NX 1926 Series – Release Notes

Welcome to NX

October 2020

Dear Customer:
We are proud to introduce the latest release of our product development solution. With this
release, we continue to provide innovative ways to deliver solutions that meet the next
generation of your product design, development, and manufacturing challenges. The new
version of NX is robust and powerful, and it delivers advanced technologies for product design,
development, and manufacturing in a single, multidisciplinary platform. It preserves best-in-
class customer deployment readiness and builds on the productivity and stability achievements
of the previous release.

Sincerely,
Siemens Digital Industries Software
CONTENTS
Note .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
NX 1926 Series Summary .............................................................................................................................. 5
Release Availability ................................................................................................................................... 5
Release Content ........................................................................................................................................ 5
NX 1942 ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
1942 UPDATES .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1942 ENHANCEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 6
NX 1938 ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
1938 UPDATES .......................................................................................................................................... 7
1938 ENHANCEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 7
CAE: Universal Seam Weld Connections – Position Representation .................................................... 8
CAE: Universal Spot Weld Connections – WCD Format ...................................................................... 13
Drafting & PMI: Limits and Fits Expansion .......................................................................................... 16
Line Designer: New Features and Enhancements .............................................................................. 17
Simcenter: Enable transmission phenomena ..................................................................................... 34
Simcenter: Field Enhancements.......................................................................................................... 38
NX 1934 ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
1934 UPDATES ........................................................................................................................................ 49
1934 ENHANCEMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 49
Automation Designer: Support for EPLAN Version 2.9 ....................................................................... 50
CAE: Universal Spot Weld Connections for LS-DYNA .......................................................................... 51
Simcenter 3D: Auto BIW Meshing for Crash, Phase II ........................................................................ 56
Simcenter 3D: Penetration Check Tool ............................................................................................... 60
NX 1930 ....................................................................................................................................................... 66
1930 UPDATES ........................................................................................................................................ 66
1930 ENHANCEMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 66
Simcenter 3D: LS-DYNA Element Updates for Universal Connections ............................................... 67
NX Release Summaries ............................................................................................................................... 74
1942 .................................................................................................................................................... 74
1938 .................................................................................................................................................... 76
1934 .................................................................................................................................................... 77
 1930 .................................................................................................................................................... 79
Global Technical Access Center .................................................................................................................. 80
Installation Assistance............................................................................................................................. 80
NOTE

These release notes provide information about updates, fixes, and enhancements that are included in
NX Releases.

For all other Siemens Digital Industries Software product updates, please refer to each products’
respective release notes provided on Support Center.
NX 1926 SERIES SUMMARY

Release Availability
A complete list of NX 1926 Series releases is included below.

Release Release Date Automatic Update Support Center

1942 October 2020
1938 September 2020
1934 August 2020
1930 July 2020

Release Content
The following table represents a release overview of the fixes and enhancements included in the release.
More details can be found in the NX Release Summaries section in this document.

Release Call Count

1942 69
1938 59
1934 82
1930 53
Total 263
NX 1942

1942 UPDATES

For a cumulative list of fixes and enhancements, see Fixed_Problem_Reports_1942.csv included with the
release documents.
Please see the table below for a summary of the changes included in this release.

Application Count of Calls

CAE 19
CAM 12
KDA 9
SYSENG 6
PMI 5
ASSEMBLIES 5
ARCHITECTURE 3
GATEWAY 3
ROUTING_GENERAL 2
DRAFTING 1
AUTOMATN_DESIGN 1
TRANSLATOR 1
MECHATRONICS 1
SHIP_DESIGN 1
Total 69

1942 ENHANCEMENTS

No enhancements are included in this release.

NX 1938

Caveats
Simcenter 3D Ray Acoustics Solver Crash

In Simcenter 3D Ray Acoustics solver, a solver crash may occur when a model is not containing any
surface where a transmission coefficient is defined.

The workaround is to manually modify the input XML file and change the value <max_transmissions>
from 1 to 0.

1938 UPDATES

For a cumulative list of fixes and enhancements, see Fixed_Problem_Reports_1938.csv included with the
release documents.
Please see the table below for a summary of the changes included in this release.

Application Count of Calls

CAE 17
GATEWAY 14
SHIP_DESIGN 8
DESIGN 5
PMI 2
ROUTING_ELEC 2
TRANSLATOR 2
NASTRAN 2
STRUCTURE_DES 1
TL_DESKTOP 1
SYSENG 1
ARCHITECTURE 1
CAM 1
ADD_FIXED_PLANE 1
NXMANAGER 1
Total 59

1938 ENHANCEMENTS

See below for the enhancements included in this release:

CAE: Universal Seam Weld Connections – Position Representation

Introduction
What is it?

This release adds the ability to easily visualize the weld position of those universal seam weld
connections which allow the definition of the Location option within the Weld Properties node of the
connection dialog: Butt Joint, Corner Weld, Double Corner, Edge Weld, I-Weld, Overlap Weld, Y-Joint,
K-Joint, Cruciform, Flared Joint.

The weld direction is represented using arrows regardless of the selected Location option (Vector or
Flange-Side) and the purpose of the functionality is to visually describe the weld positioning with
respect to the welded assembly configuration.

Why should I use it?

Through this functionality the user can see in real time if the option selected in the connection definition
corresponds to the true weld position which is constrained by the welding process and the configuration
of the welded components.

Where do I find it?

Universal Seam Weld Connection command

Application Pre/Post

Prerequisite A FEM or assembly FEM file as the work part and displayed part

Command Finder
Universal Spot Weld Connection
Universal Seam Weld Connection – Position Representation

Through the new functionality the weld position is possible to be represented in the following cases
depending on the Location option:
1. Flange-Side
In this case, the weld position can be displayed only for seam welds created starting with
Simcenter 3D 2020.2 (1926) using the Import Durability Welds/Import Connections/Auto-
detect Seam Welds functionality.

Note: If the connection created through the above-mentioned functionalities is edited and
suffers major changes such as the change of the location which defines the weld line or in case
the connection is manually created, the representation of weld position is not possible.

2. Vector
In this case, the defined vector will be represented whether the connection has been manually
defined or has been created through the automatic methods such as import or autodetection.

Note: For more details about the definition of weld position through a vector check the FAT-
SCHRIFTENREIHE 286 publication of VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) which describes the
xMCF Standard.
Position representation differences between Vector and Flange-Side option

The user can easily identify how the connection has been defined and whether the Vector or Flange-
Side option has been used by simply examining the drawing of the universal seam weld connection.

If Flange-Side option is used, an arrow is represented for each discretization point while if Vector option
is used only a single arrow is represented and it is placed along the weld line accordingly to the “u”
parameter defined in the connection dialog.

Weld position representation depending on selected option

(Left – Vector; Right – Flange-Side)

Position representation differences between one position welds and multiple position welds

Different seam weld types imply a different number of possible welds with different positions which
need to be handled differently.
Given this particularity and the fact that single position weld types limit the welding possibilities, if the
connection has been defined with Flange-Side option the weld position is not represented for the single
position welds such as Edge Weld, I-Weld, Overlap Weld, Flared Joint.

