lectures

Training Manual

DesignModeler

Release: 12.0

1st Edition ANSYS, Inc.

is a UL registered ISO 9001:2000

Company

Inventory #002596

April 28, 2009

Table of Contents

TOC-1ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary© 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.

April 28, 2009Inventory #002596

DesignModeler

DesignModeler

Training ManualTable of ContentsInventory Number: 002596

1st EditionANSYS Release: 12.0

Published Date: April 28, 2009

Registered Trademarks:ANSYS® is a registered trademark of SAS IP Inc. All other product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered



ANSYS® is a registered trademark of SAS IP Inc. All other product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

Disclaimer Notice:This document has been reviewed and approved in accordance with the ANSYS, Inc. Documentation Review and Approval Procedures.“This ANSYS Inc. software product (the Program) and program documentation (Documentation) are furnished by ANSYS, Inc. under an ANSYS Software License Agreement that contains provisions concerning non-disclosure, copying, length and nature of use, warranties, disclaimers and remedies, and other provisions. The Program and Documentation may be used or copied only in accordance with theterms of that License Agreement.”

Copyright © 2009 SAS IP, Inc.Proprietary data. Unauthorized use, distribution, o r duplication is prohibited.

All Rights Reserved.

DesignModeler

Training ManualTable of Contents1. Introduction 1-1

A. About ANSYS, Inc. 1-5B. ANSYS Workbench Overview 1-11C. Starting DesignModeler 1-13D. The Workbench Environment 1-14E. Workbench File Management 1-26

2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) 2-1A. DesignModeler Overview 2-2B. DesignModeler and CAD Files 2-4C. DesignModeler GUI Overview 2-5D. Workbench Window Manager 2-7E. Main Menu 2-10F. Toolbars 2-11G. Documentation 2-12H. Accessing Help Topics 2-13

3. Sketch Mode 3-1A. DesignModeler Geometry 3-3B. Length Units 3-4C. DesignModeler Geometric Entities 3-5D. Sketch Mode 3-6E. New Plane Button 3-7F. New Sketch Button 3-8G. “From Face” Plane/Sketch Shortcut 3-9H. Plane Transforms 3-10I. Planes and Sketch Details 3-12J. The Sketch Mode GUI 3-13K. Sketching Tools - Grid 3-14L. Sketching - Basic Shapes 3-21M. Sketch Details 3-22N. Sketch Constraints 3-24O. Sketch Dimensions 3-28P. Dimension Editing 3-31



H. Accessing Help Topics 2-13I. Basic Mouse Functionality 2-14J. Selection Filters 2-15K. Mouse Selection 2-17L. Selection Panes 2-18M. Box Selection 2-19N. Graphics Controls 2-20O. Context Menus 2-23P. Cursor Modes 2-27Q. Workshop 2.1, GUI Navigation

P. Dimension Editing 3-31Q. Sketch Display 3-32R. Modifying Sketches 3-43S. Sketch Duplication 3-55T. Sketch Instance 3-56U. Sketch Projection 3-59V. Geometry Interfaces 3-60W. Attaching to a CAD Session 3-61X. Importing CAD Files 3-63Y. Positioning Imports 3-64Z. Import Units 3-65AA. Exporting a Model 3-66BB. Body Attributes 3-67CC. Workshop 3.1, SketchingDD. Workshop 3.2, 3D GeometryEE. Workshop 3.3, Static Mixer

DesignModeler

Training ManualTable of Contents4. 3D Geometry 4-1

A. Bodies and Parts 4-3B. Active and Frozen Bodies 4-4B. 3D Features 4-11C. Extrude 4-13D. Revolve 4-14E. Sweep 4-15F. Skin/Loft 4-18G. 3D Features Details (Extrude) 4-22H. Boolean Operations 4-23I. Feature Direction 4-29J. Feature Type 4-30K. Feature Creation 4-24L. Primitives 4-34M. Workshop 4.1, Catalytic Converter

5. Advanced 3D Geometry 5-1

6. Working with CAD 6-1A. Bodies and Parts 6-3B. Support for Newer CAD Versions 6-11C. Length Units 6-12D. Attaching to a CAD Session 6-13E. Importing CAD Files 6-15F. Positioning Imports 6-16G. Import Units 6-17H. Exporting a Model 6-18I. Creating Negative Geometry 6-19J. Edge and Face Merge for Model Simpl. 6-28K. Automated Option for Ease of Use 6-29L. Improved Cleanup and Repair of CAD 6-30M. Workshop 6.1, Fill and Face DeleteN. Workshop 6.2, Enclosure and Slice



5. Advanced 3D Geometry 5-1A. Modifying 3D Geometry 5-3B. 3D Curve Feature 5-13C. Planar Bodies 5-16D. Boolean Operations 5-17E. Named Selection 5-19F. Named Selection Based Objects 5-21G. Pattern Feature 5-24H. Advance Features 5-26I. Advanced Tools 5-29J. Body Operations 5-46K. Mid-Surface Creation 5-57L. Workshop 5.1, 3D Curve M. Workshop 5.2, Pattern Operation N. Workshop 5.3, Enclosure Operation O. Workshop 5.4, Mid-Surface Creation

N. Workshop 6.2, Enclosure and SliceO. Workshop 6.3, CAD Repair

7. Parametric Modeling 7-1A. Dimension References 7-3B. Promoting Parameters 7-4C. Promoting Dimension References 7-5D. Promoting Feature Dimensions 7-6E. Parameter Manager 7-7F. Driven/Dependent Parameters 7-11G. Auxiliary Variables 7-15H. Parameter Functions 7-16I. Workshop 7.1, Pulley Model w/

Parameters

DesignModeler

Training ManualTable of Contents8. Concept Modeling 8-1

A. Concept Modeling 8-3B. Creating Line Bodies 8-4B. Modifying Line Bodies 8-10C. Cross Sections 8-11D. Cross Section Alignment 8-18E. Cross Section Offset 8-27F. Surfaces From Lines 8-29G. Surfaces From Sketches 8-32H. Surface Patch 8-33I. Edge Joints 8-34J. Workshop 8.1, Line and Surface Bodies



Chapter 1

Introduction

1-1ANSYS, Inc. Proprietary© 2009 ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved.


Introduction

DesignModeler

Introduction

Training ManualWelcome!

• Welcome to the DesignModeler training course!

• This course is intended for all new and existing us ers of ANSYS analysis products.

– This course covers the DesignModeler module of ANSYS Workbench. Other Workbench modules are covered in separate classes.



Introduction

Training Manual1-Day DesignModeler Course Agenda1-DAY Course:9:00 – 9:45 Lecture – Chapter 1: Introduction9:45 – 10:30 Lecture – Chapter 2: Graphical User Inter face10:30 – 11:00 Workshop 2.1 – GUI Navigation11:30 – 12:00 Lecture – Chapter 3: Sketch Mode

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:30 Lecture – Chapter 3: Sketch Mode (cont.)



1:00 – 1:30 Lecture – Chapter 3: Sketch Mode (cont.)1:30 – 2:50 Workshop 3.1 – Sketching2:50 – 2:15 Workshop 3.2 – 3D Geometry2:15 – 3:00 Lecture – Chapter 4: 3D Geometry3:00 – 3:30 Workshop 4.1 – Catalytic Converter3:30 – 4:00 Lecture – Chapter 6: Working with CAD4:00 – 4:15 Lecture – Chapter 7: Parametric Modeling4:20 – 4:40 Workshop 6.1 – Catalytic Converter4:40 – 5:00 Workshop 7.1 – Pulley Model with Parameters

Introduction

Training Manual2-Day DesignModeler Course Agenda: Day 12-DAY Course:

9:00 – 9:45 Lecture – Chapter 1: Introduction9:45 – 10:30 Lecture – Chapter 2: Graphical User Inter face10:30 – 11:00 Workshop 2.1 – GUI Navigation11:30 – 12:00 Lecture – Chapter 3: Sketch Mode

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch



12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 2:30 Lecture – Chapter 3: Sketch Mode (cont.)2:30 – 2:50 Workshop 3.1 – Sketching2:50 – 2:15 Workshop 3.2 – 3D Geometry2:15 – 3:00 Workshop 3.3 – Static Mixer3:00 – 4:00 Lecture – Chapter 4: 3D Geometry4:00 – 5:00 Workshop 4.1 – Catalytic Converter

Introduction

Training Manual2-Day DesignModeler Course Agenda: Day 22-Day Course:9:00 – 10:30 Lecture – Chapter 5: Advanced 3D Geometry10:30 – 10:45 Workshop 5.1 – 3D Curve 10:45 – 11:00 Workshop 5.2 – Pattern Operation11:00 – 11:15 Workshop 5.3 – Enclosure Operation11:15 – 12:00 Workshop 5.4 – Mid-Surface Creation

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch



12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 Lecture – Chapter 6: Working with CAD1:45 – 2:00 Workshop 6.1 – Fill and Face Delete2:00 – 2:15 Workshop 6.2 – Enclosure and Slice2:15 – 2:30 Workshop 6.3 – CAD Repair2:30 – 3:00 Lecture – Chapter 7: Parametric3:00 – 3:30 Workshop 7.1 – Pulley Model with Parameters3:30 – 4:15 Lecture – Chapter 8: Concept Modeling4:15 – 4:45 Workshop 8.1 – Line and Surface Bodies

Introduction

Training ManualCourse Objectives

• To teach the use of DesignModeler in the following areas:

– General understanding of the user interface

– Procedure for creating sketches and assigning dimen sions

– Procedure for creating and modifying 3D geometry

– Working with imported CAD geometries and using 3D o perations toextract fluid regions from solid parts

– Parametric modeling



– Parametric modeling

Introduction

Training ManualCourse Materials

• The Training Manual you have is an exact copy of th e slides.

• Workshop descriptions and instructions are included in the Training Manual.

• Copies of the workshop files are available (upon re quest) from the instructor.

• Several advanced training courses are available on specific topics.



• Several advanced training courses are available on specific topics. See the training course schedule on the ANSYS homep age http://www.ansys.com/ under SERVICES > “Training Services”

Introduction

Training ManualA. About ANSYS, Inc.

ANSYS, Inc.

• Developer of ANSYS family of products

• Global Headquarters in Canonsburg, PA - USA (south o f Pittsburgh)

– Development and sales offices in U.S. and around th e world

– Publicly traded on NASDAQ stock exchange under “ANS S”



Introduction

Training Manual… ANSYS Family of ProductsANSYS, Inc. Family of Products include the following:

• ANSYS Workbench – Complete environment for simulation and modeling needs.

• ANSYS CFD – State-of-the-art CFD solvers, including CFXand FLUENT.

• ANSYS Mechanical APDL – Advanced mechanical and multiphysics FEA solution capabilities utilizing the traditional ANSYS user interface.

• ANSYS AUTODYN – Explicit dynamic solver for transient



• ANSYS AUTODYN – Explicit dynamic solver for transient non-linear simulations involving large deformations and strains, non-linear material behavior, non-linear b uckling, complex contact, fragmentation, and shock wave propagation.

• ANSYS LS-DYNA – LSTC’s LS-DYNA explicit dynamic solver technology with the pre-/post-processing power of A NSYS software. This powerful pairing can be used to sim ulate crash tests, metal forging, stamping, and catastrop hic failures.

• ANSYS ICEM CFD – Powerful meshing tools with general pre- and post-processing features.

• ANSYS EKM – Engineering Knowledge Manager

Introduction

Training Manual

• What is ANSYS EKM?– ANSYS Engineering Knowledge Manager (EKM) is a web- based multi-user

collaborative product that is aimed at meeting the simulation data and process management challenges faced by our customers. EKM i s tightly integrated with other ANSYS simulation offerings and it can also be very easily integrated with other simulation codes including legacy and competi tor’s software.

• What is ANSYS EKM Desktop?– ANSYS EKM Desktop is a single user, local environme nt version of EKM. It is

available as part of ANSYS R12 release and it can b e accessed via Workbench.

ANSYS EKM - Engineering Knowledge Manager



available as part of ANSYS R12 release and it can b e accessed via Workbench. EKM Desktop is focused at meeting the challenge of “re-using existing simulations” and thereby increasing simulation prod uctivity and efficiency.

• EKM Desktop can be started under the File menu in the Project window

Introduction

Training ManualWhy Manage Simulation Data and Processes?



• Managing simulation data reduces engineering costs– Eliminate wasted time looking for prior simulation data– Enable re-use of existing data

• Managing simulation processes and workflows– Enables a collaborative environment for distributed simulation

Introduction

Training ManualANSYS EKM - Engineering Knowledge Manager

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©©©

File Repository

Meta-Data Extraction

Advanced Search

Data Mining

Report Generation

Automate Processes

Manage Workflows

Design Systems

E-mail Notification

Track Progress

PROCESS MANAGEMENTDATA MANAGEMENT

TMTMTM



end user

Compute server

File & webservers

01110100101010101110010110000101110100101

0101010

Enterprise Access

Web Enabled

ACCESS MANAGEMENT

Application Portal

Job Submission

®®®TMTMTM

Introduction

Training ManualANSYS EKM - A User Scalable Solution

EKM Enterprise

Integrated with and accessible from

Workbench in R12

Model & Data Sharing



Organization/Process Maturity

EKM Desktop

(Single User)

EKM Work Group

Enterprise

Knowledge Capture,

Data Management,

Protect Intellectual Property

Automated Workflows

Introduction

Training ManualB. ANSYS Workbench Overview

• What is ANSYS Workbench?– ANSYS Workbench provides powerful methods for interacting with the

ANSYS family of solvers. This environment provides a unique integration with CAD systems, and your design process.

