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When the IGES translator is run, it creates two files. The user is given an option to enter a PHOENICS model name. If no name is entered, the files created are called Q1 and IGES.IGP. If a name is entered, say MYMODEL, the files created will be called MYMODEL.Q1 and MYMODEL.IGP. The Q1 file sets BFC=T, and then contains an instruction to read the IGP file. The IGP file contains the PHOENICS BFC point and line commands derived fom the IGES file. It also contains a list of IGES entities translated, and also those ignored. It should be noted that the translator only recognises point and line information - it cannot interpret surfaces.

Once the translator has finished, the Q1 can be read into PHOENICS. If no model name was supplied, clicking on File, Reload working files will suffice. If a model name was entered, click on File, Open existing case and select the right one - MYMODEL.Q1 in the example above.

The Q1 contains vey basic grid-generation commands, it does not contain a complete grid. The Editor screen will still show the default cube. Click on the Mesh toggle, then anywhere in the Editor window to launch the BFC mesh generator. At this point, any points and lines will be displayed.

It is now up to the user to build a grid based on the points and lines seen. It is quite likely that these will not be the most appropriate for creating a structured mesh. The user may well have to create more points, split lines etc before they can create sensible frames to match grid to. There may also be much more detail than is needed for the mesh generation.

All the best!