cad & parameters chapter nine. training manual cad & parameters march 29, 2005 inventory...

CAD & Parameters

Chapter Nine

March 29, 2005Inventory

#0022159-2

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

Chapter Overview

• In this chapter, interoperability with CAD software as well as parameters will be discussed.

• The following will be covered:– CAD Interoperability

– Multiple Design Studies

– Parameter Manager

• The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to all ANSYS licenses. However, some CAD functionality are specific to certain CAD software, so these will be designated accordingly.– Not all CAD software have the same features, so there are

some differences in CAD-related functionality which is supported in Simulation


#0022159-3

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

A. CAD Interoperability

• As noted in Chapter 1, the following Geometry Interfaces are supported in Simulation:

– The Geometry Interface license can be run in reader mode for all licenses. The Geometry Interface can be run in plug-in mode for the CAD software listed under “Associative”

• Detailed CAD support listing in Simulation online help

• IGES Geometry Interface reader is free

CAD Source Version Windows Solaris HP-UX AssociativeDesignModeler 9 x x x xPro/ENGINEER 2001, Wildfire (1 and 2) x x x xUnigraphics NX 1.0, 2.0 x x x xSolidWorks 2003 (sp4), 2004 x xInventor R8, R9 x xSolid Edge 15, 16 x xMechanical Desktop 2004 DX, 2005 x xCATIA V4 2.x x x xCATIA V5 R2-R13 xACIS (SAT) 13 x x xParasolid 16.0 x x xIGES 4.0, 5.2, 5.3 x x x


#0022159-4

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… DesignModeler & CAD

• DesignModeler is a Workbench module allowing users to create or prepare models for use in Simulation

DesignModeler has a similar look and feel to Simulation

DesignModeler can be used to create geometry in lieu of other CAD software

DesignModeler can also read in parts and assemblies from the same CAD sources as Simulation. These models can be prepared and modified for analysis, then attached in Simulation


#0022159-5

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… CAD Interoperability

• There are various items which can be brought in from supported CAD systems when models are attached:– Geometry import

– Spot weld import

– Parameter import

– Material property import

– Coordinate system import

– Named selection import

– Motion loads import

– CAD attribute processing

• There are three ways of setting import preferences when attaching CAD geometry.

– Three methods – one through the Workbench Projects page, another in Simulation Geometry branch, the third in Options… box – will be discussed next.


#0022159-6

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Controlling CAD Settings

– When importing models in Workbench Project page, the left side controls various CAD-related settings

– These settings only affect the existing model


#0022159-7

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


– On the other hand, after a model is already imported into Simulation, CAD-related settings can be changed under the Geometry branch

– These settings only affect the existing model

Model shown is from a sample Inventor assembly.


#0022159-8

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• To change default behavior, go to “Tools menu > Common Settings: Geometry Import” to change default behavior– “Options” dialog box also accessible from Workbench Start

page in lower-left corner.


#0022159-9

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import

• For CAD-related settings, importing solid, surface, or line bodies is available– One cannot import a part with mixed solids

and surfaces.

– Assemblies with mixed solids and surfaces are OK.

– In other situations, users may wish only toimport a particular entity type to ignore unnecessary or construction geometry present in the model

– Hence, toggling import of solids, surfaces, and/or line bodies is possible


#0022159-10

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (Solid Bodies)

• Import of solid bodies is supported for all CAD systems– Contact regions will automatically be detected between parts

in an assembly.• Note that the CAD mating relationship information is not used

• Slider controls contact detection tolerance (in ANSYS Professional licenses and above, user can specify value in length units)

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventor xSolid Edge xMechanical Desktop xCATIA V4 xCATIA V5 xACIS (SAT) xParasolid xIGES x Model shown is from a sample SolidWorks assembly.


