Example Problems

CHAPTER 1 List of Problems:
Example Problems List of Problems:
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2 New Template 2005
Example Problems By Workspace

Structures Workspace:
Linear Static Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank for Pressure or Point Loading Linear Static Analysis of a Tension Coupon Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilevered Beam Linear Buckling Analysis of a Column Buckling Analysis of a Simply Supported Plate Modal Analysis of Cantilevered Beam Normal Mode Analysis of Rectangular Plate That is Pinned at Each End Modal Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank Modal Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate Direct Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate Direct Transient Analysis Cantilevered Plate - Modal Transient Analysis
Motion Workspace:
Example - Piston and Cylinder Assembly Example - Flexible Body Analysis of Four Bar Linkage
Thermal Workspace:
PCB with Component Heating Thermal Analysis for Flux Load, Free Convection, and Radiation
Crash Workspace:
Crushing of a Thin Square Tube Crash Analysis of Auto Impacting a Wall
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Linear Static Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank for Pressure or Point Loading
Linear Static Analysis
Estimated Level of Difficulty
Time Required
Problem Description A thick walled square tube-like structure with fillets and an interior hole is to be modeled.
The structure is constrained at one end, and a pressure load is applied at the other end. Also, a point load is applied about midway along the length of the structure. The finite element model is composed of Tet10 elements. The analysis focuses on obtaining the stress, displacement distribution, and the deformation of the model.
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2 Linear Static 3D Crank
In this example you will:

Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the solid crank. Create material and solid element properties. Perform automatic meshing. Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs) Specify simulation conditions for a linear static analysis. Create stress and deformation plots.
Startup SimXpert, and Define Materials and Properties

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements. In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and a solid element property that youll use later in the simulation setup.
To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as Metric:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Click the Standard Units button, and select the row with mm, kg, s and N as the Length, Mass, Time, and Force respectively. 8. Click OK. 9. Click OK.
To import a Parasolid solid:

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file crank_demo.xmt_txt. 3. Click Open.
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To create an Isotropic Material:

1. Select the Material and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material box. 3. In the Isotropic Material form input the following: Name: Youngs Modulus Poissons Ratio 4. Click OK. Steel 2.1e+8 0.28
To create an element Property set:

1. Select the Solid icon in the 3D Properties box. 2. For Pick Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Solids. 3. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the single solid in the viewport. 5. In the Solid Property form click the Done icon. 6. For Material click the Pick... icon. 7. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser. 8. In the Solid Property form click the Done icon. 9. Click OK.
To observe that the material and element property have been linked to the part:
1. From the Model Browser tree right click on Part ENGINE_block.prt_BLOCK.
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2. Select Properties. 3. Notice that under Properties, Type 3D, the following is shown:
Solid_1, Prop. ID = 1, Type = SOLID.
4. Click Cancel.
Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Creating the Tet10 element mesh for the Parasolid solid.
To create the solid elements and nodes for the geometric solid:
1. Select the Meshing tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Solid icon in the Automesh box. 3. For Body Type select Geometry. 4. For Solid To Mesh click the Pick... icon. 5. Screen select the single solid. 6. In the Solid Mesher form click the Done icon. 1. For Element Size use 10.0. 2. For Element Type select Quadratic to obtain Tet10 elements. 1. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 2. Select SOLID_1 in the Model Browser tree. 3. In the Solid Mesher form click the Done icon. 4. Click OK.
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Create Constraints and Loads

The model must be constrained and loads applied to it. First, the constraints are to be applied.
To create the constraints:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Pin icon in the Constraints box. 3. For Name enter Fixed_End. 4. Use Shift + right mouse buttons to rotate the geometry so that the face with the hole is visible. It is to the right of the model.
5. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 6. Screen select the face/surface at the right of the model. 7. In the Pin Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 8. Click OK.
To create the pressure load:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Pressure icon in the Pressure box. 3. For Name enter Pressure_Load.
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4. Use Shift + right mouse buttons to rotate the geometry so that the end with the two faces is visible.
5. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 6. Screen select the two faces/surfaces at the left of the model. 7. In the Pressure LBC form click the Done icon. 8. For Pressure Value enter 100.0 9. Click OK.
To create the concentrated (point) load:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Force icon in the Loads box. 3. For Name enter Point_Force. 4. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon.
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5. Screen select a node at the middle of an outer semicircular edge. 6. In the Force LBC form click the Done icon. 7. For Magnitude enter 500.0 8. Click the Static tab. 9. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as
X = 0.0 Y = 0.0 Z = 1.0
10. Click OK.
Create Two LBC Sets

A static analysis is to be performed for two different load sets (load cases). One is for the constraint and pressure set. The other is for the constraint and (point) force set.
To create the first load set:

1. Select the LBC Set icon in the LBC Set box. 2. For Name specify Fix+Press. 3. For Select LBC click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the LBCs named Fixed_End and Pressure_Load in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon. 1. Click OK.
To create the second load set:

1. Select the LBC Set icon in the LBC Set box. 2. For Name specify Fix+Force.
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3. For Select LBC click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the LBCs named Fixed_End and Point_Force in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon. 6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a linear static analysis.
To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. For Model Browser right click on FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job. 2. Enter Linear_Static_Solid_Crank as Job Name. 3. Select Linear Static Analysis (SOL 101) for Solution Type. 4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name Linear_Static_Solid_Crank. 5. Click Save. 6. Uncheck the checkbox for Create Default Job Layout. 7. Click OK.
To specify Solver Control parameter values:

1. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Solver Control, then click Properties. 2. Select GenericLinearSolverParameters. 3. Use default values. 4. Select Solution101Parameters. 5. Use default values. 6. Select Output FileProperties. 7. For Text Output select Print. 8. Click Apply. 9. Click Close.
To specify the static analysis solution parameters for the two load cases:
1. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Load Cases, then click Create Loadcase. 2. For Name (Title) enter Fix_Press. 3. Click OK. 4. Right click Loads/Boundaries, then click Select Lbc Set.
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5. From the Model Browser tree under LBC Set, select Fix+Press. 6. Click OK. 7. For Fix_Press right click Output Requests, then click Create Displacement Output Request. 8. Click OK. 9. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Load Cases, then click Create Loadcase. 10. For Name (Title) enter Fix_Force. 11. Click OK. 12. Right click Loads/Boundaries, then click Select Lbc Set. 13. From the Model Browser tree under LBC Set, select Fix+Force. 14. Click OK. 15. For Fix_Force right click Output Requests, then click Create Element Stress Output Request. 16. Click OK.
To run an MD Nastran linear static analysis:

For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Solid_Crank, then click Run.
Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To create stress and deformation plots it is necessary to first attach the MD Nastran XDB result file. Then, the results can be displayed as a State or Chart plot. For this analysis only State plots are to be created.
To attach an MD Nastran XDB result file:

1. For File select Attach Results. 2. For File path navigate to the location where the MD Nastran result file is located, then select the file named linear_static_solid_crank.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Click OK.
To plot the deformation result for Fix+Press:

1. Click Results tab, then select Deformation icon in the Results box. 2. Select Result cases SC1: Static Subcase 3. Select Result type Displacements,Translational. 4. Click Update.
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To plot a stress fringe result for Fix+Force:

1. Click Results tab, then select Fringe icon in the Results box. 2. Select Result cases SC2: Static Subcase. 3. Select Result type Stress Tensor. 4. For Derivation select von Mises. 5. Click Update. 6. Set display to Geometry Wireframe using the pick for the Render toolbar.
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This is the end of this example.
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Linear Static Analysis of a Tension Coupon

Time Required
Problem Description A linear static analysis using a 1/4 symmetry model of a tension coupon is to be performed. The steps are
Import the geometry Mesh the surface Create the 1/4 symmetry constraints Create the loads on one edge Perform the analysis View the stress and displacement results
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Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the tension coupon. Create material and solid element properties. Perform paver meshing. Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs) Specify simulation conditions for a linear static analysis. Create stress and deformation plots.
Startup SimXpert and Define Materials and Properties

To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Click the Standard Units button, and select the row with in, lb, and s as the Length, Mass, and Time, respectively. 8. Click OK. 9. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid Surface:

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file tension_coupon.xmt_txt. 3. Click Open.
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To create an isotropic Material:

1. Select the Material and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material box. 3. In the Isotropic Material form input the following: Name: Youngs Modulus Poissons Ratio 4. Click OK. Steel 3.05e+7 0.28
To create an element Property:

1. Select the Shell icon in the 2D Properties box. 2. For Name enter Plate. 3. For Pick Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Surfaces. 4. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 5. Select the single surface in the viewport. 6. In the Shell Property form click the Done icon. 7. For Material click the Pick... icon. 8. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser tree. 9. In the Shell Property form click the Done icon. 10. For Part Thickness enter 0.1
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11. Click the Advanced button. 12. Use the default values. 13. Click OK.
To link the material and element property to the geometric surface:

1. From the Model Browser tree, right click on Part icon tension_coupon_P1, then select Properties. 2. On the Properties of tension_coupon_P1 form right click on 2D. 3. Select Assign Property. 4. In the Entity Type Selector form select Plate. 5. Click OK. 6. On the Properties of tension_coupon_P1 form click OK.
Create 2D Mesh for Parasolid Surface

Create the Quad4 element mesh for the Parasolid surface.
To create the quad4 elements and nodes for the geometric surface:
1. Select the Meshing tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Surface icon in the Automesh box. 3. For Surface To Mesh click the Pick... icon. 4. Screen select the single tension coupon surface. 5. In the Surface Mesher form click the Done icon. 6. For Element Size use 0.1 7. For Element Type select Linear to obtain Quad4 elements. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 8. Select Plate in the Model Browser tree. 9. In the Surface Mesher form click the Done icon. 10. Click OK. 11. From the View menu select Model Views, then select the Top option.
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Create Constraints and loads


1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the General icon in the Constraints box. 3. For Name enter Left_Constraint. 4. In the Pick Filters toolbar, for FEM Filters, select Pick Nodes. 5. In the Pick Filters toolbar select Rectangular Window. 6. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 7. Drag a rectangle around the nodes on the left vertical edge of the model. 8. In the General Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 9. Uncheck the Ty checkbox. This will yield symmetry about the left vertical edge. 10. Click OK.
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1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the General icon in the Constraints box. 3. For Name enter Bottom_Constraint. 4. In the Pick Filters toolbar, for FEM Filters, select Pick Nodes. 5. In the Pick Filters toolbar select Rectangular Window. 6. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 7. Drag a rectangle around the nodes on the right bottom edge of the model. 8. In the General Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 9. Check all Translations and Rotations checkboxes, if necessary. 10. Uncheck the Tx checkbox. This will yield symmetry about the right bottom edge. 11. Click OK.
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To create the distributed load:

1. Select the Force icon in the Loads box. 2. For Name enter Applied_Force. 3. In the Pick Filters toolbar, for FEM Filters, select Pick Nodes. 4. In the Pick Filters toolbar select Rectangular Window. 5. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 6. Select the nodes on the right vertical edge of the model. 7. In the Force LBC form click the Done icon. 8. Set the Magnitude to 10.0 9. Click Static tab. 10. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as
X = 1.0 Y = 0.0 Z = 0.0
11. Click OK.
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Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the linear static analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
1. For Model Browser right click on FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job. 2. Enter Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon as the Job Name. 3. Select Linear Static Analysis (SOL 101) for Solution Type. 4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon. 5. Click Save. 6. Click OK.
To specify solver control parameter values:

1. Right click Solver Control, then click Properties. 2. Select GenericLinearSolverParameters. 3. For Plate RZ Stiffness Factor enter 100.0 4. For Shell Normal Tolerance Angle enter 20.0 5. Click Apply. 6. Select Solution101Parameters. 7. Use default values. 8. Select OutputFileProperties.
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9. For Text Output click Print. 10. Click Apply. 11. Click Close.
To create a load case:

1. For Load Cases right click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties. 2. Use default values. 3. Click OK. 4. For Loads/Boundaries right click DefaultLbcSet, then click Properties. 5. Use default values. 6. Click OK.
To specify output request:

1. For Output Requests right click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties. 2. Use default values. 3. Click OK. 4. For Output Requests right click Element Stress Output Request, then click Properties. 5. Use default values. 6. Click OK.
To run an MD Nastran analysis:

1. For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon, then click Run.

To attach a MD Nastran XDB result file:

1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. For File path navigate to the location where the MD Nastran result file is located, then select the file named Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Click OK.
To plot a fringe result:
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1. Click Results tab, then select Fringe icon in the Results box. 2. Select Result cases Static Subcase. 3. Select Result type Stress Tensor. 4. For Derivation select von Mises. 5. Click Update.
To plot a deformation result on the fringe result:

1. Click Results tab, then select Deformation icon in the Results box. 2. Select Result cases Static Subcase. 3. Select Result type Displacements, Translational. 4. Click Update.
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This is the end of this example. (THROUGH
HERE CORRECT 5/13/08)
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Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilevered Beam

Time Required
Problem Description A solid steel bar is to be modeled. The bar is to be constrained at one end, while a point load is to be applied at the other end (a cantilevered beam system). 1D bar elements will be used to represent the bar. The analysis focuses on obtaining the displacement of the model once it is constrained and the point load is applied.
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Specify the model units. Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Create material and bar element properties. Create bar elements by meshing the curve. Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs). Set up simulation conditions for a linear static analysis. Create deformation and fringe of displacement plots.
Startup SimXpert and Create Finite Elements

To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set Units as English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not the Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: in. Mass: lb. Time: s. Temperature: fahrenheit. Force: lbf.
8. Click OK.
To create a Part:
A part must be created before creating the geometry and elements of the part. 1. Access the SimXpert tools through its Tool Ribbon by right clicking in the space just above the Workspace, then select Tool Ribbon in the dropdown menu.
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2. Select the Geometry tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 3. Select the Create Part icon in the Part box. 4. Click OK.
Create a Geometric Curve

