Simulation Basics Chapter Two

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # Chapter Overview In this chapter, the basics of using Simulation to perform analyses will be covered, which include: –The Simulation GUI and Operation –Introduction to the Simulation Wizard –Basic Analysis Procedure The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to the ANSYS DesignSpace Entra licenses and above, unless explicitly noted with the lower-left hand table.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # A. Launching Simulation Recall that there are two ways of running Simulation: –Configured from within ANSYS Workbench … –… or directly from a supported CAD system Model shown is from a sample Solid Edge assembly.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # The components of the user interface are shown below: Short descriptions of each component are covered next … Simulation Interface Tree Outline Details View Graphics Window Toolbars Simulation Wizard Menus Workbench Tabs

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Menus The menus provide much of the functionality present in Simulation. Covering each menu item may be tedious, so only the more commonly used menu items are covered below: –The title bar lists the currently active ANSYS license –“File > Save” to save the.dsdb Simulation database –“File > Clean” to delete mesh and/or results from database –“Edit > Select All” to select all current entities in the window –“Units” to change units on-the-fly –“Tools > Options… ” to customize settings and options –“Help > ANSYS Simulation Help” to invoke documentation

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Toolbars There are four sets of toolbars to provide users quick access to functionality also found in the menus. –The toolbars can be repositioned anywhere on the top of the Simulation window –The “Context” toolbar, as will be illustrated later, will change, depending on what branch is active in the “Outline” tree. –Tooltips appear if the cursor is placed over the toolbar button –A “Unit Conversion” toolbar is also available (not shown) Standard Toolbar Graphics Toolbar Named Selection Toolbar Context Toolbar

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Toolbars The “Standard” toolbar is shown below: The “Graphics” toolbar is used very often: –The left mouse button can be either in “selection” mode or “graphics manipulation” mode. The above toolbar buttons grouped as “select entities” and “graphics manipulation” control the left-mouse button behavior. –The selection of entities of the CAD geometry can be done either by individual selection or by box-selection. This is controlled by the “Select Mode” icon Save.dsdbBring up Simulation WizardSolve ModelNew or Open.dsdbCapture Snapshot Graphics ManipulationSelect entitiesSelect AdjacentWireframeFit AllSelect modeViewports

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Outline Tree The Outline Tree provides an easy way of organizing the model, materials, mesh, loads, and results for the analysis –The “Model” branch contains the input data required for the analysis –The four main sections of the “Model” branch include “Geometry,” “Contact” (if present), “Mesh,” and “Environment.” –The “Environment” branch contains the loads as well as the “Solution” branch, which holds results. –Other branches (not covered here) are also available.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Outline Tree The Outline Tree shows icons for each branch, along with a status symbol. Examples of the status symbols are below: –Checkmark indicates branch is fully defined/OK –Question mark indicates item has incomplete data (need input) –Lightning bolt indicates solving is required –Exclamation mark means problem exists 1 –“X” means that item is suppressed (will not be solved) –Transparent checkmark means body or part is hidden –Green lightning bolt indicates item is currently being evaluated –Minus sign means that mapped face meshing failed Becoming familiar with the basic status symbols allows users to debug Simulation problems quickly.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Details View The Details View provides a means of inputting data. The contents will change, depending on branch selected. –White field: shows current input data Data in white text field is editable –Gray (or Red) field: shows informative data Data in gray fields cannot be modified. –Yellow field: incomplete input data Data in yellow fields indicates missing information.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Graphics Window The Graphics Window shows the geometry and results. It can also provide worksheet (tabular) listings, the HTML report, and a Print Preview option. Geometry TabWorksheet Tab Print Preview TabReport Preview Tab Job Status Tab The Job Status tab provides information on jobs being solved remotely. The remote solve capability will be discussed in the Simulation Advanced Training Course

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … GUI – Simulation Wizard The Simulation Wizard is an optional component, a useful aid to remind users steps required to complete an analysis –The Simulation Wizard provides a list of required steps and the status of them –Green checkmark indicates the item is complete –Green “i” shows an informational item –A greyed symbol shows that the step cannot be performed yet –A red question mark means that there is an incomplete item –An “x” means that the item is not performed yet –A lightning bolt means that the item is ready to be solved or updated The Simulation Wizard can be toggled on/off by selecting the button on the Standard Toolbar

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # When first attaching a model to Simulation, the Startup Panel is shown (optionally), allowing the user to select a Simulation Template. B. Startup Panel

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # The benefit of the Startup Panel is that the appropriate results and Simulation Wizard will appear –“Stress Branch” is selected in the example below. Note that results and the Stress Wizard are automatically chosen … Startup Panel

