
params:
title: "Not prismatic"
- plot_weight:
output:
- stdout
- plot_properties:
properties: [A,Ix,Iy,Ip]
- plot_section_2d:
stations:
- station_edge
- section_selected_analysis:
stations:
- station_edge
properties: [A, Cx, Cy, Ix, Iy, Ixy, Ip, I1, I2, rx, ry, Wx, Wy,J_s_vroark, J_s_vroark_fidelity]
- volume:
stations:
- station_edge
output:
- stdout
- volume_report.txt
then run
linux / Mac
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install csfpy
csf-actions geometry.yaml actions.yaml
Windows
py install 3.12
py -V:3.12 -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate
pip install csfpy
csf-actions geometry.yaml actions.yaml
Minimal working CSF model: two sections, one polygon per section, custom weight laws, isotropic shear_weight_laws, and automatic evaluation of continuous section properties along the member axis.
CSF Geometry, Sections, Polygon Tags, and Weight Laws Guide
Example list Complete worked example covering all available actions on a tapered rectangular section
CSF is not only a command-line tool, but also a Python library
It can be imported and used programmatically to define geometries, evaluate section properties along the longitudinal axis, and integrate with custom workflows or external solvers.
Full Python API example - Tapered T-beam
-
Polygon-based section representation (algebraic composition): The element is geometrically defined by its end cross-sections, each represented as an algebraic composition of 2D polygons; intermediate sections are generated from these definitions along z. Curved outlines (e.g., circular shells/towers) are represented through discretized polygons with user-selected vertex count.
-
Per-polygon longitudinal weight laws: independent analytical or lookup-based laws govern each polygon’s axial–bending and shear–torsional participation along the member. Custom Weight Laws
Section vertices can be generated from any CAD tool or script that can sample points along a curve and export their coordinates.
Geometric scope and limitations
CSF is not a finite element solver. It provides a continuous geometric and material representation of non-prismatic members along the longitudinal coordinate and evaluates the corresponding sectional properties and derived stiffness fields for beam-based analyses or external solvers. Curved boundaries are represented through polygonal discretization; the approximation accuracy can be increased by refining the number of polygon sides.
CSFStacked is a container that stacks multiple ContinuousSectionField segments along the global z axis and dispatches any query z -> correct segment.
It adds a practical layer on top of multiple CSF segments: junctions are handled deterministically and you can query sections/properties anywhere with a single global API (section(z), section_full_analysis(z))
Linux / Mac
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install csfpy
# you need both geometry.yaml and actions.yaml files
csf-actions geometry.yaml actions.yaml
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
git clone https://github.com/giovanniboscu/continuous-section-field.git
cd continuous-section-field
pip install -e .
python3 example/nrel_5mw_tower.py
python3 example/cylinder_withcheck.py
python3 example/csf_rotated_validation_benchmark.py
cd actions-examples/stell_degradated_model
mkdir -p out
csf-actions stell_degradated_model_s.yaml stell_degradated_model_action.yaml
py install 3.12
py install 3.12
py -3.12 -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate
pip install csfpy
# you need both geometry.yaml and actions.yaml files
csf-actions geometry.yaml actions.yaml
py install 3.12
py -3.12 -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate
git clone https://github.com/giovanniboscu/continuous-section-field.git
cd continuous-section-field
pip install -e .
python .\example\nrel_5mw_tower.py
python .\example\cylinder_withcheck.py
python .\example\csf_rotated_validation_benchmark.py
python .\example\tsection_lab.py
cd actions-examples\stell_degradated_model
csf-actions stell_degradated_model_s.yaml stell_degradated_model_action.yamlAt each longitudinal station, CSF evaluates the polygonal zones that define the cross-section and computes the contribution of each zone to the requested sectional property. The final value is obtained by accumulating the zone-wise geometric contributions after applying the corresponding participation field. Geometry and participation therefore remain distinct: the polygon defines the occupied region, while the participation field controls the effective contribution of that region to the sectional property.
CSF – Section Full Analysis Output
examples/cylinder_withcheck.py
To verify the accuracy of the numerical engine, a validation test was performed using a non-tapered hollow cylinder (steel pipe). This allows for a direct comparison between the library's results (based on weighted polygons) and exact analytical formulas.
The test script cylinder_withcheck.py models a tower with a diameter of 4.935m and a thickness of 23mm using a 512-sided polygon. The results demonstrate that the polygonal approximation converges to the analytical solution with exceptional precision.
