MSC SimXpert 2010 Release Guide

SimXpert 2010
Release Guide
SIMX*2010*Z*Z*Z*DC-REL
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What’s New
2 SimXpert Release Guide
What's New in SimXpert 2010

The 2010 release of SimXpert offers significant quality, performance and capacity improvements over
the R3.2 release including the following:
Performance
• Graphics performance in SimXpert 2010 is 2 to 3 times faster than SimXpert 3.2
• Increased model size capacity
• Bulk data file import 20% faster in SimXpert 2010 than in SimXpert 3.2
• Tet Meshing performance improvements. Reduced number of elements and nodes improves
performance in both meshing and downstream operations.
Usability Improvements
• Usability improvements in dialog interaction, view manipulation, and entity selection.
• View Manipulation
• Consolidation and cleanup of mouse options
• Strong industry convention for default scheme
- Rotation using middle mouse button
- Ctrl / Shift modifiers for Zoom / Pan
• Alternative scheme based on user feedback
• Dialog Interaction
• Auto-Advance, Middle-click to Advance
• Auto-Apply
• Data Persistence, Auto-Highlight
• Picking
• Inclusive picking
• Circular pick style
• Shift for Shortest Path picking
• Ctrl + Shift for Remove pick mode
• Configurable Tool Ribbon
• Hide or add tools, tool groups, tools calling Actions or Templates
• Save multiple named Configuration files for subsequent retrieval
• Extended Groups capabilities enabling rapid organization of models.
• Update groups based on specified rules
• Create groups based on one or more rules
What’s New 3
• Group export
• Attribute tagging - associate user attributes to any SimXpert object and subsequently use that
attribute for downstream modeling operations.
FE Workspaces
• Feature suppression from native CAD models to enable rapid de-featuring of complex CAD
geometry by suppressing holes, fillets, chamfers and other CAD features that are not necessarily
required for simulation modeling.
• A suite of CAE geometry creation tools that enable users to create geometry directly in
SimXpert.
• Geometry tools co-exist with native CAD.
• Allow CAE Geometry tools to be active at all times – even after native CAD attach
• Allow Parasolid models to be imported after any Native CAD import
• Warnings issued if Native CAD entity is input for parasolid geometry create/edit tools
• Native CAD Enhancements
• Memory Footprint reduction
• Performance Improvements
• Smart Update Improvements
• Hard geometry association robustness
• Pro/E wire bodies
• Pro/E Materials
• Matching Assembly/Part/Feature names
• CATIA Publications
- Support of Native CAD CATIA import Features: Publications
• Extension of the mid-surface geometry extraction tools to include rapid mid-surface extraction
of extruded parts, including penetrations and holes through the cross section.
• Feature based meshing - localized mapped meshes around common geometry features such as
rings, fillets and chamfers. Small features can be ignored.
• Improved Tet Mesh Quality
• New Tet Mesh quality fix techniques implemented
• Nastran GEOM check is used in the meshing process
• Quadratic and tabular mesh seeding
• Axisymmetric Shell Elements
• New element CAXISYM (2 or 3 nodes) and new property PAXISYM added
• Automated Bolt Modeling
• Allows easy modeling of pre-stressed bolts, especially in a contact analysis

• Enhanced visualization and more precise control of visualization for loads and constraints in the
Structures workspace.
• Extended support in the Structures workspace for MD Nastran Solution 400 pre- and post-
processing including:
• Simpler 1D element creation/modification.
• SOL400 based thermal simulation including support for radiation enclosures.
• 1D and 3D bolt modeling.
• Composite progressive failure analysis.
• Extended contact support and contact visualization.
• User Defined Services
• Introduced a set of user-defined objects in MD Nastran that enable existing Marc user
subroutines in SOL 400
• Extended support in the Explicit workspace for MD Nastran Solution 700 pre and post
processing including job setup, macro record, tool ribbon and dummy positioning support for the
latest LSTC and ETA dummies. Results plots can now be created for Fluid Structure Interaction
models to visualize the effect of the fluid on the deformable structure.
• Post-Processing Improvements
• Improved Record/Replay and Template support
• Display and animation of rigid and flexible body contact
• Improved contact body rendering. Contact locations now clearly visible. Rigid bodies may be
displayed or hidden.
• Composite Failure Indices and Composite Strength Ratios can be accessed and post-processed
• Context menu additions (right-click after selecting elements)
• FEM Visualization - plots specified properties or attributes on selected elements as Markers,
Fringe Plots, or a Tabular List. Tabular List can be copied and pasted into a spreadsheet or
exported to a csv file.
• FEM Interrogation
- lists element attributes (ID, part, group(s), topology, parent geometry, number of nodes, LBC
set(s), properties,...) for selected elements in a Tabular List. A separate tab lists nodal data.
- click a cell in the table for additional data
- click the entity ID to highlight it in the graphics window
- right-click in a cell or cells to select to modify the associated Properties
- nodal coordinates can be displayed in with respect to any selected coordinate system.
Motion Workspace
• Location and Orientation Usability
What’s New 5
• Single field for Location and Orientation

- Hardpoints and Coordinate Systems
- Comma-separated list of values
- Location via pick on screen
- Location via geometry pick
• External Solver Support
• Gives users an option to run simulations from the SimXpert GUI using external solver
• A preferred mode for some users
• Allows customers to schedule solver jobs independent of the GUI
• Facilitates “Client Edition” for SimXpert Motion
• Transportation Extension
• Detailed Tire and Road Modeling
• Library of standard Tire and Road Models
• Road Builder Tool for defining roads including obstacles
• Height Sensor to measure distance above road
• Expressions
• Design-Time Parametric Expressions now available
- Python-based
- Persist with model
• Design Variables
• Can be referenced in any property editor input field
• Can be referenced in expressions
• Save Model as Python
• Export Motion model as a python script
• Accelerates learning of Motion Python API
• Promotes auto-generation of models
• Graphics Improvements
• Screen Symbol Labels
- Names
- Axis Labels
• Color Inheritance for Parts, Geometry, and CSs
• Global control and individual object control
• Numerical values for force graphics
• Scripted Simulations
• ACF Based Scripted Simulation

• Direct text entry or file reference
• ADAMS to Nastran Interface
• Support for Dynamic operating point(s)
• Export graphics using a wireframe approach
• Export equivalent CBUSH representing Adams forces
• Support output styles requested by Auto OEMs
• Export FRICTION forces
• Support for dummy parts
• Systems and Controls Integration
• New SCInterface Object will facilitate inclusion of Systems & Controls or Simulink models
• Streamlined signal connection between motion and systems and controls models
• Modeling features
- Signal Unit Conversion
- Signal Disturbance
• Geometry Creation Enhancements
• GUI Support for creating 2D Wireframe geometry (Arc, Circle, Segmented Arc, Outline,
Polyline)
• Dynamic Spring Damper Graphic
• Modeling Enhancements
• Adams/Solver 2D Part support
• Properties objects that allow for object re-use
• Contact Enhancements
• Flexible Edge Contact
• Planar Contact
• Clearance Simulation
• Solver based Clearance calculation
• Can be defined between any two parts:
Rigid to Rigid, Flex to Flex, Rigid to Flex
• Threshold support
Specify a maximum distance for which the clearance calculations will not be computed.
• Clearance Analysis Post Processing
- Clearance objects are dynamically drawn during animation
- Minimal distance and Location of minimal clearance points on each part can be charted for
each clearance object
What’s New 7
• Linear and Controls

• Adams/Linear Support
• Plant Inputs, Outputs, and States
• User-Defined Extensions
• User-Defined Objects
• User-Defined Simulation
Template Builder Workspace