In this section we will be using SimXperts geometry tool Curve to create a curve. 1. Select the Curve icon in the Curve box. 2. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon. 3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 12 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon. 6. Click OK in the Polyline Spline form. 7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve into the model window.
To Create the Isotropic Material:

1. Select the Material and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material box. 3. In the Isotropic Material form input the following: Name Youngs Modulus Poissons ratio 4. Click OK. Steel 3.05e+7 0.28
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To create the 1D Property:

1. First, create a Beam Section. Select the Beam Section icon in the 1D Properties box. 2. For Section Type, select ROD.
3. For Section Name specify ROD_1. 4. On the diagram click the numeric value of the radius, and enter 0.25: DIM1: 5. Click OK. 6. Click OK. 7. Second, create the 1D Property Beam. Select the Beam icon in the 1D Properties box. 8. For Name specify BEAM_1. 9. For Cross-section Type specify Library. 10. For Pick Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Curves. 11. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 12. Select the single curve in the viewport. 13. In the Beam Property form click the Done icon. 14. For Material click the Pick... icon. 15. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser. 16. In the Beam Property form click the Done icon. 17. For Section name click the Pick... icon. 18. Select the section type named ROD_1 in the Model Browser. 19. In the Beam Property form click the Done icon. 20. Click OK. 0.25
Create 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.
To create the bar elements and nodes on the curve:

1. Select the Meshing tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Curve icon in the Automesh box. 3. For Curve To Mesh click the Pick... icon. 4. Screen select the single curve.
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5. In the Mesher form click the Done icon. 6. For Element Size use 1.0. 7. Enter the X,Y,Z components of the Orientation Vector.
X=0 Y=0 Z=1
8. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 9. Select the property named BEAM_1 in the Model Browser. 10. In the Mesher form click the Done icon. 11. Click OK to mesh the curve with 1D bar elements.
Show element labels:

1. From the Tools menu click Identify. 2. In the Identify Entities pick panel select Elements. 3. Click All.
4. Also, this can be done for the nodes. 5. Click Exit in the Identify Entities pick panel.
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To constrain the cantilever end of the beam constrain the bottom left node:
1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Fixed icon in the Constraints box. 3. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 4. Screen select the single node at the bottom left of the screen. 5. In the Fixed Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 6. Click OK.
To create a load:
1. Select the Force icon in the Loads box. 2. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 3. Screen select the single node at the top right of the screen. 4. In the Force LBC form click the Done icon. 5. Set the Magnitude to 20.0
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6. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as

X = 0.5 Y = 0.0 Z = 1.0
7. Click OK.
Note:
You can view the forces and constraints that you have made by clicking on the Detailed Rendering button located on the Render toolbar.
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Create LBC Set

An analysis can be performed for multiple load sets (load cases). In this example we will only consider one load set. The default load set (LBC Set, DefaultLbcSet) could be used, but instead an LBC Set will be created. The new LBC Set will use the Fixed constraint and applied Force. 1. Select the LBC Set icon in the LBC Set box. 2. For Name specify Case_1. 3. For Select LBC click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the LBCs named Fully Fixed Constraint_1 and Force_2 in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon. 6. Click OK.
Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. For Model Browser right click on FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job. 2. Enter Linear_Static_Cant_Beam as the Job Name. 3. Select Linear Static Analysis (SOL 101) for Solution Type.
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4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name Linear_Static_Cant_Beam. 5. Click Save. 6. Click OK.
To specify solver control parameter values:

1. Right click Solver Control, then click Properties. 2. Select GenericLinearSolverParameters. 3. Use default values. 4. Select Solution101Parameters. 5. Use default values. 6. Select OutputFileProperties. 7. For Text Output click Print. 8. Click Apply. 9. Click Close.
To create a load case:

1. For Load Cases right click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties. 2. Use default values. 3. Click OK. 4. For Loads/Boundaries right click DefaultLbcSet, then click Properties. 5. Use default values. 6. Click OK.
To specify output request:

1. For Output Requests right click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties. 2. Use default values. 3. Click OK. 4. For Output Requests right click Element Stress Output Request, then click Properties. 5. Use default values. 6. Click OK.

1. For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Cant_Beam, then click Run.
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Create Deformation Plots

To create stress and deformation plots it is necessary to first attach the MD Nastran XDB result file. Then, the results can be displayed as a State or Chart plot. For this analysis, only State plots are to be created.

1. For File select Attach Results. 2. For File path navigate to the location where the MD Nastran result file is located, then select the file named Linear_Static_Cant_Beam.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Click OK.
To plot a deformation result:

1. Click Results tab, then select Deformation icon in the Results box. 2. Select Result cases Static Subcase. 3. Select Result type Displacements,Translational. 4. Click Update.
To plot a fringe result for displacement on the deformed shape:

5. Click Results tab, then select Fringe icon in the Results box. 6. Select Result cases Static Subcase. 7. Select Result type Displacements,Translational. 8. For Derivation select Magnitude. 9. Click Update.
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Linear Buckling Analysis of a Column

Linear Buckling Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description A beam is constrained on one end, and a force is applied along the centerline of the beam on the other end.
The finite element model is composed of CBAR elements. The analysis focuses on obtaining the constraint forces, displacement distribution, and the deformation of the model.

Create material and bar element properties. Create the geometry of the beam. Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs) Specify simulation conditions for a linear buckling analysis. Create fringe and deformation plots.
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Startup SimXpert and Create Finite Elements

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements. In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and an element property that youll use later in the simulation setup.
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Select Tools > Options. 3. Select Units Manager. 4. Set Basic Units as follows:
5. Click OK.
To create a Part
A part must be created before creating the geometry and elements of the part. . 1. On the Geometry tab, select Create Part from the Part group. 2. Click OK.

In this section we will be using SimXperts geometry tool Curve to create a curve. 1. Select the Curve icon in the Curve group. 2. Click in the Entities textbox. 3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 25 0, then click OK. 5. Click OK. 6. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve into the model window.
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Create an Isotropic Material:

1. On the Material and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group. 2. In the Isotropic Material form input the following: Name Youngs Modulus Poissons ratio 3. Click OK. Aluminum 1.00e+7 0.3
Create a 1D Property:
1. First, create a Beam Section. On the Material and Properties tab, select Beam Section from the 1D Properties group. 2. For Section Type, select BAR.
3. For Section Name, enter BAR_1. 4. On the diagram click the numeric values of the height and width. (Y elem) height: (Z elem) width: 0.1 0.2
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5. Click OK. 6. Secondly, create the 1D Property Beam. On the Material and Properties tab, select Beam from the 1D Properties group. 7. For Name, enter Column. 8. For Cross-section Type select Library. 9. Click in the Pick entities textbox. 10. Select the Pick Filters type Pick Curves. 11. Select the curve from the viewport. 12. In the Beam Property form click the Done icon. 13. Click in the Material textbox. 14. Select the material named Aluminum in the Model Browser tree. 15. Click in the Section name textbox. 16. Select BAR_1 from the Model Browser tree. 17. Click OK.
Create 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.

1. On the Meshing tab, select Curve from the Automesh group. 2. Click in the Curve To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen select the curve. 4. For Element Size, enter 2.5. 5. Enter the X,Y,Z components of the Orientation Vector.
X=1 Y=0 Z=0
6. Click in the Element property texbox. 7. Select the property named Column in the Model Browser tree. 8. Click OK to mesh the curve with 1D bar elements.

1. From the Tools menu click Identify. 2. In the Identify Entities pick panel select Elements. 3. Click All
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4. Click Exit in the Identify Entities pick panel.

To create the constraints at the right-end of the column:

1. On the LBCs tab, select General from the Constraints group. 2. For Name, enter Right End Constraint. 3. Click in the Pick entities textbox. 4. Screen pick the right-end node on the curve. 5. Uncheck Rx and Rz checkboxes, leaving all other degrees-of-freedom checked. 6. Click Apply.
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To create the constraints at the left-end of the column:

1. For Name enter Left End Constraint. 2. Click in the Pick entities textbox. 3. Clear the Pick entities list and screen pick the left-end node on the curve. 4. Check only Tx, Tz, and Ry. 5. Click OK.
To create a force at the top of the column:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Force from the Loads group. 2. For Name enter Buckling Force. 3. Click in the Pick entities textbox.
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4. Screen pick the left-end node on the curve. 5. Set the Magnitude to 10.0 6. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as
X = 0.0 Y = -1.0 Z = 0.0
7. Click OK.
Setting up Buckling Load Job

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a linear buckling analysis.
To specify the buckling analysis solution parameters:

1. Right click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter buckling_column as the Job Name. 3. Select Linear Buckling Analysis (SOL 105) for Solution Type. 4. Click OK.
To specify the output requests for each subcase:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Output Request under the Loads Load Case then click on Create Constaint Output Request. 2. Click OK. 3. Under the Eigenvalue Extraction Load Case, right-click Output Requests and select Create Displacement Output Request. 4. Click OK. 5. Right click on Output Requests, then select Create Constaint Output Request.
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6. Click OK. 7. Double-click Loadcase Control under Eigenvalue Extraction. 8. Change Number of Desired Roots to 1. 9. Click Apply. 10. Click Close.
To set Output File:

1. In the Model Browser Tree, double-click Solver Control. 2. Click on Output File Properties, then check the Print checkbox under Text Output. 3. Select XDB for Binary Output. 4. Click Apply. 5. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click buckling_column and click Run.


1. From the File menu select Attach Results, then select Result Entities. 2. Select the file buckling.xdb. 3. Click Open.
To plot the result:

1. From the Result toolbox select State Plot. 2. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 3. Select Result Cases SC2: Mode 1. 4. Select Result type Eigenvectors,Translational. 5. Click Update. 6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 7. Select Result Cases SC2: Mode 1. 8. For Result type select Eigenvectors,Translational. 9. For Derivation select Magnitude. 10. Click Update.
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Buckling Analysis of a Simply Supported Plate
Time Required
Problem Description This problem is the simulation of a rectangular plate that is pinned at one end and partially pinned at the other end. The partially pinned end of the plate is to be subjected to a buckling load. The results are to be viewed. .
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2 Buckling Analysis of Simply Supported Plate

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Create material and shell element properties. Perform mapped mesh. Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs) Specify simulation conditions for a buckling analysis. Create stress and deformation plots.

1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not the Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:
8. Click OK.
To Create the Isotropic Material:

1. Access the SimXpert tools through its Tool Ribbon by right clicking in the space just above the Workspace, then select Tool Ribbon in the dropdown menu. 2. Select the Material and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 3. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material group.
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4. In the Isotropic Material form input the following: Name Youngs Modulus Poissons ratio 5. Click OK. Steel 3.05e+7 0.28

1. Select the Shell icon in the 2D Properties group. 2. For Name specify Plate. 3. For Material click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser tree. 5. For Part Thickness enter 0.1 6. Click Advanced. Use the default settings. 7. Click OK.
Create Geometry and Finite Elements

To create a Part:
A part must be created before creating the geometry and elements of the part. 1. Select the Geometry tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Create Part icon in the Part box. 3. Click OK.
To create a geometric surface:

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel curves/lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D surface: 1. Select the Filler icon in the Surface box. 2. Uncheck Using Curves. 3. Click in the Entities textbox. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 2 0 0, then click OK. 6. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 2 5 0, then click OK. 7. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 5 0, then click OK.
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8. Click OK in the Filler form. Optional: 1. Experiment with the Hatch lines On/Off icon.
2. Experiment with the Wireframe icon.
To specify the size of elements:

1. Select the Meshing tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the Seed icon in the Automesh box. 3. Screen pick both short surface edges. 4. Select Uniform for Type. 5. On the Seed form enter 4 for Number of Elements. 6. Click Apply. 7. Repeat steps 3-5 for both long surface edges; enter 10 for Number of Elements. Note, clear 2 Curves from Curves list box. 8. Click OK.
To create a mapped mesh for the geometric surface:

1. Select the Surface icon in the Automesh box. 2. In the Surface Mesher form click the Pick... icon. 3. Screen select the single surface.
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4. In the Surface Mesher form click the Done icon. 5. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 6. Select Plate in the Model Browser tree. 7. In the Surface Mesher form click the Done icon. 8. Click OK.

To create buckling force constraint on left edge of the surface:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon. 2. Select the General icon in the Constraints box. 3. For Name enter Buckling_Force_Constraint. 4. Under Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Curves. 5. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 6. Select the curve on the left short surface edge, where the buckling force will be applied. 7. In the General Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 8. For Translations uncheck Ty checkbox. 9. For Rotations uncheck Rx, Ry, Rz checkbox. 10. Click OK.
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To create pinned anchor constraint on right edge of surface:

1. Select the Pin icon in the Constraints group. 2. For Name enter Anchor_Pin_Constraint. 3. Under Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Curves. 4. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 5. Select the curve on the right short surface edge, where the plate will be anchored. 6. In the Pin Constraint LBC form click the Done icon. 7. Click OK.
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To create load for buckling of plate model:

1. Select the Force icon in the Loads group. 2. For Name enter Buckling_Force. 3. Under Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Curves. 4. For Pick Entities click the Pick... icon. 5. Select the curve on the left short surface edge, where the buckling force is to be applied. 6. In the Force LBC form click the Done icon. 7. For Magnitude enter 1000.0 8. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as
X = 0.0 Y = -1.0 Z = 0.0
9. Click OK.
Setting up Buckling Load Job

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a Linear Buckling Analysis. (THROUGH
To specify the linear buckling analysis solution parameters for setup job:
1. Right click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
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2. On the Job Properties form enter Buckling Analysis of Plate Model as the Job Name. 3. Select Linear Buckling Analysis (SOL 105) for Solution Type. 4. Click the elllipses (...) for Solver Input File. 5. Select a location and enter buckling_plate for the File name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK.
Setting Solver Control Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. On the General Linear Solver Parameters form enter the following values: Plate RZ Stiffness Factor Weight-Mass Conversion 3. Click Apply. 4. On the Solution 105 Parameters form, select Linear for Rigid Element Type. 5. Click Apply. 6. Select the Output File Properties form. 7. Check Print under Text Output. 8. Select XDB under Binary Output. 9. Click Apply. 10. Click Close. 100 0.00259
To specify the buckling analysis solution output requests for subcase:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click Add Output Requests under the Eigenvalue Extraction subcase. 2. Then click on Create Displacement Output Request. 3. Click OK. 4. Right click on Output Requests, then click on Create Element Stress Output Request. 5. Click OK.
To Specify the buckling analysis solution parameters for subcase:

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Loadcase Control under Eigenvalue Extraction. 2. On the Eigenvalue Extraction Parameters form set Method to Lanczos. 3. On the Eigenvalue Extraction Parameters form enter 1 for Number of Desired Roots. 4. Click Apply.
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5. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click Buckling Analysis of Plate Model. 2. Click Run.