The following table reports the full output of the validation script, comparing Theoretical (Analytical) values with the Numerical results generated by the library.
| Structural Property | Sym | Theoretical | Numerical | Error | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net material cross-section | A | 3.54924572e-01 | 3.54915663e-01 | 0.0025% | m² |
| Horizontal center of mass | Cx | 0.00000000e+00 | 5.44816314e-15 | 5.45e-15 (abs) | m |
| Vertical center of mass | Cy | 0.00000000e+00 | -4.12383916e-14 | 4.12e-14 (abs) | m |
| Axial stiffness | EA | 7.45341600e+10 | 7.45322893e+10 | 0.0025% | N |
| Bending stiffness about X | EIxx | 2.24797570e+11 | 2.24786286e+11 | 0.0050% | N·m² |
| Bending stiffness about Y | EIyy | 2.24797570e+11 | 2.24786286e+11 | 0.0050% | N·m² |
| Symmetry check (Ixy) | Ixy | 0.00000000e+00 | 3.45889405e-15 | 3.46e-15 (abs) | m⁴ |
| Torsional stiffness constant | J | 2.14092924e+00 | 2.14082177e+00 | 0.0050% | m⁴ |
| Torsional stiffness (GJ) | GJ | 1.72987083e+11 | 1.72978399e+11 | 0.0050% | N·m² |
| Maximum bending stiffness | EI_max | 2.24797570e+11 | 2.24786286e+11 | 0.0050% | N·m² |
| Minimum bending stiffness | EI_min | 2.24797570e+11 | 2.24786286e+11 | 0.0050% | N·m² |
| Principal axis rotation | Alpha | 0.00000000e+00 | 0.00000000e+00 | 0.0000% (Iso) | deg |
| Buckling radius about X | rx | 1.73667329e+00 | 1.73665150e+00 | 0.0013% | m |
| Buckling radius about Y | ry | 1.73667329e+00 | 1.73665150e+00 | 0.0013% | m |
| First moment of area (Shear) | Q | 2.77471084e-01 | 2.77460637e-01 | 0.0038% | m³ |
| Elastic Section Modulus | W | 4.33825580e-01 | 4.33803803e-01 | 0.0050% | m³ |
| Mass per unit length | m_lin | 2.78615789e+03 | 2.78608796e+03 | 0.0025% | kg/m |
Total Calculated Tower Volume: 31.041 m³
Total Calculated Tower Mass: 243.676 t
| Description | Theoretical | Numerical | Error | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Tower Mass | 244.067 | 244.061 | 0.0025% | t |
CSF is listed as a third-party tool in the OpenFAST documentation
- NREL 5-MW reference turbine report:
Jonkman, J., Butterfield, S., Musial, W., and Scott, G.
"Definition of a 5-MW Reference Wind Turbine for Offshore System Development,"
NREL/TP-500-38060, February 2009.
CSF computes continuous sectional properties along the tower height (z) - (A(z)), (EI(z)), (GJ(z)), etc. - compatible with OpenFAST ElastoDyn/SubDyn distributed property requirements and validated against NREL 5‑MW reference data.
The script example/nrel_5mw_tower.py is used to demonstrate the library's performance on complex, real-world structural members. A full-scale model of the NREL 5-MW Reference Wind Turbine Tower was implemented. The geometry and material properties strictly follow the technical report "Definition of a 5-MW Reference Wind Turbine for Offshore System Development" (NREL/TP-500-38060).
The following tables provide a side-by-side comparison between the Numerical results generated by CSF and the official NREL reference data (Table 6-1 of the official PDF).