Weld position representation depending on the number of welds

(Left – Single Position Welds; Right- Multiple Position Welds)

Note: If the weld position is defined through the Vector option, the vector is represented even for single
position welds because it is an explicitly user defined vector.

Other visualization updates

Starting with this release the Universal Seam Weld Connection visualization resembles more with the
rest of the universal connections as the spherical representation was replaced by filled circles and the
location index is also displayed for easily debugging a failed location.

New representation (Left – previous releases, Right – current release)

Also, it is possible to directly see how the Universal Seam Weld Connection was defined and identify its
type through the displayed label which indicates the seam weld configuration selected in the connection
definition.

For each type there is a corresponding label which is displayed at the beginning of the weld line.
Table 1. Seam Weld Labels

Seam Weld Type Displayed Label

Butt Joint Butt Joint
Corner Weld Corner
Double Corner 2xCorner
Edge Weld Edge
I-Weld I-Weld
Overlap Weld Overlap
Y-Joint Y-Joint
K-Joint K-Joint
Cruciform Joint Cruciform
Flared Joint Flared
Other Seam
CAE: Universal Spot Weld Connections – WCD Format

Introduction
What is it?

This release adds the ability to export Universal Spot Weld Connections in WCD (Weld Connection
Definition) format besides the already supported xMCF and XML formats.

Note: Previous Simcenter 3D releases supported only the import of WCD format.

Why should I use it?

The new functionality is intended to complement the import of WCD format which was already
supported and provide a complete solution through which allows to easily transfer and manage the
information about the spot welds within the CAE model.

Where do I find it?

Export Connections command

Application Pre/Post

Prerequisite A FEM or assembly FEM file as the work part and displayed part

Command Finder
Export Connections
WCD Format

A WCD file has a simple format using entries similar to Nastran cards. The format of a valid entry line is
as followed:

!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-----------------

! TYPE ! ID ! DIAM ! X ! Y ! Z ! PID1 ! PID2 ! PID3 ! PID4 ! MATERIAL

!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-------!-----------------

with the following fields:

TYPE: spot weld’s type (string)

ID: identification number (integer > 0)

DIAM: diameter (double)

X: X coordinate of the location (double)

Y: Y coordinate of the location (double)
Z: Z coordinate of the location (double)

PIDX: flange property identification numbers (integer > 0)

MATERIAL: name of the material to be used (string)

Remarks:

• All fields except MATERIAL have a fixed length of 8 characters.

• TYPE can only be GRID. Any lines not beginning with a valid TYPE will be ignored.
• ID is not used when importing a WCD file in Simcenter 3D.
• Double values can have the following formats:
o Decimal floating point (ex: 415.3, -415.3);
o Scientific notation (ex: 4.153E2, -4.15E+2, 4.153e-2, 4.153D2, 4.153D+2, 4.153d-2).
• When DIAM > 0.0, spot weld is created with diameter type 'User'. When DIAM <= 0.0 or
undefined (i.e. blank), spot weld is created with diameter type 'Formula' with coefficient taken
from customer default.
• PID3 and PID4 are optional (can be blank).
• MATERIAL is optional (can be blank) and has no fixed length. Spaces between words and special
characters are allowed. Leading and trailing blanks are ignored.
• When DIAM > 0.0, spot weld is created with diameter type 'User'. When DIAM <= 0.0 or
undefined (i.e. blank), spot weld is created with diameter type 'Formula' with coefficient taken
from customer default.
• PID3 and PID4 are optional (can be blank).
• MATERIAL is optional (can be blank) and has no fixed length. Spaces between words and special
characters are allowed. Leading and trailing blanks are ignored.
Export Functionality Summary

The export functionality can be summed up through the following statements:

• Only valid Universal Spot Weld Connections can be export in WCD format.
• If the connection doesn’t have a material defined the MAT column are not be filled in.
• Upon export the effective connection is exported given that a connection definition can be more
generic. For example, a connection can reference in its definition several flanges but within the
model, the spot weld is projected and connects only two flanges and only those will be written in
the generated file.
• The measurement units for different physical characteristics are written within the generate file as
commented lines starting with “#” (pound character).
• Each connection name is listed as a commented line “#” (pound character) and the succeeding lines
contain the actual connection information.
• The coordinates of the spot weld locations are exported in the X, Y, Z columns regardless of the
projection status (successful/failed) and in case one of the locations fails to be projected, the PID
columns are not filled in.
• A similar case where the PID columns are not filled in is when the physical properties of the flanges
cannot be determined.
• Spot welds which are defined with the diameter using the “Coefficient” option or “Table Defined”
option, are written with a blank DIAM column.
• The grouping of the lines which contain the spot weld information is based on diameter, physical
property table and material criteria.
• The user is informed about potential problems through warning messages which inform him
whether a location has a failed projection, if the physical properties of the flanges cannot be
determined or if the connection is invalid.
Drafting & PMI: Limits and Fits Expansion

Introduction
What is it?

This project expands Limit and Fit tolerance support to dimensions larger than 3150 mm as per the DIN
7172 standard. Expanded limit and fit tolerances are supported by the ISO, DIN, and Shipbuilding
standards.

Why should I use it?

This project can be leveraged anytime a limit or fit tolerances is needed on a dimension larger than 3150
mm.

Where do I find it?

Application Drafting & PMI Preferences Dialog

Drafting or
PMI Dimension→Tolerance→Type
Line Designer: New Features and Enhancements

Using 3D Selection Tool in a plant layout

What is it?

Line Designer now supports the selection of exterior geometry that enables creation of simplified 3D
representations of all types of parts, using 3D Selection Tool. This allows you to easily select the exterior
or interior geometry, so you can include them in the reference sets to simplify the parts.
In Line Designer, using 3D Selection Tool, you can:

● Select only the exterior or only the interior geometry of the parts that is visible from points on a
surrounding sphere. You can specify the number of views to use, so you can identify the exterior
geometry.
● Exclude small features from the selection, such as nuts and bolts, from monolithic part files.
● Use the Show Only option for the selected geometry to hide other features in a part.
● Use the option to assign the selection to an existing reference set or create a new reference set.
● Delete the interior features to simplify the part geometry.

Selection of exterior geometry Selection of interior geometry

Why should I use it?

Now you can:

● Create a useful simplified 3D representation for imported geometries in NX native and managed
mode.
● Reduce the time required to simplify the parts, and the associated cost.

Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
3D Selection Tool

Technical documentation

Viewing layout components in 3D

Working with 3D Selection Tool in a plant layout

When you author the plant layouts, you can simplify the 3D geometry of the parts, so you can use them
in the layout. This is helpful when you work with a large sized part files in a plant layout. You can create
reference sets and simplify the parts to optimize working in a large assembly.
To minimize the efforts involved in simplifying the existing parts, you can select the desired part
geometry, create a reference set, and use them in your layout. To do this, use 3D Selection Tool
command. Using this tool, you can select the geometry features and add them in a reference set, or you
can remove the geometry features from the parts.