To Attach a MD Nastran XDB Result File:

1. From the File menu select Attach Results, then select Result Entities. 2. Select the file buckling_analysis_of_plate_model.xdb. 3. Click Open.
To Plot a Deformation Result:

1. From the Result menu select State Plot. 2. Select Deformation as Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select Mode 1: Factor = 1.8216. 4. Select Result type Eigenvectors, Translational. 5. Click Update.
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To plot a Stress Fringe Result:

1. Select Fringe as Plot type. 2. For Result Cases select Mode 1: Factor = 1.8216. 3. Select Result type Stress Tensor. 4. For Derivation select von Mises. 5. Click Update.
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Modal Analysis of Cantilevered Beam

Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description This problem involves modeling a cantilevered beam using CBAR elements. The model is constrained at one end. You will calculate the natural frequencies and normal modes of the model.

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Create Nodes and 1D elements by meshing the geometric curve. Set up simulation conditions for a modal analysis. Create deformation plots.
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2 Geometry

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements. In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create element properties and define an part which will be used to create the geometry.
To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Solver Card, and set Units as English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the default workspace from the startup panel. 2. Make sure to not set the UI to Solver Card using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: in. Mass: lb. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Force: lbf
8. Click OK.
To Create an Isotropic Material:

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group. 2. On the Isotropic Material form, enter: Name: Youngs modulus Poissons ratio Density (mass) 3. Click OK. Steel 3.05e7 0.28 0.284
To create an element Property:

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Beam Section from the 1D Properties group. 2. In the Section Type dropdown menu, select ROD.
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3. For Setion Name, enter BAR. 4. On the diagram click the value of the radius, and enter 0.25: DIM1: 5. Click OK. 6. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Beam from the 1D Properties group. 7. For Cross-section Type, select Library. 8. Click the Material textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser. 9. Click the Section Type, and select BAR from the Model Browser. 10. Click OK. 0.25
Create a Part
1. On the Geometry tab, select Create Part from the Part group. 2. Click OK.

In this section we will be using SimXperts geometry tool, polyline/spline, to create a curve. 1. On the Geometry tab, select Curve from the Curve group. 2. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 3. Enter 12 0 0, then click OK 4. Click OK in the Polyline Spline form. 5. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve to the model window.
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Creating 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D Bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.

1. On the Meshing tab, select Curve from the Automesh group. 2. Click in the Curve To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen pick the curve. 4. For Element Size enter 1.0. 5. Click in the Element Property textbox. 6. Enter the XYZ components of the Orientation Vector.
X=0 Y=0 Z=1
7. Select BEAM_1 from the Model Browser Tree. 8. Click OK to mesh the curve with 1D bar elements.

1. From the Tools menu click Identify. 2. In the Identify Entities pick panel select Elements.
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3. Click All.
4. Click Exit in the Identify Entities pick panel.

The model must be constrained at one end. A load is not to be applied to the beam because this is a modal analysis.
To constrain the cantilever end of the beam constrain the bottom left node:
5. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraint group. 6. Click in the Pick entities textbox. 7. Screen pick bottom left node.
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6 Geometry
8. Click OK.
Setting up the Modal Analysis Job

We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This is to be used to obtain a BDF file, which is to be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right-click FileSet and click Create New Nastran Job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter modal_cant_beam for Job Name. 3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Analysis (SOL 103). 4. Click the ellipses (...) on Solver Input File. 5. Select the location to where the job will be exported and enter modal_cant_beam for the File name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK.
To specify the Solver Control Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. Select General Linear Solver Parameters and enter the following values. Weight-Mass Conversion 3. Click Apply.
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4. Select Output File Properties from the list. 5. Check the Print box under Text Output. 6. Select XDB for Binary Output. 7. Click Apply. 8. Click Close.
To specify the Loadcase Control Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree, double-click Loadcase Control. 2. On the Eigenvalue Extraction form select Lanczos for Method. 3. Enter 10 for Number of Desired Roots. 4. Click Apply. 5. Click Close.
To run the modal analysis job:

1. Right-click modal_cant_beam and click Run.
Attach the MD Nastran Results File

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results. 1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. Click the browse button and select the file modal_cant_beam.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Select Results as the Attach Option. 5. Click OK.

We will display the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots for displacement results. 1. On the Results tab, select Deformation. 2. For Result Cases select Mode1: Freq = 98.526. 3. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 4. Click Deformation tab. 5. Under Deformed shape, set the following:
Render style: Wireframe. Edge color: black.
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6. Click Plot Data tab. 7. Select Update.
8. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 9. For Result Cases select Mode1: Freq = 98.526. 10. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 11. For Derivation select Magnitude. 12. Select Update.
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13. Select Clear. 14. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 15. For Result Cases select Mode 5: Freq = 1683.8. 16. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 17. Click Deformation tab. 18. Under Deformed shape, set the following:
Render style: Wireframe. Edge color: black.
19. Click Plot Data tab. 20. Select Update.
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21. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 22. For Result Cases select Mode5: Freq = 1683.8. 23. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 24. For Derivation select Magnitude.
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25. Select Update.
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Normal Mode Analysis of Rectangular Plate That is Pinned at Each End

Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description: A 5x2 plate is constrained translationally on two ends, then a modal analysis is performed.

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools.
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2 Geometry

Perform meshing. Set up simulation conditions for a modal analysis. Create fringe and deformation plots.

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements. In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and a shell element property that youll use later in the simulation setup.
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the default workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Solver Card using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select Units Manager. 5. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: in. Mass: lb. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Angle: degree.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.

1. On the Materials and Properties tabn select Isotropic from Material group. 2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values: Youngs Modulus Poissons ratio Density 3. Click OK. 10E6 0.3 0.101

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1. On the Materials and Properties tabn select Shell from 2D Properties group. 2. Click in the Material ID textbox and select Isotropic_1 from the Model Browser tree. 3. On the Shell Property form enter 0.1 for Part thickness. 4. Click OK.
Create a Part
1. On the Geometry tab, select Create Part from the Part group. 2. On the Create Part form click in the 2D Property textbox. 3. Select SHELL_1 from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Click OK.
Create a Geometric Surface

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body (surface). 1. On the Geometry tab, select Filler from the Surface group. 2. Uncheck Using Curves then click in the Entites textbox. 3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 2 0, then click OK. 6. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 0 2 0, then click OK. 7. In the Filler surface form click OK. 8. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view. 9. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
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Mesh the Geometric Surface

1. On the Meshing tab, select Surface from the Automesh group. 2. Click in the Surface To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen select the surface. 4. For Element Size use the value 0.25. 5. For Mesh Type use the default of Mixed. 6. For Mesh Method select Mapped. 7. Click OK.
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The plate is to have the translational freedoms of each of the short ends constrained. No loading will be applied because this is a modal analysis.
To create single point constraint (SPC):

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pin from the Constraint group. 2. Change the Pick Filter to Pick Nodes from the toolbar. 3. Drag a rectangle around the nodes at each end of the plate.
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4. Click OK.

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This is to be used to obtain a BDF file, which is to be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right-click FileSet and click Create New Nastran Job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter modal_of_pin_pin_plate for Job Name. 3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Analysis (SOL 103). 4. Click the ellipses (...) on Solver Input File. 5. Select the location to where the job will be exported and enter modal_of_pin_pin_plate for File Name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. Select General Linear Solver Parameters and enter the following values. Weight-Mass Conversion 3. Click Apply. 4. Select Output File Properties from the list.
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5. Check the Print box under Text Output. 6. Select XDB for Binary Output. 7. Click Apply. 8. Click Close.


1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click modal_of_pin_pin_plate and click Run.

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results. 1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. Click the browse button and select the file modal_of_pin_pin_plate.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Select Results as the Attach Option. 5. Click OK.
Create Deformation and Fringe Plot

View the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots. 1. On the Results tab, select Deformation. 2. From the Render toolbar select Geometry Wireframe and FE Wireframe. 3. For Result Cases select SC1: Mode 1:Freq = 357.65. 4. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 5. Select Update. 6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 7. For Result Cases select SC1: Mode 1:Freq = 357.65. 8. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational. 9. For Derivation select Magnitude.
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10. Select Update.
11. Follow Steps 3 through 11 to plot the results for the remaining result cases.
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Modal Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank

Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description A slightly complex thick walled square tube like structure with fillets and an interior hole is to be modeled.
The finite element model of the structure is to be with Tet10 elements. The structure is to be constrained at one end. The analysis focuses on obtaining the displacement distribution and the deformation of the model.
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Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the solid crank. Create material and solid element properties. Perform automatic meshing. Create a constraint, and an LBC set Specify simulation conditions for a modal analysis. Create fringe and deformation plots.

To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Solver Card, and use Default Units:
Length: mm. Mass: kg. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Force: mN. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid Solid:

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file crank_demo.xmt_txt. 3. Click Open.
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1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group.. 2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the values. Youngs Modulus Poissons ratio Density 3. Click OK 2.1e8 0.28 7.856e-6

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Solid from the 3D Properties group. 2. Click in the Pick entities textbox and select the crank from the screen. 3. Click in the Material ID textbox and select Isotropic_1 from the Model Browser. 4. Click OK.
Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Creating the Tet10 element mesh for the Parasolid solid.
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1. On the Meshing tab, select Solid from the Automesh group. 2. Click in Solid To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen select the solid. 4. Enter 10.0 for Element Size. 5. Select Quadratic for Element Type to obtain Tet10 elements. 6. Click OK to mesh the solid with 3D Tet10 elements.
Create Constraints
The model must be constrained at one end. A load is not to be applied to the model because this is a modal analysis.

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pin from the Constraint group. 2. Change the Pick Filter to Pick Nodes from the toolbar. 3. From the View menu select Model Views, then select Rear.
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4. Select Pick Surface from the Pick Filters toolbar. 5. Drag a rectangle around the right end of the part to select the rear surface of the crank.
6. Click OK.
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Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a modal analysis.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right-click FileSet and click Create New Nastran Job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model for Job Name. 3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Analysis (SOL 103). 4. Click the ellipses (...) on Solver Input File. 5. Select the location to where the job will be exported and enter Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model for File Name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. Select Output File Properties from the list. 3. Check the Print box under Text Output. 4. Select XDB for Binary Output. 5. Click Apply. 6. Click Close.


1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model and click Run.

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results. 1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. Click the browse button and select the file modal_analysis_of_crank_model.xdb.
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3. Click Open. 4. Select Results as the Attach Option. 5. Click OK. 6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View. 7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
Create Deformation and Fringe Plots

We will visually assess our results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots.
To plot a deformation result:

1. On the Result tab, select Deformation. 2. Select Result Cases Mode 1: Freq = 1038. 3. Select Result type Eigenvectors,Translational. 4. Click Update.
To plot a stress fringe result:

1. Select Fringe as Plot type. 2. Select Result Cases Mode 1: Freq = 1038. 3. Select Result type Stress Tensor. 4. For Derivation select von Mises. 5. Click Update.
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6. Click Clear.
To plot a deformation result for Mode 3:

1. Select Deformation as Plot type. 2. Select Result Cases Mode 3: Freq = 1269. 3. Select Result type Eigenvectors,Translational. 4. Click Update.
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To plot a stress fringe result:

1. Select Fringe as Plot type. 2. Select Result Cases Mode 3: Freq = 1269. 3. Select Result type Stress Tensor. 4. For Derivation select von Mises. 5. Click Update.
6. Click Clear. This is the end of this example.
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Modal Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate
Time Required
Problem Description There are several things that must be done to perform the simulation of a rectangular plate constrained at one end and a periodic concentrated force applied at the other end.
Create a rectangular shaped geometric surface Mesh the surface Constrain one end of the surface Apply a concentrated force at the other end of the surface Create DELAY, DPHASE, and RLOAD1 MD Nastran entries Specify modal damping Perform the simulation

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools.
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2 Geometry

Perform automatic meshing. Set up simulation conditions for a frequency response analysis. Create deformation plots.

1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the default workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Solver Card using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options / Options Editor. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Click in Solver Card checkbox. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Material, select New Material / Isotropic, then select MAT1. 2. On the Create MAT1 Material form, enter: Name (default): E (elastic modulus) NU (Poissons ratio) RHO (mass density) MAT_1 10.E6 0.3 0.101
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3. Click Create, then click Exit.
To Create an element Property:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Property, select New Property / 2D, then select PSHELL. 2. On the Create PSHELL Property form enter 0.1 for thickness in the T cell. 3. On the Create PSHELL Property form double click in the MID cell. 4. Click Select, then chose MAT_1 1 from the Entity Selection panel 5. Click OK. 6. Repeat steps 3 thru 5 for MID2 and MID3. 7. On the Create PSHELL Property form click Create, then click Exit.
Create a Part
1. From the Part toolbox select Create Part. 2. Click OK.