• Several enhancements to the template authoring environment including automatic creation of
sub-templates from selected actions, Action versioning, and grouping of inputs on script based
actions.
• Enriched Action Support
• Enhanced Action authoring environment
• Group inputs under Tabs or control visibility based on the selected value of another input.
• Additional attributes for show/hide on inputs
• Advanced action options
- Control dynamic inputs
- Aggregate sequential instances of an action during macro recording
- Turn on/off recording of pick gestures
- Select native Python or SimXpert Object lists
- Use system or current units.
• Reset or store input values in a session. Can control at the parameter or action level.
• String table support for localization
• Alternative Custom Data Type list representation
• Edit in place
- Just controller code
- Entire action definition
• Launch SimXpert Grapher from the User Interface
• Python Debugger
• Allow Python Scripts and Templates consisting of Python Actions to be analyzed using a
standard debugger environment.
• Expressions
• Recorded macro or template can use Expressions for inputs.
• Expression can invoke a Python script, RADE script, or action file.
System & Controls Workspace

• Model, Simulate, and Analyze
• Hydraulic systems
• Fuel, propellant systems
• Pneumatic systems
• Landing gears, actuation systems
• Control systems (analog, digital)
• Thermal and gas dynamic systems
• Refrigeration systems
• Powertrains, gears, and transmissions
• Hybrid electric vehicles
• Electrical systems
• Fuel cells
• Environmental control systems
• Actuation design
• Take in account actuation dynamics to refine evaluation of kinematics and forces on
components
• Maintain or improve existing functionality/features
• New feature: spreadsheet capability
• Improved diagram editor
• Export model as Python code
• Backwards compatibility
• Import existing Easy5 models, libraries, analyses, and data files
• Reuse existing Easy5 investments
• SimXpert Enterprise advantages
• Process capture/reuse (Templates)
• Data management/pedigree (SimManager)
• Reuse of common tools / processes (Architecture)
• Improved interfaces to other workspaces (Motion)
What’s New 9
What’s New in SimXpert R3.1
What’s New in SimXpert R3.1

The R3.1 release of SimXpert is offers significant quality, performance and capacity improvements over
the R3 release including the following:
• Native Pro/ENGINEER access import and meshing performance improvements - an average of
10 to 20 times faster than previous versions.
• Native UG performance enhancements - an average of 40% faster than previous versions.
• Native CAD access now supports Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0.
• Substantial expansion of macro record capabilities and Action documentation in the Structures
workspace.
• Substantial expansion of the scripting API documentation.
• Graphics performance enhancements - from 2 to 30 times faster than previous versions of
SimXpert. Performance improvements are model dependent.
• Over 800 minor enhancements and corrections.
Key enhancements provided in the last major release of SimXpert are included in the following sections.
What’s New in SimXpert R3

The R3 release of SimXpert contains significant usability improvements that helps to accelerate analysts
ability to perform multi-disciplinary analysis across workspaces including structural, thermal, motion,
explicit, and crash. It also includes improved capabilities to automatically capture simulation methods
and steps for reuse. This document provides a comprehensive summary of what you will receive with
SimXpert R3.
Significant New Capabilities

• Support of and packaging with the latest editions of MSC Software solvers: MD Nastran R3 and
MD Adams R3.
• Support for native CAD access with newer versions of CAD: CATIA V5R18, UGS NX 5.0, and
Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0.
• Multi-level Undo/Redo.
• Expanded support for macro record and play in all workspaces.
• A standard and non-proprietary scripting language Python is introduced as the default SimXpert
scripting language.
• Full SimXpert API available within Python scripts.
• User defined Actions may be implemented using Python.
• SimXpert R3 installer now supports modular installation. Workstation Edition, Client Edition,
native CAD access products, and documentation can be separately installed.
SimXpert General and Architecture

New Look and Feel
The general layout of the User Interface has been improved such that the tools are organized in different
tabs for easy access through a tool ribbon.
Increased Localization support through language mapping files.
Usability
• Picking and Highlighting Enhancements:
• Candidate selection
• Pre-selection / hover highlight
• Entity selection
Pick Manager has been improved considerably. Last used pick filter is remembered and default
choices are provided where appropriate.
• Model organization and manipulation
Entities and their status in the model browser are better represented now with distinct bitmaps.
What’s New 11
The List View tab in the model browser provides an alternate view of the model browser and has
been enhanced for better model sorting and filtering.
The Expand/collapse branches allow for viewing in a hierarchical manner. Folder hide/show
allows to change the display of many entities in one shot; Entities can be manipulated on the
canvas and/or on the model tree.
The contextual menu is more consistent due to re-organization of the menus.
• Modeling efficiency
The GUI in general has been streamlined to be more intuitive and efficient. The result is fewer
clicks, and shorter mouse travel.
Property editors Enhancements:
• Consistent style
• Auto-advance of pick fields
• Immediate data verification
• Default filter picks choices
• Unique color for active and mandatory fields
• Advanced options are displayed on-demand thereby reducing the dialog size
• View Manipulation
Standard Mouse configuration options that are consistent with users preferred CAD/CAE
software are available for model view manipulation.
Intuitive set of keyboard accelerators have been implemented for model view manipulation.
Utilities
• Unit Manager
Unit system: Derived Force unit is editable and the Basic unit "Angle" is supported for Motion
workspace only.
• Session file and Data Recovery
Session file support is now available – SimXpert captures user actions in a session file.
• Auto Backup
Data recovery is now possible in case of a session crash. Auto backup is user definable.
Common Support for Structures, Thermal, and Explicit

Workspaces
The Structures, Thermal, Crash, and Explicit Workspaces have been enhanced to support the latest
features in implicit and explicit nonlinear multidisciplinary solvers (SOL600, SOL 400, SOL 700).
Usability
• Markers and Symbols
Loads, boundary conditions, and coordinate systems are now represented with unique markers
that are user modifiable.
• Model Organization and Manipulation.
Analysis setup has been streamlined under the ‘Simulation’ branch and analysis parameters can
be easily configured.
The model browser has been enhanced to include enterprise capabilities - a system for managing
data, design revisions and for managing design and analysis configurations for quick plug and
play analysis of assemblies for higher fidelity system simulation. This feature called 'Enterprise
Model Browser' has been tightly integrated with SimManager.
• Modeling efficiency
• Multiple undo/redo is possible in FEA workspaces.
• Element Properties can now be defined on geometry which will allow automatic definition of
properties on elements when meshed or re-meshed.
• Mid-surfacing tools.
• Meshing functionality is more robust and now features 2 ½ D hex meshing; It also features
tools for global geometry clean-up.
• Job Setup
• Analysis setup has been restructured and streamlined under the 'Simulations' branch for better
user interaction and simplification of workflow. Load cases, solver parameters and output
parameters can be easily configured.
• Simulation jobs now have 'restart' options.
• Unique ASETs can be selected for a job.
• Node and Elements SETs created in SimXpert can now be requested for output for simulation
jobs
Utilities
• Quality Check
Quality check tools have been consolidated into a single tool that provides easy definition and
verification of criteria for a portion or the entire model against geometry or FEM - a simple
toggle allows the user to switch back and forth between criterion value and result.
• 1D, 2D, and 3D elements can be checked.
• Contextual options are available for fixing failed elements.
• Geometry check allows for identification of bad geometry prior to meshing.
• A geometry lock option allows for locking certain geometry prior to launching auto geometry
clean-up.
• Continuous FEM Fields (CFEM)z
What’s New 13
• Continuous FEM fields are now supported wherein the user may enter data through a
spreadsheet or extract data from model result plots; CFEM fields are used wherever a spatial
field is required. An example of the use of CFEM field in the aerospace industry would be a
pressure load obtained from wind tunnel tests that needs to be applied on a wing structure.
• Part/Group create
Multiple parts and groups can be created based on certain data types such as property and
material.
Post Processing
New State Plots types:
• Iso-surface plots
• Combined plots
• Free-Body Diagrams
• VMT diagrams (Shear Force, Bending Moment, Torsion)
New Chart types:
• Scatter
• Stacked
Other improvements include:
• Multi-file attachment (op2, xdb, MASTER/DBALL, t16, t19, d3plot, arc)
• Script/template support (most result options can be recorded in a macro)
• Report generation
• Improved graphics display
• Multi-threaded performance
Composites - Link to FiberSIM