The 3D Selection Tool helps you to build a better layout by reducing the time to author the parts to use
in the plant layout.
 Selection of exterior geometry Selection of interior geometry

Using 3D Selection Tool, you can:

● Select only the exterior or only the interior geometry of the parts that is visible from points on a
surrounding sphere. You can specify the number of views to use, so you can identify the exterior
geometry.
● Exclude small features from the selection, such as nuts and bolts, from monolithic part files.
● Use the Show Only option for the selected geometry to hide other features in a part.
● Use the option to assign the selection to an existing reference set or create a new reference set.
● Delete the interior features to simplify the part geometry.

Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
3D Selection Tool
Create simplified geometry in a plant layout

This example procedure shows how to create simplified representations of a model using the exterior
objects as the reference sets.

In NX, load the Machine_Step_Inch.prt, and if needed, click Plant Navigator in the Resource bar.

Perform the tasks in the procedure to:

● Create a representation using exterior objects in a model

Create a representation using exterior objects in a model

This example procedure shows how to create a reference set using the various filters available and using
the exterior geometry of the model.

1.
In the Ribbon bar, in the Author tab, in the Utilities group, click 3D Selection Tool .

2. In the Selection group, from the Views list, choose All Fourteen Views.
 For your reference, click Calculate Exterior Selection. The total count on the bottom ribbon of the
3D Selection Tool dialog box is 197.

3. In the Filter group, set the following:

= Only Include Geometry Visible from Above Z=0

= Exclude Objects Smaller than = 5 in

= Exclude Connectors

4. Click Calculate Exterior Selection.

NX calculates the total number of objects on the exterior part of the Machine_Step_Inch.prt. Now the
total count on the bottom ribbon of the 3D Selection Tool dialog box is approximately 173, different
than in step 2.

5.
In the Actions group, click Show Only .

NX shows the only objects that match the filter criteria in step 3. You can use the Show All
option before you add it to the reference set.

6.
Select the Add to Reference Set check box and type Exterior_View in the definition box.
7.
From the Add Option group, select Add .
NX adds Exterior_View in the Add to Reference Set list and you can see it in a step below.

8. Click Apply and OK.

NX removes other components from the exterior of the Machine_Step_Inch.prt. For reference, you
can compare the before and after images or parts.

9.
In the Ribbon bar, in the Author tab, in the Utilities group, click Reference Sets .

10. In the Reference Sets dialog box, in the Add New Reference Set list, confirm that the newly created
reference set Exterior_View appears.

11. Click Close.

3D Selection Tool dialog box

Selections

Lets you select the views of 3D model representation. You can also apply filters for removing
components from the selection. You can invert the selected components to show the specific
geometry.
Views Lets you select the view for a 3D geometry representation.
Six Standard
Sets the views of the selected model for the six standard views, TOP,
BOTTOM, FRONT, REAR, RIGHT, and LEFT.
Eight Isometric
Sets the views of the selected model for the six standard and two
isometric views, TOP, BOTTOM, FRONT, REAR, RIGHT, LEFT,
ISOMETRIC, and TRIMETRIC.
All Fourteen Views
Sets the views of the selected model for the six standard, two
isometric, and six different views to select only the visible objects.
Filter

Lets you apply the filter to add or remove the components from the selection.

Only Include Geometry
Visible from Above Z=0
Exclude Objects Smaller
than
Exclude Connectors
Calculate Exterior Selection
Invert Selection
Actions
Lets you select only those objects that are visible from above Z=0
value in the graphics window.
Lets you exclude the objects that are smaller than the defined value in
the definition box from the objects. You can define the value in inches
or millimeters.
Lets you exclude the connectors from the selected objects.
Calculates the total objects that NX selects with or without filters, on
the exterior of the model.
Lets you reverse the selection order for the objects in a model. For
example, if you select the exterior objects and use Invert selection,
NX shows the interior objects, and excludes the exterior objects.

Lets you show the objects and create or replace the reference sets.

Lets you show only the selected objects in the model. NX hides all
Show Only other objects.
Lets you show all the objects in a model.
Show All
Lets you add the current option to the reference set section.
Add to Reference Set
 By default, you see a list of existing reference sets. You can define a
new reference set by typing the name in the box. You can use
alphanumeric characters.
Add Option Appears only when you select the Add to Reference Set option.
Lets you add and remove the reference sets from the Add to
Reference Set list.

Add
Lets you add the new reference set. You can manually define the
name of the reference set. You can use alphanumeric characters.

Replace
Lets you replace the content of the existing reference set with the
geometry that NX selects. You can manually define the name of the
reference set. You can use alphanumeric characters.

Using native part attributes

What is it?

In NX native, in Line Designer, based on attribute templates, you can automatically add the standard
attributes to the parts. In this way, you can reduce the need to manually create or replace the standard
attributes and provide ready-to-use parts.

Using Add Type Attributes, you can:

● Use the Type (work area, line, and so on), and add the attributes relevant for that type to the
parts.
● Quickly add all the standard attributes for relevant Type to the parts at once, thereby reduce
the efforts of manually adding the attributes, one after another.
Why should I use it?

In NX native, you can now quickly:

● Add the standard attributes to any parts in a layout based on attribute templates.
● Create and manage standard attributes and assign categories to organize the attributes.
● Add and edit Line Designer part attributes

Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
Add Type Attributes
Technical documentation

Using standard attributes of parts

Working with standard attributes of parts

In Line Designer, in a plant layout, when you work with the parts, you can define the standard attributes
to include in the parts. These attributes provide additional information about the parts and help you to
identify the required part in a layout. The part attributes also help when you collaborate with other
applications, such as Plant Simulation.

When you author Line Designer layouts to work on, you can define the relevant standard attributes for
the parts. To do this, use the Add Type Attributes command. For example, when working in Line
Designer native, if you want to define any part as a conveyor or a robot, you must define the Type
attribute, as Conveyor or a Robot. Once you create the Type attribute, it is reflected in the attribute list
for that part.

You can use the Add Type Attributes to automatically add the required attributes to the parts. Thus, you
can reduce the dependency of creating or replacing new attributes for the parts and provide ready-to-
use parts. For more information, see Attribute Templates in NX help.
Using Add Type Attributes, you can:
● Add the standard attributes to any parts in a layout, based on attribute templates.
● Create and manage standard attributes and assign categories to organize the attributes.
● Quickly add all the standard attributes to the parts at once, thereby reduce the efforts of
manually adding the attributes, one after another.

Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
Add Type Attributes

Add a standard attribute to a part

This example procedure shows how to add the standard Type attribute to a part in a layout and define all
related attributes.

In NX, load the work area line_designer_model1 with the model Conveyor1 in the Plant Navigator.
Initially the Conveyor1 model does not show any standard Type attributes in the attribute list.

1.
In the Ribbon bar, in the Author tab, in the Utilities group, click Add Type Attributes .

2.
In the Add Type Attributes dialog box, in the Component group, click Select Component , and
select Conveyor1 in the Plant Navigator.
3. In the Add Attributes from group, from the Type list, choose Mfg0Conveyor.