• ANSYS Workbench is comprised of various applications (some examples):

– Mechanical for performing structural and thermal analyses usin g the ANSYS solver• Meshing is also included within the Mechanical appl ication

– Fluid Flow (CFX) for performing CFD analyses using CFX



– Fluid Flow (CFX) for performing CFD analyses using CFX– Fluid Flow (FLUENT) for performing CFD analyses using FLUENT– Geometry (DesignModeler) for creating and modifying CAD geometry to prepare

the solid model for use in Mechanical.– Engineering Data for defining material properties– Meshing Application for generating CFD and Explicit Dynamics meshes– Design Exploration for optimization analyses– Finite Element Modeler (FE Modeler) for translating a NASTRAN and ABAQUS

mesh for use in ANSYS– BladeGen (Blade Geometry) for creating blade geometry– Explicit Dynamics for explicit dynamics simulations featuring modelin g of

nonlinear dynamics

Introduction

Training Manual… ANSYS Workbench Overview

• The Workbench environment supports two types of app lications:– Native applications (workspaces): Current native ap plications are Project

Schematic, Engineering Data and Design Exploration.• Native applications are launched and run entirely i n the Workbench window.

– Data Integrated Applications: current applications include Mechanical, Mechanical APDL, FLUENT, CFX, AUTODYN and others.



Native Application

Data Integrated Application

Introduction

Training ManualC. Starting DesignModeler

• There are two methods of launching Workbench:– From the Windows start menu:



– From the CAD system

Introduction

Training ManualD. The Workbench Environment

• For most situations the Workbench GUI is divided in to 2 primary sections (there are other optional sections we’ll s ee in a moment):



The Toolbox The Project Schematic

Introduction

Training ManualThe Toolbox• The toolbox contains 4 subgroups:• Analysis systems : predefined

templates that can be placed in the schematic.

• Component systems : various applications that can be accessed to build, or expand, analysis systems.

• Custom Systems : predefined



• Custom Systems : predefined analysis systems for coupled applications (FSI, thermal-stress, etc.). Users can also create their own predefined systems.

• Design Exploration : Parametric management and optimization tools.

Introduction

Training Manual. . . The Toolbox

• The systems and components displayed in the toolbox will depend on the installed products.

• Using the check boxes in the “View All / Customize” window, the items displayed in the toolbox can be toggled



in the toolbox can be toggled on or off.

• The toolbox customization window is normally left closed when not in use.

Introduction

Training ManualStarting Design-Modeler

• Workbench GUI>Component Systems>Geometry

a

b RMB



• DM can also be started by clicking ON CFX/FLUENT Components

Introduction

Training ManualThe Project Schematic

• The Workbench project schematic is a graphical repr esentation of the workflow defining a system or group of systems.

• The workflow in the project schematic is always lef t to right.• There are currently several applications which are native to

Workbench, meaning they run entirely in the Workben ch window:– Project Schematic, Engineering Data and Design Expl oration

• Non-native applications (called data-integrated) ru n in their own window:



window:– Mechanical (formerly Simulation), Mechanical APDL ( formerly ANSYS),

ANSYS FLUENT, ANSYS CFX, Etc . . .

• Blocks of cells can be deleted by RMB menu selectio n.

Introduction

Training Manual. . . The Project Schematic• In this example a Static Structural analysis type i s selected for the project

schematic.• From the toolbox the selection can be dragged and d ropped onto the

schematic or simply double clicked.



Introduction

Training Manual. . . The Project Schematic

• By dropping applications and/or systems into variou s locations in the schematic, an overall analysis project is defined.

• “Connectors” indicate the level of collaboration be tween systems.• In the example below a structural system is dragged and dropped

onto a thermal system at the Model cell (A4).• Before completing the operation notice there are a number of

optional “drop targets” that will provide various t ypes of linkage between systems (continued next page).



between systems (continued next page).

Introduction


• By completing the operation from the previous page, notice the linkage here is only at the Model level and above.

• In this case there would be no thermal/structural c oupling.



• Notice too each system block is given and alphabeti c designation (A, B, C, etc.).

Introduction

Training Manual. . . The Project Schematic• By dropping the structural system at the “Solution” l evel we obtain a

structural system that is coupled to the thermal so lution.



Notice, the candidate “drop target”

indicates data will be shared from fields A2

to A4, and transferred from A6.

Introduction


• A schematic can also be constructed by RMB and choo sing to “Transfer Data To New” or “Transfer Data From New”.

• In using this RMB transfer feature all transfer pos sibilities (upstream and downstream) are displayed.

• These selections will vary depending on which cell in a particular system you highlight.



Introduction

Training Manual

• Identifying cell states:

• Unfulfilled: missing upstream data.

• Attention required: may need to correct this or ups tream cells.

• Refresh required: upstream data has changed. Need to refresh cell (update will also refresh the cell).

. . . The Project Schematic



• Update required: the data has changed and the outpu t of the cell must be regenerated.

• Up to date.

• Input changes pending: cell is locally up to date b ut may change when the next update is performed due to upstream changes.

Introduction

Training ManualOptional Workbench Windows

• The “View” menu (and RMB) allows additional informa tion to be displayed in the Workbench environment.

– Below, the geometry is highlighted and the properti es are displayed.



Introduction

Training ManualE. Workbench File Management

• Workbench creates a project file and a series of su bdirectories to manage all associated files.

• Users should allow Workbench to manage the content of these directories. Please do NOT manually modify the cont ent or structure of the project directories.

• When a project is saved a project file is created ( .wbpj), using the user specified file name (e.g. MyFile.wbpj).

• A project directory will be created using the proje ct name. In the



• A project directory will be created using the proje ct name. In the above example the directory would be MyFile_files.

• A number of subdirectories will be created in the p roject directory (explained next).

Introduction

Training Manual. . . Workbench File Management

• Directory Structure:– dpn: this is the design point directory. This

essentially is the state of all parameters for a particular analysis. In the case of a single analys is there will be only one “dp0” directory.

– global : contains subdirectories for each application in the analysis. In the example at right the “Mech” directory will contain the database, and other associated files from the Mechanical application.



associated files from the Mechanical application.– SYS: the “SYS” directory will contain subdirectories

for each system type in the project (e.g. Mechanica l, FLUENT, CFX, etc.). Each system subdirectory contains solver specific files. For example the MECH subdirectory would contain the results file, the ds.dat file, solve.out file and so on.

– user_files: contains input files, user macro files etc. that may be associated with a project.

Introduction


• From the Workbench “View” menu activate the “Files” option to display a window containing file details and locations.



Introduction


• Archive: quickly generates a single compressed file containing all pertinent files.

– File is zip format and can be opened using the “Restore Archive . . . ” utility in WB2 or any unzip program.



– Several options are available when archiving systems as shown here.

Chapter 2

Graphical User Interface



DesignModeler


Training ManualA. DesignModeler Overview

• DesignModeler (DM) is a component of ANSYS Workbench.

• A CAD-like modeler with analysis modeling goals:

– Performs unique geometry modification capabilities for simulation:



simulation:

• Feature Simplification

• Enclosure Operation

• Fill Operation

• Spot Welds

• Split Surfaces

• Surface Model Extraction

• Planar Body Extraction

• Beam Modeling

DesignModeler


Training Manual… DesignModeler Overview

– Contains parametric modeling capability:

• 2D Sketcher with Dimensions and Constraints

– Integrates directly with Ansys Workbench modules

DesignModeler



• Simulation

• Meshing

• Advanced Meshing (ICEM)

• DesignXplorer

• BladeModeler

DesignModeler


Training ManualB. DesignModeler and CAD Files

• A DesignModeler session can begin with CAD geometry:

– File > Attach to Active CAD Geometry:

• Detects and imports current CAD model from open CAD system

• Plug-in mode (Bi-directional)

– File > Import External Geometry File . . .

• Browse to and open neutral geometry files



• Browse to and open neutral geometry files (Parasolid, SAT, etc.)

• Reader mode

– Import options include:

• Body type (solid, surface, all)

• Simplification

– Geometry: turns NURBs into analytic geometry if possible

– Topology: merges duplicate entities

• Clean/Heal: attempts to repair incomplete or poorly defined geometry


Training ManualC. DesignModeler GUI Overview

• GUI Layout:

– The menus and toolbars accept user input and commands

– Tool bars can be “docked” and re-sized to meet user’s



preference

• Two Basic Modes of Operation

– Sketching tab (2D)

– Modeling tab (3D) Mode Tabs


Training Manual… DesignModeler GUI Overview

Menus, Toolbars,Pull-down Lists

Tree Pane(includes planes, features,

GRAPHICS(Model View)



features,operations,bodies, etc.)

Details Pane

Mode Tabs

Status/Info Bar

(Model View)

DisplayTriad


Training ManualD. Workbench Window Manager

• Allows users to configure the individual panes as r equired– Move and resize panes– Tab Docking – Auto Hiding

• Auto Hiding– Panes are either pinned or unpinned– An unpinned tab collapses when inactive




Training Manual… Workbench Window Manager

• Moving and Docking– Drag a title bar to move a pane (select with left m ouse button and drag)– Drag a tab to ‘undock’ a pane– Use the docking targets to preview the resulting lo cation of the pane– Release the mouse button over a target to place or dock a pane

Click and drag

Docking Targets

New location of Tree Outlinepane



Docking Targets


Training Manual… Workbench Window Manager

• Restoring Original Layout

– Use “ View>Windows>Reset Layout ”

• ‘Window Management’ available in Simulation and Meshing

• Efficient use of the workspace

• Enables ease of use and intuitive operation




Training ManualE. DesignModeler Main Menu

• Main menu:– File: basic file operations– Create: 3D creation and

modification tools– Concept: Tools to create line

and surface bodies– Tools: global modeling

operations, parameter



operations, parameter management, program customization

– View: modify display settings.– Help: access documentation

Details for each topic are covered in later sections


Training ManualF. DesignModeler Toolbars

File management Selection filters/toolsSketching Only



Plane/Sketch Controls Graphics controls

3D geometry tools

Details for each topic are covered in later section s


Training Manual

• On-Line Help• Copyright and Support Info

G. DesignModeler Documentation




Training ManualH. Accessing Help Topics

ContentsTab

SearchTab

Index Tab




Training ManualI. Basic Mouse Functionality

• Basic mouse control (3 button mouse assumed):

– LMB

• Geometry selection

• <CTRL> + LMB adds/removes selected entities

• Hold LMB and sweep cursor = continuous selection



selection

– MMB

• Free Rotation (shortcut)

– RMB

• Box Zoom (shortcut)

• Open context menus


Training ManualJ. Selection Filters

• Model features are identified by graphically picking them (selecting) using the left mouse button

• Feature selection is done by activating one of the selection filters (also from RMB)

New Extension



• In select mode the cursor changes to reflect curren t selection filter (it will match the icon).

• Adjacent Select, selects surfaces or edges adjacent to the current selection. Adjacent Select will pick all model sur faces within a tangent tolerance of that surface or edge.

New Selection

Single/Box Selection

2D Points, PF Points, 3D Vertices

2D Edges, Model Edges,

Line Edges

Faces Solid Bodies, Surface Bodies,

Line Bodies

Extension Options

Adjacent/Flood Select


Training Manual

• Selection filters can also be set via RMB on the Mo del View:

In Sketching Mode: In Modeling Mode:

Selection Filters




Training ManualK. Mouse Selection

• Add to or remove from current selection set

– Depends on current selection filter (lines, surfaces, etc.)

Ctrl++++++++



• “Paint Select” - hold left mouse button then move (“paint”) mouse over entities to be selected

– Depends on current selection filter (lines, surfaces, etc.)++++++++ Hold

Note: To un-select all, click once in a blank area of the geometry window


Training ManualL. Selection Panes

• “Selection Panes” allow selecting hidden geometry (lines, surfaces, etc.) after initial pick

– Panes are color coded to match part colors (for



match part colors (for assemblies)

– Multi-select techniques apply to selection panes as well

Note, each pane represents an entity (surface, edge , etc) that an imaginary line would pass through starting from the initial m ouse click location and proceeding into the screen in the normal viewing di rection.

Initial mouse click


Training ManualM. Box Selection

• The Selection Toolbar includes a “Select Mode” button allowing users to select items via Single Select or Box Select

– Selection based on currently active filter

– Type of selection based on dragging direction :

• Drag from left to right: items completely



• Drag from left to right: items completely enclosed in the box are selected

• Drag from right to left: items completely and partially enclosed in the box are selected

– Note the difference in the hash marks along the edges of the box to help you determine which box selection type will be performed.

Left to Right Right to Left


Training ManualN. Graphics Controls

• Rotate Behavior (LMB):– Cursor near center of graphics screen =

free rotations.

– Cursor outside center = rotation about Z view.



– Cursor near top or side edge of graphics screen = rotations about X (top/bottom) or Y (left/right) axes.

Note: the cursor will change style depending on window location/action


Training Manual…Graphics Controls

– Panning

– Zoom in/out

– Box Zoom

– Fit model to graphics screen

– Look At: select model feature (surface, line, etc.) then “Look At”: Model automatically orients normal to feature, cent ered at pick point.

– Magnifier Window



– Magnifier Window

– Next / Previous views

• Additional Mouse Controls (short-cuts)

– While in select mode:

• Center mouse button = free rotations.

• Right mouse button = box zoom.

• Shift + Center mouse button = zoom.