Density = 8500 kg/m3
| Elevation [m] | HtFract | TMassDen [kg/m] | TwFAStif [N·m²] | TwSSStif [N·m²] | TwGJStif [N·m²] | TwEAStif [N] | TwFAIner [kg·m] | TwSSIner [kg·m] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.000 | 5590.73 | 6.1431e+11 | 6.1431e+11 | 4.7273e+11 | 1.3812e+11 | 2.49e+04 | 2.49e+04 |
| 8.76 | 0.100 | 5232.30 | 5.3479e+11 | 5.3479e+11 | 4.1154e+11 | 1.2927e+11 | 2.16e+04 | 2.16e+04 |
| 17.52 | 0.200 | 4885.64 | 4.6324e+11 | 4.6324e+11 | 3.5648e+11 | 1.2070e+11 | 1.88e+04 | 1.88e+04 |
| 26.28 | 0.300 | 4550.76 | 3.9911e+11 | 3.9911e+11 | 3.0713e+11 | 1.1243e+11 | 1.62e+04 | 1.62e+04 |
| 35.04 | 0.400 | 4227.65 | 3.4187e+11 | 3.4187e+11 | 2.6307e+11 | 1.0445e+11 | 1.38e+04 | 1.38e+04 |
| 43.80 | 0.500 | 3916.31 | 2.9100e+11 | 2.9100e+11 | 2.2393e+11 | 9.6756e+10 | 1.18e+04 | 1.18e+04 |
| 52.56 | 0.600 | 3616.74 | 2.4601e+11 | 2.4601e+11 | 1.8931e+11 | 8.9355e+10 | 9.96e+03 | 9.96e+03 |
| 61.32 | 0.700 | 3328.95 | 2.0645e+11 | 2.0645e+11 | 1.5887e+11 | 8.2245e+10 | 8.36e+03 | 8.36e+03 |
| 70.08 | 0.800 | 3052.93 | 1.7184e+11 | 1.7184e+11 | 1.3224e+11 | 7.5425e+10 | 6.96e+03 | 6.96e+03 |
| 78.84 | 0.900 | 2788.68 | 1.4177e+11 | 1.4177e+11 | 1.0909e+11 | 6.8897e+10 | 5.74e+03 | 5.74e+03 |
| 87.60 | 1.000 | 2536.21 | 1.1581e+11 | 1.1581e+11 | 8.9122e+10 | 6.2659e+10 | 4.69e+03 | 4.69e+03 |
Total Calculated Tower Volume: 40.8634 m³
Total Calculated Tower Mass: 347.339 t
| Elevation [m] | HtFract | TMassDen [kg/m] | TwFAStif [N·m²] | TwSSStif [N·m²] | TwGJStif [N·m²] | TwEAStif [N] | TwFAIner [kg·m] | TwSSIner [kg·m] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.000 | 5590.9 | 6.143e+11 | 6.143e+11 | 4.728e+11 | 1.381e+11 | 2.49e+04 | 2.49e+04 |
| 8.76 | 0.100 | 5232.4 | 5.348e+11 | 5.348e+11 | 4.116e+11 | 1.293e+11 | 2.16e+04 | 2.16e+04 |
| 17.52 | 0.200 | 4885.8 | 4.633e+11 | 4.633e+11 | 3.565e+11 | 1.207e+11 | 1.88e+04 | 1.88e+04 |
| 26.28 | 0.300 | 4550.9 | 3.991e+11 | 3.991e+11 | 3.071e+11 | 1.124e+11 | 1.62e+04 | 1.62e+04 |
| 35.04 | 0.400 | 4227.8 | 3.419e+11 | 3.419e+11 | 2.631e+11 | 1.044e+11 | 1.38e+04 | 1.38e+04 |
| 43.80 | 0.500 | 3916.4 | 2.910e+11 | 2.9100e+11 | 2.239e+11 | 9.676e+10 | 1.18e+04 | 1.18e+04 |
| 52.56 | 0.600 | 3616.8 | 2.460e+11 | 2.460e+11 | 1.893e+11 | 8.936e+10 | 9.96e+03 | 9.96e+03 |
| 61.32 | 0.700 | 3329.0 | 2.065e+11 | 2.065e+11 | 1.589e+11 | 8.225e+10 | 8.36e+03 | 8.36e+03 |
| 70.08 | 0.800 | 3053.0 | 1.718e+11 | 1.718e+11 | 1.322e+11 | 7.543e+10 | 6.96e+03 | 6.96e+03 |
| 78.84 | 0.900 | 2788.8 | 1.418e+11 | 1.418e+11 | 1.091e+11 | 6.890e+10 | 5.74e+03 | 5.74e+03 |
| 87.60 | 1.000 | 2536.3 | 1.158e+11 | 1.158e+11 | 8.913e+10 | 6.266e+10 | 4.69e+03 | 4.69e+03 |
Total NREL 5-MW Ref. Mass: 347.460 t
| Elevation [m] | HtFract | TMassDen [kg/m] | TwFAStif [N·m²] | TwSSStif [N·m²] | TwGJStif [N·m²] | TwEAStif [N] | TwFAIner [kg·m] | TwSSIner [kg·m] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0030% | 0.0016% | 0.0016% | 0.0148% | 0.0145% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0019% | 0.0019% | 0.0019% | 0.0146% | 0.0232% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0033% | 0.0130% | 0.0130% | 0.0056% | 0.0000% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0031% | 0.0025% | 0.0025% | 0.0098% | 0.0267% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0035% | 0.0088% | 0.0088% | 0.0114% | 0.0479% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0023% | 0.0000% | 0.0000% | 0.0134% | 0.0041% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0017% | 0.0041% | 0.0041% | 0.0158% | 0.0056% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0015% | 0.0242% | 0.0242% | 0.0189% | 0.0061% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0023% | 0.0233% | 0.0233% | 0.0302% | 0.0066% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0043% | 0.0212% | 0.0212% | 0.0092% | 0.0044% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.0035% | 0.0086% | 0.0086% | 0.0090% | 0.0016% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
- All discrepancies are well below 0.05%.