4. Click OK.

NX displays the standard Type attribute as conveyor and adds all conveyor-related attributes in the
list.
Add Type Attributes dialog box

Component

Lets you select the part to add the standard Type attribute.
Select Component You can select the part from the Plant Navigator or from the graphics
window.
Add Attributes from

Type Lets you choose the type of standard attribute to add to the part. You can
choose from the below available list. Alternatively, you can also add the
customized attribute to the list.
● MEDepartment
● MELine
● MEPlant
● MESite
● MEStation
● MEWorkarea
● MEZone
● Mfg0Cable
● Mfg0Conveyor
● Mfg0MEEquipment
● Mfg0MEFactoryTool
● Mfg0MEFixtureRoot
● Mfg0MERobot
● Mfg0MESensor
Using native plant layout data in Plant Simulation

What is it?

In NX native, in Line Designer, using the Export to Plant Simulation command, you can export plant
layouts, along with JT data and standard attributes, and import them in Plant Simulation. You can use
the shared attributes in Plant Simulation to add the required data to the simulation model automatically
and quickly, so that you can work on it.

In NX native, you can now:

● Export the plant layout outside of NX native mode, along with JT data, in the desired format.
● Export the plant layout outside of NX native mode, along with all relevant standard part
attributes, in csv format.
● Support to share the attributes with Plant Simulation.
● Support the components with the same name but different geometry using a unique ID in Plant
Simulation. You can update the components in Plant Simulation with the updates from the
layout.
● Create a unique package file that contains the JT data and the part attributes, in csv format.

Why should I use it?

You can now author Line Designer plant layouts in NX native to use in Plant Simulation. This helps you to
automatically and quickly create a model.
Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
Export to Plant Simulation

Technical documentation

Managing native plant layout data for Plant Simulation

In a manufacturing line, you can design the parts that are compatible with other applications. This helps
you to share the design across various applications and reduce the efforts to create the simulations. You
can design the parts to use them in any assembly.
In a plant layout, when you design the compatible parts to use in Plant Simulation, you can add the
relevant standard attributes, such as PlantSimClass attribute. To do this, use the Add Type Attributes
command. You also can use the JT data to include additional information, such as animation paths, that
you export from NX native, for compatibility with Plant Simulation. To do this, use the Export to Plant
Simulation command.
In NX native, the Export to Plant Simulation command helps you to easily share the layouts authored in
Line Designer in JT format, along with the relevant attributes, with Plant Simulation. You can use the
geometry along with the standard attributes in the Plant Simulation, and work on the simulation model.

In NX native, you can now:

● Export the plant layout outside of NX native mode, along with JT data, in the desired format. NX
uses existing part file names to name the JT data, and supports to share the animation paths in
Plant Simulation.
 You can find the configuration file for the Export to Plant Simulation command JT creation in the
path,
%UGII_BASE_DIR%\manufacturing_planning\line_designer\startup\ugtopv_PlantSim_tessUG.co
nfig
● Support the components with the same name but different geometry using a unique ID in Plant
Simulation. You can update the components in Plant Simulation with updates from the layout.
● Export the plant layout outside of NX native mode, along with all relevant part attributes, in csv
format. Export to Plant Simulation command maps the attributes the same way NX maps with
Teamcenter using Plant Simulation.
● Create a unique package file that contains the JT data and the part attributes, in csv format.

Where do I find it?

Application Line Designer

Command Finder
Export to Plant Simulation
Simcenter: Enable transmission phenomena

Introduction
What is it?

Ray Acoustics can model transmission phenomena by appropriately defining the transmission properties
assigned to given surfaces in the model.

Surface transmission is modeled by defining the transmission coefficient, 𝜏, with values in between 0
and 1:

• 𝜏 = 0, for a completely opaque surface (no acoustic energy is transmitted through the panel
• 𝜏 = 1, for a completely transparent surface (all of the incident acoustic energy is transmitted
through the panel)
Transmission coefficients can be defined at the level of the acoustic property modeling object, by
activating the transmission surface coefficient definition:

Constant or frequency depended transmission coefficient can be defined.

Since 𝜏 is a measure of the transmitted energy fraction with respect to the incident energy, the surface
(panel) transmission loss will be:
1
• 𝑇𝐿 = 10 𝑙𝑜 g10(𝜏 ) [𝑑𝐵]
It is important to notice that, since the absorption coefficient, 𝛼, is a measure of both dissipated and
transmitted energy of a panel, one needs to define transmission coefficients such that:

• 𝜏≤𝛼
In Ray Acoustics panel transmission is modeled as diffuse, hence transmission coefficient is constant
with respect to the incidence angle

Acoustical properties including transmission

Depending whether the user needs to model reflection (specular and / or diffusive), absorption or
transmission, the user has at disposal several models for the acoustical properties.

Specular reflection, absorption and transmission

Absorption and transmission coefficients are activated. Hence, the surface can:

• diffusely absorb energy,

0<𝛼≤1
• diffusely transmit,
0<𝜏≤𝛼
• reflect:
o specular reflected energy / incident energy =
1−𝛼
Specular and diffuse reflection, absorption and transmission

Absorption, diffusion and transmission coefficients are activated. The surface can:

• diffusely absorb energy,

0<𝛼≤1
• diffusely transmit energy,
0<𝜏≤𝛼

• reflect:
o specular reflected energy / incident energy =
(1 − 𝛼)(1 − 𝛿)
o diffuse reflected energy / incident energy =
(1 − 𝛼)𝛿

Transmission only

Only transmission coefficient is activated. The surface can:

• diffusely transmit energy,

0<𝜏≤1
• diffusely absorb energy. For this particular case, all incident energy is absorbed (
𝛼 = 1), i.e. a fraction
 𝜏 is transmitted and a fraction

1 − 𝜏 is dissipated by the panel

Geometrical solver parameters: maximum number of transmissions

Among the parameters that strongly influences the transmission modeling is the maximum number of
transmissions that are allowed along a given ray path. The default value is 1 and cannot be modified
from UI.
Simcenter: Field Enhancements

Fields: Table field display enhancements

What is it?

For table fields, you can now display a contour plot of a dependent variable directly from the tabular data
if:
● The interpolation method is a Delaunay method.

● The independent domain is spatial.

● The interpolator exists.

You can display the contour plot with or without a wireframe grid, where the wireframe grid represents
the Delaunay triangularization or tetrahedralization of the tabular data. By displaying the Delaunay
triangularization or tetrahedralization, you can assess the likelihood that the Delaunay triangularization
or tetrahedralization produces meaningful table lookup values.

For example, for an independent domain that consists of two variables or consists of three spatial
variables that either degenerate to a planar surface or are mapped to a surface, the Delaunay methods
subdivide the independent domain into a mesh of triangles. The mesh of triangles is referred to as the
Delaunay triangularization.

For a meaningful table lookup, you typically want to use the tabular data that lies in closest proximity to
the lookup point in the interpolation calculation. However, if two legs of a triangle in the Delaunay
triangularization are distinctly longer than the third, there is a likelihood that the three tabular data
points closest to the lookup point are not those used in the interpolation calculation. A triangle that has
such a shape is referred to as a sliver triangle. To improve the likelihood of a meaningful table lookup,
you can remove sliver triangles from the Delaunay triangularization.

Note: At present, you cannot remove sliver tetrahedrons

For more information, see Removing sliver triangles.

Why should I use it?

In earlier versions of the software, you could not display the Delaunay triangularization or
tetrahedralization. The new functionality allows you to see the connectivity and evaluation the output
of the algorithm to identify interpolation discrepancies that can occur due to the algorithm options and
the defined data points.
Where do I find it?