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body: 1. From the Geometry toolbox select Curve, then select Polyline/Spline. 2. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon. 3. On the Pick Filters toolbar, pull down the Specify XYZ coordinates icon.
4. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 0 0, then click OK. 6. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon. 7. Click Apply in the Polyline Spline form.
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8. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon. 9. On the Pick Filters toolbar select Specify XYZ coordinates icon. 10. In the X,Y,Z Input box, enter 0 2 0, then click OK. 11. In the X,Y,Z Input box, enter 5 2 0, then click OK. 12. Click Cancel in the X,Y,Z Input box. 13. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon. 14. Click OK in the Polyline Spline form. 15. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view. 16. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
17. From the Geometry toolbox select Surface, then select Filler. 18. On the Filler surface form click Using Curves. 19. In the Filler surface form under Entities click the Pick... icon. 20. Click on the two curves. 21. In the Filler surface form click the Done icon. 22. In the Filler surface form click OK.

1. From the FE Modeling toolbox select Mesh, then select Create / Mesher.
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2. In the Mesher form under Mesh Type select Surface. 3. For Body To Mesh click the Pick... icon. 4. Screen select the single surface. 5. In the Mesher form click the Done icon. 6. For Element Size use 0.5. 7. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 8. Select PSHELL_1 in the Model Browser Tree. 9. In the Mesher form click the Done icon. 10. Click OK to mesh the surface with 2D quad4 elements.

The plate will have the translational freedoms on the left end constrained while a force will be applied to the corner node on the right side.

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select SPC. 2. On the Defaults For SPC BC form change the Name from SPC_1 to BCS3. 3. Accept the default values of 0 for all Di. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create SPC pick panel select Nodes. 6. Screen pick the 5 nodes at the left end of the plate. 7. On the Create SPC pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
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To create unit force (FORCE):

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / Nodal BC, then select FORCE. 2. On the Defaults For FORCE BC form change the Name from FORCE_1 to Unit_Force. 3. On the Defaults For Force BC form enter the following values: F (Force) DIR1 (X-direction) DIR2 (Y-direction) DIR3 (Z-direction) 1 0 0 1
4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create FORCE pick panel, select Nodes. 6. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate. 7. On the Create FORCE pick panel, click Done, then click Exit.
To create an RLOAD1 entry:

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CHAPTER 7
1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select DELAY. 2. On the Defaults For DELAY BC form only the box that corresponds to D3 is to be checked, and a value of 0.0 is to be entered for D3. 3. Click Store, then click Exit. 4. On the Create DELAY pick panel select Nodes. 5. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate (where the unit force is applied). 6. On the Create DELAY pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
7. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select DPHASE. 8. On the Defaults For DPHASE BC form check the box that corresponds to D3 and enter a value of 0.0. 9. Click Store, then click Exit. 10. On the Create DPHASE pick panel select Nodes. 11. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate (where the unit force and delay are applied). 12. On the Create DPHASE pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create a Global RLOAD1 entry:
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8 Geometry
1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Global BC, select New Global BC, then select RLOAD1. 2. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the EXITED cell, then click Select. 3. From the Model Browser Tree select Unit_Force under LBC. 4. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the DELAY cell, then click Select. 5. From the Model Browser Tree select DELAY under LBC. 6. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the DPHASE cell, then click Select. 7. From the Model Browser Tree select DPHASE under LBC. 8. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the TC cell, then click Create. 9. Select TABLED1 from the pop up window, then click OK. 10. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Add twice and enter the following values into the created fields. 20 1000 1 1
11. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Update. 12. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Modify, then click Exit
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CHAPTER 9
13. On the Create RLOAD1 form click Create, then click Exit.
Create a LBC Set

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC Set, then select New LBC Set. 2. On the Create LBC Set form enter Case_1 for the LBC Set Name. 3. On the Create LBC Set form under Select Existing LBCs click on all 5 LBC-s. 4. On the Create LBC Set form click OK.
Set up Simulation Conditions for a Modal Frequency Response Analysis

We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will make it possible to create a BDF file, which can be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
Creating Job:
1. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis.
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10 Geometry
2. Right click on Nastran Jobs, then click Create New Job. 3. On the Job Properties form enter Modal_Frequency_Response for Job Name. 4. For Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Frequency Response (SOL 111). 5. Click OK to create the new job.
Setting General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on General Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following values: Maximum Print Lines Plate RZ Stiffness Factor Weight-Mass Conversion Node Weight Generation 4. Click OK. 0 100 0.00259 0
Setting Solution Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Solution Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Solution 111 Parameters form enter 0.0000 for Structural Damping Coefficient. 4. Click OK.
Adding a Subcase:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Cases. 2. Click Add Subcase. 3. Select Case_1 under Select LBC Set. 4. On the Subcase Properties form set Modal Damping to Critical Damping (CRIT). 5. Click OK to close the Subcase Properties form. 6. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Real Eigenvalues. 7. Click Properties. 8. On the Eigenvalue Extraction form set Method to Lanczos, then click OK. 9. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Frequency Extraction. 10. Click Properties. 11. Right click in the Frequency Recovery Definition screen area, then select Add.
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CHAPTER 11
12. On the Frequency Recovery Definition form enter the following values with Linear distribution as the Increment Type: Start Frequency End Frequency Number of Increments 20 1000 49
13. On the Frequency Recovery Definition form click Apply, then click OK. 14. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Damping Parameters. 15. Click Properties. 16. Right click in the Modal Damping Properties screen area, then select Add. 17. On the Modal Damping Properties form enter the following values: Frequency Damping 20 0.03
18. On the Modal Damping Properties form click Apply. 19. Repeat the above steps, entering the following values: Frequency Damping 1000 0.03
20. On the Modal Damping Properties form click Apply, then click OK.
Adding output requests:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase: Case_1. 2. Click Add Output Requests. 3. On the Define Output Request form right click on Output Request. 4. Select Add Displacement. 5. Click Apply. 6. Click Close.
Setting Output File:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Output File. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Output File Properties form check Print.
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12 Geometry
4. On the Output File Properties form select XDB for Binary Output. 5. Click OK to close the Output File Properties form.
Run job:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Modal_Frequency_Response. 2. Click Run. 3. Enter Modal_frequency_Response for File name. 4. Click Save.
Attach Results
Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results. 1. From the File menu click Attach Results, then on Result Entities. 2. Select the file modal_frequency_response.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View. 5. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.

We will visually assess our results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots. 1. From the Results toolbox select State Plot. 2. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select Freq. = 360. 4. For Results type select Displacements, Translational. 5. Select Update.
6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type.
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CHAPTER 13
7. For Result Cases select Freq. = 360. 8. For Results type select Displacements, Translational. 9. For Derivation select Magnitude. 10. Select Update.
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14 Geometry
Main Index
Direct Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate
Time Required
Problem Description There are several things that must be done to perform the simulation of a rectangular plate constrained at one end and a periodic concentrated force applied at the other end.
Create a rectangular shaped geometric surface Mesh the surface Constrain one end of the surface Apply a concentrated force at the other end of the surface Create DELAY, DPHASE, and RLODAD1 MD Nastran entries Specify modal damping Perform the simulation
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2 Geometry

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Perform automatic meshing. Set up simulation conditions for a frequency response analysis. Create deformation plots.

1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the default workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Solver Card using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options / Options Editor. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Click in Solver Card checkbox. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Material, select New Material / Isotropic, then select MAT1.
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CHAPTER 3
2. On the Create MAT1 Material form, enter: Name (default): E (elastic modulus) NU (Poissons ratio) RHO (mass density) MAT1_1 10.E6 0.3 0.101
3. Click Create, then click Exit.
To Create an element Property:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Property, select New Property / 2D, then select PSHELL. 2. On the Create PSHELL Property form enter 0.1 for thickness in the T cell. 3. On the Create PSHELL Property form double click in the MID cell. 4. Click Select, then chose MAT1_1 from the Entity Selection panel. 5. Click OK. 6. Repeat steps 3 thru 5 for MID2 and MID3. 7. On the Create PSHELL Property form click Create, then click Exit.
Create a Part
1. From the Part toolbox select Create Part. 2. Click OK.

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body: 1. From the Geometry toolbox select Curve, then select Polyline/Spline. 2. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon.
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4 Geometry
3. On the Pick Filters toolbar, pull down the Specify XYZ coordinates icon.
4. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 0 0, then click OK. 6. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon. 7. Click Apply in the Polyline Spline form. 8. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon. 9. On the Pick Filters toolbar select Specify XYZ coordinates icon. 10. In the X,Y,Z Input box, enter 0 2 0, then click OK. 11. In the X,Y,Z Input box, enter 5 2 0, then click OK. 12. Click Cancel in the X,Y,Z Input box. 13. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon. 14. Click OK in the Polyline Spline form. 15. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view. 16. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
17. From the Geometry toolbox select Surface, then select Filler. 18. On the Filler surface form click Using Curves. 19. In the Filler surface form under Curves click the Pick... icon.
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CHAPTER 5
20. Click on the two curves. 21. In the Filler surface form click the Done icon. 22. In the Filler surface form click OK.

1. From the FE Modeling toolbox select Mesh, then select Create / On Part. 2. In the On Part mesher form under Mesh Type select Surface. 3. For Body To Mesh click the Pick... icon. 4. Screen select the single surface. 5. In the On Part mesher form click the Done icon. 6. For Element Size use 0.5. 7. For Element Property click the Pick... icon. 8. Select PSHELL_1 in the Model Browser Tree. 9. In the On Part mesher form click the Done icon. 10. Click OK to mesh the surface with 2D quad4 elements.
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6 Geometry

The plate will have the translational freedoms on the left end constrained while a force will be applied to the corner node on the right side.

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select SPC. 2. On the Defaults For SPC BC form change the Name from SPC_1 to BCS3. 3. Accept the default values of 0 for all Di. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create SPC pick panel select Nodes. 6. Screen pick the 5 nodes at the left end of the plate. 7. On the Create SPC pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create unit force (FORCE):

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / Nodal BC, then select FORCE. 2. On the Defaults For FORCE BC form change the Name from FORCE_1 to Unit_Force. 3. On the Defaults For Force BC form enter the following values: F (Force) DIR1 (X-direction) DIR2 (Y-direction) DIR3 (Z-direction) 1 0 0 1
4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create FORCE pick panel, select Nodes. 6. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate.
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CHAPTER 7
7. On the Create FORCE pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create an RLOAD1 entry:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select DELAY. 2. On the Defaults For DELAY BC form only the box that corresponds to D3 is to be checked, and a value of 0.0 is to be entered for D3. 3. Click Store, then click Exit. 4. On the Create DELAY pick panel select Nodes. 5. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate (where the unit force is applied). 6. On the Create DELAY pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
7. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC, select New LBC / SPC BC, then select DPHASE. 8. On the Defaults For DPHASE BC form check the box that corresponds to D3 and enter a value of 0.0. 9. Click Store, then click Exit. 10. On the Create DPHASE pick panel select Nodes.
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8 Geometry
11. Screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate (where the unit force and delay are applied). 12. On the Create DPHASE pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create a Global RLOAD1 entry:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click Global BC, select New Global BC, then select RLOAD1. 2. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the EXITED cell, then click Select. 3. From the Model Browser Tree select Unit_Force under LBC. 4. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the DELAY cell, then click Select. 5. From the Model Browser Tree select DELAY under LBC. 6. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the DPHASE cell, then click Select. 7. From the Model Browser Tree select DPHASE under LBC. 8. On the Create RLOAD1 form double click in the TC cell, then click Create. 9. Select TABLED1 from the pop up window, then click OK. 10. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Add twice and enter the following values into the created fields. 20 1000 1 1
11. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Update. 12. On the SimXpert Grapher form click Modify, then click Exit
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CHAPTER 9
13. On the Create RLOAD1 form click Create, then click Exit.
Create a LBC Set

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click LBC Set, then select New LBC Set. 2. On the Create LBC Set form enter Case_1 for the LBC Set Name. 3. On the Create LBC Set form under Select Existing LBCs click on all 5 LBC-s. 4. On the Create LBC Set form click OK.
Set up Simulation Conditions for a Direct Frequency Response Analysis

We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will make it possible to create a BDF file, which can be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
Creating Job:
1. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis.
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10 Geometry
2. Right click on Nastran Jobs, then click Create New Job. 3. On the Job Properties form enter Direct_Frequency_Response for Job Name. 4. For Solution Type drop down menu select Direct Frequency Response (SOL 108). 5. Click OK to create the new job.
Setting General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on General Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following values: Maximum Print Lines Plate RZ Stiffness Factor Weight-Mass Conversion Node Weight Generation 4. Click OK. 0 100 0.00259 0
Setting Solution Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Solution Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Solution 108 Parameters form enter 0.06 for Structural Damping Coefficient. 4. Click OK.
Adding a Subcase:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Cases. 2. Click Add Subcase. 3. Select Case_1 under Select LBC Set. 4. Click OK. 5. In the Model tree right click on Frequency Extraction. 6. Click Properties. 7. Right click in the Frequency Recovery Definition screen area, then select Add. 8. On the Frequency Recovery Definition form enter the following values: Type Linear Distribution
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CHAPTER 11
Number of Increments Start Frequency End Frequency
49 20 1000
9. On the Frequency Recovery Definition form click Apply, then click OK.
Adding output requests:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase: Case_1. 2. Click Add Output Requests. 3. On the Define Output Request form right click on Output Request. 4. Select Add Displacement. 5. Click Apply. 6. Click Close.
Setting Output File:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Output File. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Output File Properties form check Print. 4. On the Output File Properties form select XDB for Binary Output. 5. Click OK to close the Output File Properties form.
Run job:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Direct_Frequency_Response. 2. Click Run. 3. Enter Direct_frequency_Response for File name. 4. Click Save.
Attach Results
Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results. 1. From the File menu click Attach Results, then click on Result Entities. 2. Select the file direct_frequency_response.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View. 5. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
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12 Geometry

Visually assess the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots. 1. From the Results toolbox select State Plot. 2. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select Freq. = 100. 4. For Result type select Displacements, Translational. 5. Select Update.
6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 7. For Result Cases select Freq. = 100. 8. For Result type select Displacements, Translational. 9. For Derivation select Magnitude. 10. Select Update.
Main Index
CHAPTER 13
Main Index
14 Geometry
Main Index
Direct Transient Analysis

Time Required
Problem Description A 5 x 2 plate is constrained at one short edge, and at the opposite edge there is a periodic transient concentrated force at one of its corners. Also, there is a periodic transient pressure load over the entire plate. The simulation is to be transient using the direct method, as opposed to the modal method.
Main Index
2 Geometry

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Perform automatic meshing. Set up simulation conditions for a direct transient analysis. Create deformation plots.