#0022159-11

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (Solid Bodies)

• DesignModeler has concept of “multi-body parts”– A multi-body part is a group of solid bodies. Instead of using

different mesh and contact regions between solid bodies, the bodies within a part will share nodes at common interfaces

Individual Bodies (non-matching mesh) Single Part (matching mesh)

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEERUnigraphicsSolidWorksInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-12

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (2D Solid Bodies)

• Before importing 2D geometry you must specify “Analysis Type” is “2D” in the Advanced Geometry options

Once imported, the 2D details can be specified from the Part branch. Plane stress, plane

strain or axisymmetric


#0022159-13

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (Surface Bodies)

• Simulation also supports import of surface bodies from most CAD systems– For ANSYS Professional licenses and above, surface body

contact is available from the Contact branch

– Spot weld definitions can also be used for surface assemblies

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventorSolid Edge xMechanical DesktopCATIA V4 xCATIA V5 xACIS (SAT) xParasolid xIGES x


#0022159-14

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (Surface Bodies)

• In DesignModeler, “joints” can be used to merge surface bodies together to a “part”– Instead of using spot welds or edge contact, “joints” in

DesignModeler can ensure that surface bodies share nodes

– Surfaces that share edges can also form a part to share nodes

Individual Bodies (non-matching mesh) Part of Surface Bodies (matching mesh)



#0022159-15

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Geometry Import (Line Bodies)

• Line bodies can be imported from DesignModeler only– Line bodies require cross-section definition and orientation,

which only DesignModeler supplies

– Line bodies are meshed with beam/link elements

– Line bodies can be used in conjunction with surface bodies



#0022159-16

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… CAD Associativity

• CAD associativity allows updating theCAD geometry in Simulation without needing to redefine material properties, loads, supports, and results– Slide 3 showed CAD systems which are

associative in Simulation

– In some cases, for very large models,the processing time may take a while, so the user can turn off the CAD associativity feature to allow for faster attaching

• Turning this feature off will make import faster but will not allow updating of the CAD geometry if changes to the CAD model are made

• It is generally not recommended to turn this off unless the user does not need associativity

Although the toggle is not available for DM and ProE, this does not mean that these systems do not support associativity. DM and ProE support associativity, just not the ability to toggle associativity off.

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModelerPro/ENGINEERUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventor xSolid Edge xMechanical Desktop xCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-17

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Save Updated Model (Reader Mode)

• Reader mode is when a model is attachedin Simulation without the CAD system being started up first– For Unigraphics, if the part is updated in

reader mode, the updated file can be saved

– This is used in conjunction with parametersto update the UG model with new dimensions

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModelerPro/ENGINEERUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-18

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Do Smart Update

• “Smart Update” is a method by which the updating of assemblies is sped up if the assembly contains unmodified components.– Currently, only Inventor and Unigraphics

support “Smart Update” feature

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModelerPro/ENGINEERUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventor xSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-19

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Attach File via Temp File

• For large models, it may be advisable toturn this feature on.– When attaching large models, a temporary

file to facilitate import can be created/deletedby Simulation if this option is set

– If set to “Yes”, a location for the temporarydirectory can be specified by the user

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventor xSolid Edge xMechanical Desktop xCATIA V4 xCATIA V5 xACIS (SAT) xParasolid xIGES x


#0022159-20

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Spot Weld Import

• Spot welds can be used for surface assemblies– Although Simulation has some limited spot weld definition

capabilities (at vertices only), spot welds can be defined more easily in DesignModeler and Unigraphics and then imported into Simulation.

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEERUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES

Not all CAD software support spot weld definitions in a manner usable by Simulation


#0022159-21

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Parameter Import

• Dimensions of CAD features can beimported into Simulation– By turning on this feature (default), any

dimension with the user-defined prefix orsuffix (default is “DS”) will be imported into Simulation as a parameter

• Only dimensions for features will be imported

– Once imported, the parameters of variousdimensions will appear in the Details viewfor that particular part.

– The use of parameters to change theCAD model or to set up parametric studieswill be covered in detail in the next section

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventor xSolid Edge xMechanical Desktop xCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-22

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Parameter Import

• Each CAD software has different ways to change the dimension name, so please refer to the CAD documentation

– DesignModeler: checkmark the dimension, provide Parameter name

– Pro/ENGINEER: select dimension, right-click “Properties”

– Unigraphics: select dimension and “Edit”

– SolidWorks: select dimension, right-click “Properties”

– Inventor: select dimension, right-click “Dimension Properties”

– Solid Edge: select dimension, right-click “Edit Formula,” change name

– Mechanical Desktop: “Part > Design Variables” and define parameter name. Then change dimension to parameter via “Edit Dimensions”


Sample dialog boxes to change dimension name in CAD software


#0022159-23

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Material Property Import

• If “Material Properties Transfer” is enabled,material properties, if defined, will be imported from supported CAD systems

• The following properties will be imported:

– Note that Simulation will not import UG properties in table form (such as temperature-dependent data)

– If the material type is changed in CAD, this will be reflected in an update. However, if the values of the material property change in CAD, this will not update to prevent overwriting of user-defined values in Simulation.

