1. CAD & Parameters Chapter Ten

2. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-2 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 Design Simulation

3. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-3 A. CAD Interoperability As noted in Chapter 1, the following Geometry Interfaces are supported in Design 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 Design Simulation online help For UNIX, UG NX 1.0 support included in 8.0 Service Pack 3 For Mechanical Desktop, version 2004 DX (not version 2004) should be used IGES Geometry Interface reader is free –Inventor R8, SolidWorks 2004 and UG NX 2 are also supported UG NX 2.0 plug-in works except it does not read material data at 8.0 Inventor R8 support included with 8.0 Service Pack 1

4. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-4 … DesignModeler & CAD DesignModeler is a Workbench module allowing users to create or modify models for use in Design Simulation DesignModeler has a similar look and feel to Design 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 Design Simulation. These models can be prepared and modified for analysis, then attached in Design Simulation

5. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-5 … 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 two ways of setting import preferences when attaching CAD geometry. –Two methods – one through the Workbench Projects page, the other in Design Simulation Geometry branch – will be discussed next. Both methods have the same functionality.

6. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-6 … Controlling CAD Settings –When importing models in Workbench Project page, the left side controls various CAD-related settings –Changing these preferences will change default behavior

7. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-7 … Controlling CAD Settings –On the other hand, after a model is already imported into Design 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.

8. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-8 … 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 to import 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

9. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-9 … 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) Model shown is from a sample SolidWorks assembly.

10. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-10 … Geometry Import (Solid Bodies) In DesignModeler, the concept of “parts” is available. –A 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)

11. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-11 … Geometry Import (Surface Bodies) Design 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

12. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-12 … 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)

13. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-13 … 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

14. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-14 … CAD Associativity CAD associativity allows updating the CAD geometry in Design Simulation without needing to redefine material properties, loads, supports, and results –Slide 3 showed CAD systems which are associative in Design 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.

15. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-15 … Save Updated Model (Reader Mode) Reader mode is when a model is attached in Design 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 parameters to update the UG model with new dimensions

16. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-16 … Attach File via Temp File For large models, it may be advisable to turn this feature on. –When attaching large models, a temporary file to facilitate import can be created/deleted by Design Simulation if this option is set –If set to “Yes”, a location for the temporary directory can be specified by the user

17. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-17 … Spot Weld Import Spot welds can be used for surface assemblies –Although Design 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 Design Simulation. Not all CAD software support spot weld definitions in a manner usable by Design Simulation

18. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-18 … Parameter Import Dimensions of CAD features can be imported into Design Simulation –By turning on this feature (default), any dimension with the user-defined prefix or suffix (default is “DS”) will be imported into Design Simulation as a parameter Only dimensions for features will be imported –Once imported, the parameters of various dimensions will appear in the Details view for that particular part. –The use of parameters to change the CAD model or to set up parametric studies will be covered in detail in the next section

19. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-19 … Parameter Import Each CAD software has different ways to change the dimension name, so please refer to the CAD documentation –DesignModeler: in Sketching mode, use “Dimensions > Edit” –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

20. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-20 … 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 Design 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 Design Simulation. Not all CAD software support all material property definition which Design Simulation supports. Materials imported from CAD will appear in “Engineering Data” branch and will be assigned correctly to parts.

21. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-21 … 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

22. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-22 … Coordinate System Import Coordinate systems are used in Design Simulation for Results postprocessing –Coordinate systems allow users to define the orientation for direction-dependent contour results Design 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 CS will not be updated

23. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-23 … 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” Sample dialog boxes to define coordinate systems in CAD software

24. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-24 … Named Selections Import Though not discussed in detail yet, Named Selections are a way of grouping entities together. This makes it easier to assign loads or scope results to particular 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 Design Simulation

25. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-25 … Named Selections Import However, note that this ‘named selection import’ 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 Design 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

26. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-26 … Named Selections Import 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” Sample dialog boxes to create “named selections” in CAD software

27. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-27 … CAD Attribute Import The CAD Attribute Import capability can be used to import attribute information from CAD software, including motion loads –For example, if a CAD system uses a supported kinematics program, the motion loads can be imported into Design 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 Design Simulation.

28. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-28 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

29. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-29 … 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 and then resolve the model. –Usually, it is a good idea to rename the branches in the Outline tree to distinguish between the duplicated branches

30. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-30 … Multiple Design Studies 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.

31. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-31 … 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 “Update > Update” from the Context toolbar This will work only for CAD systems which are associative. After performing the above steps, the geometry for the selected branch will be updated, and so will all materials, contact regions, and loads.

32. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-32 … 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

33. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-33 … 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 Design 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 Design Simulation as a parameter –If this is performed, each part will have its parameters (i.e., dimensions) shown in the Details view

34. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-34 … Sending Parameters and Updating –The CAD parameters may be changed in the Details view. Then, select “Update > Send Parameters and Update” from the Context toolbar, and Design Simulation will update the CAD geometry for that Model branch –Design Simulation actually sends the parameters to the CAD software, which regenerates the new model and sends it back to Design Simulation automatically Note that the changes in dimensions must be such that a valid geometry can be created in the CAD software. If not, the update will not succeed.

35. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-35 … 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 Design 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.

36. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-36 … 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

37. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-37 … Multiple Design Studies 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 Design 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 Design Simulation database. Set up analysis as usual

38. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-38 … Multiple Design Studies 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 multiple Environments in a single Model branch, select the Model branch and click the Solve button. Any unsolved Environment branches belonging to the Model branch will be solved in sequence. –To solve multiple Model branches, select the topmost Project branch and click on the Solve button. All Model branches and corresponding Environment branches will be solved sequentially. –The branch currently being solved will show a red lightning bolt next to the icons of the Outline Tree

39. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-39 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 Design 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

40. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-40 … Understanding Parameters In Design 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

41. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-41 … 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)

42. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-42 … Using the Parameter Manager 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

43. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-43 … Using the Parameter Manager 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

44. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-44 … Using the Parameter Manager 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)

45. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-45 … 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.

46. Training Manual CAD & Parameters February 2, 2004 Inventory #002010 10-46 Workshop 10 – 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. F. Workshop 10