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Simulation Wizard By selecting an item on the “Required Steps” checklist, a callout appears, illustrating how that function is performed. –In the example below, “Verify Materials” was selected, and the callout shows the user where this item can be changed.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Simulation Wizard The Simulation Wizard is handy for users who do not use Simulation every day –Besides basic functionality, callouts for more advanced items are also available as shown on right

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # C. Basic Procedure The purpose of simulation is usually to determine the response of the system based on some type of excitation or loading. It is crucial to remember that a mathematical model is used: –CAD geometry is an idealization of the physical model –The mesh is a mathematical representation of the CAD model –The accuracy of answers is determined by various factors: How well the physical model is represented depends on the assumptions Numerical accuracy is determined by the mesh density CAD ModelFinite Element Mesh

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Basic Procedure Every analysis involves four main steps: –Preliminary Decisions What type of analysis: Static, modal, etc.? What to model: Part or Assembly? Which elements: Surface or Solid Bodies? –Preprocessing Attach the model geometry Define and assign material properties to parts Mesh the geometry Apply loads and supports Request results –Solve the Model –Postprocessing Review results Check the validity of the solution Preprocessing Solution Postprocessing Preliminary Decisions

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Basic Procedure A sample analysis using the Stress Wizard will be shown in this section. The Wizards in Simulation aid the user in following the basic analysis template discussed previously: –Attach/import geometry –Assign material properties –(Mesh geometry) A default mesh will be supplied by Simulation if this step is not performed manually by the user –Apply loads and supports –Request results –Solve model –Review results/postprocessing

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Attach Geometry Earlier, it was shown that geometry can be attached to Simulation in two ways –Direct from CAD system For supported CAD packages only using plug-in mode –From within a blank Simulation session For all supported formats, using plug-in or reader mode Attaches active CAD model (plug-in mode) Browse for CAD file (reader mode) Directly launches Simulation and attaches geometry (plug-in mode) Method 1Method 2

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Assign Material Properties After importing a model, the Stress Branch template was chosen, and the Stress Wizard appears –“Verify Materials” is selected, and the callout shows how to change material properties in the pull-down menu After “Verify Materials” is selected, all of the parts from the “Geometry” branch are highlighted, and the Details view shows how to change the material.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # Notice that the Details View allows the user to select a material from a pull-down menu or to import a new material –The default material property is “Structural Steel” but can be changed –By selecting “Import …” the user can select a material property file (XML format) –Although a few material properties are supplied with Simulation for demonstration purposes. Users should use their own material property values in production use. … Assign Material Properties

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Assign Material Properties Materials may be individually selected for each part –Multiple parts can be highlighted and changed at once Use Shift-Left mouse button to highlight all items in range Use Ctrl-Left mouse button to individually add/remove selection By using a combination of Shift- Left mouse button and Ctrl-Left mouse button, twelve parts are highlighted on the Outline Tree The user can then change all materials at once in the Details View by selecting the material pull-down menu. Note that DesignSpace Entra is limited to analysis of single parts.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Assign Material Properties Material properties are listed, modified, imported or exported by accessing the “Engineering Data” application via the “Data” icon in Simulation

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Assign Material Properties Default settings for material properties can be changed in the Engineering Data application –The default material can be changed from “Structural Steel” –A list of “Favorites” can be saved for frequent access –New materials can be added from various locations

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Loads & Supports After verifying and assigning materials, the “Insert Loads” item is selected from the Stress Wizard –Structural (and thermal) loads are applied from the pull-down icon in the Context toolbar. After “Insert Loads” is selected, notice that the “Environment” branch is highlighted. By highlighting the “Environment” branch, the Context toolbar and Details view change.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Loads & Supports Loads and supports are applied on geometric entities There are two ways to accomplish this: –Select geometry entity in Graphics Window first, then select load or support from Context Toolbar –Select load or support from Context Toolbar first, select geometry entities in Graphics Window, then click on “Apply” in Details View.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Loads & Supports After assigning the load on geometric entities, the user can enter additional data in the Details view, if necessary. –Notice that, in the Outline Tree, the associated load branch symbol status will also change to ‘completed’ (checkmark)

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Loads & Supports For some structural loads direction is needed: –Selection is done in Details View of load If “Components” is chosen, enter X, Y, or Z Components of loading If “Vector” is chosen, select geometry and enter magnitude of loading Defaults can be set in “Tools > Options … > Simulation: Miscellaneous > Load Orientation Type” –The World Coordinate System or user defined local coordinate systems can be referenced User-Defined Coordinate Systems will be discussed later

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Loads & Supports –Existing geometry can be referenced to control direction: In the “Details” view, select “Define By: Vector” Three types of existing geometry can be used –Normal to planar face or along axis of cylindrical face –Along straight edge or normal to cylindrical edge –Two vertices defining vector Click on “Direction” and select geometry used for vector orientation. Use the arrows in the Graphics window to toggle the direction. Click on “Apply” when done. Enter magnitude for loading in “Magnitude.”