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler /Pro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventor xSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES

Material Property Pro/ENGINEER Unigraphcis InventorYoung's Modulus x x xPoisson's Ratio x x xMass Density x x xCoeff Therm Exp x x xSpecific Heat x xThermal Conductivity x x xTensile Yield xCompressive YieldTensile Ultimate xCompressive Ultimate

Not all CAD software support all material property definition which Simulation supports.

Materials imported from CAD will appear in “Engineering Data” branch and will be assigned correctly to parts.


#0022159-24

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Material Property Import

• Each CAD system has different ways to define and assign materials, so please refer to the CAD documentation

– DesignModeler: will import materials from ProE, UG, Inventor, but user cannot define material properties inside of DM directly

– Pro/ENGINEER: “Edit > Setup: Material > Define/Assign”

– Unigraphics: “Tools > Material Properties”

– Inventor (to define materials): “Format > Materials”Inventor (to assign): right-click part “Properties: Physical tab”

Sample dialog boxes to assign/define material properties in CAD software

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler /Pro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventor xSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-25

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Coordinate System Import

• Coordinate systems are used in Simulation to apply directional loads or results postprocessing– Coordinate systems allow users to define the orientation for

direction-dependent loads or contour results

• Simulation supports importing of local coordinate systems from some CAD systems– User-defined CS on part or assembly level

will be imported

– In DM and SW, names come through as-is.In ProE, name comes through as part name,followed by CS name in square brackets

– Modified/added CS are updated with modelGeometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphicsSolidWorks xInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-26

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Coordinate System Import

• Each CAD system has different ways to define coordinate systems, so please refer to the CAD documentation– DesignModeler: create Plane, Details view: Export CS

– Pro/ENGINEER: “Insert > Model Datum > Coordinate System”

– SolidWorks: “Insert > Reference Geometry > Coordinate System”

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphicsSolidWorks xInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES

Sample dialog boxes to define coordinate systems in CAD software


#0022159-27

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Named Selections Import

• If “groups” are defined in the CAD package,these can be brought into Simulation asNamed Selections for supported systems.This makes it easier to assign mesh controls or apply loads to entities.– Named selections import can be enabled,

as shown on the right

– If the “group” in the CAD software has the specified prefix (default is “NS”), then it is imported in the Named Selection branch of Simulation

CAD System Vertex Edge Face BodyDesignModeler x x x xPro/ENGINEER x xUnigraphics x x x xSolidWorks x x xInventor x x xSolid Edge x x xMechanical Desktop x x



#0022159-28

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• However, note that this Named Selection processing feature is related to CAD API functionality.– Unless the CAD system allows direct manipulation of the

entities, simply providing ‘names’ for geometric entities will not be imported into Simulation.

• Interfacing with CAD API via VB or similar scripting languages may be required

– Currently, only Pro/ENGINEER and Unigraphics (and DesignModeler) allow users to ‘rename’ geometric entities such as surfaces.

• Pro/ENGINEER only allows one entity per named selection (limited usefulness)

• Unigraphics allows for multiple names per named selection, so ‘true’ groups can be created

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-29

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• Each CAD system has different ways to rename geometric entities, so please refer to the CAD documentation– DesignModeler: “Tools > Named Selections”

– Pro/ENGINEER: “Edit > Setup: Name > Other”

– Unigraphics: select entities, right-click “Properties”

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModeler xPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorksInventorSolid EdgeMechanical DesktopCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES

Sample dialog boxes to create “named selections” in CAD software


#0022159-30

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… CAD Attribute Import

• The CAD Attribute Import capability canbe used to import attribute information from CAD software, including motion loads– For example, if a CAD system uses a

supported kinematics program, the motionloads can be imported into Simulation for subsequent stress analyses

– If this feature is turned on, the prefix can be specified. Only attributes with the given prefix (default is “SDFEA” or “DDM”) will be imported into Simulation.