An interface to FiberSIM is now available which allows for easy and accurate definition of FEM
layers by extracting information from composite design plies created in the CAD system.
Structures Workspace
Property editors/dialogs for loads, boundary conditions, materials, and properties have been enhanced
with generic engineering terms.
Property editors provide a 'solver preview' option to view in the Nastran format for users who are familiar
with Nastran cards.
Structures Workspace also includes many enhancements related to MD SOL 400 capabilities. These
include:
• 3D contact
• Analysis chaining
• Support for Adaptive time-stepping procedures
Simulation job control now allows setting up MD 'Analysis chaining' with NLIC option (SOL 400).
Support for mechanical contact during the stress analysis phase of SOL400 thermal and stress analysis
steps.
Post-processing enhancements that support MD Nastran capabilities include:
• Analysis Chaining - Support multiple subcases, steps and new analysis types.
• Contact Output results of deform-deform contact.
• Brake Squeal Analysis - Support MD Nastran SOL400 Brake Squeal output results.
Thermal Workspace
Simulation job control now allows setting up MD 'Analysis chaining' with NLIC option (SOL 400).
Nonlinear property extensions for rod, shell and solid properties in SOL 400 Thermal:
• PSHLN1
• PSHLN2
• PLCOMP
• PSLDN1
• PCOMPLS
• PRODN1
Support for general radiation capability using the Modified Hemicube Method through NLMOPTS card.
Support for mechanical contact during the stress analysis phase of SOL400 thermal and stress analysis
steps.
Explicit Workspace
Explicit Workspace has been expanded to support many of the MD Nastran SOL 700 capabilities which
includes the following:
• MATDERO for support of bird strike
• MATD20M for support of rigid body merge option
• RBE2A for support of constrained extra node set
• TIC3 for initial velocity
• SPCD2 to prescribe motion on nodes and rigid bodies
• Explicit BCBODY and BCTABLE definition inclusive of BCGRID, BCSEG and BLSEG
options
What’s New 15
• All EOS and Hourglass Properties

• All explicit material models supported
• MATDEUL for Euler material support
• All yield material models
• All failure material Models
• All shear and spall material models
• All property types such as PEULER, PEULER1, PMARKER …
• COUPLE and all related entities
• Airbag Property definition with Reference Geometry
Crash Workspace
Crash Workspace has been enhanced for increased support of LS-Dyna which includes the following:
• Hybrid Jetting Airbag
• Airbag Reference Geometry
• Flux and Radiation LBCs
• Constrained Extra Nodes
• Constrained Nodal Rigid Body
• Constrained Lagrange in Solid
• 1D, 2D and 3D contact definition
• Updates to many input *CONTROL cards , output *DATABASE cards
• Updates to *BOX entity definition
• ALE and FSI entity support
• INITIAL_VOLUME_FRACTION definition required for ALE and FSI analysis
• Updates to LCS and VECTOR definition
• Updates to LOAD_CURVE entity definition
• Updates to Initial Stress definition
• *LOAD entity enhancements for Thermal, ALE and HEAT loading
• Updates for the definition of *RIGIDWALL entities
• *SECTION card definition for SHELL, SOLID and SPH are enhanced
• *NODE_SCALAR is supported
• Addition of new material models
• Several options for *SET cards
Elements that fail during a LS-Dyna analysis run can now be post-processed.
As part of the multi-file attaching capability in post-processing, LS-Dyna d3plot files are supported.
Importing LS-Dyna files leads to creation of 'FileSets' that can be better managed in the model browser.
Motion Workspace
Comprehensive support of MD Adams solver key words
• Extended existing Connection, Force, and Motion capabilities
• Introduced System Elements and Data Elements features.
Macro Record/Replay support has been added to the Motion Workspace. Previously, it was existed only
in the FEM Workspaces.
Python Programming API
• Comprehensive python APIs for all aspects of motion functionality
• Pre-Processing, Simulation, and Post-Processing
• Fully documented with Examples
• All Motion users are advised to switch from RADE to Python in R3
Automatic Flexible Body Creation option for Motion Part has been introduced. This feature
automatically does the following procedures:
1. Exports to the Structures Workspace.
2. Creates all required Material, Property, RBE2, and Mesh objects required to run a Nastran SOL
103 job.
3. Simulates the SOL 103 job.
4. Attaches the results.
5. Returns to the Motion Workspace with MNF associated and flexible part toggle activated.
Motion Part Enhancements:
• Expanded Flexible Body Tab
• Inertia coupling options
• Damping options
• Modal Information Table
• Modal Damping
• Displacement and Velocity Initial Conditions
• Modal Participation
• Utility to enable/disable modes by range
• Optional Outputs that allow the user to control what results quantities are computed and stored
during analysis.
What’s New 17
Modal Neutral File (MNF) Enhancements:

• Visualization support during modeling construction.
• Ability to reference previously created MNF from disk
Primitive Geometry creation support. They following geometry types can be created in the Motion
Workspace:
• Box
• Cylinder
• Ellipsoid
• Frustum
• Link
• Prism
• Rod
• Sphere
• Torus
adm files containing these geometry types will automatically re-create these geometry objects in the
Motion Workspace during adm import.
Coordinate System Node Reference Options:
• Use Closest Node
• Use Closest Attachment Node
• No Node Association
• Custom
Body-Body Contact has been extended to support rigid body to flexible body and flexible body to
flexible body contact.
Select Results Option for Motion Parts and Requests. This feature allows a user to pick an unlimited
number of results quantities and those quantities will be written to a .csv file at each time step during
simulation.
Simulation Enhancements:
• HHT and Newmark Integrator Support
• Output Time option
• Debug/Eprint option
• Creation of user .dll files
Post Processing Enhancements:

• Synchronization of Charts and Animations
• Tabular display of XY Chart Data

• Stacked Charting
• Import Simulation Results
• Import Numeric Data

Macro Record/Replay
• All tools implemented as Actions can be recorded and played.
• Playback can use previous inputs or prompt the user sequentially.
• Recording chains actions together.
• Macros can be edited as a Template in Template Builder.
Batch Processing
• Foundation for Multi-Run technologies (Stochastics)
• Batch Input and Output CSV file automatically generated from Template Inputs and Outputs.
Documentation
• On-Mouse-Over bubble help provides information on Action inputs and outputs along with a
brief explanation of the action.
• Search Tool implemented to assist in finding Actions when only a portion of the name is known.
Usability Enhancements:
• Gesture Picking
• Pre-selection highlighting
• Auto-advance of pick fields
• Units support
• Assist widgets for input parameters based upon type
• SimManager Integration
• Action Publishing
• Auto-Publish
• Action Update
MSC SimEnterprise Overview
Introduction
Introduction
SimEnterprise is an enterprise simulation platform that enables simulation participants to interact
throughout the design process. It enhances the way designers, analysts, and managers access, share, and
manage simulation data and processes across the enterprise. SimEnterprise applications include MSC
SimXpert, MSC SimDesigner, and MSC SimManager.
SimXpert
SimXpert is a multi-disciplinary simulation application for the analyst. It contains four workspaces -
structures, thermal, crash, and motion, each providing a functionality-rich expert environment
appropriate for that discipline. The workspaces are designed to interact with each other to allow a
common simulation model to be used for multi-disciplinary analysis.
SimDesigner
SimDesigner is a CAD-embedded simulation tool for the designer. It provides easy-to-use structural,
thermal, motion, and crash analysis capabilities in the CAD environment. It allows the designer to make
quick first-pass simulations, explore what-if scenarios, and identify design flaws early in the design
cycle.
MSC SimEnterprise Overview 17
Introduction
SimManager
SimManager is a Web-based application for managing simulation data and process. It provides the
enterprise with centralized storage, access, and management of simulation models and results. It also
provides storage and access of simulation templates to allow knowledge capture and process
standardization across the enterprise.
SimEnterprise Interoperability
The interoperability between the SimEnterprise applications provides structured access and reuse of
simulation data and process. Simulation data from SimXpert and SimDesigner are published into
SimManager to be stored and accessed by users across the enterprise. Expert knowledge and best
practices are captured through templates which are published into SimManager to provide repeatable and
standardized simulation procedures to designers and analysts enterprise-wide.
Enterprise Simulation Scenario

The following enterprise simulation scenario illustrates how 5 different simulation participants in an
enterprise might utilize SimEnterprise to interact and collaborate in the design of an aircraft wing flap.
The five enterprise simulation participants are:
Enterprise Role Description

Methods Expert A very experienced "expert analyst" responsible for defining simulation
processes and practices for aircraft design.
Designer or Engineer Responsible for detailing the CAD design for wing flap components.
Performs basic analysis to validate designs.
Stress Analyst A skilled analyst responsible for integrating part and sub-assembly models
and performing detailed stress analysis.
CAE Supervisor A very experienced structural analyst. Responsible for verifying the
quality of simulation results on an aircraft program.
Program Manager Responsible for the development of an aircraft.
1. The Methods Expert creates a stress analysis template by using the SimTemplate Builder from
the SimXpert structures workspace menu bar. This template performs the following operations:
• Imports a wing assembly model from an existing stress analysis
• Imports a flap model from a validated designer model
• Sets up a detailed stress analysis for the mechanism, including 3D contact effects
• Validates loads and checks element quality
• Computes detailed stresses
Following the creation of the stress analysis template, the Methods Expert publishes it into
SimManager to be stored and re-used by others. This is done by using the Template Publish icon
in any of the four SimXpert workspaces.
2. The Designer has been asked to detail a new flap mechanism and validate its basic performance
characteristics prior to detailed stress analysis. The Designer creates the new design and performs
first-pass motion and stress analyses using SimDesigner. The new design is now ready for
detailed stress analysis. The Designer publishes the CAD model and first-pass analysis models
and results into SimManager. This is done by using the Publish icon in the SimDesigner
structures or motion workbench.
3. The Stress Analyst is tasked with performing detailed stress analysis on the flap mechanism,
including relatively complex simulations involving 3D contact and nonlinear behavior. He must
get the current, validated flap model from the Designer, assemble it into a wing assembly model,
and analyze it according to the methodology established by his colleague - the Methods Expert.
The Stress Analyst first logs into SimManager and reviews the first-pass analysis models and
results published by the Designer. He then retrieves the new flap CAD model into SimXpert.
Now using the flap stress analysis template created by the Methods Expert, he meshes the flap
model and hooks it up to the current wing assembly model and performs a detailed stress analysis.
The analysis models and results are automatically stored in SimManager as the template is
executed.
4. The CAE supervisor is responsible for verifying the quality of the simulations performed. In this
case, the supervisor logs into SimManager to review the simulation models and results generated
by the Stress Analyst. In SimManager, the CAE Supervisor has been given the authority to
release and promote models and results for subsequent consumption by other people on the
program.
5. The Program Manager needs to have visibility into the progress of simulation tasks on the aircraft
program. He uses SimManager to continually monitor the progress of his designers and analysts.
He also has the authority to define project roles for all the simulation participants.
Summary
Summary
The coupling of SimXpert and SimDesigner with SimManager provides a powerful solution to manage
simulation data and process throughout the design process. As illustrated in the scenario above,
SimEnterprise provides the platform for the various simulation participants to capture and reuse
simulation data, best practices, and simulation procedure in a repeatable and standardized manner.
Summary
Known Issues
Overview
Overview
The following situations have been experienced in preliminary testing of SimXpert. This information is
organized into groups corresponding to subject matter, specific workspace, and platform specific issues.
Known Issues 25
General SimXpert
General SimXpert
After importing a BDF file SimXpert wrongly displays the direction of newly created
Total load
CR 1-271940315
Attaching a native Pro/ENGINEER® file may result in CPU meter indicating 100% CPU
usage
When attaching a native Pro/ENGINEER® file on Windows operating system, you may notice the CPU
meter indicates a process named “xtop” is taking 100% of the CPU.
Testing has indicated the operating system lowers the priority of this process when other processes
(including SimXpert) are running. The net effect is no noticeable reduction in interactive performance
for SimXpert or other processes. Unfortunately, the CPU meter displaying 100% usage gives an
inaccurate representation.
CR 1-59352771
Bad Iges Import

Some iges files may import incorrectly.
Workaround: Use Import as Parasolid
CR 1-223024451
CatAnalysis Import: Could not load the CAA Libraries - MSCExportToSimOffice.dll

CR 1-278274671
CATIA License is tied up for entire SimXpert session

CR 1-77490001
CATIA Model Modification

In the current release, whenever CATIA V5 CAD models (CATParts as well as CATProduct files) are
accessed in SimXpert, modification of the part entities from within SimXpert are supported only using
feature parameters. The parameters available for editing are accessed by double clicking on the feature
tree icons. Any other form of CATIA V5 editing (including delete) is not supported for CATIA V5 in
the current release. If a CAD model edit is desired, editing can be accomplished by doing the operation
on CATIA V5 and saving new CATPart and/or CATProduct. Access the newly saved CATIA database
in SimXpert using a new SimXpert database.
CR 1-40637851
General SimXpert
CATProduct imported as a Parasolid with a Part for each Body causes SimXpert to
crash
Turn on 'Create a Part for each Body' and import this specific CATProduct file using
File>Import>Geometry as Parasolid>CATIA V5. After import is done SimXpert crashes after any mouse
action.
CR 1-272477887
Data Entered in Exponential Format is Rounded to First Decimal Place

Whenever values are typed in exponential format, SimXpert rounds them to the first decimal. For
example, 1.23456e6 may be rounded as 1.2e6. This issue will be resolved in the next release. As a
workaround, type them in decimal format.
CR 1-53428786
Default Workspace setting is not remembered

Delete SimX_*Settings.xml, start SimXpert. Problem: At the Start Page, Structures is not the 'Default
Workspace'.
CR 1-283963607
Define Center Rotate may not work for models with a very large distance between
nodes
CR 1-76508451
Definition of thermal properties for rigid body has wrong properties

CR 1-279297611
Element Quality Double precision issue between SimXpert and MD Nastran causing
Geometry check errors
CR 1-185756051
Error applying proper LBC to simple model (prone to user error)

