1. Chapter 9 CAD & Parameters

2. Chapter Overview
In this chapter, interoperability with CAD software as well as parameters will be discussed.
CAD Interoperability
DesignXplorer Parameter Manager
Workshop 9-1
The capabilities described in this section are generally applicable to all ANSYS licenses. However, some CAD functionality are specific to certain CAD software, so these will be designated accordingly.
Not all CAD software have the same features, so there are some differences in CAD-related functionality which is supported in Mechanical.

3. A. CAD Interoperability
Numerous Geometry Interfaces are available for commercial CAD systems:
For the latest information on CAD geometry interfaces and supported platforms see the ANSYS Workbench Mechanical documentation:
Mechanical Help > CAD Systems
Geometry Interface licenses can be run in reader mode for all licenses.
Geometry Interfaces can be run in plug-in mode for the CAD software listed under “Associative”.
IGES Geometry Interface reader is provided for all installations.
DesignModeler is the Workbench geometry application and supports all the functions and capabilities listed for commercial CAD systems.
Please note, not all import capabilities described here are available with all CAD systems. Features depend on CAD capabilities and the support provided through the CAD vendor’s API.

4. … CAD Interoperability
There are various items that can be imported from supported CAD systems:
Geometry, Spot welds, Parameters, Material properties, etc.
To access these import preferences use the Geometry properties in the Project schematic.

5. … Geometry Import Import solid, surface, or line bodies:
Assemblies with mixed solids and surfaces are OK.
Select desired geometry type to filter import.
Cannot import a part with mixed solids and surfaces.
Use Associativity:
Allows updating CAD geometry in Mechanical without redefining material properties, loads, supports, etc..
Smart CAD Update:
only modified components of a CAD assembly are updated.
Local Coordinate systems:
Allows local CS from CAD models to import with geometry. See current documentation for CAD system support.

6. … Parameter Import
Parametric CAD dimensions can be imported into Mechanical:
When “Yes” (default), dimension names containing the parameter key (default is “DS”) will be imported into Mechanical.
To import all parameters leave the parameter key field blank.
CAD parameters will appear in the Details view for the Geometry.

7. … Named Selections Import
If “groups” are defined in the CAD package they can be imported as Named Selections:
“Groups” containing the specified prefix in their name are imported in the Named Selection branch (default is “NS”).
To import all groups leave the named selection key field blank.

8. … Material Property Import
Material Properties: allow material property import from supported CAD systems (see the current documentation for properties supported by various CAD vendors.
Materials imported from CAD will appear in the “Engineering Data” branch and will be assigned to individual parts.
Note:
If the material type is changed in CAD, this will be reflected in an update.
if the property values of the material change in CAD, this will not update.
This prevents overwriting user-defined values in Mechanical.

9. Updating Modified Geometry
Updating geometry:
After modifying the source geometry the project schematic will show a refresh/update state for the model (RMB to complete).
Refreshing: reads the new geometry into the analysis application but does not update the finite element mesh.
Updating: combines refreshing geometry and remeshing the FE model.
Refresh needed
Refresh complete, update needed
Update complete
RMB for option

10. Updating Modified Geometry Parameters
Updating new parameter values:
To access parametric data RMB (or double click) the “Parameter Set” from the project schematic.
Parametric values are displayed in several places in the parameter set. Any can be modified.
RMB or double click to access parameters

11. . . . Updating Modified Geometry Parameters
Return to the Project when parameter changes are complete.
Notice the Model and Geometry are now in a refresh/update state.
Refresh/Update the Geometry to send parameter information to the geometry source (CAD system).
Refresh/Update the Model to apply parameter changes to the analysis model.

12. Updating Geometry Notes
The magnitude of loads remain constant:
Note: if pressure was applied on a surface and the surface area changed, the pressure value remains the same but the resulting force being applied on the surface will change.
The orientation of loads will not change:
If a load direction is specified using existing geometry, the direction of the load will not change if the geometry changes.

13. Example of input parameters Example of output parameters
B. Defining Parameters
Input and output parameters are defined in Mechanical by toggling the parameter flag on/off.
Click in the square and a blue “P” will appear, indicating that this quantity can now be manipulated as a parameter.
Material properties are parameterized in the engineering data application.
Example of input parameters
Example of output parameters

14. Using the Parameter Manager
Workbench Mechanical uses the Workbench Parameter Manager to manage parametric data from analysis and geometry sources.
Derived parameters can be created and managed as well.
Double click or “RMB > Edit” the “Parameter Set” to access parameters.

15. . . . Using the Parameter Manager
Parameter information is presented in a series of tables.
Outline: lists all input, output or derived parameters.
Property: lists information regarding the parameter highlighted in the outline.
Table of DP
Outline
Table of Design Points: allows multiple parameter configurations to be prepared before solving
Properties

16. … Using the Parameter Manager
After solving multiple design points several post processing tools are available in Parameter Manager.
Parameter Parallel Chart:
DP3
Each XY intersection provides a snapshot of all parameters for a particular DP
DP2
Horizontal (X) lines represent design points.
DP0
DP1
Vertical (Y) lines represent each parameter (P1, P2, etc.).

17. … Using the Parameter Manager
By highlighting parameters, different chart configurations can be selected.
With P1 highlighted notice the chart options are with respect to this parameter.
After selecting (double click) the desired chart, the outline (below) can be configured for display.

18. . . . Using the Parameter Manager
As charts are created they are listed in the outline window and can be retrieved by highlighting the chart name in the outline window.
By choosing “Parameter Chart” users can build a custom chart using any combination of parameters.

19. … Using the Parameter Manager
Charts can be customized from the “Chart Properties” window.
“RMB > Edit Properties” within the chart.

20. C. Workshop 9 – DesignXplorer Parameter Mgr.
Workshop 9 – DesignXplorer Parameter Manager
Goal:
Use the DesignXplorer Parameter Manager to specify changes to the load magnitude and material properties of the model shown below and solve all scenarios at one time.