Length: in. Mass: lb. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Force: lbf.
6. Click OK.

1. On the Materials and Properties tab select Isotropic from Material group. 2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values:: Name: Youngs modulus Poissons ratio Density (mass) Steel 30E6 0.30 0.101
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CHAPTER 3
3. Click OK.
To create an element property:

1. On the Materials and Properties tab select Shell from 2D Properties group. 2. Click in the Material ID textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser tree. 3. On the Shell Property form enter 0.1 for Part thickness. 4. Click OK.
Create a Part

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body: 1. On the Geometry tab, select Filler from the Surface group. 2. Uncheck Using Curves then click in the Entites textbox. 3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 2 0, then click OK. 6. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 0 2 0, then click OK. 7. In the Filler surface form click OK. 8. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view. 9. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
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4 Geometry

1. On the Meshing tab, select Surface from the Automesh group. 2. Click in the Surface To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen select the surface. 4. For Element Size use the value 0.4 5. For Mesh Type use the default of Mixed. 6. For Mesh Method select Mapped. 7. Click OK to mesh the surface with 2D quad4 elements.
.
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CHAPTER 5

The plate is to have the translational and rotational degrees-of-freedom on the left end constrained, while a force is to be applied to a corner node on the right side. In addition to this a constant pressure load over the plate is to be applied.
To create single point constraint:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraints group. 2. Select Pick Curves from the Pick Filter toolbar. 3. Screen pick the left edge of the model. 4. Click OK.
To create a pressure load on the model:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pressure from the Pressure group. 2. Click in the Pick entities textbox and select the surface from the screen. 3. Enter a pressure value of -1.0. 4. Click OK.
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6 Geometry
To create a concentrated force:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Force from the Loads group. 2. Change the Name to Point_Force. 3. Click in the Pick entities textbox and select bottom right corner of the plate 4. Enter the following values: Name Magnitude Direction X Direction Y Direction Z 5. Click OK. Point_Force 50 0 0 1
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CHAPTER 7
To create a function of time for the pressure and force loading:

For the pressure load: 1. Go to Tool > Option and select GUI Option on the User Options form. 2. Check Solver Card as the UI Option. 3. Click OK. 4. From the Model Browser Tree double-click 3D Pressure_1. 5. Check Transient next to the Name. 6. Check Transient in the Card area. 7. Select TLOAD2 from the drop down menu. 8. On the TLOAD2 form check the following boxes and enter the following values: T1 T2 FREQ PHI 9. Click OK. For the concentrated force: 0.0 0.008 250.0 -90.0
Main Index
8 Geometry
1. From the Model Browser Tree double-click Point_Force. 2. Check Transient next to the Name. 3. Check Transient in the Card area. 4. Select TLOAD2 from the drop down menu. 5. On the TLOAD2 form check the following boxes and enter the following values: T1 T2 FREQ PHI 6. Click OK. 0.0 0.008 250.0 -90.0
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Direct Transient Analysis

Set up a job by defining the specific input and output requests. This will yield a BDF file, from which an MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the transient analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right-click FileSet and click Create New Nastran Job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for Job Name. 3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Direct Transient Analysis (SOL109). 4. Click the ellipses (...) on Solver Input File. 5. Select the location to where the job will be exported and enter Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for File Name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. On the General Linear Solver Parameters form enter the following values. Plate RZ Stiffness Factor Weight-Mass Conversion 3. Click Apply. 100.0 0.00259
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CHAPTER 9
4. On the Solution 109 Parameters form enter the following values: Structural Damping Coefficient W3 Damping Factor W4 Damping Factor 5. Click Apply. 6. Select Output File Properties from the list. 7. Check the Print box under Text Output. 8. Select XDB for Binary Output. 9. Click Apply. 10. Click Close. 0.06 1570.0 0
Setup Loadcase Control:

11. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Loadcase Control. 12. On the Time Step Definition Table form, click Add (+). 13. Enter time step increment data: Number of Time Steps Time Increment Skip Factor 100 0.0004 1
14. After changing any of the cells, click into another cell to make the changes stay. 15. Click Apply. 16. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model click Run.
(TO HERE CORRECT 5/14/08) Doesnt print a DLOAD card or DLOAD in the case control. Also, doesnt print TSTEP in the case control.

We will attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database. 1. From the File menu click Attach Results.
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10 Geometry
2. Click the browse button and select the file, Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Select Result as the Attach Option. 5. Click OK. 6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View. 7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
Create Deformation State Plot

To create deformation plots:
1. From the Results toolbox select State Plot. 2. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select Time = 0.02. 4. For Result type select Displacement, Translational. 5. Select Update.
6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 7. For Result Cases select Time = 0.02. 8. For Result type select Displacements, Translational.
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CHAPTER 11
9. For Derivation select Magnitude. 10. Select Update.
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12 Geometry
Main Index
Cantilevered Plate - Modal Transient Analysis

Time Required
Problem Description A 5 x 2 plate is constrained at one short edge, and at the opposite edge there is a periodic transient concentrated force at one of its corners. Also, there is a periodic transient pressure load over the entire plate. The simulation is to be transient using the modal method, as opposed to the direct method.

Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools. Perform automatic meshing. Set up simulation conditions for a direct transient analysis. Create deformation plots.
Main Index
2 Geometry

Length: in. Mass: lb. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Force: lbf.
6. Click OK.
To create an isotropic material: To Create an Isotropic Material:

1. On the Materials and Properties tabn select Isotropic from Material group. 2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values:: Name: Youngs modulus Poissons ratio Density (mass) 3. Click OK. Steel 30E6 0.30 0.101
To create an element property:

1. On the Materials and Properties tabn select Shell from 2D Properties group. 2. Click in the Material ID textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser tree. 3. On the Shell Property form enter 0.1 for Part thickness.
Main Index
CHAPTER 3
4. Click OK.
Create a Part

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using SimXperts polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body: 1. On the Geometry tab, select Filler from the Surface group. 2. Uncheck Using Curves then click in the Entites textbox. 3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK. 4. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 0 0, then click OK. 5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 5 2 0, then click OK. 6. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 0 2 0, then click OK. 7. In the Filler surface form click OK. 8. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view. 9. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
Main Index
4 Geometry

1. On the Meshing tab, select Surface from the Automesh group. 2. Click in the Surface To Mesh textbox. 3. Screen select the surface. 4. For Element Size use the value 0.4 5. For Mesh Type use the default of Mixed. 6. For Mesh Method select Mapped. 7. Click OK to mesh the surface with 2D quad4 elements.
.
Main Index
CHAPTER 5

The plate is to have the translational and rotational degrees-of-freedom on the left end constrained, while a force is to be applied to a corner node on the right side. In addition to this a constant pressure load over the plate is to be applied.
To create single point constraint:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraint group. 2. Select Pick Curves from the Pick Filter toolbar.. 3. Screen pick the left edge of the model. 4. Click OK.
To create a pressure load on the model:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pressure from the Pressure group. 2. Click in the Pick entities textbox and select the surface from the screen. 3. Enter a pressure value of -1.0. 4. Click OK.
Main Index
6 Geometry
To create a concentrated force:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Force from the Loads group. 2. Change the Name to Point_Force. 3. Click in the Pick entities textbox and select bottom right corner of the plate 4. Enter the following values: Name Force Direction X Direction Y Direction Z 5. Click OK. Point_Force 50 0 0 1
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CHAPTER 7
For the pressure load: 1. Go to Tool > Option and select GUI Option on the User Options form. 2. Check Solver Card as the UI Option. 3. Click OK. 4. From the Model Browser Tree double-click 3D Pressure_1. 5. Check Transient next to the Name. 6. Check Transient in the Card area. 7. Select TLOAD2 from the drop down menu. 8. On the TLOAD2 form check the following boxes and enter the following values: T1 T2 FREQ PHI 9. Click OK. For the concentrated force: 0.0 0.008 250.0 -90.0
Main Index
8 Geometry
1. From the Model Browser Tree double-click Point_Force. 2. Check Transient next to the Name. 3. Check Transient in the Card area. 4. Select TLOAD2 from the drop down menu. 5. On the TLOAD2 form check the following boxes and enter the following values: T1 T2 FREQ PHI 6. Click OK. 0.0 0.008 250.0 -90.0
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Modal Transient Analysis

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will give us a BDF file, from which an MSC Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the transient analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right-click FileSet and click Create New Nastran Job. 2. On the Job Properties form enter Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for Job Name. 3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Transient Analysis (SOL112). 4. Click the ellipses (...) on Solver Input File. 5. Select the location to where the job will be exported and enter Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for File Name. 6. Click Save. 7. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Solver Control. 2. On the General Linear Solver Parameters form enter the following values. Plate RZ Stiffness Factor Weight-Mass Conversion 3. Click Apply. 100.0 0.00259
Main Index
CHAPTER 9
4. On the Solution 112 Parameters form enter the following values: Structural Damping Coefficient W3 Damping Factor W4 Damping Factor 5. Click Apply. 6. On the Output File Properties form check the Print checkbox under Text Output. 7. Select XDB for Binary Output. 8. Click Apply. 9. Click Close. 0.06 1570.0 0
Setup Loadcase Control:

10. In the Model Browser Tree double-click Loadcase Control. 11. On the Eigenvalue Extraction Parameters form, select Lanczos as the Method. 12. Enter 10 for the Number of Desired Roots. 13. Click Apply. 14. On the Time Step Definition Table form, right-click in window and click Add. 15. Enter time step increment data: Number of Time Steps Time Increment Skip Factor 100 0.0004 1
16. After changing any of the cells, click into another cell to make the changes stay. 17. Click Apply. 18. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right-click Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model click Run.1

We will attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database. 1. From the File menu click Attach Results.
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2. Click the browse button and select the file modal_transient_analysis_of_5x2_plate_model.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Select Result as the Attach Option. 5. Click OK. 6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View. 7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
Create Displacement Chart and Deformation Plot

To Create a Chart:
1. Click the toolbox Result, then click Chart. 2. Under Result Cases click on SC1 to select all the times. 3. For Result Type click Displacements, Translational. 4. For Derivation click Z Component. 5. Click on the window under Target Entities (in the form), and type Node 62 (this is the node where the point force was applied).
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6. Click Add Curves.
7. Click Clear Plot. 8. Close the Chart form.
To create deformation plots:

1. From the Results toolbox select State Plot. 2. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select Time = 0.0356. 4. For Result type select Displacements, Translational. 5. Select Update.
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6. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type. 7. For Result Cases select Time = 0.0356. 8. For Result type select Displacements, Translational. 9. For Derivation select Magnitude.
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10. Select Update.
This is the end of this exercise.
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Piston and Cylinder Assembly

Time Required
Problem Description. This example shows the simulation of a piston and cylinder assembly subject to specific motion. The example covers many simulation topics, including importing geometry, creating hardpoints, creating various types of joints, and imposing motion.
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2 Geometry

Import a parasolid model file. Create the connecting rod part. Import the crankshaft geometry. Create the crankshaft part. Import the piston geometry. Create the piston part. Import the engine block geometry. Create the engine block part. Create hard points. Create cylindrical, spherical, revolute and translational joints. Create a motion. Perform the simulation. View the results.
Startup SimXpert, Define Properties, and Import Files

To enter the Motion Workspace, and set Units as SI:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Motion as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 5. Select Units Manager. 6. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: m. Mass: kg. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Angle: degree. Force: N.
7. Click OK.
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1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file conrod.x_t. 3. Click Open.
To create a rod Part:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Part. 2. Enter conrod for the Part Name. 3. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the connecting rod model in the model window. 4. Click OK.
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1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file crankshaft.x_t. 3. Click Open.
To create a crankshaft Part:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Part. 2. Enter crankshaft for the Part Name.
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3. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the crankshaft model in the model window. 4. Click OK.

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file piston.x_t. 3. Click Open.
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To create a piston Part:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Part. 2. Enter piston for the Part Name. 3. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the piston model in the model window. 4. Click OK.