CR 1-275308151
Group attributes Show/hide does not work after toggling ON/OFF

CR 1-275171936
Groups smart groups not ok when created from properties which were applied to parts
CR 1-277248901
Known Issues 27
General SimXpert
Grow mesh does not work for CELAS1 elements

CR 1-248648759
Hidden geometry entities are unexpectedly pickable when picking elements

Import any Parasolid and Mesh any one surface. Click 'Show/Hide All Geometry' to hide all geometry.
Drag select ALL the elements. Problem: The Part and the SubAssy are unexpectedly selected also.
CR 1-283963499
Importing very large Nastran files may cause SimXpert to crash or lock up
Very large models may run out of memory on a 32 Bit workstation. Crashes will be avoided, but very
large models may still need more than 2GB of RAM and may require the use of a 64 bit OS and larger
amounts of RAM.
CR 1-76992346
Interop broken on linux: Parasolid bug ID 6340260

CR 1-271312561
Model Browser in SimXpert can crash toggling top-level visibility of certain imports
CR 1-276518870
Need support for nodal dfem field evaluation when referenced by element variable
LBCs (segment based)
CR 1-276951507
New Graphics: Hidden elements may be displayed in the graphics window after
performing File  Save
After importing a geometry file and meshing it then hiding all FEM entities, if you perform a File 
Save the hidden FEM entities may be displayed in the graphics window even though the Hide all FEM
entities icon shows hidden status and scene statistics also does not show any elements.
Workaround: Turn off New Graphics: Tools  Options  New Graphics  Disable
CR 1-53428786
New Graphics: Part that is highlighted in the Model Browser may not be highlighted in
the graphics window
After importing a Nastran file in the Structures Workspace, if you click on a part in the Model Browser,
the corresponding part may not be highlighted in the graphics window.
Workaround: Turn off New Graphics: Tools  Options  New Graphics  Disable
General SimXpert
CR 1-53428786
Nonlinear Stresses and Strains and NLOUT results are not processed for some OP2
files
NLOUT card is present for 3D elements, but is missing for 2D elements.
Workaround: Edit the .bdf file and add the NLOUT cards.
CR 1-80626321
Orientation vector can not be defined for CBUSH elements defined using Generic
Template
By default, when using Generic Templates, if the model contains CBUSH elements, orientation vectors
are not written out. A workaround is to delete the generic element using the option  Keep Internals.
This will then allow one to modify the CBUSH element by using the menu Element  Modify  1D
 CBUSH and provide for an orientation.
CR 1-55802361
Recording movie file shows all frames while recording with dual monitors
While recording a movie from an animation, all frames seem to stay on the graphical screen during the
recording. This is a dual monitor issue. Please refrain from recording on a two-monitor setup. With one
monitor, recording works properly.
CR 1-59362381
Re-opening SimXpert Databases with Results Attached and Non-Default Units

When reopening saved SimXpert databases (with results attached) in a new session or when units have
been changed in the current session, it is important to set the units properly prior to opening them. Else,
the results fringe may be displayed on a scaled model.
CR 1-47797355
Show option on entities will activate entities

For parts and also structures objects that support Hide/Show, Activate/Deactivate (such as LBCs), if you
request show on a deactivated entity, it will be made visible and active.
CR 1-40038451
SimXpert_Geometry_Modeling license is always checked out

CR 1-265002121
Known Issues 29
General SimXpert
SimXpert hangs if we close application using exit(); in rade editor after import CATIA
file
Workaround: Instead of using the exit() function in RADE, recommend having the user of the template
interactively exit SimXpert through the File  Exit menu. If batch execution requires use of the Exit()
function, then it is recommended to use other geometry import methods, such as import CATIA as
parasolids.
CR 1-63317321
SimXpert History and File History options are not honored until next session
Workaround: Exit SimXpert after changing these options, and then restart SimXpert. The options will
now be taken into account.
CR 1-73537246
Unable to edit DOFs of imported SPC

CR 1-272243062
Performance
Performance
After reading in parasolid file session is very slow, hard to zoom or rotate
Workaround: Recommend changing the geometry tolerance on the Tools  Options dialog to reduce
the number of polygons used to render the geometry to the canvas.
CR 1-67003171
Interactive performance can be slow with large models

CR 1-56153372
Opening SimXpert db slow after importing a bdf with Tet 10 elements and saving the
database
Performance was improved by 33%, but not deemed sufficient to close the CR. The performance
problems are centered around the use of higher order tetra10 elements.
CR 1-73573901
Overall performance very slow for models with 3 million Tet10 elements
CR 1-74675411
MemoryAuditor -- inconsistent virtual memory, modules for different machines

CR 1-76980080
Unexpected performance delay on 64 bit SimXpert when creating State Plot with all
frequencies selected
After testing only slow rendering of a fringe plot with file Wing-111.xdb was shown to occur. After
further investigation it was found that Wing-111.xdb, which contains multiple result sets (For example,
frequency data), showed slow rendering only when all result sets were selected for the plot. If a single
result set was chosen then the plot time was normal.
CR 1-80615499
View manipulation performance degrades if Detailed Rendering or part highlighting are

active
Workaround: Perform the view manipulation without Detailed Rendering or parts highlighted, after the
view manipulation is done manually reactivate the desired graphics.
CR 1-77470310; 1-78273001
Known Issues 31
Geometry
Geometry
Application hangs importing if Pro/ENGINEER® cannot access license
Terminate SimXpert and verify the Pro/ENGINEER® can be launched from the same machine to ensure
the Pro/ENGINEER® can locate the appropriate PTC license.
CR 1-52692303
CATIA Material parameters missing or incorrect in feature tree

After importing certain CATIA parts, the units are incorrect. Thickness values are missing in the feature
tree. The material type information (Isotropic Material) is also missing.
CR 1-79727121
CATIA .model is read in (interop) with extra unknown entities

Some construction geometry not visible in the native CAD system may be visible when imported to
SimXpert.
Workaround: Delete geometry once inside SimXpert.
CR 1-34321588
CATIA parameters are not displayed in the Model Browser context menu
After importing certain CATProducts none of the parameters are displayed in the context menu,
especially the Nomenclature parameter, which is required to identify the Parts.
CR 1-79550061
CATIA parametric update fails if parametric update results in splitting a single body
into multiple bodies
CR 1-80554585
Delete Curves will let you pick edges without knowing. Deleting merges surfaces
unexpectedly.
Workaround: Take care to avoid picking edges when picking the curves. Recommend turning off the
Edge pick filter so only the curves will be selected.
CR 1-46084657
Edit Surface  Assign Thickness does not show the thickness in system units
Thickness assignment is always reported in meters.
CR 1-79954011
Geometry
Edit Surface  Remove Hole requires all edges of the hole to be selected before it is
deleted
When deleting a hole from a trimmed surface, all edges of the hole must be selected before it can be
deleted.
Workaround: Select all the edges of the hole
CR 1-79439555
Geometry Graphics: Show Free Edges may be misinterpreted

In SimXpert free edges are defined as curves (not edges) that are not connected to other geometry.
CR 1-76660773
Memory errors during direct import of large Pro/ENGINEER® assemblies

Error message : "Insufficient memory is available to complete this operation safely. SimXpert will now
shut down to avoid the possibility of data corruption. You will be prompted to recover the database the
next time you start SimXpert."
CR 1-77275351
Native Pro/ENGINEER® data are not displayed in Japanese

CR 1-59597429
Pro/ENGINEER® Parts modelled in separate units systems do not import properly in an

assembly
When working with assemblies comprised of parts designed in different unit systems they do not import
correctly in the assembly.
CR 1-79194215
Pro/ENGINEER® symmetry feature is not supported