• Ctrl + Center mouse button = pan.


Training Manual…Graphics Controls

– While in Rotate, Pan, or Zoom mode:

• Left click on model temporarily resets center of vi ew and rotation at cursor location (identified by red dot).

• Left click in open area re-centers model and rotati on center to centroid.



Temporary rotational

center


Training ManualO. Context Menus

• RMB– Context Sensitive Menus appear:

Model View

Print PreviewTree Object

Tree



Tree

SketchDimensioning

Note: to delete a feature: highlight it on Tree, RMB >Delete, or <Delete> using keyboard, or in Create>Body Operation, and select the object and pick Delete


Training Manual… Context Menus

• Feature Insert:

– Right click on any feature in the Tree Outline and select Insert

– Allows you to insert a new feature before a selecte d feature in the Tree Outline

– Insert Feature will roll back the model to its stat us before the selected feature in the Tree Outline

– Features below the Insert will remain inactive unti l the model is regenerated



Rollback

New Feature



• Feature / Part Suppression: RMB

– Parts and Bodies can be Suppressed from the Tree Outline or the Model View

– A suppressed part or body remains hidden and is NOT exported to CFX-Mesh or Simulation.

• Example: Suppress the solid part and only take the body that represents the fluid part to CFX Mesh

– Features can be suppressed from the Tree Outline

– When a feature is suppressed, any feature that is d ependent on it is also



– When a feature is suppressed, any feature that is d ependent on it is also suppressed



• The “Go To” feature allow quick navigation from the g raphics window back to the tree.

• Choose to go to the “Feature” or the “Body” in the tree .




Training ManualP. Cursor Modes

• Mouse Cursor is context sensitive

– Indicates chosen operation

• Viewing, Rotation…

• Selecting

• Sketch AutoConstraints

• System Status “busy, wait”



Chapter 3

Sketch Mode



DesignModeler

Sketch Mode

Training ManualContents

• DesignModeler Geometry• Length Units• DesignModeler Geometric Entities• Sketch Mode• New Plane Button• New Sketch Button• “From Face” Plane/Sketch

• Sketch Dimensions

• Sketch Display

• Dimension Editing

• Modifying Sketches

• Sketch Instance

• Sketch Projection

• Geometry Interfaces



• “From Face” Plane/Sketch• The Sketch Mode GUI• Planes and Sketches• Plane Transforms• Sketching Tools• Sketching - Basic Shapes• Sketch Details• Sketch Constraints

• Geometry Interfaces

• Attaching to a CAD Session

• Importing CAD Files

• Positioning Imports

• Import Units

• Exporting a Model

Sketch Mode

Training ManualA. DesignModeler Geometry

• To study DesignModeler geometry we’ll focus on four fundamental areas:

– Sketch mode:

• Contains tools to create 2D geometric shapes as a p rerequisite to 3D geometry creation or concept modeling.

– 3D Geometry:



• Geometry derived from sketch entities such as extru sions, revolves, surface models, etc.

– Geometry import:

• Geometry originating from a commercial CAD system. Typically imported into DM to allow modification for meshing and analy sis.

– Concept Modeling:• These tools are used to create and modify line and surface bodies which

can be used as the basis for FE beam and shell mode ls.

Sketch Mode

Training ManualB. Length Units

• When a new DM session is started a dialog box allow s selection of the desired length unit (can be set as default)

– Units cannot be changed mid-session.



Sketch Mode

Training ManualC. DesignModeler Geometric Entities

• Points

– 2D Sketch Points

– 3D Vertices

– PF Points (Point Features):• spot-welds• point loads

• construction points



• construction points

• Edges (Lines, Curves)

– 3D, and 2D Sketch

• Faces (Areas, Surfaces)

• Bodies (Volumes)

• Multiple bodies

(not shown)

Sketch Mode

Training ManualD. Sketch Mode

• DM sketches are created on planes. In a new DM ses sion there are three default orthogonal planes in place at the glo bal origin (XY, ZX, YZ).

• Users may create and position new planes as needed by defining origin and orientation or by using existing geometr y as a reference.

• The process to begin sketching is twofold:



1. Identify the plane upon which you wish to sketch.

2. Create or identify the sketch which lies on the des ired plane.

• Users may create as many planes as needed.

• Each plane may have multiple sketches associated wi th them.

• In the next few pages we’ll look at plane and sketc h entity creation and tools to assist in sketching.

Sketch Mode

Training ManualE. New Plane Button

• >New Plane creates a new plane:

– New plane object is placed in the Tree

– Six types of plane construction (Detail Pane):

• From Plane – new plane is based on another existing plane

• From Face – new plane is based on a face

• From Point and Edge – new plane is defined by a poin t and a straight line edge

• From Point and Normal – new plane is defined by a point while its normal is



• From Point and Normal – new plane is defined by a point while its normal is defined by an edge direction

• From Three Points – new plane is defined by three po ints

• From Coordinates – new plane is defined by typing in the coordinates of the origin and normal

– Sketches are then added to plane

• A sketch is utilized to create 3D geometry

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• New Sketch : creates new sketch on the active plane.

• New sketches are placed in Tree beneath their assoc iated Plane.

• Navigate sketches (make active) via the Tree or dro p down list.

• Note: drop down list references sketches on current ly active plane (see example below).

F. New Sketch Button



XYPlane is activeOnly XYPlane sketches displayed in drop down

Sketch Mode

Training ManualG. “From Face” Plane/Sketch Shortcut

• Shortcut to create a new “From Face” plane and sketch using existing geometry:

– Highlight desired surface to place new plane.

– Switch to the Sketch tab and begin sketching.

– New plane and sketch are automatically created!



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Various plane transformations are available. They can be applied quickly by choosing the desired transform through the RMB i n the “Transform” field in the plane detail window.

H. Plane Transforms



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Once a transform is selected, additional properties may appear that will allow you to enter offset distances, rotation angle s, rotation axes, etc.

… Plane Transforms

This transform requires both an offset and a rotation angle.



Option for additional transformation automatically appears on adding a transform.

PLANE4

Sketch Mode

Training ManualI. Planes and Sketch Details

After setting plane details, the “Generate” button creates the new plane (can “Generate” with RMB as well)

Note: this step is not necessary for sketch creation.

The plane origin can be turned on/off.



creation.

The “Details” for each plane and sketch controls basic behavior.

The triad and display ruler can be turned on/off.

Triad

Ruler

Sketch Mode

Training ManualJ. The Sketch Mode GUI

• In sketch mode the GUI presents sketching “toolboxes ” on the left through a series of panels.

Plane and sketch creation and management

Draw Panel



At the beginning of a new session the XY plane is displayed at the origin.

Draw Panel

Toolbox Panels

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• The “Settings” panel allows a sketch grid to be defined and displayed (default = off).

– Snap feature applies to major and minor spacing.

K. Sketching Tools - Grid



Major spacing (solid)

Minor spacing (dashed)

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Grid Snaps per Minor allows snapping to points in b etween minor grid lines.

… Sketching Tools – Grid

This rectangle is snapped halfway between two minor grid



between two minor grid lines if Snaps per Minor is set to 2

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• The Ruler tool allows you to get a quick sense of s cale.

… Sketching Tools – Ruler



Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketching Tools – Auto Constraints

• By default DM is in “auto-constraint” mode.

• Auto constraints allow new sketch entities to automatically snap to a location or orientation.

• The cursor indicates the kind of constraint that wi ll be applied.

• Examples:



(see documentation for complete list)

Vertical and Horizontal constraints while sketching a line.

Point constraint at beginning of line sketch.

Coincident constraint at beginning of line sketch.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• When creating or changing planes and sketches the “Look At” tool will immediately orient the display so that the plane, sketch or selected entity is normal to your view.

… Sketching Tools – Tips



• Many operations either require or are more efficient via a right mouse click context menu from the graphics screen.

Right mouse click

“RMB”

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketching Tools – Tips …

• The Undo/Redo buttons are available in sketch mode only.

– Removes the last completed sketching operation.– Multiple undo’s allowed.– IMPORTANT: Each plane stores its own Undo

“stack”.

• The “Back” operation (available via RMB) acts



• The “Back” operation (available via RMB) acts like a micro undo during sketching operations.

• Remember: only one sketch is active at any time!

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketching Tools – Tips …

• The GUI status bar contains instructions on complet ing each operation.

• Example: using the circle operation . . .

1. Choose “Circle”



2. Follow instructions in status bar: choose location for center point

3. Follow instructions in status bar: drag and release for radius

Sketch Mode

Training ManualL. Sketching – Basic Shapes

• Once a plane and sketch have been specified you can begin creating new geometry from the “Draw” toolbox.

• Remember! Some operations will require a right click to complete!

– Example: to end a “spline” operation use the

RMB to choose the desired option .



RMB to choose the desired option .

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Reference numbers for the entities in each sketch ( lines, circles, polygons, etc.) can be viewed.

• Useful for parametric modeling discussed later.

M. Sketch Details



Can rename sketches from Detail pane.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Highlighting lines in the graphics screen (sketch m ode only), will display details for the line.

… Sketch Details

Can rename sketch entities from Detail pane.



Details for highlighted line

Sketch Mode

Training ManualN. Sketch Constraints

• Sketch details can also display sketch constraint details.

• Constraints may result from auto-constraints or user defined.

• To delete constraints, highlight the definition, click RMB and delete (or use the delete key).

Show constraints



delete (or use the delete key).

Constraint definitions

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketch Constraints

• Sketch entities are also color coded to indicate their current constraint status:

• Teal: Under-constrained

• Blue: Well Defined

• Black: Fixed

• Red: Over-Constrained

• Gray: Inconsistent or Unknown

Teal



• Gray: Inconsistent or Unknown

• Example:

• Initially sketched lines are displayed in teal color to indicate under-constraint. Note even when dimensioned, these lines are underconstrained since they are not fixed in space

• Adding 2 more dimensions resolves the sketch status and all lines are displayed in blue

Blue

Sketch Mode


• By adding too many dimensions and/or constraints the sketch will become over constrained. Over constrained lines are displayed in red in sketch mode Blue

Red

Red



• Applying “Fixed” constraints to 2 of the edges shown here results in the lines being displayed in black

Teal

Black

Sketch Mode


• The picture below demonstrates an inconsistent situ ation (lines displayed in gray). Here the arc is dimensioned wi th a radius of 5 however the vertical dimension has been specified a s 15. Obviously there is no way to maintain the connection between the 2 horizontal lines and the arc while maintaining these dimension s.



Gray

Sketch Mode

Training ManualO. Sketch Dimensions

• DesignModeler contains a complete dimensioning toolbox.

• In addition to individual dimension assignment, semi-automatic dimensioning is available.

– Semi-automatic cycles through dimension choices until model is fully constrained or user



chooses to exit semi-automatic mode.

– Right mouse button controls skip or end functions.

• The General dimensioning tool allows quick access to all primary dimensions via a right click context menu.

RMB Click in Graphics Pane

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketch Dimensions

• Move function allows placement of dimension to be m odified.

• Animate to view dynamic changes applied to the sele cted dimension.

• Dimensions can be displayed as the dimension value and/or name.



Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketch Dimensions

• To modify dimensions highlight then change value in details window.

Highlight dimension



Enter new value

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Once highlighted, dimension can also be quickly edi ted through a RMB menu option, >Edit Name/Value.

P. Dimension Editing



Note: a recent “Generate” might be necessary to se e “Value” as well as “Name”

Sketch Mode

Training ManualQ. Sketch Display

• Control the display of sketches via RMB options:– Always Show Sketch– Hide Sketch

• Default behavior, sketch is displayed only when hig hlighted in the tree.



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• The Modify toolbox contains a number of functions f or editing sketches.

• Some functions are self explanatory (e.g. fillet, c hamfer). This section will focus on some of the less obvious functions.

• Remember! - check the status bar at the bottom of th e GUI for real-time instructions for each function.

R. Modifying Sketches



Status Bar - Example

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Modifying Sketches

• Split:

– RMB Options (choose before selecting edge):

• Split Edge at Selection (default): splits an edge i nto two pieces at the selection location (unless the edge is a full circle or ellip se). For a full circle or ellipse, both start and end endpoints are created at the selectio n location.

• Split Edges at Point: Select a point, and all edges , which pass through the selected point, are split there.



• Split Edge at All Points: Select an edge and it is split at all points that it passes through and that have a coincident constraint to it .

• Split Edge into n Equal Segments: Set the value n in the edit box and then select the edge which you want to Split.

– Note: up to 100 allowed for n.

– “Split” is useful for sketches to be used with Skin /Loft

– “Split” edges also offer greater control in subsequ ent meshing and/or boundary condition operations.

Sketch Mode


• Drag:

– Can drag a point or edge using the cursor.

– How the model changes depends on what is selected, existing constraints and dimensions.

– Can pre-select multiple entities before issuing the Drag function.

Drag - Example



Select corner point of rectangle and drag.

Sketch Mode


• Cut/Copy:

– Requires the selection of a paste handle (RMB) relative to which the Paste will be performed.

– The paste handle is the location to which the curso r is attached while you are moving the image into position to paste.

– RMB paste handle options:

• Clear Selection



• Use Plane Origin as Paste Handle, the 0.0, 0.0 loca tion of the plane will be used as the paste handle

– This lets you select a set of items to copy to an i nternal clipboard, and leaves the originals in the sketch.

– If Cut or Copy is exited without selecting a paste handle, a default will be used.

Copy: RMB options.

