# 3.1.2: Disassemble Model

It is sometimes necessary to take apart existing models in order to

1. reassemble them in different configurations,
2. retrieve the results of e.g. a cross section optimization.

The **“DisassembleModel”**-component can be used for decomposing a structural model into its components (see fig. 3.1.2.1). Resulting loads, supports and elements reference the nodes they connect to by position – regardless whether they were initially defined using coordinates or node-indexes. This allows to reuse parts of an old model and reassemble them in a new model where the node indexes have changed. At the **“CroSec”**- and **“Material”**-output only those cross sections and materials show up which were directly fed into the **“Assemble”**-component. In order to get all cross sections, it is necessary to disassemble the model elements. The cross section materials result from disassembling the cross sections.

![ Fig. 3.1.2.1: A model is decomposed into its components.](https://1646753513-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M9XteyGDAU3Odla53cC%2Fsync%2F6c5c8dd18667d8f9d94f4a1bc315f3b14ee5736e.png?generation=1591871159891500\&alt=media)