CR 1-78803971
Sewing not supported in SGM-Capri

After importing a CATIA file with Tools  Options  Geometry  CAD Import Sew Surface
checked, when the geometry is modified the surfaces are no longer sewn.
CR 1-75738219
SimXpert crashes on updating a 'dirty' CATIA model - KP parameters

Workaround: Update the CATA model inside CATIA before using native attach in SimXpert. CATIA
may encounter the same errors while regenerating, however in some cases it is able to proceed with a
partial model update.
Known Issues 33
Geometry
CR 1-64477911
SimXpert may leave xtop.exe process running after a session where native
Pro/ENGINEER® geometry was attached
If SimXpert crashes after Pro/ENGINEER® import then xtop.exe is left running at 100% CPU.
Workaround: You can look at the Process Tab of the Task Manager and look for the process named
xtop.exe. If found, select the process from the list and select the End Process button on the Task Manager.
CR 1-76464572
Units conversion does not work when importing Native Pro/ENGINEER® geometry
Workaround: If this issue is encountered, it is recommended to import the geometry as parasolid.
CR 1-64299831
Meshing
Meshing
'Automesh > Modify' does not work to decrease nodes for quadratic elements
CR 1-284562348
Mesh does not update with CATIA parameter change - associate curve
Mesh updates may not work correctly when associative curves are present.
Workaround: Manually delete and recreate the mesh.
CR 1-68118488
Mesh Seeds are not visible

Workaround: Select the Mesh Control Points On/Off icon on the Entity Display Filter toolbar.
CR 1-73838456
Mesh smoothing on 2D surface produces erratic elements

CR 1-272652791
SimXpert hangs while meshing rectangular surface with seeds. Patran meshes
identical with no trouble.
CR 1-272661552
SimXpert may lock up when using Meshing\Edit\Remesh

CR 1-76370871
Unable to create basic mapped mesh on 180 degree cylindrical surface with 4 vertices
CR 1-270694162
Known Issues 35
Post-processing
Post-processing
DRA is not returning the sequence of integers that shows how many element positions
are in each element
Error causing the number of element positions per element not to be returned from the DRA interface
method that returns analysis data.
CR 1-284318761
Equivalent elastic strain values are wrong for the case cited in this report (Beta5-
SOL400).
Incorrect result values are being rendered for equivalent elastic strain.
CR 1-284254840
A SimXpert fatal error occurs when creating a plot of “Fastener Stresses, Rotational”.
A fatal error occurs when a plot of Rotational Fastener Stresses is rendered for the model attached to this
CR.
CR 1-280607901
For the case cited in this report no results for CTRIA3 elements are seen using SOL400
- Beta5.
Various elements of the model provided with the CR are not being imported and therefore will not be
post processed.
CR 1-284053589
Fringe plot generation fails and issues the error “An error has occurred adding a mesh
primitive”.
At times when element results data is missing at an element's node the message “An error has occurred
adding a mesh primitive” is issued. The probability of the occurrence of this error increases if the fringe
plot render style Element Fill is used.
Workaround: Use Discrete render style if you are currently using the Element Fill style.
CR 1-253711726
Selecting ‘Interface Loads’ under Results/VMT>>’Monitor points group’ deletes the

monitor point list.
Lists that the a user specifies can be deleted when the state of the VMT form is changed.
CR 1-275294878
Post-processing
Macro: Cannot record macro for creating an animation file

Workaround: This functionality is not implemented at this time. Please record the mpeg animation file
using Tools  MPEG Record.
CR 1-76735771
Min/Max elementID.posID incorrect with respect to what is shown in F06 file. PosID is
incorrect.
CR 1-279737801
NLOUT result types not processed for n12x11c2.MASTER test case.

Modifications to Nastran are necessary to cause nonlinear stresses and strains to be inserted in the
database.
CR 1-77992116
Not able to post-process rigid bodies for the case cited in this report
The rigid bodies contained in this simulation model are not rendered during post processing.
CR 1-280485601
The OP2 file provided in this report contains no results for the nonlinear static analysis.
Modifications to Nastran are necessary to specify unique load case names used in stepped analysis.
CR 1-254054747
SimXpert unable to process op2 file from a SOL400 analysis including an external
superelement.
CR 1-273373288
SimXpert cannot load a modified op2 file. Modifications were performed with non
standard software.
SimXpert fails to read an op2 file that was modified by an op2 writer created by a development resource
external to the MSC Nastran development group.
CR 1-280833751
The DAC cannot get the DBALL & OP2 DRA Adaptor when the op2 files included with
this CR are attached.
Nastran modifications are necessary to allow attachment and reading of the OP2 file attached to this
change request.
CR 1-202808961
Known Issues 37
Post-processing
OP2: SimXpert cannot attach some OP2 files

Workaround: There is no workaround for this since the failure occurs reading one of the data blocks of
the op2 file. This failure is file specific and is being investigated.
CR 1-76571731
For the case cited in this report 2D plane strain analysis with sol400 seems to be
incorrect.
Documentation is needed to allow the user to understand the rendering of different result values for the
various options that are available.
Workaround: Discuss specific settings with the support group until full documentation is available.
CR 1-271027127
Plot on Deform is not working correctly for the case cited in this report.
CR 1-262749861
Result Access component's Catalog allows multiple result type keys to be selected
without error.
At times the Post Processing GUI can incorrectly display result types when multiple result cases are
selected where the result types in one result case are complex and non-complex in another result case.
Workaround: Select only one result case at a time.
CR 1-259291441
SCAICatalog provides incorrect selectable keys when complex & non-complex result
types are present.
SimXpert results user interface can show an incorrect list of result types when different result cases
contain complex and non-complex data.
Workaround: Select only one result case at a time.
CR 1-279404453
SimX crashes after attaching the op2 file supplied with this report.
Opening of the op2 file provided in this change request causes SimXpert to crash.
CR 1-270812441
SimXpert crashes when you select Japanese font for the tile of chart in Results
Localization project for the Post Processing GUI is required to display all text in the local language.
CR 1-276562211
Post-processing
SimXpert does not support the import of CQUADX elements from MASTER or op2 result
files
CQUADX elements are not supported by SimXpert.
CR 1-281320400
SOL 700: SimXpert is unable to display the result after attaching the
sol700.dytr.MASTER file
Workaround: There is no known workaround for this problem since the problem is caused by a failure to
read layer position data from the MASTER file. Note that Dytran data contained in the MASTER and
DBALL analysis results files has not been officially released for SimXpert use. It is currently
experimental and is being certified at this time.
CR 1-77435461
Cannot plot Stress vs. Strain for the case cited in this report. The output generated is a
Stress vs. Stress plot.
Stress vs. Strain plots for this case are not possible. Problem is under investigation.
Workaround: Export stress vs. increment and strain vs. increment to csv files.
CR 1-284255243
Unable to see rigid body motion animation when running SOL 600 and using the T16 file
for post processing
CR 1-75072981
VRADE templates delivered with SimXpert are giving a ridl error and a Post Processing
crash.
The VRADE Templates supplied with the CR cause a crash in SimXpert.
CR 1-216567811
Known Issues 39
Graphics
Graphics
Fit window not performing correctly and entity types are confusing for CATIA files in
SimXpert
Incomplete support for points in fit operation and display showing points even when turned off.
Workaround: Manually zoom out using the View  Translate Z operation if entire model is not fit
within the view.
CR 1-53945276
Planes may be displayed too large, do not honor options settings