Sketch Mode


• Paste:

– RMB Context Menu:

• Rotate by +/- r Degrees

• Flip Horizontally / Vertically

• Scale by Factor f or 1/f

• Paste at Plane Origin

• Change Paste Handle

• End



– Paste lets you take items placed on the clipboard by Cut or Copy and place them into the current (or new) sketch, even if it is on a different plane.

• Notes on Copy/Cut/Paste:– After copying, paste can be done multiple times.– Can copy from one sketch and paste to another.– During Paste operation you can change the paste han dle.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

– A Copy/Paste example . . .

• After creating a rectangle we wish to copy it, rota te it by 45 degrees with respect to the origin and scale it by a factor of 0.5.

… Modifying Sketches

3. RMB



1. Copy

2. Select Edges

Sketch Mode


4. Choose Paste and set options

5. RMB Rotate

6. RMB Scale

7. RMB



and set options 7. RMB Paste

8. RMB End

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Cut, Copy, and Paste commands are available as RMB options in sketching mode.

… Modifying Sketches – Quick Cut/Copy/Paste

1) Select source edges

2) RMB>Copy



2) RMB>Copy

3) Select paste origin

4) Paste the edges

Sketch Mode


• Replicate:

– The Replicate command is equivalent to the Copy com mand, followed by a Paste.

– After one of the End / options is selected, the rig ht mouse button changes to the Paste right mouse button.

• Move:



• Move:

– The Move command functions the same as the Replicat e command with the exception that your original selection is moved to a new location instead of being copied.

Sketch Mode


• Offset:

– The Offset function allows you to create a set of l ines and arcs that are offset by an equal distance from an existing set of lines and arcs.

– The original set of lines and arcs must be connecte d in an open or closed profile.

– Preselect or select the edges then choose the right mouse button option “End selection / Place offset”



– The cursor location is used to determine three thin gs:

• Offset distance

• Offset side

• Offset area

– Distance and Side are clear but the “area” is very important:

• If portions of your selected curves would collapse out or cross over one another given the current offset side and distance, the cur sor location determines which area of offset curves is kept.

• An example . . .

Sketch Mode


2. Select all edges to be offset



4. The direction and distance the cursor is moved determines the offset.

1. Select Offset tool

3. RMB > End selection/Place offset

Sketch Mode


5. Notice as the offset is dragged further inward, the arc will eventually intersect the bottom line.



6. By alternating the cursor location (left and right) we can determine which offset region will be retained.

Sketch Mode

Training ManualS. Sketch Duplication

• Duplicate items from another sketch or plane bounda ry (all sketches must be in the current plane).

• Allows a plane boundary (perhaps from CAD import) t o be duplicated as new sketch entities.

• An Example . . .



1) A face is selected on an imported CAD model and a plane created.

2) With the new plane active, from Sketch mode > modify, ‘Duplicate’ is selected

3) An edge from the plane is selected.

4) RMB > ‘Duplicate Selection’ is clicked.

This creates a new sketch that contains a line

coincident with the edge selected in the previous

step.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Sketch Instancing allows copies of sketches to be a dded in other planes. The copies are persistent, meaning they wi ll update when the source sketch is updated.

– Features:

• Edges in a sketch instance are fixed (like a plane boundary) and cannot be moved, edited, or deleted by sketch operations

• When changes are made in the base sketch its instan ces will be updated when a Generate is done

• A sketch instance can be used just like normal sket ches for creating other features

T. Sketch Instance



• A sketch instance can be used just like normal sket ches for creating other features except:

– Cannot be used as base sketches for other Instances

– Sketch instances are not included in the pull-down list of sketches

Step 1: Choose the destination plane for the instance.

The source sketch must be in a plane prior to the destination plane (higher in Tree).

Therefore, you can never place a sketch instance onto the XYPlane.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketch Instance

Step 2: Choose the source sketch by selecting the sketch from tree and clicking Apply.

Step 3: Modify the placement options. The



placement options. The sketch instance may be offset, rotated, and scaled.

Step 4: Click Generate to complete the sketch instance.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Sketch Instance

• Example: Sketch1 is instanced onto Plane4 as Sketch 2. Note how the instance appears as fixed edges, similar to plane b oundary edges.



Sketch Mode

Training ManualU. Sketch Projection

• Sketch Projection:– Project 3D geometry onto a plane to create new sket ch entities.– Select vertices, edges, surfaces or bodies to proje ct.– Cannot be modified using normal sketch tools.– Remain associated to input geometry (if 3D geometry changes, the sketch

projection can update).



3D Geometry selected for projection

Sketch projected onto existing plane

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• All Workbench Geometry Interfaces are supported in DesignModeler

– Can also import CFX-BladeGen 4.1 geometry files (*.bgd) into Design Modeler

• Optionally choose how many ‘Blade Sets’ to import

• DM >File>Import & >File>Attach capability:

– Can Import/Attach anytime, even multiple times per model

– Can add, subtract, etc. during Import/Attach proces s

V. Geometry Interfaces



– Base Plane Property for orientation

Sketch Mode

Training ManualW. Attaching to a CAD Session

• If a CAD session is currently open, this automatica lly imports the model into the DesignModeler session

• File>Attach to Active CAD File

• Maintains bi-directional associativity



Sketch Mode

Training Manual… Attaching to a CAD Session

• Bidirectional Refresh

– Refresh the geometry using parameter values from ei ther the source CAD package or

– from the CAD parameters in DesignModeler's Details View.



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• File>Import External Geometry File…

– The “active” plane controls placement for “assembly” modeling (multi-bodies).

– The details pane import operation: Add Material, Cut Material, Imprint Faces, Add Frozen

– Does not maintain associativity

X. Importing CAD Files



Operations

Active Plane

File types

Sketch Mode

Training ManualY. Positioning Imports

• Both Import and Attach have a “Base Plane” property.

– Specify the plane (orientation) in which the Import or Attach model is referenced…

– When creating a new Import or Attach feature, the active plane is chosen as



feature, the active plane is chosen as the Base Plane by default

– Users select planes from the tree view or Plane pull-down list prior to import

• Example:

– XY chosen for first import

– YZ plane for second import

– Operation: ‘Add material’ chosen

Sketch Mode

Training ManualZ. Import Units

• Most file formats store units information in the fi le (automatically set on import).

• The SAT file format must be set to the correct leng th unit via the import details (Prior to Generate)

– DM then converts the model length units into the cu rrent unit system



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• File>Export …

• IGES exporting:

– When exporting the model to an IGES file, you have the option to export solids or just trimmed surfaces.

– >Tools>Options

AA. Exporting a Model



Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• DM supports two kinds of body attributes through Im port and Attach features :

– Surface body thickness

– Material properties

• Material properties are controlled by the Import Ma terial Properties option in the property list for Import and Attach features. If se t to >Yes, then any material properties will be processed with the bodies. Mate rial properties are read-only in DM – they are brought in through the Import and Attach f eatures, but you cannot

BB. Body Attributes



DM – they are brought in through the Import and Attach f eatures, but you cannot edit them.

– Properties are transferred with the model when sent to ANSYS Mechanical.

Sketch Mode

Training Manual

• Surface body thickness is transferred to DM from CA D systems that support it.

– Users can modify the thickness of any surface body in DM.

– The thickness will be attached to the surface bodie s when the model is sent to ANSYS Mechanical.

…Body Attributes



Chapter 4

3D Geometry



DesignModeler

3D Geometry


• Bodies and Parts• 3D Features• Boolean Operations• Feature Direction• Feature Type



• Primitives

3D Geometry

Training ManualBodies and Parts

• DesignModeler contains three different body types:

– Solid body: body has surface area and volume– Surface body: body has surface area but no volume– Line body: body consists entirely of edges, no area , no volume

• DesignModeler is primarily intended to provide geom etry to an analysis environment. For this reason we need to s ee how DM treats various geometries



– Line body: body consists entirely of edges, no area , no volume

• By default, DM places each body into one part by itselfIndividual parts will always be meshed separately.If bodies in separate bodies share faces, the meshe son those shared faces will not be matched

– Multiple bodies in a single part will have matchedmeshes on shared faces when meshed

3D Geometry

Training ManualActive and Frozen Bodies

• By default, DM will merge new geometry with existin g geometry to maintain a single body.

• This can be controlled by working with either froze n or active bodies

• You can toggle between frozen and active states for using the Freeze and Unfreeze tools



Freeze and Unfreeze tools

3D Geometry

Training ManualActive and Frozen Bodies…

• There are two body states in DM:– Active:

• Body can be modified by normal modeling operations (cannot be sliced)

• Active bodies are displayed in blue in the Feature Tree View

• The body's icon in the Feature Tree View is depende nt on its type - solid, surface, or line

– Frozen: (>Tools>Freeze)• Main Purpose:

Active



• Main Purpose: – Provides alternate method for Assembly Modeling.

• A Frozen body is immune to all modeling operations except slice, blend, chamfer, face delete and split edges.

• To move all active bodies to the Frozen state, use the Freeze feature (freeze applies to all)

• To move individual bodies from the frozen to active, select the body and use the Unfreeze feature.

– Frozen bodies are displayed as transparent in the T ree View.

Frozen

3D Geometry

Training ManualBodies and Parts…

• Body Suppression:– Suppressed bodies are not plotted.– Suppressed bodies are not sent to other Workbench

modules for meshing or analysis, nor are they included in the model when exporting to a Parasolid file (.x_t).

– In the tree outline an “X” is shown for each suppressed body



suppressed body

Suppressed

Unsuppressed

3D Geometry


• Parts:– By default, the DesignModeler

places each body into one part by itself.

– You can group bodies into parts• Multibody parts contain

multiple bodies (volumes), but have shared topology .The meshes on shared faces will match (conformal mesh)



will match (conformal mesh)– To form a new part, select two or

more (or RMB “Select All”) bodies from the graphics screen and use >Tools>Form New Part

– The “Form New Part” option is available only when bodies are selected and you are not in a feature creation or feature edit state.

3D Geometry


• Why multi-body parts?• Example:

– In DM: 3 parts, 3 bodies consisting of 3 solids

– During Meshing: 3 solids, 3 bodies– Each solid meshed independently

• Nodes are not shared



• Nodes do not line-up– In Simulation: 3 solids with 2 contact

regions

DM

Mesh

3D Geometry


• Example (continued):– In DM: 1 part, 1 body consisting of

1 solid– During Meshing: 1 solid ,1body– Entire solid meshed as one

–No Contact

DM



DM

Mesh

3D Geometry


• Example (continued):– In DM: 1 multi-body part,

3 bodies/solids– During Meshing:1 multi-body part,

3 bodies/solids– Each solid meshed independently but

node connectivity among solids is

DM



node connectivity among solids is preserved

DM

Mesh

3D Geometry

Training Manual3D Features

• You create 3D geometry from 2D sketches by using a 3D feature. Common examples include:

– Extrude– Sweep– Revolve



– Revolve– Skin/Loft– Thin/Surface

• The effect of the feature creation is determined by the type of the feature, the Boolean operations performed as it is created, and the extent of the feature (fixed, to next, through all, etc.)

3D Geometry

Training Manual3D Features

• Typically, the generation of a 3D feature (like Ext rude or Sweep) consists of two steps:

– (a) Choose the desired feature and specify its deta ils– (b) Click “Generate” to create the 3D feature body



3D Geometry

Training ManualExtrude

• Extrusions:– Extrusions include solids, surfaces, and thin-walle d features

• To create surfaces, select “as thin/surface” and se t the inner and outer thickness to zero

– The active sketch is the default input but can be c hanged by selecting the desired sketch in the Tree View

– The Detail View is used to set the Extrude depth, d irection, and Boolean operation (Add, Cut, Slice, Imprint, or Add Frozen)

– The Generate button completes the feature creation



– The Generate button completes the feature creation– Note: the section on Feature Type shows various ext rusion examples

To Create Surface

3D Geometry

Training ManualRevolve

• Revolve: – Active sketch is rotated to create 3D geometry– Select axis of rotation from details

• If there is a disjoint (free) line in the sketch, i t is chosen as the default axis of revolution

– Direction Property for Revolve:• Normal: Revolves in positive Z direction of

base object



base object• Reversed: Revolves in negative Z direction of

base object• Both - Symmetric: Applies feature in both

directions. One set of angles will apply to both directions

• Both - Asymmetric: Applies feature in both directions. Each direction has its own angle property

– The Generate button completes the feature creation

Sketch with Disjoint Line

3D Geometry

Training ManualSweep

• Sweep:– Solids, surfaces, and thin-walled features can be c reated by using

this feature to sweep a profile along a path– Scale and Turns properties can be used to create he lical sweeps

• Scale: tapers or expands the profile along the path of the sweep• Turns: twists the profile as it sweeps along the pa th• A negative value for Turns will make the profile ro tate about the

path in the opposite direction. +Turns: Rotates cou nterclockwise



path in the opposite direction. +Turns: Rotates cou nterclockwise• See documentation for other restrictions

– Alignment:• Path tangent: reorients the profile as it is swept along the path to

keep the profile in the path's tangent direction• Global: the profile's orientation remains constant as it is swept

along the path, regardless of the path's shape

– Examples to follow next

3D Geometry

Training ManualSweep…

• Sweep example 1:

Sketch1 = profile to sweep

Path Tangent alignment: profile remains tangent to path



Sketch2 = sweep path

Global Axes alignment: profile orientation remains constant

3D Geometry

Training ManualSweep…

• Sweep example 2:

Sweep details:

Scale = 0.5

Turns = - 4



• Scale and Turns restrictions:– Scale: The sweep path must be an open chain AND smo oth– Turns: The sweep path must be smooth

• if the sweep path is a closed loop, then Turns must be an integer• If the sweep path is an open chain, then any value for Turns is acceptable

– The default values for Scale and Turns are 1.0 and 0.0, respectively

Sketch1 = profile to sweepSketch2 = sweep path

3D Geometry

Training ManualSkin/Loft

• Skin/Loft:– Takes a series of profiles from different planes to create 3D geometry

fitting through them (must select two or more profi les)• A profile is a sketch with one closed or open loop or a plane from a

face• All profiles must have the same number of edges• Open and closed profiles cannot be mixed• All profiles must be of the same type



– Sketches and planes can be selected by clicking on their edges or points in the graphics area, or by clicking on the sketch or plane in the feature tree

– After selecting an adequate number of profiles, a p review will appear showing the selected profiles and the guide polygon

– The guide polygon is a gray poly-line which shows h ow the vertices between the profiles will line up with each other

– Skin/Loft operation relies heavily on RMB menu choi ces• Examples . . .