Geometry Interface AvailabilityDesignModelerPro/ENGINEER xUnigraphics xSolidWorks xInventor xSolid Edge xMechanical Desktop xCATIA V4CATIA V5ACIS (SAT)ParasolidIGES


#0022159-31

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

B. Multiple Design Studies

• In many situations, users may wish to perform comparisons of different load cases or even different types of analyses

• Copying branches in the Outline Tree allow users to easily compare different Environments or even different Models

One may wish to compare the results of two different load cases, as shown here


#0022159-32

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Multiple Design Studies

• To solve different cases, simply duplicate the parent branch– Duplicate the Environment branch when the user is:

• Solving multiple load cases

• Solving different types of analyses (static, modal, etc.)

– Duplicate the Model branch when the user is:• Comparing different material properties

• Comparing different geometry configurations

• Comparing different contact conditions

• Comparing different mesh densities

• After duplicating the appropriate branch,simply make the necessary changes andthen resolve the model.– Usually, it is a good idea to rename the

branches in the Outline tree to distinguishbetween the duplicated branches


#0022159-33

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• After duplicating the branch and resolving, the HTML Report will also contain all the cases solved

Select which branches you want to include in the HTML Report prior to generating it.

All input, results, and figures will be included for each branch and labeled appropriately.


#0022159-34

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Updating Geometry

• For the aforementioned cases, changing the duplicate branch is straightforward– For example, to compare two different loading conditions,

duplicate the Environment branch, then redefine or add/delete any loads or supports, as needed.

• However, when dealing with multiple geometry configurations, additional steps are required– Make changes to geometry in the CAD system

– Duplicate the Model branch

– Select the Geometry branch, then choose “Geometry > Update: Use Geometry ParameterValues” from the Context toolbar

This will work only for CAD systems whichare associative. After performing the abovesteps, the geometry for the selected branchwill be updated, and so will all materials,contact regions, and loads.



#0022159-35

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Updating Geometry Example

• For example, in the model below, geometry changes were made in the CAD software.– The Model branch was duplicated to “Model 2”

– “Model 2” was selected and the new geometry was updated

– All material assignment, mesh controls, (contact regions), and loads and supports were updated without manual intervention



#0022159-36

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Sending Parameters and Updating

• The method just described is an easy way to perform comparisons of different geometry configurations

• Another way of updating the geometry is to do this from within Simulation– Recall from Section A “Parameter Import” of this chapter that

dimensions with a user-defined prefix or suffix (default is “DS”) will import to Simulation as a parameter

– If this is performed, each part will have its parameters (i.e., dimensions) shown in the Details view



#0022159-37

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Sending Parameters and Updating

– The CAD parameters may be changed in the Details view. Then, select “Update > Update: Use Simulation Parameter Values” from the Context toolbar, and Simulation will update the CAD geometry for that Model branch

– Simulation actually sends the parameters to the CAD software, which regenerates the new model and sends it back to Simulation automatically

• Note that the changes in dimensionsmust be such that a valid geometrycan be created in the CAD software.If not, the update will not succeed.



#0022159-38

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Updating Geometry Notes

• It is important to note the following when updating geometry from the CAD system– Only supported CAD systems (noted in the table below) have

this feature. The CAD software must be installed locally on the same machine since Simulation uses the CAD API.

– If the topology changes, some entity assignments (e.g., loading on a surface) may need to be redefined since the original item (such as a surface) is redefined.

• If the topology changes, this results in the associativity being broken for that topology. This will be indicated with a “?” in the Outline Tree after an update.



#0022159-39

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Updating Geometry Notes

• Important points to keep in mind (continued):– All loads will have the same values as before, even if volumes,

surfaces, or edges change in volume, area, or length:• The magnitude of all loads will remain constant. For example:

– If force was applied on a surface and the surface area increased, the force magnitude remains the same but results in the force per unit area decreasing

– If pressure was applied on a surface and the surface area increased, the pressure value remains the same, but this results in more force overall being applied on the surface

• The orientation of loads will not change, either

– For structural loads, if a direction is specified using existing geometry, the direction of the load will not change even though the geometry used for load orientation has changed



#0022159-40

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• Performing multiple design studies does not require that the Environment or Model branch be duplicated.– It is possible to insert a blank, new Environment branch from

the Model branch• After inserting a new Environment branch, this branch will be

blank.

• Apply loads and request results, as desired

– It is also possible to insert a completely different model in the same Simulation database

• Go to the Workbench Project page.

• Select the topmost project, the link to the “Active CAD Geometry” or to a “Geometry File.”

• Use “Create a new Simulation” to bring in the model into the current Simulation database.