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A displayed table field or a field whose source field is a
table field, the interpolation method is a Delaunay method,
and the interpolator exists
Simulation Right-click the displayed field node→Edit Display
Navigator
Location in Field Display Properties dialog box→Results tab→Source
dialog box Table Values group→Display Type list→Contours or
Contours With Edges

Fields: Table field Delaunay interpolation enhancements

What is it?

For table fields using Delaunay interpolation, in some data cases sliver triangles are created by the
algorithm during the construction of the convex hull. These slivers will skew the results at edges. It is
now possible to have the algorithm remove the sliver triangles.

Why should I use it?

For certain input data where the input vertices are coarse or tolerances may be large, slivers can be
created which cause values to be interpolated based on vertices that are not actually near lookup
locations near the edges of the convex hull. This option will allow these slivers to be remove so that the
lookup reflects the vertices near the look up point

Where do I find it?

Due to limitations on changing the data model in a monthly update, the controls for sliver removal could
not be added to the field dialog/Table options. The behavior of the Delaunay triangulation routine is
controlled by customer defaults. The values for these out-of-the-box are set to retain the original
behavior of the triangulation routine.

Application File->Utilities->Customer Defaults

Location in Customer Defaults dialog box→ Gateway→ Simulation→
dialog box Pre/Post→ Fields→ General tab
Options:
• Remove 2D Delaunay Slivers
• Snap Remaining 2D Vertices
• 2D Sliver Detection Method
 • Edge Length Tolerance
• Aspect Ratio Tolerance

• These default can be changed at the site level to get standard behavior for a given site
• Individual users can set their own preference
• Recommended settings are Remove slivers on, snap on, method=aspect ratio, aspect ratio
tolerance = 0.025
• After setting customer defaults by clicking OK, NX must be restarted

After the restart, any persistent interpolators that use Delauny must be forced to recreate the
interpolator. This can be done by editing the interpolation setting in the table dialog. Change to nearest
neighbor, click apply, then switch back to Delaunay and hit apply. Any non-persisted interpolators will
get the new settings when they are instantiated.

Removing Sliver Triangles

For a meaningful table lookup when using a Delaunay method, you typically want to use the tabular data
that lies in closest proximity to the lookup point in the interpolation calculation. However, if two legs of
a triangle in the Delaunay triangularization are distinctly longer than the third, there is a likelihood that
the three tabular data points closest to the lookup point are not those used in the interpolation
calculation. A triangle that has such a shape is referred to as a sliver triangle. To improve the likelihood
of a meaningful table lookup, you can remove sliver triangles from the Delaunay triangularization.

Sliver triangles typically arise when the tabular data defines a region that contains a convex shape. For
example, consider the following tabular data that defines pressure as a function of (x,y) coordinates:

Data point X-coordinate Y-coordinate Pressure

1 0 0 6

2 1 0.25 7

3 2 0.4 8

4 3 0.25 9

5 4 0 10

6 0 1 8

7 1 1.25 9

8 2 1.4 10

9 3 1.25 11

10 4 1 12

11 0 2 10
Data point X-coordinate Y-coordinate Pressure

12 1 2.25 11

13 2 2.4 12

14 3 2.25 13

15 4 2 14

When the tabular data is plotted, you can see that connecting the first five data points reveals a convex
shape.

The following figure shows the Delaunay triangularization for the tabular data. Unlike FE meshing
algorithms that use part geometry to define the region to be meshed, the Delaunay triangularization
mesh is based solely on the tabular data. Thus, the convex region is filled by three triangles. In the
figure, these triangles are shaded.

How you proceed depends on whether you want to use interpolation or extrapolation to determine the
table lookup values for points within the convex region. To use extrapolation, you have one option:
● Remove the triangles in the convex region, but otherwise leave the Delaunay triangularization
unaltered.
 Using this approach, the final Delaunay triangularization might look as follows.

For information on the extrapolation options available when a Delaunay method is selected, see Table
field interpolation and extrapolation options.
To use interpolation, you have two options:

● Accept the Delaunay triangularization in its current form.

● Remove the triangles in the convex region, redefine the coordinates of the tabular data along
the convex feature to eliminate the convex feature, and remesh the Delaunay triangularization.
Using this approach, the final Delaunay triangularization might look as follows.

For both options, the software obtains the table lookup value for a point within the convex region by
interpolating the values at the vertices of the triangle within which the point lies.

Identifying sliver triangles

A sliver triangle is a triangle with one leg much shorter than the other two. To make a quantitative
determination whether a triangle is a sliver triangle, you use one of the following criteria:

● Edge length ratio criterion

 A triangle is considered a sliver if:
where ε is a value that you specify, lengths AC, AB, and BC are the lengths of the legs, and edge
AC is the free edge.
● Aspect ratio criterion

A triangle is considered a sliver if:

where α is a value that you specify, lengths BD and AC are the lengths of legs, and edge AC is the
free edge.

Free edges are the edges that define the perimeter of the Delaunay triangularization.
Note: For spatial independent domains, the lengths are physical distances. For non-spatial independent
domains, the lengths are not physical distances. For example, suppose the independent variables are
time, t, and temperature, T. The values for time and temperature at a tabular data point represent a set
of coordinates in time-temperature space. Thus, in the edge length ratio and aspect ratio formulas, the
software calculates the length between points i and j as follows:

Removing sliver triangles

The triangle sliver removal algorithm is a recursive procedure that works as follows:

1. The software applies the sliver detection criterion to each triangle along the perimeter of the
Delaunay triangularization. Triangles that are determined to be slivers are removed.
For example, suppose that you specify the sliver detection criterion such that the triangle in the
convex region is determined to be a sliver and the other triangles with free edges are not. The
software eliminates the sliver and the new Delaunay triangularization is as follows:
2. Because the software identified and removed a sliver triangle, it automatically repeats the previous
step for the new Delaunay triangularization. Triangles that are determined to be slivers are removed.

Assuming that a second sliver triangle is removed from the convex region, the new Delaunay
triangularization is as follows:

3. The process continues until the software no longer identifies and removes a sliver triangle.
Assuming that a third sliver triangle is removed from the convex region, the new Delaunay
triangularization is as follows:
Removing sliver triangles and relocating data points

The algorithm to remove the triangles in the convex region, redefine the coordinates of the tabular data
along the convex feature to eliminate the convex feature, and recreate the Delaunay triangularization
works as follows:

1. The software applies the sliver detection criterion to each triangle along the perimeter of the
Delaunay triangularization. Triangles that are determined to be slivers are removed. For each
removed sliver, the software projects the vertex opposite the free edge onto the free edge.
Then the software recreates the Delaunay triangularization.

For information on how the software projects vertices, see Projecting vertices.

For example, suppose that you specify the sliver detection criterion such that only the triangle in
the convex region is determined to be a sliver. The software eliminates the sliver and projects
the vertex onto the free edge of the removed sliver.