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file engineblock.x_t. 3. Click Open.
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To create an engineblock Part:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Part. 2. Enter engineblock for the Part Name. 3. Select Ground to make the block a grounded part. 4. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the engineblock model in the model window. 5. Click OK.
To create several hard points:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Hardpoint. 2. For the Hardpoint / Name enter CrankPivotHP. 3. Select Single. 4. For X location enter -0.3965. 5. For Y location enter -0.30225. 6. For Z location enter 0.314. 7. Click Apply.
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8. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter CrankToRodHP. 9. Select Single. 10. For X location enter -0.4765. 11. For Y location enter -0.30225. 12. For Z location enter 0.314. 13. Click Apply.
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14. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter RodToPistonHP. 15. Select Single. 16. For X location enter -0.3965. 17. For Y location enter -0.108. 18. For Z location enter 0.314. 19. Click Apply.
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20. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter PistonSlideHP. 21. Select Single. 22. For X location enter -0.3965. 23. For Y location enter 0. 24. For Z location enter 0.314. 25. Click Ok.
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To create a cylindrical joint:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Cylindrical. 2. Enter CrankPivot for the Connector Name. 3. Click in the Part1 cell and select crankshaft from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Click in the Part2 cell and select engineblock from the Model Browser Tree. 5. For Location 1 / Method select HardPoint. 6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select CrankPivotHP from the Model Browser Tree. 7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Global. 8. Click OK.
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To create a spherical joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Spherical. 2. Enter CrankToRod for the Connector Name. 3. Click in the Part1 cell and select crankshaft from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Click in the Part2 cell and select conrod from the Model Browser Tree. 5. For Location 1 / Method select HardPoint. 6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select CrankToRodHP from the Model Browser Tree. 7. Click OK.
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To create a revolute joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Revolute. 2. Enter RodToPiston for the Connector Name. 3. Click in the Part1 cell and select conrod from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Click in the Part2 cell and select piston from the Model Browser Tree. 5. For Location 1 / Method select HardPoint. 6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select RodToPistonHP from the Model Browser Tree. 7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Global. 8. Click OK.
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To create a translational joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Translational. 2. Enter PistonSlide for the Connector Name. 3. Click in the Part1 cell and select piston from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Click in the Part2 cell and select engineblock from the Model Browser Tree. 5. For Location 1 / Method select HardPoint. 6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select PistonSlideHP from the Model Browser Tree. 7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Euler Angles. 8. In the Euler Angles cells enter: Rotation 1: 0. Rotation 2: 90. Rotation 3: 0. 9. Click OK. (UPDATED THROUGH HERE 4/4/08)
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To create enforced motion:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Motions, then select Joint. 2. Enter Motion_1 for the Joint Name. 3. Click in the Joint Name cell and select CrankPivot from the Model Browser Tree. 4. Select Rotate Z for Freedom. 5. Select Displacement as Motion Type. 6. For Motion / Method select Expression. 7. For Expression enter 100*TIME 8. Click OK.
Perform Motion Transient Simulation and View the Results

To perform the simulation:
1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Simulation, then select Simulation. 2. Enter 4 for the End Time. 3. Enter 400 for the number of Steps. 4. Click the Begin Model Simulation icon.
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5. When the simulation is finished running (at 100%), close the form.
To view resulting motion:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Results, then select Animation. 2. Click the Play Animation Forward button.
3. When finished viewing the animation click on the Reset Animation button, and close the form.
To create position of the piston versus time chart:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Results, then select Chart. 2. Select the name of Simulations run completed. 3. Select piston for the Entity. 4. Select Y as the Quantity. 5. Click Add Curves.
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6. Click Clear Chart.
To create a position versus position chart:

1. Click on Independent Data tab in the window. 2. Uncheck the Time checkbox. 3. Select the name of the Simulations run completed. 4. Select conrod as the Entity. 5. Select X as the Quantity. 6. Then select Dependent Data tab in the window. 7. Select conrod as the Entity. 8. Select Y as the Quantity. 9. Click Add Curves. This will plot the path of the center of mass of the conrod during the simulation.
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Flexible Body Analysis of Four Bar Linkage

Motion Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description. A four bar linkage is to be modeled.
The Structure is anchored at both ends and the individual bars are linked together. Analysis will focus on obtaining the stress and deformation distributions of the model first when it is made to rotate about a link, and then again when the link is connected with a rotational stiffness.
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Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the three links and two lugs (constraining Parts). Create material and solid element properties. Perform automatic meshing with tetrahedron elements. Specify simulation conditions for a modal analysis. Create stress and deformation plots.
Start up SimXpert and Create Motion Parts, Components, and Connections

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements. In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then import the bar linkage system into the workspace.
To enter the Motion workspace and set options:

1. Startup SimXpert and select Motion as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 5. Select Units Manager. 6. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: mm. Mass: kg. Time: s. Temperature: kelvin. Angle: degree. Force: N.
7. Select Geometry / CAD Import.

Under Parasolid, click checkbox for Create a part for each body when importing a
subassembly. 8. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid:
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1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file 4bar1.x_t. 3. Click Open.
To create motion parts for each link:

1. From the Components toolbox, select Part. 2. Enter link1 as the Part Name (replace Part_1). 3. Click in the Geometry text box, then click Pick... . 4. Select Part Part1 in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the Part form Click Done. 6. Click Apply. 7. In the same form enter link2 as the Part Name (replace Part_2). 8. Click in the Geometry text box, then click Pick... . 9. Select Part Part2 in the Model Browser tree. 10. In the Part form Click Done. 11. Click Apply. 12. In the same form enter link3 as the Part Name (replace Part_3). 13. Click in the Geometry text box, then click Pick... . 14. Select Part Part3 in the Model Browser tree. 15. In the Part form Click Done. 16. Click Apply.
To create motion parts for the fixed lugs:

1. In the same form enter lug1 as the Part Name (replace Part_4). 2. Check the Ground checkbox. 3. Click in the Geometry text box, then click Pick... .
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4. Select Part Part4 in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the Part form Click Done. 6. Click Apply. 7. In the same form enter lug2 as the Part Name (replace Part_5). 8. Check the Ground checkbox. 9. Click in the Geometry text box, then click Pick... . 10. Select Part Part5 in the Model Browser tree. 11. In the Part form Click Done. 12. Click OK.
To create connections:
Connect link1 to link2 1. From the Connections toolbox, select Revolute. 2. In the Connector form, for Name Connector_1, click in the Part 1 text box and select link1 from the Model Browser tree. 3. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select link2 from the Model Browser tree. 4. Select Geometry from the Location 1 / Method drop down menu. 5. Click in the Feature text box. 6. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar select Edges.
7. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link1 and link2. It may be heplful to unselect Faces and Vertices.
8. Click Apply. Connect link2 to link3: 1. In the Connection form, for Name Connector_2, click in the Part 1 text box and select link2 from the Model Browser tree.
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2. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select link3 from the Model Browser tree. 3. Click in the Feature text box. 4. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar select Edges. 5. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link2 and link3. 6. Click Apply. Connect link3 to lug2: 1. In the Connection form, for Name Connector_3, click in the Part 1 text box and select link3 from the Model Browser tree. 2. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select lug2 from the Model Browser tree. 3. Click in the Feature text box. 4. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar select Edges. 5. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link3 and lug2. 6. Click Apply. Connect link1 to lug1: 1. In the Connection form, for Name Connector_4, click in the Part 1 text box and select link1 from the Model Browser tree. 1. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select lug1 from the Model Browser tree. 2. Click in the Feature text box. 3. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar select Edges. 4. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link1 and lug1. 5. Click OK. Note: Once completed there should be five components and four connections in the Model Browser tree.
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To apply Joint Motion:

1. From the Motions toolbox, select Joint Motion. 2. In the Joint Motion form, for Name JointMotion_1, click in the Joint Name text box and select Connector_1 from the Model Browser tree. 3. Set Motion Type to Velocity. 4. For Motion / Expression, enter 90d. (This is a angular velocity of 90 degrees/second) 5. Click OK.
To calculate the motion as a function of time:

1. From the Simulation toolbox, select Simulation. 2. Change the Name to Rigid_link 3. Set End Time to 4.0 seconds and Steps to 200. 4. Change Simulation Type to Transient. 5. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button to calculate the motion.
To animate results from simulation:

1. Right click in the graphics window and select Model Views, then select Top. 2. For the Results toolbox, select Animation. 3. Click on the Play Animation Forward button to start animation. 4. Close the animation form.
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Define Structural Model Parameters for link2

To define connection geometry for link2:
1. Right click on link2 in the Model Browser tree, and select Properties. 2. Select the Loads tab. 3. Under Connections and Forces, select the Load Bearing Geometry field for Connector_1. 4. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar, select Faces (it may be heplful to unselect Edges and Vertices). 5. Click Pick... . 6. Select the cylindrical face of the hole of link2 at Connector_1. It may be helpful to rotate the model as shown.
7. Under Connections and Forces, select the Load Bearing Geometry field for Connector_2. 8. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar, select Faces. 9. Click Pick... . 10. Select the cylindrical face of the hole of link2 at Connector_2. 11. In the Properties of link2 editor form, click Apply.
To define structural material properties:

1. Select the Structures tab. 2. Under Material Info / Source, select Create New. 3. Enter 2.1e5 for Youngs Modulus. 4. Enter 0.3 for Poissons ratio.
To define mesh parameter values:

1. Under the Structures tab, for Mesh / Source, select Create New. 2. For Element Size, select User Defined, then enter 15.0 for the element size.
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3. For Type, select Solid. 4. For Element Type, select Quadratic.
To define structural analysis output:

1. Under the Structures tab, for Output / Number of Modes, enter 10. 2. Under Results, select Grid Point Stress and Element Stress. 3. Click Apply.
Create Flexible Body Model for link2

To make flexbody model for link2:
1. Under the Structures tab, click the Create Flexible Part button. Note: This action will cause the workspace to be changed from Motion to Structures, then link2 to be meshed with tetrahedral elements.
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Perform Modal Structural Analysis

To run an MD Nastran modal analysis:
1. In the Model Browser tree right click on the Simulation flexible link2 CMS. 2. Select Run.
To attach an MD Nastran XDB result file:

1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. Set the File Path to flexible_link2_cms.xdb. 3. Click Open. 4. Click OK.
.
Setting link2 as Flexible in Motion Workspace

1. Switch back to the Motion workspace by selecting Motion from the dropdown menu at the top right corner of the screen
2. In the Model Browser tree right click on link2, then select Properties. 3. In the Properties of link2 form click on Flexible Body. 4. Check the Model Part as Flexible box. 5. The Model drop down menu should be set to Current Model. 6. Set the Result Set Type option button to Current Results Set, which imports the results that were just attached, in this case the XDB file. 7. Click OK.
Run Flexible Body Simulation

1. From the toolbar select Simulation, then select Simulation. 2. Change the Name of the simulation to Flexible_link. 3. End Time should be set to 4 seconds. 4. Steps should be 200. 5. Simulation Type should be set to Transient. 6. The Start at Static Equilibrium checkbox should be checked. 7. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button. 8. Close the Simulation form when finished.
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Animate the Simulation Results

To animate results using motion and fringe:
1. Pull down the Results toolbox and select Animation. 2. Set Results Set to the second simulation run, Flexible_link_Run. 3. Click on Play Animation Forward to animate the model using the simulation results.
To animate results using stress fringe:

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Animation. 2. Set Results Set to the second simulation run, Flexible_link_Run. 3. Select the Plot Data tab in the Animation property editor. 4. For Result Type select Stress. 5. For Derivation select Von Mises. 6. Select the Deform tab in the Animation property editor. 7. Under Element Edge display change the Display dropdown menu to No edges. Note: This increases animation speed and it easier to see contours when zoomed out.
8. Select the Animation tab, then click Play.
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Include Rotational Spring in Model and Perform Analysis

To add a rotational spring to the model, and perform an analysis:
1. Pull down the Forces toolbox, then select Rotational. 2. Click on the Part 1 text box, then select link3 from the Model Browser tree. 3. Click on the Part 2 text box, then select lug2 from the Model Browser tree. 4. In the Location / Define Location Using drop down menu select Geometry. 5. Click on the Feature text box. 6. From the Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Edges. 7. Select the circular edge of the hole of link3 at lug2. 8. In the Orientation 1/ Method drop down menu select Global. 9. Set the Stiffness to Linear. 10. Set the Stiffness Rate to 1e+6. 11. Click OK.
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To perform model, with rotational spring, simulation:

1. Pull down the Simulation toolbox, then select Simulation. 2. Change the simulation Name to Spring_link. 3. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button.
To animate model, with rotational spring simulation results:

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Animation. 2. Ensure that the latest simulation run is selected in the Results Set drop down menu. 3. Click on Play Animation Forward to animate the model using the simulation results.
Plot Reaction Forces in Joints

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Chart. 2. Select rigid_link_run and spring_link_run from the Simulations section. 3. Select link1 from the Entity section. 4. Select X from the Quantity section. 5. Click on Add Curves.
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CHAPTER 15
Crushing of a Thin Square Tube

Crash Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description A simulation of a square cross section thin tube being crushed by a rigid wall moving with an initial velocity toward one end of the tube, while the other end of the tube is fixed, is to be performed. The basic FEA model containing the nodes and the elements is imported from a Nastran input file. Complete the crush model with materials, sections, boundary conditions, loads, and analysis and output options for performing the crush simulation.