3D Geometry

Training ManualSkin/Loft…

• Skin/Loft example 1:– Three 5 sided sketch profiles have been created on three offset planes– After selecting each profile (hold CTRL key) the gu ide line is displayed– RMB for guide line options– Continue through all profiles



3D Geometry


• Skin/Loft example 1:– Add operation generates 3D solid

• Guide Lines:– Use RMB options to realign if necessary

• Can result in unexpected shapes when misaligned



3D Geometry


• Skin/Loft reordering:– During creation or when editing selections the orde r of the profiles may

be adjusted– Highlight profile to reorder and RMB– Choose from options menu



3D Geometry

Training Manual3D Feature Details (Extrude)

Frozen Bodies in model?

3D FeatureBoolean Operations



It’s all in the details!

3D Geometry

Training ManualBoolean Operations

• You can apply five different Boolean operations to 3D features:– Add Material : creates material and merges it with the active bodies.

• It is always available– Cut Material: removes material from active bodies– Slice Material: slices frozen bodies into pieces.

• Available only when ALL bodies in the model are fro zen– Imprint Faces: Similar to Slice, except that only t he faces of the bodies are split, and

edges are imprinted if necessary (no new bodies cre ated)– Add Frozen: Similar to Add Material, except that th e feature bodies are not merged with



– Add Frozen: Similar to Add Material, except that th e feature bodies are not merged with the existing model but rather added as frozen bodies

• Line bodies are immune to Cut, Imprint, and Slice o perations

If frozen:

3D Geometry

Training ManualBoolean Operations…

• Boolean Add:

Choose feature and Boolean operation to be performed on the active sketch



Extrude – “Add Material” shown here

Note: If bodies already exist, “add” results in mer ged geometry after “Generate”

3D Geometry


• Boolean Cut:

Existing solid (shown in wire frame for clarity)

Active Sketch



wire frame for clarity)

Revolve 90 deg. with “Cut material” operation

Axis of revolution

3D Geometry


• Boolean Imprint Faces:– Imprint Face operation allows continuous surface to be segmented (see

below). Useful for applying FE boundary conditions at arbitrary locations.

Active sketch to extrude




Extrude with Imprint Faces operation.

3D Geometry


• Boolean Add Frozen:– Similar to add operation but results in separate bo dies (or

single frozen body)




A frozen volume is added

Extrude with “Add Frozen” operation

3D Geometry


• Boolean Slice ( all bodies must be frozen first in order to have access to “Slice material” operation ):

– Slices frozen bodies leaving new (frozen) body in the slice region

New frozen body



New frozen body

Active sketch to Extrude

Extrude with “Slice Material” operation

3D Geometry

Training ManualFeature Direction

• Direction:



Direction is with respect to the sketch plane

Some operations (e.g. cut) result in automatic change in direction

3D Geometry

Training ManualFeature Type…

• Through All Type: will extend the profile through t he entire model– When adding material the extended profile must full y intersect

the model



Sketch

3D Geometry


• To Next: – Add will extend the profile up to the first surface it encounters.– Cut, Imprint, and Slice will extend the profile up to and through the first

surface or volume it encounters



Sketch

3D Geometry


• To Faces: allows you to extend the Extrude feature up to a boundary formed by one or more faces

– For multiple profiles make sure that each profile h as at least one face intersecting its extent. Otherwise, an extent error will result



– The “To Faces” option is different from “To Next”. To Next does not mean “to the next face”, but rather “through the next chunk of the body (solid or sheet)”

– The “To Faces” option can be used with respect to f aces of frozen bodies

Sketch

3D Geometry


• To Surface: option is similar to To Faces, except o nly one face can be selected. The extent is defined by the underlyin g and possibly unbounded surface of the selected face (see below).

– In this case a single face is selected and its unde rlying surface is used as the extent. The underlying surface must fully in tersect the extruded profile or an error will result.



Unbounded surface selected as extent

Sketch

3D Geometry

Training ManualPrimitives

• Primitive Shapes: Create>Primitives– Quickly create models by defining primitive shapes like

spheres, cylinders etc.. – Does not require sketches– Requires a Base Plane and several point and / or direction

inputs– Inputs can be defined by typing in coordinates or b y selecting



– Inputs can be defined by typing in coordinates or b y selecting existing geometry.

3D Geometry

Training ManualPrimitives…..

• Primitive Shapes Example: Cylinder

– Select Base Plane– Define Origin– Define Axis (also defines the

height of the cylinder)– Define radius



– Define radius– Generate

Chapter 5

Advanced 3D Geometry



DesignModeler


• Modifying 3D Geometry• 3D Curve Feature• Planar Bodies• Boolean Operations• Named Selection Base Objects• Pattern Feature• Advanced Features



• Advanced Features• Advanced Tools• Body Operations• Mid Surface Extraction

Training ManualModifying 3D Geometry

• Thin/Surface:

– The Thin/Surface feature has two distinct applications: • Create thin solids (Thin).• Create simplified shelling (Surface).

– Selections available from Details:• Faces to Remove : Selected faces will be removed from their bodies.



• Faces to Remove : Selected faces will be removed from their bodies.• Faces to Keep : Selected faces will be kept, while unselected faces are

removed.• Bodies Only : The operation will be performed on the selected bodies

without removing any faces.

– When converting solids into thin solids or surfaces, you can specify a model's thickness in one of three offset directions:

1. Inward2. Outward3. Mid-Plane

Training ManualModifying 3D Geometry…

• Thin/Surface details:

Basic operation

Direction for thin solid



or offset

IMPORTANT! To create surface geometry (NOT thin sol ids) the Thickness field must be set to zero (0).

Examples . . .

Thickness or Thickness/Face Offset


• Using the simple block shown here, let’s look at ba sic Thin/Surface behavior.




• After generating the feature, notice that:– The end face is removed– Thickness = 2 m– Direction is toward original solid’s center

(inward)– Result is still a solid

• By changing the thickness field to zero and re-generating:



generating:– True surface model results


• Notes on Thin/Surface:– The Thin/Surface feature supports thickness > 0 if the selected faces

are part of surface bodies. – This allows for the “thickening” of an imported sur face.

• Mid Plane Option:– This does not mean mid-plane extraction. – Bodies will be hollowed, such that the inner and ou ter walls of the

bodies are offset equal distances from the original faces.Resulting offset is



bodies are offset equal distances from the original faces.– Example :

Solid body selected for Thin/Surface midplane

Resulting offset is in both directions.


• Fixed Radius Blend:– The Fixed-Radius feature allows you to create blends on model edges.– You can select or pre-select 3D edges and/or faces for blending.

• Face selection applies blend to all the edges from that face.– When pre-selecting, additional options are available from a RMB context menu

(face edge loop selection, smooth 3D edge chain)– You can edit the blend radius in the Detail View. Clicking Generate completes the feature creation

and updates the model.

• Variable Radius Blend (same as above plus):



• Variable Radius Blend (same as above plus):– Use the Detail View to change the start and end blend radius for each edge.

Also, the Detail View can set the transition between blends to smooth or linear. Clicking Generate completes the feature creation and updates the model.

• Vertex Blend: allows surface or line body blending.– Vertex must belong to surface or line body.– Must connect to exactly 2 edges.– Geometry surrounding vertex must be planar.


Face selected for fixed blend.

All edges receive blend

Details specify blend

• Examples . . .



Details specify blend radius

Edges selected for fixed blend.


Linear Transition Smooth Transition



Variable radius blend

If multiple edges selected for VR blend, each is listed in Detail


• Chamfer:

– The Chamfer feature allows you to create planar tra nsitions (or chamfer face) across model edges.

• You can select or pre-select 3D edges and/or faces for chamfering.• If a face is selected, all the edges from that face are chamfered.

– When pre-selecting, additional options are availabl e from a right mouse button context menu (face edge loop selection , smooth 3D edge



mouse button context menu (face edge loop selection , smooth 3D edge chain)

• Every edge on a face has a direction. This directio n defines a right and left side.

– Chamfer is defined either by two distances from the edge for the planar transition (chamfer face), or by a distance (left o r right) and an angle.

– The type of chamfer is set up in the Detail View al ong with the distances and angle.

Training Manual

• Examples . . .

Modifying 3D Geometry…

Chamfer options (3):

Left



Right

Training Manual3D Curve Feature

• > Concept > 3D Curve• 3D Curves can be used for:

– Base Object in Modeling a Feature(must be a Named Selection first)

– Custom curves for Concept Modeling• Create 3D curves (Line Bodies) from:

a) Existing Model pointsb) Coordinates (text) File

• Curve passes thru all points in the chain.



– All points must be “unique”– Curves may be either open or closed.

Open Curve Closed Curve

Training Manual3D Curve Feature - Existing Points

• In the Details View: Definition>Point Select• Select (and >Apply) existing model points• Hold <CTRL> key to select multiple points.

– Points selected can be 2D sketch points, 3D model v ertices or ‘point feature’ points• Refer documentation for more on ‘Point Feature’ poi nts

– Curves may be either open or closed. (RMB)– Resulting curve passes thru all selected points.

RMB



Training Manual3D Curve Feature – From Coordinates File

• >Definition>From Coordinates File– 3D curve created by XYZ coordinates

in a text file.• Format of Coordinates (text) File

– # indicates Line is a comment– Empty lines are ignored– A data line consists of 5 fields,

separated by spaces or tabsA) Group # (integer)B) Point Number (integer)C) X coordinateD) Y coordinateE) Z Coordinate



– Notes:• A data line with the same group #

and Point # is in error. Must be unique

• For a closed curve, the point number of last line should be zero.

– Coordinate fields of last point ignored.

#Group 2, closed curve example file#A B C D E2 1 100.0101 200.2021 15.15152 2 -12.3456 .8765 -.98762 3 11.1234 12.4321 13.56782 0

Click here to import the

coordinates file

Training Manual

3D GeometryPlanar Bodies

• Planar bodies are surface bodies in the XY-plane. [ Can be Created via Thin/Surface Option]

• Planar bodies created in DM are used to perform 2D Simulation.– Plane Strain, Plane Stress, Axisymmetry– Numerically more efficient Simulation models compar ed to “full” 3D models.

Solid Planar




• Use the Boolean feature (Create>Boolean) to Unite, Subtract or Intersect existing bodies.

• Bodies can be Solid, Surface, or (for Unite only) Line bodies.

• Surface bodies must have consistent normals.• Bodies are referred to as “target” or “tool”

depending on operation type.• Examples (using 3 bodies shown below): . . .



Subtract lower 2 bodies from upper

Tool Bodies

Target Bodies




Intersect all bodies Union of all intersections Union of all intersections preserving input bodies

Training ManualNamed Selection

• Named Selections:– Can group entities under a single name– Select Entities, Right Click and click on

Named Selection. Change the name in the details view. The “-” character not allowed.

• The named selection may contain either Bodies, Faces, Edges, or Points.

– Named Selections may be transferred to



– Named Selections may be transferred to other Workbench applications,including the Meshing Application if Named Selections are toggled on from the Project page [See next Slide]

– Named Selections cannot be made invisible in DesignModeler, however, they can be made invisible in Meshing Application

RMB

Training Manual

Toggling Named Selection on Project page

1. Click This



2. Highlight This

The prefix name of the Named Selections must includ e the characters defined in the Named Selection Key in or der for the Named Selections to be transferred to another appli cation. In this example, “NS” must be the prefix for the name, eg. NS_Face

Training ManualNamed Selection Base Objects

• Named Selections can be used as base objects (Group s) for basic modeling features.

– Required for using a 3D Curve as base object in a m odeling feature.• Example1:

– Extruding a circular profile along a 3D-Curve path– Create 3D curve & circular profile



3D- Curve

Circular Profile


– With the 3D Curve selected, create a Named Selection called “SweepPath”.

– Create a ‘Sweep’ operation, with the circle as the profile and the Named Selection (SweepPath) as the path

• Select Named Selection from the ‘Model Tree’




• Example 2: Extruding faces– Create a named selection using the face of

a solid– Create an ‘Extrude’ feature.– For ‘Base Object’ select the named

selection from the ‘Model Tree’– Define a ‘Direction Vector’ using an axis or

edge and ‘Generate’



Training ManualPattern Feature

• Pattern feature allows you to create copies of face s or bodies in:– Linear pattern (direction + offset distance)– Circular pattern (rotation axis + angle)

• Can set angle=zero to get auto-calculated evenly sp aced instances– Rectangular pattern (two sets of directions + offse ts)

• For face selections, each copied instance must rema in coincident with the originating body (must touch same base region).