Delaunay triangularization after sliver Delaunay triangularization after vertex

removal relocation

2. Because the software identified and removed a sliver triangle, it repeats the previous step for
the new Delaunay triangularization. Triangles that are determined to be slivers are removed and
vertices are projected.
 Assuming that a second sliver triangle is removed from the convex region, the Delaunay
triangularization is as follows:

Delaunay triangularization after sliver removal Delaunay triangularization after vertex

relocation

3. The process continues until the software no longer identifies and removes a sliver triangle.

Assuming that a third sliver triangle is removed from the convex region, the Delaunay
triangularization is as follows:

Delaunay triangularization after sliver Delaunay triangularization after vertex relocation

removal

Projecting vertices

Note: For spatial independent domains, the lengths are physical distances. For non-spatial independent
domains, the lengths are not physical distances.

For example, suppose the independent variables are time, t, and temperature, T. The values for time
and temperature at a tabular data point represent a set of coordinates in time-temperature space. Thus,
in the edge length ratio and aspect ratio formulas, the software calculates the length between points i
and j as follows:

Suppose triangle ABC is determined to be a sliver triangle when AC is the free edge. The software then
projects vertex B along the normal to edge AC as indicated to position D.
Fields: Surface mapping point cloud
What is it?

The Surface subtype of a Global spatial map for 3D tables has a new option to create a surface through
the table point locations.

Why should I use it?

3D table data that degenerates to a surface has been handled in previous versions by either mapping to
existing surfaces or importing as structured data. Using existing surfaces works well for points that are
close to the surface(s) and import as structured data works well if the data is structured. However, for
unstructured data that is not close to an existing surface, the resulting map and interpolation will
produce less accurate results as the distances from the table points to the mapping surfaces increase.

Creating a surface that fits the points effectively decreases the distance to zero, providing for a better
map and interpolation.

Where do I find it?

To access this fe ature, the File-> Utilities-> Feature

Toggles-> Fields_EnableFitSufrace feature toggle must be enabled.

Application Pre/Post
Prerequisites A table field with a 3D spatial independent domain
Simulation Right-click the displayed field node→Edit
Navigator
Location in Table Field dialog box→Independent Domain node
dialog box Type: Global
Subtype: Surface

Create a surface through the specified points

Create fit surface

This action relies on the Modeling App functionality to create a fit surface feature through the points
that are entered on the Definition tab. If successful, the surface will be automatically added to the Face
Selection block.
A Fit Surface feature will be managed by the field and the user should not modify it. The table points will
be projected onto that surface. When a BC is defined and pointed to the table, FEM locations will also be
projected onto the surface and interpolation will take place in the 2D domain of the surface. If table
points are updated, a new fit surface should be created by the user as described above. Delaunay or one
of the other interpolators can be used with good results.
NX 1934

1934 UPDATES

For a cumulative list of fixes and enhancements, see Fixed_Problem_Reports_1934.csv included with the
release documents.

Please see the table below for a summary of the changes included in this release.

Application Call Count

SHIP_DESIGN 24
CAE 14
GATEWAY 12
SYSENG 9
ROUTING_GENERAL 5
CAM 4
PMI 2
DRAFTING 2
INTEGRATIONS 2
ARCHITECTURE 1
AUTOMATN_DESIGN 1
MECHATRONICS 1
NX_JACK 1
STRUCTURE_DES 1
NXMANAGER 1
DESIGN 1
ASSEMBLIES 1
Total 82

1934 ENHANCEMENTS

See below for the enhancements included in this release:

Automation Designer: Support for EPLAN Version 2.9

Introduction
What is it?

You can import macros from the EPLAN application to generate electrical schematics of the production
equipment or devices that are used in your production system or machines.

Automation Designer now supports EPLAN Electric P8® V2.9. This is also the default version that is set in
ADAgent.

Automation Designer also continues to support versions V2.7 and V 2.8 of the EPLAN application.

Select the EPLAN version in ADAgent

To establish a connection between the Automation Designer application and the EPLAN application, you
must set the version of the EPLAN application in ADAgent. The version of the EPLAN application that you
select must match the version of the default EPLAN project template in your project.

The following example shows how to select EPLAN version 2.9 in ADAgent.
1. On the Windows taskbar, right-click ADAgent and choose EPLAN version.
2. Choose the version.
For this example, select V2.9.

Note: After you perform an EPLAN operation such as import or export, ADAgent locks the version of
EPLAN. If you want to change the EPLAN version, you must restart ADAgent and select the EPLAN
version.
CAE: Universal Spot Weld Connections for LS-DYNA

Introduction
What is it?

This release adds the ability to realize (mesh) universal spot weld connections in the LS-DYNA solver
environment through the combination of an ELEMENT_SOLID(8) to represent the connection with a
CONTACT_SPOTWELD card to model the interaction between the connected components and spot weld
element.

Note : For detailed information about meshing a Universal Connection visit the Realize (mesh) universal
connections topic available in the Simcenter 3D Pre/Post documentation.

Why should I use it?

Through the new functionality the user will be able to represent spot welds in the LS-DYNA analysis
while leveraging the advantages and flexibility of Universal Connections in the model pre-processing
phase.

Where do I find it?

Universal Spot Weld Connection command

Application Pre/Post

Prerequisite A FEM or assembly FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Command Finder
Universal Spot Weld Connection

Connection Elements command

Application Pre/Post

Prerequisites A FEM or assembly FEM file as the work part and displayed part

Command Finder
Connection Elements
Automatic Connection Elements command

Application Pre/Post

Prerequisites A FEM or assembly FEM file as the work part and displayed part

Command Finder
Automatic Connection Elements

Spot Weld Element Dialog and Functionality

The new ELEMENT_SOLID(8)+CONTACT_SPOTWELD type of Spot Weld Element which is available in

LS-DYNA environment has been designed with consideration to solver environment interoperability.
Thus, if a Universal Spot Weld Connection is realized with this type, upon switching the solver
environment it will be converted to its equivalent one from that environment. The following

equivalencies are made depending on the solver upon executing the model Update :

• CHEXA+RBE3 Spider(s) for Nastran

• C3D8+DCOUP3D Spider(s) for Abaqus

The dialog has some common sections which appear regardless of the solver environment, such as the
Name, Modelization and Connection section and some solver specific sections such as Element
Modeling and Properties.

Note : For detailed information about the solver independent sections of the dialog visit the Connection
element dialog boxes topic available in the Simcenter 3D Pre/Post documentation.
3. Element Modeling Section
Two representations are available for the ELEMENT_SOLID(8) for different purposes:

• Single Element
o Creates a single solid element
o The area of the quadrilateral is equivalent to the circular area of the spot weld
o Reduced impact on solve time in comparison with Cluster 8
• Cluster 8
o Creates a cluster of eight 3-sides equal trapezoids
o The elements share common faces
o The area of the quadrilateral is equivalent to the circular area of the spot weld
o Increases the impact on solve time
o Better representation of the spot weld behavior and aids refined post-processing

4. Properties Section
Through this section the user has the possibility to define different cards which aid the definition of
the contact and how it is processed. The following cards can be defined:
• CARD 2/CARD 3 – Mandatory cards for the contact definition
• CARD A/CARD B – Optional cards
• MPP CARD – Active only when using MPP LS-DYNA

Given that upon using the Automatic Elements to realize in bulk multiple connections, the user doesn’t
have access to the same options which are available in the Spot Weld Element dialog, the possibility to
select which is the default representation (either Single Element or Cluster 8) has been made available
in the Customer Defaults.
File → Utilities → Customer Defaults → Simulation → Pres/Post → Universal Connections
Simcenter 3D: Auto BIW Meshing for Crash, Phase II

Introduction
What is it?