CR 1-283963440
RBE2: Display does not get refreshed properly after modifying the Independent Node
After modifying an RBE2 element’s independent node, the display does not update. The new display is
visible only when the mouse moves over the modified RBE2 element.
Workaround: Hide then Show the corresponding part or hover the mouse over the modified RBE2
element.
CR 1-79748287
Show/Hide Nodes does not work in transparent display mode

CR 1-284454656
Template Builder / Runner
Template Builder / Runner

AddFreeBodyAttribute Standard Action does not allow control of summation point
The underlying Action has the ability to save the summation point. Unfortunately, the GUI has not been
updated to support interactive specification of the summation point.
Workaround: The underlying Action can be called from a Template with the summation point specified.
There is no workaround for specifying the summation point from the existing interactive GUI.
CR 1-76514991
It's possible to get the Template Builder in a state where the Actions are outside the
boundaries of the scroll bars for large templates.
Workaround: Save the template, exit and re-enter SimXpert and reload template into template builder.
CR 1-67079511
Known Issues 41
SimXpert Help System
SimXpert Help System

Active Content Should Be Enabled In Internet Options:
In order to browse the help system on Windows systems without first experiencing warning messages,
the user should enable active content. This is accomplished through the Advanced tab of Tools / Internet
Options. Scroll down to the Security section and activate the checkbox for “Allow active content to run
in files on My Computer.”
NLPCI format is not correct
SimXpert does not export a correct BDF file when using NLPCI option.
CR 1-59179707
Part Properties not being read from SOFY files

The current release of SimXpert Structures workspace has a known deficiency in handling legacy SOFY
databases. The PART property IDs are created and assigned incorrectly during the SOFY database
import. This will result in a significant loss of data and causes invalid model to be generated for the MD
Nastran analysis.
Workaround: In your legacy SOFY environment, create a MSC Nastran input file from the legacy
database and import the MSC.Nastran input file into the SimXpert Structures workspace.
CR 1-40328222
Results data is invalid: Can not start the MSC NASTRAN Server
If the scratch directory (Sdir in the NAST2006.rcf file) is not found, an incorrect error message is
displayed in the message area when reading the OP2/Master file. The message says that the results data
is invalid, when in fact the error is due to the missing scratch directory. You will see the correct message
in the console window if it is displayed.
CR 1-40971423
Known Issues 43
Systems and Controls Workspace
Systems and Controls Workspace

Co-simulation support missing from Motion Interface component
CR 1-278350345
Names embedded within exported dlls are coming from outside the MI component
CR 1-276049673
No support for state-space motion plant in MI component

CR 1-278350519
Motion Workspace
Motion Workspace
ADM Export issue with Applied Force direction vector
When simulating a model with an Applied Force direction vector, the following error example is
observed:
"Vector vectorGeometry has no geometry.
Referring object is '.Root_001.temp.SFORCE_30.direction.vectorGeometry'."
CR 1-278458071
Animation rendering state fails to obey all of the render settings for both Geometry &
FE parts
The user has the ability in the modeling environment to independently set the rendering state of FE and
Parasolid geometry. When the user animates, the user only has control to do an all or nothing using the
Geometry render tools as the toggle. The FE render tools are ignored during animation.
CR 1-277333423
Beam Property Editor displays all possible Dimensions in the Section Properties tab
Instead of only showing the relevant dimensions for a given beam cross section, the Beam Property
Editor displays all dimension fields.
CR 1-280334709
Cannot simulate flex body with 'full coupling' in external solver

Using the external solver, it is not possible to simulate a model with a flex body with 'Full Coupling' on
or I5 or I9 turned on. These invariants are not written to the mtx file. Stand alone solver complains about
missing invariants and quits.
Workaround: Either use a different Inertia Coupling method or use Internal solver
CR 1-278158091
Contact results different between the Internal and External Solver when using Parasolid
Library
When simulating models that contain contacts, different results behavior are observed if the Parasolid
Library option is selected for Geometry Library in the Simulation Preferences.
Workaround: Select the Default Library for the Geometry Library used for contacts.
CR 1-269994545
Known Issues 45
Motion Workspace
Extend plant export tool to let users specify ADAMS installation

The plant export tool automatically assumes the default MD Adams 2010 installation location. There is
no way for the user to specify a different installation location.
CR 1-278350546
Flexible Bodies deactivating some flex body modes has no effect

Deactivating modes in the Part property editor for flex bodies does not affect the simulation.
CR 1-281402361
General Force with Point Mass Coordinate System for Define Using Coordinate
Systems, generates an error
When creating a General Force using the "Define Using Coordinate Systems" method, an error is
observed if the Coordinate System is on a Point Mass.
Workaround: Define the General Force by Parts and Locations. Select the Point Mass as the Part and
select the Coordinate System for the location.
CR 1-276284274
Improve function expression to handle rename of any object

Currently, renaming an object referenced in a function expression will result in a broken function
expression.
CR 1-279400932
Incorrect dimensions for eigenValue matrix in xml results file

Linear simulations can result in incorrect dimensions for the eignvalue matrix that is written to the results
file.
CR 1-277212256
Incorrect export of model with a Modal Force

Model with a Modal force defined with Method = Subroutine(Function) is incorrectly exported to adm.
CR 1-278686351
Linear animation custom scaling issues

The custom scaling section of the linear animation dialog has two fields: (Max Translation, Max
Rotation). Setting Max Rotation has no impact. Max Translation does get used.
CR 1-278078411
Motion Workspace
Long motion part names can lead to a crash of SimXpert while performing a load
transfer to Structures
A long motion part name can lead to a crash of SimXpert while performing a load transfer. There is a
limit to the length of a simulation name in Structures.
Workaround: If experienced, rename the motion part to an abbreviated name.
CR 1-284417151
Macro record /replay of a scripted simulation does not work

Macro recording of a scripted simulation fails to properly replay the macro. The run simulation fails with
the following error:
"Error in Run Simulation: wrong object type passed. Expected a Motion Simulation.
ERROR: The 'runSimulation' Action returned an error."
CR 1-271312551
MD ADAMS User Subroutine DLLs Can Not Load on SimXpert Linux Platform
SimXpert can not load user subroutine dlls created in the MD ADAMS environment in SimXpert Motion
Workspace due to compiler incompatibility. MD ADAMS R2.1 is supported on Linux RH9 while
SimXpert R2.1 is supported on Linux RH E3 or E4.
Move static hold to front tab for SCInterface object

As this setting can have important effect on simulation, this setting should be moved to the first tab of
SCInterface and out of the Simulation tab. It should be checked by default where currently it is
unchecked.
CR 1-280962851
Open loop simulation that includes an SC Interface object results in solver.exe error
when using external solver
The ball beam example model for Motion-Systems and Controls integration shows an error during the
open loop simulation when using the external MD Adams solver. The issue is the order that SimXpert
writes out the .adm. The extrusion is written out prior to the curves that define it.
Workaround(s): 1. Manually change the order so that the extrusion is defined after the curves in the .adm
file, the simulation runs to completion. 2. Use the internal solver for SimXpert Motion.
CR 1-272188227
Point-Curve contact simulations can fail