Import the MD Nastran bdf file for the tube model. Create boundary conditions for the tube. Specify initial velocity for a set of nodes. Specify surface contact. Export the ls-dyna model. Execute ls-dyna. Read the ls-dyna results.
Some Key Data: Cross-section of the tube: Length of the tube: Thickness of the tube: Weight of the rigid wall: 69.954 mm X 69.954 mm 320 mm 1.2 mm 0.4 ton
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16 SimOffice Workspace 2006
Initial velocity of the rigid wall: 5646 mm/sec
Set the Workspace as Structures, and set Other Conditions Necessary to Define the Model
To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set Units as a Metric: 1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not the Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This causes the User Options form to be displayed. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Click the Standard Units button. 8. Select the row with mm, t, and s as the units for Length, Mass, and Time, respectively. 9. Click OK. 10. The Basic Units are now Length = mm, Mass = t, Time = s. Temperature = kelvin, and Force = N. 11. Click OK.
Create the Finite Elements for the Model, and Define the Model Part
To import an MD Nastran file: 1. From the File menu select Import, then select Nastran. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file square_tube_nast.bdf.
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3. Click Open.
To switch the workspace to Crash: 1. Pull down the Workspace menu and select Crash.
To create a material: 1. From the Workspace select Materials: Material / MAT [1 to 20] / [003]MAT PLASTIC KINEMATIC. 2. For Material Name enter Steel. 3. On the [003] MAT PLASTIC KINEMATIC form enter the following values: RO (mass density) E (Youngs modulus) PR (Poissons ratio) SIGY (yield stress) ETAN (tangent modulus) BETA (hardening parameter) 4. Click OK.
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7.8E-9 1.994E5 0.30 3.366E2 1 1
To create a property for the shell elements: 1. From the Workspace select Element Properties: Property / Section / SECTION_SHELL. 2. On the SECTION SHELL form enter the following values: ELFORM SHRF NIP T1 T2 T3 T4 3. Click OK. To assign the property and material to the Part: 1. Double click Part PSHELL_square_tube_nast.bdf in the Model Browser tree. 2. On the Modify Part form double click in the SECID cell. 3. Click Select, then choose SECTION_SHELL_1 from the Entity Selection panel. 4. Click OK. 5. On the Modify Part form double click in the MID cell. 6. Click Select, then chose Steel from the Entity Selection panel. 7. Click OK. 8. On the Modify Part form set the value for ADPOPT to 1 on the drop down menu. 9. Click Modify, then click Exit. 2 1 3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Create the Boundary Conditions for the Tube

To constrain the nodes on the edges of the tube model: Following are descriptions of how to constrain the model:
Bottom edge: constrain all 6 degrees-of-freedom for each node. x-symmetry edge (right edge): DOFX, DOFRY, DOFRZ. z-symmetry edge (left edge): DOFZ, DOFRX, DOFRY. Top edge: rigid element constraint for top of tube model.
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Top edge
z-symmetry edge
x-symmetry edge
Bottom edge (fixed)
To create constraints on bottom edge of tube: 1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / SPC / Boundary SPC.
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2. On the Defaults For Boundary SPC BC form use the default Name of Boundary SPC_1. 3. Accept the six default values of 0 for Functional (Translational or Rotational) Constraint (X,Y,Z) Dir. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel select Nodes. 6. Screen pick all the nodes on the bottom edge of the tube model. 7. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create constraints on right edge of tube: 8. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / SPC / Boundary SPC. 9. On the Defaults For Boundary SPC BC form uncheck boxes DOFY, DOFZ, and DOFRX. 10. Click Store, then click Exit. 11. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel select Nodes. 12. Set the picking to Polygonal Pick or Rectangular Window using these choices in the Pick Filters toolbar. 13. Screen pick all the nodes on the x-symmetry edge (right edge) of the tube, except the bottom node, by dragging a polygon or rectangle around them. 14. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
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To create constraints on left edge of tube: 15. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / SPC / Boundary SPC. 16. On the Defaults For Boundary SPC BC form, the only boxes that are to be uncheck are for DOFX, DOFY, and DOFRZ. 17. Click Store, then click Exit. 18. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel select Nodes. 19. Screen pick all the nodes on the z-symmetry edge (left edge) of the tube, except the bottom node, by dragging a rectangle around them. 20. On the Create Boundary SPC pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
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To create a constrained node set using rigid elements with all the nodes on the top edge of the tube: 1. To access the capability to create a constrained node set it is necessary to access the capability in the Structures Workspace. For this it is not necessary to change the Workspace from Crash to Structures. This can be done by setting the GUI Options to Solver Card -- Tools: Options / GUI Options / Solver Card (select), then select OK. 2. Select Elements: Create / Rigid / Constrained Node Set. 3. For the Defaults For Constrained Node Set Element form set DOF to 2. 4. For the Defaults For Constrained Node Set Element form click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Constrained Node Set pick panel select Nodes. 6. Set the picking to Single Pick using this choice in the Pick Filters toolbar. 7. Screen pick the nodes, on the top edge of the tube, individually. 8. On the Create Constrained Node Set pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
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Create Mass Elements to Represent the Rigid Wall

The set of mass elements will represent a rigid wall. Create mass elements to represent the rigid wall: 1. It is still necessary to access the Structures Workspace capability. 2. Select Elements: Create / 1 Noded / Element Mass. 3. On the Defaults For Element Mass Element form enter 0.01 for Mass. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Element Mass pick panel select Nodes. 6. Screen pick all the nodes on the top edge of the tube, except for the node on the left and right edges of symmetry.
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7. On the Create Element Mass pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
8. Select Elements: Create / 1 Noded / Element Mass. 9. On the Defaults For Element Mass Element form enter 0.005 for Mass. 10. Click Store, then click Exit. 11. On the Create Element Mass pick panel select Nodes. 12. Screen pick the 2 nodes where the top edge and the side edges of the tube intersect. 13. On the Create Element Mass pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
14. Now, re-set the GUI Options to Action/Object (not Solver Card).
Create Initial Condition for the Tube Model

The tube model is to be given an initial velocity -- create an initial velocity for the nodes on the top edge To create the initial velocity for the nodes on the top edge: 1. From the Workspace select LBC: Global BC / Initial / Initial Velocity. 2. On the Create Initial Velocity pick panel select Nodes.
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3. Screen pick all the nodes on the top edge. 4. On the Create Initial Velocity pick panel click Done. 5. On the Pick Exempted Nodes pick panel click Done. 6. On the Update Initial Velocity form enter -5646 for Initial velocity in Y-direction. 7. Click Modify, then click Exit.
Create Contact to Enforce Tube Model Motion

TO HERE 5/6/08
To create an auto single surface contact: 1. Select Contact: Automatic / Auto Single Surface. 2. On the Create/Select Slave pick panel select Part(s). 3. Screen pick anywhere on the Part. 4. On the Create/Select Slave pick panel click Done. 5. On the Modify Contact Auto Single Surface form click Modify, then click Exit. 6. On the Create/Select Slave pick panel click Exit.
Define Crash Analysis Dyna Job Parameters

To specify adaptive control parameters: 1. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Control, select New Control / A to C, then select CONTROL_ADAPTIVE.
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Enter value for ADPFREQ: 1.E-4 Enter value for ADPTOL: 5 Select value for ADPOPT: 2 Enter value for MAXLVL: 2 Enter value for ADPSIZE: 0 Click Create, then click Exit. To specify termination control parameters: 2. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Control, select New Control / N to Z, then select CONTROL_TERMINATION. Enter value for ENDTIM: 3.E-3 Click Create. To specify energy control parameters: 3. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Control, select New Control / D to H, then select CONTROL_ENERGY. Select value for HGEN: 2 Select value for RWEN: 2 Select value for SLNTEN: 2 Select value for RYLEN: 1 Click Create. To specify output control parameters: 4. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Control, select New Control / N to Z, then select CONTROL_OUTPUT. Select value for NPOPT: 1 Select value for NEECHO: 3 Click Create. To specify subcycle control parameters: 5. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job.
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Right click on Control, select New Control / N to Z, then select CONTROL_SUBCYCLE. Click Create. To specify a title: 6. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Control, select New Control / Title, then select TITLE. Enter value for Title: Crushing of a thin square tube. Click Create. To specify time interval for various parameters: 7. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Database, select New Database, then select DATABASE_BINARY_option. Enter value for DT_D3PLOT: 1.E-4 Click Modify. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. Expand Dyna Job. Right click on Database, select New Database, then select DATABASE_option. Enter value for DT_GLSTAT: 2.E-5 Enter value for DT_MATSUM: 2.E-5 Click Modify. To save a SimXpert database: 8. From the File menu select Save As. Specify the File name square_tube_crush. Click Save. To write a Dyna model from the SimXpert database: 9. From the File menu select Export, then select Dyna Model. Specify the File name square_tube_crush. Click Save. To Exit from SimXpert: 10. From the File menu select Exit.
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Execute ls-dyna, and Post-process its Results

To execute ls-dyna: 1. Display a DOS prompt window. 2. In the DOS window include the following:
<path to the ls-dyna executable>, followed by the name of the ls-dyna executable. A blank space. I=<path to the ls-dyna model file>, followed by the name of the ls-dyna model file. The DOS prompt command must look like the following:
C:\<path to lsdyna.exe file>\simx-lsdyna.exe I=<path to lsdyna model file> \ square_tube_crush.dyn 3. Click Enter. To post-process the lsdyna results: 4. Post-process the results using lsprepost. Execute lsprepost. Attach the binary results plot file.
File: Open / Binary Plot. Select the file d3plot. Click Open. Click Bcolr. Animate or change the time the model is displayed for.
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Click Fcomp.| Click von mises stress. Animate or change the time the model is displayed for.
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Crash Analysis of Auto Impacting a Wall

Crash Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description Import several parts of an automobile crashing into a wall model, and perform several operations for each part
Automobile View the automobile model Create accelerometer elements on the rocker panels Set up model to be able to obtain output from several parts of model such as the engine cradle Driver Position model of driver Position seat belt Wall Position wall Entire model (automobile, driver, and wall) View model
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Model Browser Tree

Import the three parts of the model View each part of the model Specify output, i.e. accelerometer, bumper, engine cradle Position parts of model
Startup SimXpert, Import Finite Element Model of Truck, and Change Model Appearance
In this section you will assign global units for the simulation, import a finite element model of the truck using a SimXpert database, and change the shading and orientation of the model.
To enter the Crash workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as a Metric:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Crash as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Click the Standard Units button, and select the row with mm, kg, and s as the Length, Mass, and Time, respectively.
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8. Click OK.
Now the Basic Units are Length: mm, Mass: kg, Time: s, Temperature: kelvin, and Force: N.
9. Click OK.
To import a SimXpert database:

1. From the File menu select Import, then select SimXpert database. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file named vehicle_base.SimXpert. 3. Click Open.
To change the shading of the model:

1. Under View: Render select FE Shaded.
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To change the orientation of the model:

1. In the model window right click and select Model Views, then select Bottom. 2. In the model window right click and select Display, then select Fill.
To create an accelerometer on the rocker panels:

1. To access the capability to create a 1 noded accelerometer it is necessary to access the capability in the Structures Workspace. For this it is not necessary to change the Workspace from Crash to Structures. This can be done by setting the GUI Options to Solver Card -- Tools: Options / GUI Options / Solver Card (select), then select OK. 2. Select Elements: Create / 1 Noded / Seatbelt Accelerometer. 3. On the Defaults For Seatbelt Accelerometer Element form accept the default of 0 for IGRAV and INT_OPT. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. Screen pick a node on the right rocker panel to specify the location of the accelerometer. 6. Screen pick two additional nodes on the right rocker panel to specify the orientation of the accelerometer.
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7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6, but for the left rocker panel. Select these nodes to define the orientation Select this node for the location
8. On the Create Seatbelt Accelerometer pick panel click Exit. 9. Now, re-set the GUI Options to Action/Object (not Solver Card).
Create Output Objects

To create the bumper output object:
1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all 5 BUMPER Parts.
BUMPER BUMPER-MTG-FRONT-LEFT BUMPER-MTG-FRONT-RIGHT BUMPER-MTG-S-LEFT BUMPER-MTG-S-RIGHT
2. Right click on the BUMPER Parts, then select Show Only. 3. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
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4. Under Group: Dyna Set select SET_PART. 5. In the Create SET_PART pick panel click All. 6. Click Done. 7. Enter Bumper for the SimXpert Set Name in the popup window. 8. Click OK. 9. In the Create SET_PART pick panel click Exit.
To create the front rail output object:

1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all 4 RAIL-FRONT Parts.
RAIL-FRONT-RIGHT-INNER RAIL-FRONT-RIGHT-OUTER RAIL-FRONT-LEFT-INNER RAIL-FRONT-LEFT-OUTER
2. Right click on the RAIL-FRONT Parts, then select Show Only. 3. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
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4. Under Group: Dyna Set select SET_PART. 5. Select All. 6. Click Done. 7. Enter Front_Rail for the SimXpert Set Name in the popup window. 8. Click OK. 9. In the Create SET_PART pick panel click Exit.
To create the engine cradle output object:

1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select ENGINE-CRADLE-LOW and ENGINECRADLE-UP Parts. 2. Right click on the ENGINE-CRADLE Parts, then select Show Only. 3. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
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4. Under Group: Dyna Set select SET_PART. 5. Click All. 6. Click Done. 7. Enter Engine_Cradle for the SimXpert Set Name in the popup window. 8. Click OK. 9. In the Create SET_PART pick panel click Exit.
To create a section plane on the front rails:

1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all 4 RAIL-FRONT Parts.
RAIL-FRONT-RIGHT-INNER RAIL-FRONT-RIGHT-OUTER RAIL-FRONT-LEFT-INNER RAIL-FRONT-LEFT-OUTER
2. Right click on the RAIL-FRONT Parts, then select Show Only. 3. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
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4. Under Group: Section select Section Plane. 5. In the Create Section Plane pick panel select Nodes. 6. Screen pick a node on the back end of the right rail. Select this node for the origin of the section plane
7. On the Create Section Plane pick panel click Done. 8. On the Plane Type Dialog popup window select YZ. 9. Click OK.
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10. On the Modify Section Plane form double click in the PSID cell, then select Select. 11. Choose Front_Rail from the Entity Selection form. 12. Click OK. 13. On the Modify Section Plane form click Modify, then click Exit.
Import the Model of the Dummy, and Position it Relative to the Seat
To display seat and Import the dummy model:
1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all 4 SEAT Parts.
SEAT_BOTTOM SEAT-TRACK SEAT-TOP SEAT-HEADREST
2. Right click on the SEAT Parts, then select Show Only. 3. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
4. From the File menu select Import, then select Dyna. 5. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file h350_s3v5.1_dummy1_parameter_vendors.k.encrypted.key. 6. Click Open.
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7. Set the view to top using the View menu, and select Model Views / Top.
To position the dummy model relative to the seat:

