Stiffener Distribution - Options tab

Used to set options that determine the method of distribution and how the stiffeners are to be distributed.

Setting	Description
Distribution - Origin	The stiffeners can be distributed from four different points: Start – from the start of the shape, End – from the end of the shape, Middle – from the middle of the shape, and Point – a user selected point. When checked, you need to pick an insertion point in the view. (this can be any point on the shape).
Distribution - Direction	If the stiffeners are distributed from the start or from the end, they will always be distributed towards the opposite end of the shape. However, if they are distributed from the middle or from a user selected point, they can be distributed towards the left, the right or in both directions. The options enabled for Middle origin: Bidirectional – distributes stiffener equally in both directions. Left – distributes stiffener entirely to the left. Right – distributes stiffener entirely to the right. If you select to distribute from the middle in both directions, the stiffeners will be equally distributed in both directions. However, if you select to distribute them from a point that is not centered, the stiffeners will not be equally distributed in both directions. The program will distribute will distribute the most stiffeners that it can towards the shorter side and the rest of the stiffeners will be distributed in the other direction.
Shape Options	There are three different placement options that you can select from: distribution on both sides of the shape, distribution on one side of the shape and distribution in a staggered manner. Both Side – inserts stiffeners on both sides of the shape. Single Side – inserts stiffeners only on one side of the shape. Staggered – inserts stiffeners in a staggered manner on one side of the shape. Switch Side icon – enabled for either Single Side or Staggered shape options. Allows to switch the side on which the stiffeners will be placed. For Stagged mode, allows selection of the side where the first stiffener will be inserted.
General Options	Enabled for Space By: Both. When checked, the spacing will be uniform between each stiffener as set in the `Equal Sequence` field in Arrangement.
Specify By	Sets the distribution method. Count – when checked, the distribution is carried by specifying the count. The program will calculate the exact spacing that is required between each stiffener to fit this exact count and the first and last stiffeners will be placed on an offset (limits) Spacing – when checked, the distribution is carried by spacing. The program will calculate the number of stiffeners that can fit on the support shape. The first and last stiffeners will not necessarily be placed on an offset Both – when checked, the distribution is carried by both Count and Spacing. This option allows you to distribute the stiffeners in a more flexible way. If the `Equal Spacing` checkbox is checked, then you will need to enter an Equal Sequence, and when it is unchecked, enter a series of Custom Sequences, in the Arrangement settings.
Arrangement	Spacing – Specifies the spacings between each stiffener. Enabled for Place By: Spacing. Count – Specifies the number of stiffeners to insert on the shape. Enabled for Place By: Count. Start / End Offsets – You can specify a start and end offset for the distribution. No stiffeners will be placed in the areas located between an offset and a shape extremity. The Start Offset is enabled for Start/End distribution origin. Equal Sequence / Custom Sequences – Applicable when the distribution method is set to Both. when the `Equal Spacing` checkbox is checked, it is the Equal Sequence. Enter a single sequence. For example, `5500`; it means 5 stiffeners separated by 500 meters. when the `Equal Spacing` is unchecked, it is Custom Sequences. Enter one or more sequences. For example, `31500, 2000, 2*1000`; it means 3 stiffeners separated by 1500 meter gap and 2 stiffeners separated by 1000 meters.

Restriction: There are certain restrictions related to the distribution:

First, if you select to distribute stiffeners by specifying a count and selects a point as the origin of the distribution, you will not be able to distribute the stiffeners in both directions.
Also, if you choose to distribute the stiffeners by both spacing and count and you uncheck the equal spacing checkbox, you will not be able to distribute the stiffeners in both directions.
Finally, if you select to distribute the stiffeners on a support shape with a cross section of tyep U, you will not be able to specify a placement option. These shapes can only have stiffeners on one side.