This project is a continuation of “Auto BIW Meshing for Crash” project that was completed for version
1926 of Simcenter 3D. The current project aims in further improving the meshes on automotive panels
to meet the requirements of Crash analyses.

Why should I use it?

Crash analyses are high impact analyses where the energy flows through the geometry like wave
propagation. To best capture the energy flow in the analysis, the mesh must be aligned with the
direction of impact. This alignment is sometimes described as a good mesh flow. Additionally, because
crash analyses are time-step dependent, more uniformly sized meshes, typically comprised of
quadrilateral elements with a small percentage of triangular elements, help minimize the overall
computation time required for the solve.

To create 2D meshes for crash analyses, use the Context list in the Meshing Preferences dialog box to
set the meshing context to Crash Analysis.

Where do I find it?

Application Meshing Preference for Crash Analysis

Simcenter 3D File tab→ Preferences → Meshing Context = Crash Analysis

Enhancements included as part of this Project:

Improved Mesh Alignment (flow)

The software tries to prevent/reduce the occurrence of rotated or diamond-shaped quadrilateral
elements (by de-activating certain tria cleanup templates), which can lead to a diversion in the energy
flow of the analysis.
 Diamond shaped quadrilateral element

To help ensure better alignment of 2D meshes, use the following settings in the 2D Mesh dialog box:

• Select Paver from the Meshing Method list.

• Select the Attempt Multi-Block Decomposition check box.
• Select the Attempt Free Mapped Meshing check box.
• Select the On - Minimize Triangles option from the Attempt Quad Only list.

Improved Mesh on Flanges

Flanges are important features in automotive panels that typically bear high stress values and hence
meshes on flanges need special attention. Structured mesh on flanges is desired.

Unstructured Mesh on Flange Structured Mesh on Flange

Improved Mesh on Fillets

Highly skewed free-map meshes on fillets are detected and replaced by controlled layer-paving followed
by a layer or two of subdivision mesh flow. This helps in keeping the mesh on fillets aligned with the
adjacent faces.
Skewed Mesh on Fillets Paved Mesh on Fillets
Improved Mesh around Internal loops
Internal paving for Cartesian Paver meshing algorithm is now removed for Crash Analysis meshing
context. This helps is improving the mesh flow around internal loops

Inconsistent mesh flow around internal loops Consistent Mesh flow around internal loops
Simcenter 3D: Penetration Check Tool

Introduction
What is it?

The Penetration Check tool help find and remove initial penetrations and intersections between
elements (meshes) and contact definitions.

Penetrations occur when there is an overlap in the thickness of shell elements.

Intersections occur when elements cross one other.

Where do I find it?

Application Pre/Post or Simcenter 3D

Command Finder Penetration Check
Ribbon bar Home → Checks and Information → More → Penetration Check

Using the Penetration Check Tool

After activating the feature toggle (CaeMesher_EnablePenetrationCheckTool), this tool can be found in
FEM, AFM and SIM levels.

Path: Home → Checks and Information → More → Penetration Check

Penetration Check UI
This opens the “Penetration Check” UI. In the Analysis Set group of the UI, user could set the Selection
Type to Meshes or Contact Definitions (SIM level).

In the Select Inputs field, user could then make the selections.
In the Options group, the options available are:

• Interference Between: This option is available only when the SelectionType is set to Meshes.
Interference detection can be between pairs of Mesh Collectors or pairs of Meshes.
• Interference Type: This option can be used to detect either Penetrations-only, Intersections-only or
both together.
• Thickness Source: Thickness value can either be inputted from Element Associated Data (element
property cards) or can be User Defined
• Thickness Factor: This option can be used to scale the thickness value. The range supported is from
0.1 to 3
• Shell Element Boundary Treatment: This option can be used to select boundary treatment for shell
elements:
o Sharp Edges: External boundary of shell element is sharp/flat
 o Rounded Edges: External boundary of shell element is rounded

• Include Self Interference: Enabling this will allow the tool to detect self-interferences (penetrations
and intersections) among the elements belonging to the same Mesh Collector. This option is not
available when Contact definitions are selected for the Penetration Check analysis.

Clicking on the “OK” button runs the Penetration Check analysis.

Penetration Check Navigator

Upon the completion of Penetration Check analysis, the “Penetration Check Navigator” is available to
view and remove the Intersections and Penetrations between the elements.
1. The Analysis Set title (Right Mouse Button - RMB) lets the user edit the current set and add new sets
among other operations like launching the Automatic Resolution tool, refreshing the results and
generating a summary of the analysis.
2. Intersections and Penetrations are shown among pairs of interfering components (Component 1 and
Component 2). Components can be either Mesh Collectors, Meshes or Contact Regions depending
on the selection made in the Penetration Check UI.
3. Self Intersections and Self Penetrations are shown only when the “Include Self Interference” option
is enabled.
4. Number of interfering elements are listed.Maximum Penetration Depth is also calculated per each
pair of Penetrating components.
5. For viewing the Intersections and Penetrations, user has the following options (RMB click on
Intersections/Penetrations Folder or interfering pairs of components) :
• Show Only - Elements
• Show Only – Components
• Show All
6. Automatic Resolution tool for Penetrations (not supported for Intersections) can be accessed with a
Right Mouse button (RMB) click on the Analysis Set title or the Penetrations folder in the
Penetration Check Navigator
Using the Automatic Resolution Tool, user could either resolve all the penetrations automically or can
resolve the penetrations by defining the limits (minimum and maximum) for penetration depth. There is
an option to Freeze any specific Meshes such that these Meshes will not be moved during the automatic
resolution process.

User could also automatically resolve specific pairs of Interfering componenets with a RMB click on the
concerned pair/pairs and selecting the Resolve option

7. Node Translate tool (supports both Intersections and Penetrations) can also be accessed through
RMB click on interfering components:
• Translate Nodes – Component 1
• Translate Nodes – Component 2
Node Translate tool has three groups:

• Nodes to Translate: Interfering nodes are automatically selected based on the selection of
Component 1 or 2. User could add to or remove from this automatic selection.
• Translation Method: Multiple methods like “Along Node Normals”, “Along Direction”, “Point to
Point”, etc. are available to translate nodes. “Distance” parameter defines the translation
distance.
• Smoothing Options: Helps in smoothing the surrounding mesh during the translation process.
NX 1930

1930 UPDATES

For a cumulative list of fixes and enhancements, see Fixed_Problem_Reports_1930.csv included with the
release documents.
Please see the table below for a summary of the changes included in this release.