– Each copied face incidence must not touch/intersect each other



Linear Circular Rectangular

Training ManualPattern Creation



Z-axis selected

Total # of Patterns = Copies +11 Face selected

Training ManualAdvanced Features

• Two Advanced Feature Properties described in this s ection apply selectively to the 3D Features:

1. Target Bodies: Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, Skin/Loft, Slice, Import & Attach.2. Merge Topology: Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, & Skin/Lof t.

• Target Bodies:– allows users to specify which bodies are operated o n during a Cut,

Imprint, or Slice operation.



Cut operation applied only to Selected Bodies

Training ManualAdvanced Features…

• Merge Topology: Details property for Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, & Ski n

– A Yes/No detail option that gives control over feat ure topology.>Yes: optimizes the topology of feature bodies.>No: leaves the topology of feature bodies unaltere d.

– The default setting for Merge Topology differs depe nding on the 3D feature you are using:

• Extrude: default is Yes• Revolve: default is Yes



• Revolve: default is Yes• Skin/Loft: default is No• Sweep: default is No

• Example follows . . .

Training Manual

• Example

Advanced Features…

Topological Control



Merge Topology = >Yes Merge Topology = >No

• Setting the value to >Yes optimizes all topology of the feature body. It is however, recommended to leave this setting as >No (default) for the Skin/Loft and Sweep features.

• Use caution when changing the value of the Merge To pology property. • Once other features depend on this, faces and edges may appear or disappear and

cause failures and invalid selections for subsequen t features.

Training ManualAdvanced Tools

• Advanced operations are available via the >Create a nd >Tools Menu:– Freeze– Unfreeze– Enclosure– Fill– Symmetry– Surface Extension– Pattern– Body Operation



– Body Operation– Boolean– Slice – Face Delete– Edge Delete– Merge– Connect– Projection

Training ManualAdvanced Tools…

• Normally, a 3D solid feature operates like this:

1. Create the bodies of the 3D feature (e.g., an Extru de feature)2. Merge the feature bodies with the existing model vi a Boolean operations: Add

Material, Cut Material, Imprint Faces

• Freeze– The Freeze feature allows you to control the second step acting as a separator in



– The Freeze feature allows you to control the second step acting as a separator in the construction history as displayed in the Featur e Tree.

– Bodies created from features before a Freeze will b ecome frozen– Frozen bodies are denoted by the ice cube icon next to the body’s branch of the

Feature Tree– All frozen bodies are ignored by Add, Cut, or Impri nt Material operation for any

features following the Freeze

Training Manual

• Freeze Example

Advanced Tools…

Modeling history:

Model began with imported geometry consisting of two bodies.

An extrusion was added

A freeze was inserted

A second extrusion was Unf

roze

n



A second extrusion was created from the imported geometry

Only 2 solids now frozen

Second extrusion is an independent solid. Without the freeze this geometry would have been merged with the import

Unf

roze

n


• Unfreeze– Unfreeze allows one to selectively “remove” the fre eze from single or multiple bodies

(freeze is a global operation)– Assembly notes:

• By default if you import an assembly from a CAD pac kage, the assembly will remain as separate parts in DM without freezing

• Any subsequent 3D modeling operation however will r esult in a merge of any touching bodies in the assembly

– This can be avoided with the Freeze and Unfreeze to ols



– This can be avoided with the Freeze and Unfreeze to ols


• Enclosure:– Creates surrounding region around

bodies to facilitate simulation of field regions

• CFD, EMAG, etc– Box, sphere, cylinder or user defined

shapes can be employed– Cushion property allows the boundary

extent to be specified (must be > 0)



extent to be specified (must be > 0)– Apply enclosure to all bodies or only

selected targets– Merge property allows for automatic

multi-body part creation• Ensures original part and

enclosure will have nodal match up when meshed


• Enclosure Example:

Cutaway view of enclosure

Circuit board model



Enclosure created using box option


• Fill:– Creates frozen bodies that fill interior voids such as holes– Works with active or frozen bodies– Works only with solid bodies– Useful in CFD applications for creating flow volumes



Two Methods for Fill operation

•By Cavity

•By Caps


• Example: Fill by Cavity

Goal is to model the interior (fluid region) of the valve block shown here



The desired (37) interior faces are selected then the Fill is inserted by clicking Generate


• Example: Fill by Cavity (cont.):

Resulting fill is a frozen (meshable) body



Interior region, now isolated, can be taken to the Mesher for meshing


• Example: Fill by Caps

Goal is to model the interior (fluid region) of the hollow pipe shown here



Steps:

• Create surfaces and close both ends of the pipe.

•Use > Concept > Surfaces from Edges to create the end surfaces

•Use Fill by Caps to create the interior flow region


• Example Fill by Caps (cont.):

1

2



3

Closed End

surface



12



Interior Fluid Body

Created


• Surface Extension:– Creates a surface extension [ Tools> Surface Extens ion ] based on edge selection– Extension can be fixed or to selected faces /

surface/Next• Example:



A thin solid model The model is converted to a mid plane surface model. The result is a gap at the intersection of the 2 parts

Extending the circular edge closes the gap


• Face Delete [> Create > Face Delete]:

– Can remove features such as blends and cuts by remo ving faces from the model - - then heal the resulting “wound”

• If a suitable extension cannot be determined, the f eature will report an error stating that it cannot heal the wound.

– Can choose healing types: automatic, natural, patch or no healing (see next page).

Example (delete blends and hole feature):



After “Face Delete” the result is no blends, cavities or holes

Select the highlighted surfaces


• Healing options:

Patch healing



Selected faces for deleteNatural healing

See Documentation for more Details


• Slice feature [ > Create >Slice ] :– Slice is only available when the model consists ent irely of frozen bodies– Slice has four options:

1. Slice By Plane: Select a plane and the model is sli ced by this plane.2. Slice Off Faces: Select faces on the model and DM w ill “slice off” these faces &

then attempt to create a separate body from them.3. Slice Off Edges: Select Edges on the model and DM w ill “slice off” these edges

& then attempt to create a separate Line body from them.4. Slice by Surfaces: Choose a “target” surface as a s licing tool to slice bodies.

Result is 3 solids. Each blend becomes solid



Original geometry, one solid

2 blends chosen for slice

Result is 3 solids. Each blend becomes solid region


• Symmetry feature [ Tools > Symmetry ]:

– Performs slicing to create a symmetry model.– Up to three symmetry planes can be defined.– Material on the positive side of each plane is

retained, while material on the negative side is cu t away



Example: one and two plane symmetry

Training ManualBody Operations

• Body Operation : – allows users to manipulate bodies via 11

different options (not all will be available at all times):

– Any type of body can be used with Body Operations, (active or frozen).

– “Point Feature” points, attached to the faces or edges of the selected bodies, are not affected by the Body Operation



are not affected by the Body Operation– Bodies and Planes are selected via the

Details View

• Options include: Mirror, Move, Delete, Scale, Sew, Simplify,Translate, Rotate, Slice Material, Cut

Material, Imprint Faces

Each described next . . .

Training ManualBody Operations…

• Mirror: – User selects bodies and a mirror plane.

• DM creates copies of the selected bodies that are r eflections of the original bodies in the mirror plane.

– Active bodies that are reflected will be merged wit h the active model.– Frozen bodies that are reflected will not be merged . – By default, the mirror plane is initially the activ e plane. – Example: selected surface here is mirror plane.




• Move:– Users select bodies and two planes: a Source Plane and a Destination Plane. – Design-Modeler will transform the selected bodies f rom the Source Plane to the

Destination Plane. • This is especially useful for aligning imported or attached bodies.

– Example:• Two imported bodies (a box and a lid) don’t align.

• Maybe they were exported separately from a CAD syst em in two different coordinate systems.

– Problem is corrected using the “>Move” Body Opera tion.



– Problem is corrected using the “>Move” Body Opera tion.

2

1

1,2


• Delete: – Users select bodies to delete from the model.

• Scale: – Users select bodies to scale, then select a scaling origin through the Scaling Origin

property. • This property is a combination box with three optio ns:

– World Origin: The origin of the global coordinate s ystem is used.– Body Centroids: Each body is scaled about its own c entroid.– Point: User can select a specific point, (2D sketch point, 3D vertex, or PF Point)



– Point: User can select a specific point, (2D sketch point, 3D vertex, or PF Point) to use as the scaling origin.


• Cut Material:– Users select bodies for a cut operation from the ac tive bodies in the model. – Body Operation's Cut Material option works the same way as Cut Material

does for any of the basic features. – Example:

• A body is selected to cut from the block to form a mold:



After the Cut


• Imprint Faces:– Body Operation's Imprint Faces option works the sam e way as Imprint

Faces does for any of the basic features. – This option is available when active bodies exist i n the model.

• In this example, the selected body is used to impri nt the faces of the block:



After the Face Imprint


• Slice Material:– Slice operations are performed on a completely froz en model. – Body Operation's Slice Material operation works the same as Slice Material

does for any of the basic features. – Option is available only when all bodies in the mod el are frozen.– Example of a slice operation: airplane body is sele cted to slice the block




• Sew:– Select surface bodies for sewing operation, DM will attempt to sew surfaces together

at common edges (within given tolerance).– Options:

• Create solids: will sew surfaces together and creat e a solid from the closed surfaces.

• Tolerance: Normal, loose or user defined.• User tolerance: dimension used for sewing operatio n.

• Example: . . .



2 sketches are used to create 2 surface bodies (not e dimension separating surfaces is contrived to

illustrate

Following the sew operation, a single surface is stitched together forming one surface


• Simplify:– Allows geometry and/or topology simplification:

• Geometry: Simplifies surfaces and curves into analy tic geometry where possible (default = yes).

• Topology: Will remove redundant faces, edges and ve rtices where possible (default = yes).



Original body contains NURBS surfacesSimplify operation turns NURBS into planes

merges surfaces to form a single cone


• Translate:– Select Bodies to Translate in a specified direction– Direction Specification:

• Selection: Specify the Distance along a Direction S election • Coordinates: Specify the x, y, z offsets




• Rotate:– Select Bodies to Rotate about a specified axis and by a specified angle– Axis Specification:

• Selection: Specify the Distance along a Direction S election • Components: Specify the x, y, z components of a vec tor



Training ManualMid-Surface Creation

• Mid-Surface Tool:– Reduces 3D geometry of constant thickness to a simp lified “shell”

representation– Automatically places surface body at mid point betw een 3D face pairs– Allows shell element type meshing in MECHANICAL.



3D Model Mid-Surface representation

Training Manual…Mid-Surface Creation

• Manual Mid-Surface creation:– Face Pairs: With “Apply/Cancel” buttons active,

choose the face pair– Note the order of selection determines the

surface normal direction– Notice the first surface picked is displayed in

purple, the second is shown in pink



1st

Pick

2nd

Pick

Normal Direction

Resulting Surface Body


• Selection Note: While in select mode (Apply/Cancel active), the color scheme described in the previous slide is in effect. When the selection is finalized the selected pairs are displayed in dark and light blue colors.




• Mid-surface details:– Multiple surface pairs may be selected for a

single mid-surface operation, however they must be selected as opposing pairs (see picture)

– Adjacent face pairs will be grouped together if within the “Thickness Tolerance” (see below)

3

1

5

2



4

6

T1 T2

If │T1 – T2│ < Thickness Tolerance: surfaces are grouped


• Mid-surface details:– If gaps exist in adjacent face pairs, they will be sewn together within the

“Sewing Tolerance” – Sewing Tolerance: If Gap < Sewing Tolerance: Surfac es are grouped



Gap


• Automatic mid-surface creation:– Switching the “Selection Method” from Manual to Aut omatic exposes several

additional options• Bodies to search: Limits search to visible bodies, selected bodies or all

bodies• Minimum and maximum threshold sets search range (th ickness) for face

pairs• Extra trimming provides options for situations wher e trimming problems

with surface bodies occur (described later)• Preserve bodies allows you to save the solid bodies from which surfaces

are created (default is No)



• Preserve bodies allows you to save the solid bodies from which surfaces are created (default is No)


• Automatic mid-surface example:

– Solid body is 5 mm thick– When the mid-surface tool is inserted we

switch to “Automatic”• Note: The “Face Pairs” field used in

manual mode is left “0”– With a constant thickness throughout we set

the min/max threshold values to 5 mm– Using the drop down choice we choose “Find



– Using the drop down choice we choose “Find Face Pairs Now? = Yes”

– Continued . . .


• Automatic mid-surface example (continued):– When the search is complete the number of pairs

detected is listed in the details and displayed graphically

– Mid surface creation is completed by “Generating” t he surface body




• Mixing manual and automatic selection modes:

– In some cases it is convenient to make an initial surface pair selection and let the automatic method complete the process

– Example:• The model shown here contains 2 different

thicknesses



thicknesses• In this case we’ll select, (manually) a face

pair of each thickness• We will then allow the auto face detection

to complete the selection

2 mm 1 mm


• We begin by manually selecting the 2 face pairs shown here

• Note the face pairs selected contain a 1 mm and a 2 mm pair



• We now change the selection method to “Automatic”

– Note the min/max threshold values are automatically defined based on our manual selections

• Continued . . .