- Differences are attributable to rounding and numerical precision.
- The generated CSF tower properties faithfully reproduce the NREL 5-MW reference.
For a complete example of CSF integrated into the OpenFAST aeroelastic simulation framework - from parametric tower geometry through BModes to ElastoDyn - see the
Two NREL/OpenFAST tower examples are provided:
- Code-only example:
example/nrel_5mw_tower.py - Formal AES reproducibility case:
docs/aes/nrel_case/README.md
This section demonstrates how to model a structural member where the geometry transitions smoothly between two different T-profiles.
Click to expand the full T-Beam Python example
# --- Core CSF imports used in this minimal example ---
from csf import (
Pt, Polygon,integrate_volume,section_statical_moment_partial,section_properties, section_derived_properties,Section, ContinuousSectionField,Visualizer,
section_full_analysis, section_print_analysis,section_full_analysis_keys
)
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 1. DEFINE START SECTION (Z = 0)
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# GUIDELINES FOR POLYGON CONSTRUCTION:
# - COUNTER-CLOCKWISE POLYGON
# - VERTICES ORDER: You MUST define vertices in COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (CCW) order.
# This is MANDATORY for the Shoelace/Green's Theorem algorithm to compute a
# POSITIVE Area and correct Moments of Inertia. Clockwise order will result
# in negative area values and mathematically incorrect results.
# - WEIGHT: Use 1.0 for solid parts and 0 to define voids/holes.
# - The start section here is a T-shape composed of two non-overlapping polygons:
# a "flange" (top horizontal) and a "web" (vertical stem).
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Flange Definition: Rectangle from (-1, -0.2) to (1, 0.2)
# Order: Bottom-Left -> Bottom-Right -> Top-Right -> Top-Left (CCW)
poly0_start = Polygon(
vertices=(Pt(-1, -0.2), Pt(1, -0.2), Pt(1, 0.2), Pt(-1, 0.2)),
weight=1.0,
name="flange",
)
# Web Definition: Rectangle from (-0.2, -1.0) to (0.2, 0.2)
# Order: Bottom-Left -> Bottom-Right -> Top-Right -> Top-Left (CCW)
poly1_start = Polygon(
vertices=(Pt(-0.2, -1.0), Pt(0.2, -1.0), Pt(0.2, -0.2), Pt(-0.2, -0.2)),
weight=1.0,
name="web",
)
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 2. DEFINE END SECTION (Z = 10)
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# GEOMETRIC CONSISTENCY:
# - To enable linear interpolation (tapering), the end section must contain the
# same number of polygons with the same names as the start section.
# - The web depth here increases linearly from 1.0 down to 2.5 (negative Y direction),
# creating a tapered profile along the longitudinal Z-axis.
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Flange remains unchanged for this prismatic top part
poly0_end = Polygon(
vertices=(Pt(-1, -0.2), Pt(1, -0.2), Pt(1, 0.2), Pt(-1, 0.2)),
weight=1.0,
name="flange",
)
# Web becomes deeper: Y-bottom moves from -1.0 to -2.5
# MAINTAIN CCW ORDER: Bottom-Left -> Bottom-Right -> Top-Right -> Top-Left
poly1_end = Polygon(
vertices=(Pt(-0.2, -2.5), Pt(0.2, -2.5), Pt(0.2, -0.2), Pt(-0.2, -0.2)),
weight=1.0,
name="web",
)
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 3. CREATE SECTIONS WITH Z-COORDINATES
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Sections act as containers for polygons at a specific coordinate along the beam axis.