• Set up analysis as usual


#0022159-41

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• To solve multiple branches at once, go to the parent branch and click on the Solve button– For example, if a user wants to only solve a single

Environment, select that Environment branch from the Outline Tree and click on the Solve button

– To solve all Environment or Model branches, select the parent branch and click on the Solve button. All child branches will then be solved sequentially.

– To solve multiple Environment or Model branches, Ctrl-select the branches of interest, then click on the Solve button.

– The active branch currently being solved will be indicated with a green lightning bolt.


#0022159-42

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

C. Parameter Manager

• Performing multiple design studies by duplicating the Model or Environment branch is an easy way to compare results– In the case of multiple Model branches, the Simulation

database will become large because the mesh and results for each Model branch will be stored

– For many cases, this may be a tedious, manual method

• In some situations where many cases are being examined, the use of the Parameter Manager may be warranted– The Parameter Manager is useful to see the effect changes of

input values have on certain output quantities. This is done in tabular form.

– The Parameter Manager is not useful if the user needs to keep contour results, such as mode shapes of different geometries


#0022159-43

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Understanding Parameters

• In Simulation, input and output parameters are used with the Parameter Manager– If a white input text entry in the Details view has a square next

to it, it can be used as an input parameter

– If a grey informative text entry in the Details view has a square next to it, it can be used as an output parameter

– Simply select the square. A blue “P” will appear, indicating that this will be used with the Parameter Manager

• Any items without a square cannot be used as a parameter. Moreover, any items not selected with a blue “P” will also not be used by the Parameter Manager

Example of input parameters Example of output parameters


#0022159-44

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… Using the Parameter Manager

• To activate the Parameter Manager:– Browse through the Outline tree and activate any input

parameters which will be used (add blue “P”)

– Browse through the Solution branch with results and activate any output parameters to be used (add blue “P”)

• Use of Results Scoping (covered in Chapter 9) allows the user to query the local results. For example, by scoping results on selected surfaces, the max equivalent stress on the surfaces can be used as an output parameter

– Select the Solution branch of the Environment of interest and select the Parameter Manager button

– The Parameter Manager worksheet will appear (see next slide)


#0022159-45

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• The Parameter Manager worksheet tab shows the defined input and output parameters under “Definitions”

• The “Scenarios” is a table of cases which will be run


#0022159-46

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• Each “Scenario” is a simulation which will be run– Under “Scenarios,” simply right-click to add rows

– Each row represents a simulation

– White input values can be changed to desired values

– The grey output parameters reflect the result values• The last column indicates whether the solution has been performed. The

types of status indicators are “Done,” “Ready,” and “Obsolete”

– The row in bold is what is reflected in the Outline tree• Unlike the Multiple Studies method, the Parameter Manager does not store

all results for all cases. The Outline tree will only reflect the last case (bold).

– Check items which you want Parameter Manager to solve


#0022159-47

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters


• After setting up the scenarios and clicking on the Solve button, the Parameter Manager will sequentially solve each check-marked case– If CAD parameters are present, ensure that the dimensions

result in valid geometry

– If any errors are encountered, the Parameter Manager will skip that scenario

• After completed, the results for each scenario can be compared easily in the table.– The results can be exported to Excel (right-click on Parameter

Manager branch in Outline tree to export)


#0022159-48

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

… DesignXplorer and Parameters

• DesignXplorer and DesignXplorer VT are Workbench modules allowing users to obtain a full understanding of the relationship between input and output parameters

DesignXplorer and DesignXplorer VT can be used to examine the effect input parameters have on output parameters.

After running the analysis, through XY graphs, response surface plots, sensitivity pie charts, and spider plots, the user can get a better understanding of which parameters affect certain output and by what degree.

This extends the use of parameters far beyond what is possible with the Parameter Manager.


#0022159-49

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

AN

SY

S W

ork

ben

ch

– Sim

ula

tion

Training Manual

CAD & Parameters

• Workshop 9 – Parameter Manager

• Goal: – Use the Parameter Manager to specify changes to the load

magnitude and material properties of the model shown below and solve all scenarios at one time.

D. Workshop 9

cad & parameters chapter nine. training manual cad & parameters march 29, 2005 inventory...

Documents

cad geometry

cad functionality

cad sources

cad parameters chapter

controlling cad settings

training manual cad

cad software designmodeler

cadrelated functionality