• We now activate “Find Face Pairs Now”– Notice there are 2 options (due to the pre

selection of face pairs)– Yes-Add to Face Pairs: adds auto detected

faces to the existing face pairs selected– Yes-Replace Face Pairs: will use only the auto

detected faces

• Choosing to add face pairs allows us to complete



the operation


• Adding to, removing from or modifying “automatic surface selection”:

• Examples:– In this case the maximum threshold was

increased to intentionally detect unwanted surfaces




• Clicking in the “Face Pairs” field activates selection mode (note the colors change to indicate this)

• RMB in the graphics window provides the optional selection modes

• In this case we can choose “Remove Face Pairs” then select one of the faces to be removed



removed– When selection is complete “Generate”

to update the model

• Note when removing face pairs, selecting one of the faces will remove the pair


• Trimming options:

– In cases where trimming problems occur there are several options available to attempt corrections

– Example:• Using the previous model we

generate the surface model



generate the surface model without removing the unwanted face pairs

• Since the pairs created result in T junctions, trimming problems occur

• Notice the mid-surface branch in the tree is displayed with a yellow check indicating there is a problem


• Using the RMB option we can “Show Problematic Geometry”

• The resulting plot shows regions where trimming problems have occurred

– The default behavior is to intersect any untrimmed surfaces with the original solid body

– Other options:

Delete No Extra



Delete untrimmed

No Extra Trimming

Chapter 6

Working with CAD



DesignModeler

Training ManualWorking with CAD

•Bodies and Parts•Support for CAD Versions•Length Units•Attaching to a CAD Session• Importing CAD Files•Positioning Imports• Import Units



• Import Units•Exporting a Model•Creating Negative Geometry•Edge and Face Merge for Model Simplification•Automated Option for Ease of Use• Improved Cleanup and Repair of CAD

Training ManualA. Bodies and Parts• DesignModeler is primarily intended to provide geom etry to an

analysis environment. For this reason we need to s ee how DM treats various geometries.

• DesignModeler contains three different body types:– Solid body: Body has surface area and volume– Surface body: Body has surface area but no volume– Line body: Body consists entirely of edges, no area , no

volume



volume

• By default, DM places each body into one part by it self

• Individual parts will always be meshed separately

• If bodies in separate parts share faces, the mesheson those shared faces will not be matched

• Multiple bodies in a single part will have matchedmeshes on shared faces when meshed

Training Manual

• By default, DM will merge new geometry with existin ggeometry to maintain a single body

• This can be controlled by working with either frozenor active bodies

• You can toggle between frozen and active states for using the Freeze and Unfreeze tools

Active and Frozen Bodies



Training ManualActive and Frozen Bodies

• There are two body states in DM:– Active:

• Body can be modified by normal modeling operations (cannot be sliced)

• Active bodies are displayed in blue in the Feature Tree View

– Frozen: (Tools>Freeze)• Two Purposes:

– Provides alternate method for Assembly Modeling

Active



– Provides alternate method for Assembly Modeling– Provides ability to “Slice”

• A Frozen body is immune to all modeling operations except slicing

• To move all active bodies to the Frozen state, use the Freeze feature

• To move individual bodies from the frozen to active , select the body and use the Unfreeze feature

– Frozen bodies are displayed as transparent in the Tree View

Frozen

Training Manual…Bodies and Parts

• Body Suppression:– Suppressed bodies are not plotted– Suppressed bodies are not sent to other Workbench m odules for meshing or

analysis, nor are they included in the model when e xporting to a Parasolid (.x_t)– In the tree view an “X” is shown near suppressed bo dies

Unsuppressed



Suppressed

Unsuppressed

Training Manual… Bodies and Parts

•Parts:– By default, DesignModeler places

each body into one part by itself– You can group bodies into parts

• Multi-body parts contain multiple bodies (volumes), and have shared topology . The meshes on shared faces are matched

– To form a new part, select two or



– To form a new part, select two or more (or RMB “Select All”) bodies from the graphics screen and use >Tools>Form New Part

– The Form New Part option is available only when bodies are selected and you are not in a feature creation or feature edit state

Training Manual… Bodies and Parts• Why multi-body parts?• Example:

– In DM: 3 parts, 3 bodies consisting of 3 solids– During Meshing: 3 solids, 3 bodies– Each solid meshed independently

• Nodes are not shared • Nodes do not line-up

– No connection between the 3 mesh regions for fluid flow and/or heat transfer

DM



• Can connect using a Grid Interface in FLUENT/CFX

DM

Mesh


• Example (continued):– In DM: 1 part, 1 body consisting of 1

solid– During Meshing: 1 solid ,1body– Entire solid meshed as one entity

• No internal surfaces

DM



DM

Mesh


• Example (continued):– In DM: 1 multi-body part, 3 bodies/solids– During Meshing:1 multi-body part, 3

bodies/solids– Each solid meshed independently but node

connectivity among solids is preserved

DM



DM

Mesh

Training ManualB. Support for CAD Versions

• Reader and Plug-In support:– CAD interfaces are associative and require installa tion of CAD package

• Autodesk Inventor 2008 (Windows 32-bit)• Autodesk Inventor 2009• CoCreate Modeling 2008• CoCreate Modeling - OneSpace Modeling 2007• Mechanical Desktop 2008 and 2009• Pro/Engineer WF 4 (Windows XP and Vista, 32 -bit and 64 -bit)



• Pro/Engineer WF 4 (Windows XP and Vista, 32 -bit and 64 -bit)• Pro/Engineer WF 3 (Windows XP 32-bit and 64-bit, Wi ndows Vista 64-bit)• Solid Edge v19 and v20• SolidWorks 2008 and 2009• UG NX 5.0 and 6.0

– 64-bit support for all interfaces including IGES an d STEP readers

Training Manual…Support for CAD Versions

• Plug-In support:– TeamCenter Engineering 2005 w/ NX5 and NX6 (Windows XP 32-bit and 64-bit)

• Reader support:– ACIS (SAT) 19– CADNexus/CAPRI CAE Gateway CATIA V5 (R16 – R18) (Win XP 32-bit and 64-bit)– CADNexus/CAPRI CAE Gateway CATIA V5 (R18 SP4+) (Win XP 32-bit, 64-bit)– CATIA V4 (Windows 32 -bit)



– CATIA V4 (Windows 32 -bit)– CATIA V5 (R2 - R19)– IGES 4.0, 5.2, 5.3– Parasolid 19.1– STEP AP203, AP214

Training Manual

• When a new DM session is started a dialog box allow s selection of the desired length unit (can be set as default)

– Units cannot be changed mid-session.

C. Length Units



Training ManualD. Attaching to a CAD Session

• If a CAD session is currently open, this automatica lly imports the model into the DesignModeler session

• File>Attach to Active CAD File

• Maintains Bi-Directional associativity



Training Manual… Attaching to a CAD Session

• Bidirectional Refresh– Refresh the geometry using parameter values from ei ther the source CAD

package or from the CAD parameters in DesignModeler 's Details View.

– Controls the parameter name suffix allowed from CAD Package to WB.Toallow all parameters (dimensions ) created inside t he CAD package to come inside DM, remove DS in the Parameter Key location



Training ManualE. Importing CAD Files

• File>Import External Geometry File…

– The “active” plane in DM controls placement for “assembly” modeling (multi-bodies).

– Import type details: Add, Cut, Slice, etc…

– Does not maintain associativity



Cut

Training ManualF. Positioning Imports

• Both Import and Attach have a “Base Plane” property

– Specify the plane (orientation) in which the Import or Attach model is referenced…

– When creating a new Import or Attach feature, the active plane is chosen as the Base Plane by default



the Base Plane by default

– Users select planes from the tree view or Plane pull-down list prior to import

• Example:

– XY chosen for first import

– YZ plane for second import

– Add material option chosen

Training ManualG. Import Units

• Set the desired length unit when DM starts

• Some import types allow you to set the units via th e import details (Prior to Generate)

– DM then converts the model length units into the cu rrent unit system



Training ManualH. Exporting a Model• File>Export …

• IGES exporting:

– When exporting the model to an IGES file, you have the option to export solids or just trimmed surfaces.

– >Tools>Options



Training ManualI. Creating Negative Geometry

• In many cases, when you import a CAD file, it is a model for a solid part

• You may be interested in the fluid region surroundi ng or enclosed by a solid part

• You can by “taking the negative” of the solid part, c onstruct the corresponding fluid region



corresponding fluid region

• You can construct the negative of a CAD model:– In the original CAD package– In DesignModeler, using enclosures, fills, and Bool ean body

operations such as cut and slice

Training Manual… Creating Negative Geometry

• Enclosure:– Creates surrounding region around

bodies to facilitate simulation of field regions

• CFD, EMAG, etc– Box, sphere, cylinder or user defined

shapes can be employed– Cushion property allows the boundary

extent to be specified (must be > 0)



extent to be specified (must be > 0)– Apply enclosure to all bodies or only

selected targets– Merge property allows for automatic

multi-body part creation• Ensures original part and

enclosure will have nodal match up when meshed


• Example:

Cutaway view of enclosure

Circuit board model



Enclosure created using box option


• Fill:– Creates frozen bodies that fill interior voids such as holes– Works with active or frozen bodies– Works only with solid bodies– Useful in CFD applications for creating flow volume s



Two Methods for Fill operation

•By Cavity

•By Caps


•Example: Fill by Cavity

Goal is to model the interior (fluid region) of the valve block shown here



The desired (37) interior faces are selected then the Fill is inserted by clicking Generate


• Example Fill by Cavity (cont.):

Resulting fill is a frozen (meshable) body



Interior region, now isolated, can be taken to the Mesher for meshing


• Example: Fill by Caps

Goal is to model the interior (fluid region) of the hollow pipe shown here



Steps:

• Create surfaces and close both ends of the pipe.

• Use > Concept > Surfaces from Edges to create the end surfaces

• Use Fill by Caps to create the interior flow region



1

2



3

Closed End

surface



1

2



Interior Fluid Body

Created

Training ManualJ. Edge and Face Merge for Model Simplification• Merge edges and faces based on

angle criteria to simplify the model



Training ManualK. Automated Option for Ease of Use

• Clusters are displayed for preview• Option to edit clusters before merge

RMB



RMB

Training ManualL. Improved Cleanup and Repair of CAD



Chapter 7

Parametric Modeling



DesignModeler

Training Manual

Contents

• Dimension References• Promoting Parameters• Promoting Dimension References• Promoting Feature Dimensions• Parameter Manager• Driven/Dependent Parameters• Auxiliary Variables



• Parameter Functions

Training Manual

Dimension References

• When sketches and features are created, their prope rties are controlled by what are called “dimension references”.

Dimension references



• Dimension references can be promoted to Design Parameters:– Allows parametric exchange of data.– Makes DM models more flexible to work with.– Is a key component in employing optimization techni ques.– Can be sent to Mechanical

Training Manual

• In the details box, click to promote a dimension re ference to a design parameter “D”.

– Use the default name or assign a more meaningful na me (no spaces, underscore OK).

– Notice, the value is no longer editable from the De tails window.

Promoting Parameters



Note: you cannot undo promotion of attached CAD par ameters.

Training Manual

• Dimension parameters:– Default sketch dimension names indicate the associa ted plane as well as the

specific dimension.– Syntax is “Plane_reference.Dimension_type_and_numbe r”.– Example:

• Using the example below, the default name for the p arameter reads “Plane4.D3”.

– Plane4: indicates on which plane the dimension is l ocated.

Promoting Dimension References



– Plane4: indicates on which plane the dimension is l ocated.– D3: indicates the specific dimension is Diameter nu mber 3.– It can be easily changed.

Training Manual

Promoting Feature Dimensions

• Feature dimensions:– Default feature dimension names indicate the operat ion as well as the

dimension reference number (“FD” indicates Feature Dimension).– Syntax is “Operation_type.Feature_Dimension_number ”.– Using the example below the default name for the pa rameter reads

“Extrude6.FD1”.



– The name contains 2 pieces of information:• Extrude6: indicates the parameter references the si xth extrusion

created.• FD1: indicates its parameter value 1 for the extrus ion (depth)

Training Manual

• After specifying parameters DM uses the Parameter m anager to work with them.

– Click the “Parameter” button on the GUI to expose p arameter manager tools.

Parameter Manager



Training Manual

… Parameter Manager

• The parameter manager window exposes 3 tabs allowin g access to specific parametric tools:



• Design Parameters tab: – Each design parameter is listed here – Parameter values are reviewed and changed here– Use the ‘#’ to add comments to parameter definition s

Training Manual

• Parameter/Dimension Assignment tab:

– Lists a sequence of “left -hand -side = right -hand -side” assignments




– Lists a sequence of “left -hand -side = right -hand -side” assignments (equations) which are used to drive the model dimen sions by the given Design Parameters.

– The left-hand side is a reference to one of the pla ne/sketch or feature dimensions or a reference to an auxiliary “variable ”.

– The right-hand side is an arbitrary expression in + , -, *, and /, including parentheses, referencing Design Parameters (here, t he syntax uses the '@' prefix) and feature dimensions, but also numeri c constants or references to auxiliary variables.

– Can also use ^ for exponential, and % for modulus ( remainder of x/y)– Functions (discussed later) can also be used.

Training Manual


– DesignModeler will evaluate the right-hand side of each expression, and use the resulting value to drive the dimension refe renced in the left-hand side.

– Design parameter names are preceded by @.– Comments can be added preceded by the #.– Example (from previous page):

• Plane4.FD2 = @plane_distance• Indicates that a design parameter named “plane_dist ance” has been



• Indicates that a design parameter named “plane_dist ance” has been defined as an offset of the Plane4 lying on the XY plane.

• A sample comment has been added to the parameter as signment.