# All polygons defined at Z=0.0 are grouped into s0, and those at Z=10.0 into s1.
# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Order matters: poly0_start pairs with poly0_end,
# and poly1_start pairs with poly1_end
# because they appear in the same position in their respective sections.
s0 = Section(polygons=(poly0_start, poly1_start), z=0.0)
s1 = Section(polygons=(poly0_end, poly1_end), z=10.0)
# --------------------------------------------------------
# 4. INITIALIZE CONTINUOUS SECTION FIELD
# --------------------------------------------------------
# A linear interpolator is used to generate intermediate
# sections between Z = 0 and Z = 10.
field = ContinuousSectionField(section0=s0, section1=s1)
# --------------------------------------------------------
# 5. PRIMARY SECTION PROPERTIES (Z = 5.0)
# --------------------------------------------------------
# Properties are computed at mid-span.
sec_mid = field.section(5.0)
props = section_properties(sec_mid)
print("\n" + "="*40)
print("PRIMARY PROPERTIES AT Z=5.0 (Centroidal)")
print("="*40)
print(f"A: {props['A']:.4f} # Net Cross-Sectional Area")
print(f"Cx: {props['Cx']:.4f} # Horizontal Centroid location (Global X)")
print(f"Cy: {props['Cy']:.4f} # Vertical Centroid location (Global Y)")
print(f"Ix: {props['Ix']:.4f} # Second Moment of Area about Centroidal X-axis")
print(f"Iy: {props['Iy']:.4f} # Second Moment of Area about Centroidal Y-axis")
print(f"Ixy: {props['Ixy']:.4f} # Product of Inertia (Measure of asymmetry)")
# 2. DERIVED PROPERTIES (Radius of Gyration, Principal Axes)
derived = section_derived_properties(props)
print("\n" + "-"*40)
print("DERIVED GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES")
print("-"*40)
print(f"rx: {derived['rx']:.4f} # Radius of Gyration about X (sqrt(Ix/A))")
print(f"ry: {derived['ry']:.4f} # Radius of Gyration about Y (sqrt(Iy/A))")
print(f"I1: {derived['I1']:.4f} # Maximum Principal Moment of Area")
print(f"I2: {derived['I2']:.4f} # Minimum Principal Moment of Area")
print(f"Deg: {derived['theta_deg']:.2f}° # Principal Axis Rotation Angle")
# --------------------------------------------------------
# 7. STATICAL MOMENT OF AREA (Q)
# --------------------------------------------------------
# Computed at the neutral axis (y = Cy).
# Used in shear stress calculations.
Q_na = section_statical_moment_partial(sec_mid, y_cut=props['Cy'])
print("\n" + "-"*40)
print("SHEAR ANALYSIS PROPERTIES")
print("-"*40)
print(f"Q_na: {Q_na:.4f} # First Moment of Area above Neutral Axis (for shear stress)")
# 8. VOLUMETRIC PROPERTIES
total_vol = integrate_volume(field,0,10)
print("\n" + "="*40)
print("GLOBAL FIELD PROPERTIES (3D)")
print("="*40)
print(f"Total Volume: {total_vol:.4f} # Total material volume of the ruled solid")
# Technical Explanation for the negative Cy
print("\n" + "-"*50)
print("TECHNICAL NOTE ON COORDINATES:")
print("-"*50)
print("The negative value for 'Cy' is physically correct.")
print("In this model, the flange is centered at y=0, while the web")
print("extends downwards (from y=0.2 to y=-1.0 at Z=0, and y=-2.5 at Z=10).")
print("Since the majority of the T-section's mass is located below the")
print("global X-axis (y=0), the centroid MUST have a negative Y-coordinate.")
print("This indicates the geometric center is below the drawing origin.")
print("-"*50)
# --------------------------------------------------------
# 9. VISUALIZATION
# --------------------------------------------------------
# - 2D section plot at Z = 5.0
# - 3D ruled solid visualization
viz = Visualizer(field)
# Generate 2D plot for the specified slice
viz.plot_section_2d(z=5.0)
# Generate 3D plot of the interpolated solid
# line_percent determines the density of the longitudinal ruled lines
viz.plot_volume_3d(line_percent=100.0, seed=1)
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
plt.show()Click for BibTeX citation
@software{boscu_continuous_section_field_2026,
author = {Boscu, Giovanni},
title = {{continuous-section-field}},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {V2.1.0},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.20687216},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20687216}
}This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.