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Mouse Controls –The left mouse button is used to select geometric entities OR to manipulate the graphics display User can select items (vertex, edge, surface, body) or manipulate the view (rotate, pan, zoom in/out, box zoom) Select mode can be single-select or box-select –In single-select mode, click-drag with left mouse button to “paint select” multiple items –Use Ctrl-Left mouse button in single-select mode to select or unselect multiple entities –In box-select mode, click-drag from left to right selects entities fully enclosed in bounding box –In box-select mode, click-drag from right to left selects any entity partially enclosed in bounding box

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Mouse Controls –In select mode the middle mouse provides several short cuts for graphics manipulation Click-drag middle mouse button to dynamically rotate model Shift-Middle mouse button pans model If present, the wheel can be used to zoom in/out –The right mouse button provides context-sensitive pop-up menu if clicked once in Graphics Window Click-drag right mouse button to box zoom in area of interest Click right mouse button once and select “Fit” to fit model in view Single-click right mouse button provides context- sensitive pop-up menu Click-drag right mouse button allows user to box-zoom in region

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Applying Loads and Supports By taking advantage of the mouse controls, it can be relatively easy to apply a load (or support) to multiple faces –In example below, user can use Ctrl-left mouse button to single-select surfaces (highlighted in green) –Use of middle mouse button allows user to rotate model to more easily select certain surfaces in ‘back’ of model

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Insert Results By selecting the Stress Branch template in the beginning, some results are already requested. However, the user can request other results, if needed. –By selecting “Insert Results” in the Stress Wizard, the callout shows how to add results Note that the “Solution” branch is now highlighted. Because the “Solution” branch is selected, the Context toolbar and Details view changes. Results, such as stress, strain, and deformation can be requested from the pull- down icons on the Context toolbar. New result items will then appear under the “Solution” branch.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Solving the Model After verifying materials, applying loads and supports, and inserting results, the model is ready to be solved. –Selection of “Solve” in the Stress Wizard produces a callout showing the user that the lightning bolt icon is used to initiate a solution Starting the solution will include automatically meshing the model if it has not been done so previously. The solution may take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how large the model is and the hardware used. A progress bar will be shown to indicate roughly how long the solution will take. The solution can also be stopped via the progress bar.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … Solving the Model (ANSYS Details) –During solution an ANSYS input file is generated, and the details of the Output File can be viewed if a “Solution Information” branch has been requested under the “Solution” branch In Worksheet view of the “Solution Information” branch, the contents of the Output File will be updated with a frequency as specified in the Details view. The location of the input file “ds.dat,” output file “solve.out,” and scratch files are located in the system TEMP directory by default. This solver directory can be changed under “Tools > Options… > Simulation: Solution > Solver Working Directory”

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … View Results After the solution is complete, the user can View Results –Plot contours and vectors by highlighting the result of interest – Animate results via the “Animation” Tab To view results, as the callout shows, the appropriate branch needs to be selected.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … View Report In preparation for generating the HTML report, one can add figures and comments from the Standard Toolbar –Select a branch first, such as “Equivalent Stress” –Then select the appropriate Standard Toolbar button:

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … View Report After adding any figures or comments, select “View Report” –Preliminary information can be entered, such as author name –Select “Generate Report” to create HTML report The HTML Report can be selected under the “Solution” branch via “Report Preview” tab, as the callout indicates.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … View Report The HTML report will be displayed in Simulation –Comments and figures added will appear in the report The HTML report generator includes all input and results associated with the simulation, providing complete documentation of the analysis. This provides time-saving yet customizable report that can easily be generated by the user.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # … View Report Reports are always dynamically generated, so the user needs to save the report, otherwise it will be overwritten –The report can be “published” as HTML files in a different directory or an internal web server, ed, or sent to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint The Appendix at the end of the HTML Report will show the location of the various files used to created the report.

Training Manual Simulation Basics August 26, 2005 Inventory # Workshop 2 – Simulation Basics Goal: –Using the Stress Wizard, set up and solve a structural model for stress, deflection and safety factor. D. Workshop 2 – Simulation Basics