1. From the Tools menu select Transform, then select Positioner. 2. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel select Parts. 3. From the Model Browser Tree shift-select all the dummy Parts under Models (H3-50..., e.g. H350 LTORSO - LUMBAR SPINE RUBBER), or contract H350 V5.1 PRIMER TREE FILE and select it. 4. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel select Rotate. 5. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Measured select z. 6. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Angle enter 180. 7. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click Done. 8. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click on the plus (+) sign. 9. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel select Translate. 10. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Measured select x.
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11. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Dist enter 2350. 12. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click on the negative (-) sign. 13. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Measured select y. 14. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Dist enter 440. 15. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click on the plus (+) sign. 16. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Measured select z. 17. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Dist enter 900. 18. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click on the plus (+) sign. 19. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click Exit.
Create a Seat Belt Model for the Dummy Model

To create and position a seatbelt for the dummy model:
1. From the toolbox Safety select SeatBelt Accessories, then select Seat Belt Options. 2. In the Seat Belt Options form enter the following values: Seat Belt Width Length of 1D Segment @ End 1 Length of 1D Segment @ End 2 Shell Element Size 40 20 20 10
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NRB Offset from Strap Seat Belt Element Size Offset
10 20 5
3. In the Seat Belt Options form click Apply, then click Exit. 4. From the Render toolbar select FE Hidden Line. 5. Using shift+right mouse rotate the Parts so that the front is visible.
6. From the toolbox Safety select SeatBelt Accessories, then select Route Seat Belt. 7. In the Route Seatbelt pick panel click Advanced. 8. In the Extended Pick Dialog form select From Part. 9. Screen pick the Parts which the seat belt will wrap around, i.e.
Torso Hips
10. In the Extended Pick Dialog form click Exit. 11. In the Route Seatbelt pick panel click Done. 12. First, screen pick two nodes which are to be at the seat belt ends (one above left shoulder, and one to the right of the right hip), and second, pick another node (third node) to be about midway between the ends of the seatbelt (e.g. pick a node on the chest of the dummy). 13. In the Route Seatbelt pick panel click Done.
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14. In the Route Seatbelt pick panel click Exit.
Import the Model of the Wall and Position it Relative to the Automobile Model
To display the entire model:
1. In the Model Browser tree select the Scenes tab. 2. Select All. 3. Right click in the model window and select Model Views, then select Top. 4. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
To import the model of the wall:

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1. From the File menu select Import, then select Dyna. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file NCAP_loadcell.k. 3. Click Open.
To position the wall:

1. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all Wall Parts (e.g. P2001254 - P2001289). 2. Right click on the Wall Parts, then select Show Only. 3. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all 5 BUMPER Parts:
BUMPER BUMPER-MTG-FRONT-LEFT BUMPER-MTG-FRONT-RIGHT BUMPER-MTG-S-LEFT BUMPER-MTG-S-RIGHT
4. Right click on the BUMPER Parts, then select Show. 5. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill.
1. From the Tools menu select Transform, then select Positioner. 2. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel select Parts. 3. From the Model Browser tree shift-select all Wall Parts (e.g. P2001254 - P2001289). 4. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel select Translate. 5. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Measured select x.
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6. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel under Dist enter 5000. 7. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click Done. 8. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click on the positive (+) sign. 9. On the Interactive Positioner pick panel click Exit.
To view the entire assembly:

1. In the Model Browser tree select the Part object for vehicle_base.SimXpert and NCAP_loadcell.k. 2. Right click and select Show. 3. Right click in the model window and select Model Views, then select Isometric View. 4. Right click in the model window and select Display, then select Fill. 5. From the Render toolbar select FE Shaded.
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The basic part of the model is complete. To complete this model it is necessary to do the following:
Specify the value of gravity for *MAT_VISCOELASTIC entries For material input data define coordinate set id = 88992868
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PCB with Component Heating

Steady State Heat Transfer Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description A plate structure with extrusions will be used to demonstrate the heat flow by heat flux and free convection. A steady state heat transfer analysis with SimXpert is to be performed. The analysis focuses on the temperature of the plate.
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2 Geometry

Set to the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as English. Import an MD Nastran Bulk Data file with part of the model. Create heat flux and free convection LBCs. Set up simulation conditions for a steady state heat transfer analysis. Create a fringe plot of temperature.
Startup SimXpert and Import the BDF file

To enter the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object , and set Units as English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Thermal as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: ft. Mass: lb. Time: h. Temperature: fahrenheit. Force: lbf. Click OK.
To import the MD Nastran .bdf file

1. In the Main Menu click File, then click on Import, then click on Nastran. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file free_conv_pcb_bdf.bdf. 3. Click Open.
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4. Under View select Model Views, then click on Left view.

The pcb will have 1) an applied heat flux load, 2) a free convection boundary condition. Also, the initialization temperature is to be specified under the Analysis pick in the Model Browser Tree.
To apply a thermal heat Flux load:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Normal Flux. 2. For Heat Flux enter 5. 3. Click Store, then click Exit. 4. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel select Nodes. 5. Set the picking to Rectangular Window using this choice in the Pick Filters toolbar. 6. Select the upper-most row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them. 7. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create Convection boundary condition:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Free Convection. 2. For Ambient Temperature enter 20.0. 3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.02 . 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Free Convection pick panel select Nodes. 6. Select the lower-most row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them. 7. On the Create Free Convection pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
Create an LBC Set

1. From the Workspace select LBC Set: LBC Set. 2. For Name enter Case_1. 3. For Select LBC click the Pick... icon.
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4. Select the LBCs named Normal Flux_1 and Free Convection_2 in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon.
6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Steady State Analysis

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will give us a BDF file, from which an MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the steady state analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
1. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. 2. Right click on Nastran Jobs, then click on Create New Job. 3. On the Job Properties form enter Flux_Convection for Job Name. 4. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL153). 5. Click OK to create the new job.
To delete the unnecessary Subcase, DefaultSubcase:

1. Right click Subcase: DefaultSubcase. 2. Click Delete.
To specify the General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on General Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following value. Default Init Temperature 4. Click OK. 0.0
To add a Subcase:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Cases. 2. Click Add Subcase.
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3. On the Subcase Properties form under Select LBC Set select Case_1. 4. Click OK to close the Subcase Properties form. 5. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase Parameters. 6. Click Properties. 7. Use the default values for the Static Nonlinear Iterations parameters. 8. Click OK.
To add output requests:

9. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase: Case_1. 10. Click Add Output Requests. 11. On the Define Output Request form right click on Output Requests. 12. Select Add Temperature. 13. On the Define Output Request form click Close.
To set Output File:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Output File. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Output File Properties form check the Print box under Text Output. 4. Select XDB for Binary Output. 5. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on flux_convection - (Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL 153)). 2. Click on Run, specifying the File name flux_convection. 3. Click Save.

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database. 1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. For File path select the file flux_convection.xdb. 3. For Attach Options specify Results. 4. Click OK. 5. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Left. 6. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
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Create Fringe Plot for Temperature Results

To generate a fringe plot:
1. From the Results toolbox select Fringe. 2. Under the Plot Data tab Fringe has been selected for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select SC1: Non-linear: 100% of Load. 4. For Result type select Temperatures. 5. Select Update.
1. In the Main canvas right click and select Model Views, then select Isometric View. 2. In the Main canvas right click and select Display, then select Fill.
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CHAPTER 7
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Thermal Analysis for Flux Load, Free Convection, and Radiation

Steady State Heat Transfer Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description A beam structure will be used to demonstrate the heat flow by heat flux, free convection, and ambient radiation. The analysis is to be performed using steady state heat transfer analysis with SimXpert. The analysis focuses on the temperature of the beam structure.

Import an MD Nastran Bulk Data file. Set up simulation conditions for a steady state heat transfer analysis. Create a fringe plot for temperature results.
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2 Geometry
Startup SimXpert and Import the BDF File

To enter the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object , and set Units as English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Thermal as the workspace from the startup panel. 2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu. 3. Select Options. This displays the User Options form. 4. Select GUI Options. 5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary. 6. Select Units Manager. 7. Set Basic Units as follows:
Length: ft. Mass: lb. Time: h. Temperature: fahrenheit. Force: lbf. Click OK.
To import the MD Nastran .bdf file:

1. In the Main Menu click File, click Import, then click Nastran. 2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file hex_bdf.bdf 3. Click Open.
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4. Under the View menu select Model Views, then click Left view. 5. Under the View menu select Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window. 6.
7. 8. Then, in the View Manipulation toolbar select Screen Zoom. Hold the mouse arrow over the model, and move the mouse while left clicking to reduce the size of the image as needed.
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4 Geometry

The model will have 1) an applied heat flux load, 2) a free convection boundary condition, and 3) ambient radiation. Also, the initialization temperature is to be specified under the Analysis pick in the Model Browser Tree.
To apply a thermal heat flux:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Normal Flux. 2. For Heat Flux enter 2. 1. Click Store, then click Exit. 2. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel select Nodes. 3. Set the picking to Rectangular Window using this choice in the Pick Filters toolbar. 4. Select the bottom row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
5. Click Done, then click Exit.
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To create radiation:
1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Rad to Space. 2. For Ambient Temperature enter 490. 3. For View Factor enter 1. 4. For Absorptivity enter 0.3. 5. For Emissivity enter 0.5. 6. Click Store, then click Exit. 7. On the Create Rad to Space pick panel select Nodes. 8. Select the top row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them. 9. Drag two other rectangles around nodes, one around the left vertical edge and the other around the right vertical edge. 10. Click Done, then click Exit.
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To create convection on the top:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Free Convection. 2. For Ambient Temperature enter 490. 3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.006. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Free Convection pick panel select Nodes. 6. Select the top row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them. 7. Click Done, then click Exit.
To create convection on the sides:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Free Convection.
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2. For Ambient Temperature enter 490. 3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.012. 4. Click Store, then click Exit. 5. On the Create Free Convection pick panel select Nodes. 6. Drag two rectangles around nodes, one around the left vertical edge and the other around the right vertical edge. 7. Click Done, then click Exit.
Create an LBC Set

1. From the Workspace select LBC Set: LBC Set. 2. For Name enter Case_1. 3. For Select LBC click the Pick... icon. 4. Select the four (4) LBCs in the Model Browser tree. 5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon. 6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Steady State Analysis

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will give us a BDF file, from which an MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the steady state analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
1. From the Model Browser Tree expand Analysis. 2. Right click on Nastran Jobs, then click on Create New Job. 3. On the Job Properties form enter heat_flux_conv_rad for Job Name. 4. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL153).
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8 Geometry
5. Click OK to create the new job.
To delete the unnecessary Subcase, DefaultSubcase:

1. Right click Subcase: DefaultSubcase. 2. Click Delete.
To specify the General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on General Parameters. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following value. Default Init Temperature 4. Click OK. 0.0
To add a Subcase:
1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Cases. 2. Click Add Subcase. 3. On the Subcase Properties form under Select LBC Set select Case_1. 4. Click OK to close the Subcase Properties form. 5. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase Parameters. 6. Click Properties. 7. Use the default values for the Static Nonlinear Iterations parameters. 1. Click OK.
To add output requests:

2. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Subcase: Case_1. 3. Click Add Output Requests. 4. On the Define Output Request form right click on Output Requests. 5. Select Add Temperature. 6. On the Define Output Request form click Close.
To set Output File:

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on Output File. 2. Click Properties. 3. On the Output File Properties form check the Print box under Text Output. 4. Select XDB for Binary Output.
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5. Click OK to close the Output File Properties form.

1. In the Model Browser Tree right click on heat_flux_conv_rad - (Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL 153)). 2. Click on Run, specifying the File name heat_flux_conv_rad. 3. Click Save.

We will attach the XDB file from the Nastran job run to the SimXpert database. 1. From the File menu select Attach Results. 2. For File path select the file heat_flux_conv_rad.xdb. 3. For Attach Options specify Results. 4. Click OK. 5. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Left. 1. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
Create Fringe Plot for Temperature Results

To generate a fringe plot:
1. From the Results toolbox select Fringe. 2. Under the Plot Data tab Fringe has been selected for Plot type. 3. For Result Cases select SC1: Non-linear: 100% of Load. 4. For Result type select Temperatures. 5. Select Update.
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6. In the Main canvas right click and select Model Views, then select Isometric. 7. In the Main canvas right click and select Display, then select Fill.
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CHAPTER 11
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CHAPTER 1 List of Problems:

Example Problems List of Problems:

2 New Template 2005

Example Problems By Workspace

2 Linear Static 3D Crank

In this example you will:

Startup SimXpert, and Define Materials and Properties

To import a Parasolid solid:

To create an Isotropic Material:

To create an element Property set:

4 Linear Static 3D Crank

Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Create Constraints and Loads

To create the constraints:

To create the pressure load:

6 Linear Static 3D Crank

To create the concentrated (point) load:

10. Click OK.

Create Two LBC Sets

To create the first load set:

To create the second load set:

8 Linear Static 3D Crank

Setup Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

To specify Solver Control parameter values:

To run an MD Nastran linear static analysis:

Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To attach an MD Nastran XDB result file:

To plot the deformation result for Fix+Press:

10 Linear Static 3D Crank

To plot a stress fringe result for Fix+Force:

This is the end of this example.

12 Linear Static 3D Crank

Linear Static Analysis of a Tension Coupon

2 Linear Static 3D Crank

In this example you will:

Startup SimXpert and Define Materials and Properties

To Import a Parasolid Surface:

To create an isotropic Material:

To create an element Property:

4 Linear Static 3D Crank

To link the material and element property to the geometric surface:

Create 2D Mesh for Parasolid Surface

Create Constraints and loads

To create the constraints:

6 Linear Static 3D Crank

To create the distributed load:

11. Click OK.

8 Linear Static 3D Crank

Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify solver control parameter values:

To create a load case:

To specify output request:

To run an MD Nastran analysis:

Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To attach a MD Nastran XDB result file:

To plot a fringe result:

10 Linear Static 3D Crank

To plot a deformation result on the fringe result:

This is the end of this example. (THROUGH

HERE CORRECT 5/13/08)

12 Linear Static 3D Crank

Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilevered Beam

2 Linear Static 3D Crank