The RM marker on the PTCV statement in the solver must belong to the same part as the Curve, and not
necessarily be the reference coordinate system of the curve.
Known Issues 47
Motion Workspace
CR 1-277333301
Point Mass triad does not always display and update properly
Some combinations of Point Mass reference system options do not update the triad properly.
An example scenario is to create a Point Mass with a reference system defined by Entered Data. Enter a
non-zero location and orientation. Edit the properties.
1) Clicking Reference System on and off does not update the triad at all.
2) Clicking Coordinate System (with a default of Origin) does not update the orientation, only the
location.
Leave the PM with a non-zero Entered Data Orientation.
Modify the CM CS to have a non-zero location. Modify the PM, and the triad will be shown offset from
the Point Mass icon. It should be coincident and co-aligned with the Point Mass icon.
CR 1-280206478
Request with list of variables not imported from adm dataset

REQUEST statements that contain VARIABLES are not imported or supported in SimXpert Motion.
CR 1-272131651
Save as Python results in a Coordinate System on Ground written as child of ground

part
Save As Python export writes Coordinate Systems on Ground as children of the ground part instead of
children of the model as they are in the original model.
CR 1-278952717
SCInterface signal names not refreshed in Model Browser

Workaround: Users need to open the SCInterface property editor and hit OK to get the signal names
shown in Model Browser.
CR 1-284934746
"Solver.exe" is crashing while solving a model that contains a multipoint force with
"External Solver"
Models that contain multipoint forces (NFORCE) may crash when using the External Solver.
Workaround: Use the internal solver for models with multipoint forces.
CR 1-254098014
Motion Workspace
Unnecessary messages during adm import of models that include certain Requests
Models that contain certain request result in undesired messages "Outputs cannot be disabled for Request
object" during .adm import. Incorrect component names with unit type "acceleration" are also being
created.
CR 1-276049713
Known Issues 49
MD Explicit Workspace
MD Explicit Workspace
Conversion of contact data from Crash to Explicit workspace is not supported
The entity mapping of contact data from Crash to Explicit workspace is not supported. Contacts can still
be created in the Explicit Workspace.
CR 1-52583911
Performance: Instability post-processing a very large mode

SimXpert can become unstable when a simulation model containing a very large number of elements is
post processed.
CR 1-266934631
Post ProcessingSimXpert cannot postprocess SPH results

CR 1-278367101
Property creation: Elements selected with only the "Pick elements" filter active are not
assigned
CR 1-276284554
SimX units degrees, but SOL700 uses radians

CR 1-279315551
Thermal Workspace
Thermal Workspace
Exported bulk data TEMP SID does not match SID of TEMP(INITIAL)
There may be a collision between TEMP NIDs created by TEMP_INIT and those created by
TemperatureLBC.
Workaround: Review the Nastran input file for Temperature ID compatibility.
CR 1-79028348
Materials: there are two groups for Materials in the tool ribbon
Material is for high level GUI. Materials is for solver card GUI.
CR 1-77366641
Problems with Thermal units conversion in SimXpert

When using the SimXpert Thermal Workspace, it is strongly recommended not to change to and from
English units. Conversion of units is performed in base units (i.e., length, mass, time, temperature), and
parameters remain in base units after conversion.
This situation is especially a problem with respect to English units, where energy and power remain in
terms of base units instead of the more traditional Btu and Btu/h. Thus, parameters exported to MD
Nastran and used in the analysis are in base units rather than the more familiar units.
For example, the SimXpert factory default unit for energy is Joule; when using the Options Editor to
change to English units (length = ft, mass = lbm, time = hr, temperature = F), gives energy in lbm-
ft/hr**3-F. This is as opposed to the expected unit of Btu/hr.
CR 1-49012861
SPC does not get mapped to Temperature BC for imported SOL600,153 Nastran file
Workaround: Manually modify the SPC
CR 1-77842478
Unable to define Free convection BC

CR 1-271045821
Known Issues 51

SimManager and SimXpert Incompatibility Error
SimManager components C++ integrated client and Rich client do not support input and output
parameters of type list/array. Templates and processes with list/array in the parameter list can not be
executed in managed mode from SimXpert. There are some actions provided by SimXpert which use list
types as inputs or outputs. Templates using these actions can not be executed in managed mode.
CRs 1-72668037 and 1-73244715
Platform Specific
Platform Specific
Linux SimXpert gives OpenGL error and quits when run in batch
SimXpert requires graphic display even while running templates in batch mode through SimManager. On
Windows, the video driver of the machine where SimXpert is executed must support OpenGL. On Linux,
this can be accomplished by installing GLX on the server where SimXpert is executed, or by setting the
DISPLAY environment variable to a an X-Server with GLX support. Only one GLX capable machine is
needed if you are running SimXpert on multiple servers. If SimXpert is run on a machine without GLX
support, or without the DISPLAY environment variable set to an appropriate machine, you will see an
error message similar to:
ERROR: This system has no OpenGL support. Exiting...
CR 1-66392584

MSC SimXpert 2010 Release Guide

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SimXpert 2010

What's New in SimXpert 2010

• Allows easy modeling of pre-stressed bolts, especially in a contact analysis

• Single field for Location and Orientation

• ACF Based Scripted Simulation

• Linear and Controls

Template Builder Workspace

System & Controls Workspace

What’s New in SimXpert R3.1

What’s New in SimXpert R3

Significant New Capabilities

SimXpert General and Architecture

Common Support for Structures, Thermal, and Explicit

Composites - Link to FiberSIM

• All EOS and Hourglass Properties

Modal Neutral File (MNF) Enhancements:

Post Processing Enhancements:

• Tabular display of XY Chart Data

Template Builder Workspace

Enterprise Simulation Scenario

Enterprise Role Description

Bad Iges Import

CatAnalysis Import: Could not load the CAA Libraries - MSCExportToSimOffice.dll

CATIA License is tied up for entire SimXpert session

CATIA Model Modification

Data Entered in Exponential Format is Rounded to First Decimal Place

Default Workspace setting is not remembered

Definition of thermal properties for rigid body has wrong properties

Error applying proper LBC to simple model (prone to user error)

Group attributes Show/hide does not work after toggling ON/OFF

Grow mesh does not work for CELAS1 elements

Hidden geometry entities are unexpectedly pickable when picking elements

Interop broken on linux: Parasolid bug ID 6340260

Re-opening SimXpert Databases with Results Attached and Non-Default Units

Show option on entities will activate entities

SimXpert_Geometry_Modeling license is always checked out

Unable to edit DOFs of imported SPC

Interactive performance can be slow with large models

MemoryAuditor -- inconsistent virtual memory, modules for different machines

View manipulation performance degrades if Detailed Rendering or part highlighting are

CATIA Material parameters missing or incorrect in feature tree

CATIA .model is read in (interop) with extra unknown entities

Geometry Graphics: Show Free Edges may be misinterpreted

Memory errors during direct import of large Pro/ENGINEER® assemblies

Native Pro/ENGINEER® data are not displayed in Japanese

Pro/ENGINEER® Parts modelled in separate units systems do not import properly in an

Pro/ENGINEER® symmetry feature is not supported

Sewing not supported in SGM-Capri

SimXpert crashes on updating a 'dirty' CATIA model - KP parameters

Mesh Seeds are not visible

Mesh smoothing on 2D surface produces erratic elements

SimXpert may lock up when using Meshing\Edit\Remesh

Selecting ‘Interface Loads’ under Results/VMT>>’Monitor points group’ deletes the

Macro: Cannot record macro for creating an animation file

NLOUT result types not processed for n12x11c2.MASTER test case.

OP2: SimXpert cannot attach some OP2 files

Planes may be displayed too large, do not honor options settings

Show/Hide Nodes does not work in transparent display mode

Template Builder / Runner

SimXpert Help System

Part Properties not being read from SOFY files

Systems and Controls Workspace

No support for state-space motion plant in MI component

Cannot simulate flex body with 'full coupling' in external solver