### 3.7.3. Principles of Solid Model Generation

The solid model feature requires a reference shell geometry and a composite definition to construct a solid element model.

Solid model settings control how the solid model is divided into elements in the thickness direction and how drop- and cut-off elements are handled. The level of detail required in the solid model depends on how accurate certain features are to be modeled. This depends on the judgment of the designer.

The feature has additional ways to enhance the resulting solid model to be as detailed as necessary: ply staggering and tapering are transferred from the composite definitions. Extrusion guides add more complex possibilities in shaping the model. The snap-to functionality makes an alignment with an external CAD geometry possible. Arbitrary cut-outs or cut-offs can be created with Cut-off Geometries. The cut-off operation is analogous to machining a composite part after curing.

Geometry operations (extrusion guides, snap-to and cut-off geometries) help to shape a solid model into the desired shape. These operations are applied sequentially to the solid model. You should explore all possibilities of shaping the solid model first with the help of extrusion guides and snap-to geometries before moving on to cut-off features. While cut-off geometries allow great freedom in shaping a solid model, they also introduce degenerated elements which are limited in representing a layered composite. For more information, see Drop-off and Cut-off Elements.

Details of the solid model feature are explained in the Usage Reference.

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