Training Manual

Driven/Dependent Parameters

• Driven parameters are parameters which take on valu es based on the value of a “driving” design parameter.

– Goal: given the rectangular section shown here, wi th dimensions S1 for height and S2 for width, drive th e value of the width according to the formula, S2 = 2*S1.

S2



S1

• In DesignModeler we would proceed as follows:– Dimension the sketch height and width.– Create a design parameter called S1.– S1 will be our “driving” parameter. – Continued . . .

Training Manual

… Driven/Dependent Parameters

– By inspecting the details for our sketch (previous page) we can see the width dimension assignment is called H1.

• Remember!: The “H” in H1 indicates a horizontal dim ension while the “V” in V2 indicates a vertical dimension.

– From the Parameter/Dimension Assignments notice the dimension assignment for S1 is:



– Knowing the “internal” parameter name for our drive n parameter will be “XYPlane.H1” we can type the following formula in t he Parameter/Dimension Assignment tab:

Training Manual


– At this point we could verify our formula by simply changing values for S1, re-generating the model, and checking to make s ure the width is always equal to 2*S1.

– WAIT! If the regeneration of the model fails due t o a mistake in our formula, we could encounter problems trying to undo the operation.

– Fortunately DesignModeler contains a more elegant s olution to validating parametric formulae:

• By moving to the “Check” tab, parametric assignment s are evaluated and the result displayed.



• Let’s take a closer look at the Check feature . . .

Training Manual


• The check window is split into two output sections:

Parameter/Dimension Assignments

Design Parameter Assignments



– The sections are listed as “output” since each defi nition is displayed according to its definition as well as its output v alue.

– In the above case, it can be seen that our paramete r “S1” is assigned a value of 35.000 (design parameter section).

– Similarly, our driven parameter “XYPlane.H1” evalua tes to 70.000.– Since we wish to drive XYPlane.H1 to the value 2*S1 we verify the value

of 70.000 makes sense.

Training Manual

Auxiliary Variables

• Auxiliary variables are parameters that do not directly define a sketch or feature dimension.

• Typically used as a constant value or factor.• Example:



– Here we have defined 2 design parameters (@Height a nd @Length).– We now create a variable named “factor” using the f ormula shown.– Finally, we set the radius dimension “R5” equal to our variable.– Note, this example is for demonstration only. We c ould have simply

directly defined R5 with the formula used to define the variable.

Training Manual

Parameter Functions

• Functions can be utilized to capture Design Intent and other relationships among parameters.

– Functions are operations that return a single value • ABS(X)• EXP(X)• LN(X)• SQRT(X)• SIN(X) (in degrees)



• SIN(X) (in degrees)• COS(X)• TAN(X)• For X between –1 and +1:

– ASIN(X) & ATAN(X) (return value between -90 & 90 de grees) – ACOS(X) (returns value between zero & 180 degrees)

• Examples…– A=acos(-1) # evaluates to –90– B=abs(X) # evaluates to |X|

Chapter 8

Concept Modeling



DesignModeler

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

Contents

• Concept Modeling• Creating Line Bodies• Modifying Line Bodies• Cross Sections• Cross Section Alignment• Cross Section Offset• Surfaces From Lines• Surfaces From Sketches



• Surfaces From Sketches• Suface Patch• Edge Joints

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

A. Concept Modeling

• The features in the Concept menu are used to create and modify line bodies and/or surface bodies which become FE beam or shell models.

• To begin Concept Modeling, you can either:– Create line or surface bodies using the features in the Draw toolbox to

design a 2D sketch and/or generate a 3D model– Use the Import external geometry file feature

• Line bodies can be created using the concept modeli ng tools:



• Line bodies can be created using the concept modeli ng tools:– Lines from points– Lines from sketches– Lines from edges

• Surface bodies can be created using the concept mod eling tools:– Surfaces from line bodies– Surfaces from sketches– Surfaces from 3D edges

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

B. Creating Line Bodies

• Lines From Points:– Points can be any 2D sketch points, 3D model vertic es or Point Feature

(PF) points. – A point segment is a straight line connecting two s elected points. – The feature can produce multiple Line Bodies, depen ding on the

connectivity of the chosen point segments. – The Operation field allows Add or Add Frozen choice s for line bodies.



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Creating Line Bodies

Example of “Line From Points” using 2D points from a rectangular sketch.

2 points are chosen to define a diagonal line body. The green line indicates proposed line segment.

Apply the selection then Generate. The Line body i s displayed in blue.

Point 1Line Body



Point 2

Point Segment

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


• Lines From Sketches :– Line bodies created based on sketches and planes fr om faces– Multiple Line Bodies may be created depending on th e connectivity of the

edges within the base objects– Select sketches or planes in the feature tree then “Apply” in the detail

window– Multiple sketches, planes, and combinations of sket ches and planes can be

used as the base object for the creation of line bo dies



Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Example of “Lines From Sketches”.

Sketch created as input for Line Body creation.

“Lines From Sketches” is chosen:

• Highlight sketch in tree

• Apply as base object in Detail window



Training Manual

Concept Modeling


• Lines From Edges :– Creates line bodies based on existing 2D and 3D mod el edges– Can produce multiple line bodies depending on the c onnectivity of the

selected edges and faces– Can select edges and/or faces through two fields in the detail window then

“Apply”



Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Example of “Lines From Edges”. 3D solid created as input for Line Body creation.

“Lines From Edges” is chosen:

• Select faces on model. Face boundaries will become line bodies (alternately select 3d edges directly).

• Apply as base object in Detail window

• Note: in this case 1 line bodies are created due to the edge connectivity.



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

C. Modifying Line Bodies: Split Edges

• Split Line Body:– Splits line body edges into two pieces– Split location is controlled by the Fraction proper ty (e.g. 0.5 = split in half).

• Other Options:– Split by Delta: Distance between each split is give n by Delta along the edge– Split by N: Number of Divisions of the Edge

Selected line Fraction = 0.5

Fraction = 0.25



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

D. Cross Sections

• Cross Sections:– Cross sections are attributes assigned to line bodi es to define beam

properties in the FE simulation– In DM, cross sections are represented by sketches a nd are controlled by a

set of dimensions• Note: Design-Modeler uses a different coordinate sy stem for cross

sections than the one used in the ANSYS environment (described later)



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections

• Cross sections are selected from the Concept menu• A cross section branch is inserted in the tree wher e each chosen cross

section is listed

Concept menu



Display Tree

Cross Section menu

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections• Highlight the cross section in the Tree to modify d imensions in the Details window



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections• Dimension Editing

– Cross section dimensions can be repositioned via a RMB and choosing Move Dimensions



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections

• Assigning a cross section to a line body:– Highlight the line body in the Tree– A cross section property appears in the detail wind ow– Click in this field and choose the desired cross se ction from the drop

down list



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections

• A User Integrated section can be defined in DM

• The cross section is not sketched, rather the cross section’s properties are placed in the details window

• A = Area of section.

• Ixx = Moment of inertia about the x axis.



• Ixx = Moment of inertia about the x axis.

• Ixy = Product of inertia.

• Iyy = Moment of inertia about the y axis.

• Iw =Warping constant.

• J = Torsional constant.

• CGx = X coordinate of centroid.

• CGy = Y coordinate of centroid.

• SHx = X coordinate of shear center.

• SHy = Y coordinate of shear center.

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Sections

• A User Defined section can be defined in DM

• The cross section is not sketched, rather the cross section’s properties are created depending on a user defined closed sket ch.

• Select Cross Section > User Defined from Concept Me nu

• A Cross Section node with an empty sketch will be a dded in the tree outline

Steps for creating a User Defined Cross Section:



tree outline

• Click Sketching tab to draw the required sketch ( M ust be a closed Sketch)

• Click Generate. DM will compute the Cross Section properties and show them in the details view. These properties cannot be changed.

Cross Section Node

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

E. Cross Section Alignment

• As shown below, in Design-Modeler the cross section lies in the XY plane

• Cross section alignment is defined by:– A local or cross section +Y direction

• Default alignment is with the global +Y direction u nless that would result in an invalid alignment in which case +Z is used

– Note: In the ANSYS Classic Environment, the cross s ection lies in the YZ plane and uses the X direction as the edg e tangent. This difference in orientation has no bearing on th e analysis.



Y

Edge Tangent

Cross Section

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Section Alignment

• A color code is used to indicate cross section stat us for line bodies in the Viewer:

– Violet: no cross section assigned– Black: cross section assigned with valid alignment– Red: cross section assigned with invalid alignment

• The line body icons in the tree have similar visual aids:



– Green: cross section assigned with valid cross sect ion alignment– Yellow: no cross section assigned or default alignm ent– Red: invalid cross section alignment

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Section Alignment• Checking alignment can be done graphically using th e View menu

– Choose “Show Cross Section Alignments”• Green arrow = +Y, blue arrow = edge tangent of cros s section

– Or choose “Cross Section Solids”

+Y



Edge Tangent

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Section Alignment• Because a default alignment is chosen, Cross Sectio n orientation will almost always need

to be modified. There are 2 methods for modifing th e Cross section alignment, “Selection” and “Vector”

– The selection method uses existing geometry (edges, points, etc.) as alignment reference

– The vector method uses input according to X, Y, Z c oordinate directions

• For either method a rotation angle can be input and /or the orientation reversed

Selection Method Vector Method



• To access the Alignment Mode Details, click on the Line Body in the Tree

• RMB in the Viewer and Choose “Select All”

• Alignment Mode details show up

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


• Modifying the Cross Section orientation by vector

Switch to “Vector” alignment mode

Enter the desired coordinate values



coordinate values

Enter rotation angle if desired

Reverse orientation if

desired

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Modifying the cross section orientation by selectio n (several examples follow):

1. Select the line body to be aligned in graphics window



2. With “Selection” method active click in the alignment field

3. Select the geometry to be used for alignment

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Alignment using lines or axes.

Line chosen for alignment

Axis chosen for alignment

Y



Edge Tangent

Y

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Alignment using face normal.

Y



Alignment Faces

Y

Training Manual

Concept Modeling


Alignment using sketch points.

Note: The order of point selection determines cross section alignment.

2D points1

2



Selected Line BodyY

Edge Tangent

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

F. Cross Section Offset

• Cross Section Offset:– After assigning a cross section to a line body, the Detail property allows

users to specify the type of offset to use with the cross section:• Centroid: The cross section is centered on the line body according to its

centroid (default)• Shear Center: The cross section is centered on the line body according to

its shear center– Note the graphical display for centroid and shear c enter appear the

same however. When analyzed, the shear center is us ed



same however. When analyzed, the shear center is us ed• Origin: The cross section is not offset and is take n exactly as it appears

in its sketch• User Defined: User specifies cross section’s X and Y offsets

• Examples next page

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Cross Section Offset

Origin offset (no offset)



Centroid/Shear Center offset

Line Body with cross section displayed

Line Body

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

G. Surfaces From Lines

• Surfaces From Lines [ Concept>Surfaces from Edges ] :– Creates surface body using line body edges as the b oundary– Line body edges must form non-intersecting closed l oops– Each closed loop creates a frozen Surface Body– The loops should form a shape such that a simple su rface can be inserted into

the model: • Planes, cylinders, tori, cones, spheres and simple twisted surfaces

Twisted surface



Planar surface Twisted surface

Details window:

• Flip surface normals

• Input thickness which will be transferred to the FE model

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Surfaces From Lines

• Notes on Surface from Lines:– A line body with no cross section can be used to ti e together

surface models. In this case the line body acts me rely as a mechanism to insure a continuous mesh at the surfac e boundaries.

2 Surface Bodies



Line Body (no cross section) Result is continuous FE mesh at surface interface

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

… Surfaces From Edges

• Surfaces from Edges [ Concept>Surfaces from Edges ] :– Creates surfaces from existing body edges

– Can be solid or line body edges.

– Edges must produce non-intersecting closed loops.

• Example:



Existing solid body edges are selected for new surface boundary.

New, frozen, surface body generated (note, solid body is hidden).

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

H. Surfaces From Sketches

• Surfaces From Sketches– Creates surface bodies using sketches as boundaries (single or multiple

sketches are OK)

– Base sketches must be closed profiles which are not self intersecting

– May choose to “Add” or “Add Frozen” operations

– Can reverse normal direction “No” in Orient With Pl ane Normal field

Can enter thickness which will be used in creating the FE model



– Can enter thickness which will be used in creating the FE model

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

I. Surface Patch

• Surface patching [ Tools>Surface Patch ] attempts t o fill gaps in the model.

– Uses similar healing methods as face delete (natura l and patch).

– Complex gaps may result in multiple surfaces being created to fill them.

• Example:



2 holes selected for patching Two patches created using multiple surfaces

Training Manual

Concept Modeling

• Edge Joints are the glue that holds together bodies where a continuous mesh is desired.

• Creating surface and/or line multi-body parts with coincident edges results in automatic creation of edge joints.

• Joints can be created manually [ Tools > Joint ] wh ere no coincident topology exists.

J. Edge Joints



Training Manual

Concept Modeling

• Edge Joints can be viewed by turning on the Edge Joints option in the View menu.

• Edge joints are displayed in either blue or red.

– Blue: edge joint is contained in properly defined multi-body part

– Red: edge joint not grouped into the same

…Edge Joints



– Red: edge joint not grouped into the same part

No Edge Joint With Edge Joint

lectures

Documents

edition ansys

ansys workbench overview

sketch duplication

sketch details

sketch constraints

sketch dimensions

sketch display

sketch instance