Application Call Count

CAE 16
CAM 10
SHIP_DESIGN 6
NXMANAGER 4
AUTOMATN_DESIGN 3
NX_SHEET_METAL 2
KDA 2
ROUTING_GENERAL 2
ASSEMBLIES 2
DESIGN 1
TL_DESKTOP 1
DEX_COMPONENTS 1
TRANSLATOR 1
FLEXIBLE_PIPE 1
JOIN 1
Total 53

1930 ENHANCEMENTS

See below for the enhancements included in this release:

Simcenter 3D: LS-DYNA Element Updates for Universal Connections

Introduction
Element Connections

The element connection of type Spot Weld (*CONTACT_SPOTWELD) was already implemented in
NX1926 (SC2020.2) for SOLID 8-node-brick (ELEMENT_SOLID(8)). In NX1930 and NX1953 (SC2021.1), this
support is extended to beam elements (ELEMENT_BEAM) and shells in LS-DYNA environment. Also, we
extend the support to other types of connection namely Seam Welds, Clinches, Adhesives and Bolts;
which are very similar to Spot Welds except using different keywords. The goal in NX1930 is to allow the
user to create LS-DYNA connections manually and allow the automation process using NXOpen to create
LS-DYNA connections from Universal Connections created in Nastran language. Applicability of these
element connections is resumed via the following Keywords. Those keywords are used to connect the
elements (connectors) via its Physical Property Tables, called slaves, to the master elements, called
masters. Slaves and masters are defined as a list of Physical Property Tables (LS-DYNA Parts).

*CONTACT_SPOTWELD
This keyword is applied to the following element types defined as slaves:
• Beam (Seam Weld): ELEMENT_BEAM.
• Solid (Clinch): ELEMENT_SOLID(8) (already supported in SC 2020.2).

*CONTACT_TIED_NODE_TO_SURFACE and *CONTACT_TIED_SHELL_EDGE_TO_SURFACE

These keywords are applied to the following element types defined as slaves:

• Shells (Adhesive): ELEMENT_SHELL(4), ELEMENT_SHELL(3), ELEMENT_SHELL(8),

ELEMENT_SHELL(6), ELEMENT_TSHELL(6), ELEMENT_TSHELL(8),
• Solids (Adhesive): ELEMENT_SOLID(4), ELEMENT_SOLID(8), ELEMENT_SOLID(6),
ELEMENT_SOLID(10).

*CONTACT_AUTOMATIC_GENERAL and *CONTACT_AUTOMATIC_SINGLE_SURFACE

These keywords are used for “self-contact” which are applied to the following element types defined as
slaves:

• Beam (Bolt): ELEMENT_BEAM,

• Shells (Bolt): ELEMENT_SHELL(4), ELEMENT_SHELL(3), ELEMENT_SHELL(8), ELEMENT_SHELL(6),
ELEMENT_TSHELL(6), ELEMENT_TSHELL(8),
• Solids (Bolt): ELEMENT_SOLID(4), ELEMENT_SOLID(8), ELEMENT_SOLID(6), ELEMENT_SOLID(10).

In self-contact, the slaves are in contact with themselves. Therefore the masters are not required.
*CONSTRAINED_RIGID_BODIES
This keyword is used to connect multiple rigid bodies by merging multiples slaves to the master. It can
be applied to the following element types defined as masters:

• Beam (Bolt): ELEMENT_BEAM,

• Shells (Bolt): ELEMENT_SHELL(4), ELEMENT_SHELL(3), ELEMENT_SHELL(8), ELEMENT_SHELL(6),
ELEMENT_TSHELL(6), ELEMENT_TSHELL(8),
• Solids (Bolt): ELEMENT_SOLID(4), ELEMENT_SOLID(8), ELEMENT_SOLID(6), ELEMENT_SOLID(10).

User Interface Behaviors of Element Connections

How to define Element Connections

These element connections can be created manually by editing the "Mesh Associated Data" associated
to each supported mesh (element collector). To add connection, the user must open the “Connection
Options” tab and select the keyword type (default is None).
Keyword Properties
The "Mesh Associated Data" defines Keyword, slave Part or master Part(s) (Card 1) and additional Cards
(Card 2, Card A, Card B, MPP Card 1 and MPP Card 2). The Keyword name is defined by selecting one of
the names in the "Connection Options" drop-down-list. Card 2/Card 3, Card A/Card B, MPP Card 1 and
MPP Card 2 are defined as Modeling Objects. They are applied to all *CONTACT keywords.

Special case for *CONTACT_AUTOMATIC_GENERAL and *CONTACT_AUTOMATIC_SINGLE_SURFACE

These keywords represent “self-contact”, where masters are omitted. This is a special case where the
user can select more slaves from a list of Physical Property Tables, in addition to the current mesh
collector.
Special case for *CONSTRAINED_RIGID_BODIES
This keyword has a single master defined from the mesh collector; where as the slaves are defined from
a list of selected Physical property Tables in "LS-DYNA Parts for slaves" dialog.

Massively Parallel Processing (MPP) option

This keyword option can be added to any contact keyword described above except for
*CONSTRAINED_RIGID_BODIES. The MPP properties are defined with two cards (MPP Card 1 and MPP
Card 2) of "Contact MPP Cards" Modeling Object.
Cards written
The exporter will write out contact keyword in the following order:

• ID and Header Card

• MPP Card 1 (if MPP Modeling Object is NOT empty)
• MPP Card 2 (if MPP Modeling Object is NOT empty)
• Card 1 (Master and Slave IDs and Types)
• Card 2 & Card 3 (From Modeling Object)
• Card A & Card B (Optional, from Modeling Object)

Note that CardC, CardD, CardE and CardF are unsupported.

Remarks

• Contact keywords for Element Connections are always exported with ID and Header, for example,
“*CONTACT_SPOTWELD_ID”. If MPP option is activated, the “_MPP” suffix is added before the
“_ID”, e.g., *CONTACT_SPOTWELD_MPP_ID.
• If no Modeling Object specified, blank card(s) will be written out, except for the last card where no
card is written out.
• *SET_PART is used to represent slaves and masters rather than *PART for a single slave or master,
except for *CONSTRAINED_RIGID_BODIES where *PART is used.
• The connection in the mesh collector is identified by a Keyword and Card 1. When there are multiple
element collectors in the same mesh collector with identical properties, the exporter will raise an
ERROR message and only the first connection is written out.
Backward Compatibility with NX1926

When the FE model is saved in NX1930, the user can read it back in NX1926. However, only
*CONTACT_SPOTWELD is maintained in SOLID 8-node-brick (ELEMENT_SOLID(8)). Other connection
keywords are lost.

Example of Keywords exported for Element Connections

NX RELEASE SUMMARIES
The following tables show high level area overviews of the fixes and enhancements in each NX release.

1942
Application Function Sub-function Count of Calls
ARCHITECTURE FEATURE_TOGGLE FRAMEWORK 2
ARCHITECTURE USER_ATTRIBUTES GENERAL 1
ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLY_MODEL COMP_PROPERTIES 2
ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLY_MODEL EXPLODED_VIEWS 1
ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLY_MODEL PERFORMANCE 1
ASSEMBLIES WEIGHT_MANAGE ALL 1
AUTOMATN_DESIGN PLATFORM ALL 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION BOUNDARY_COND 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION CONNECTIONS_UNI 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION DUR_SPEC_SOLV 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION FE_ASSY_VRTICAL 6
CAE ADV_SIMULATION FILE_OPERATIONS 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION MESH_2D 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POLYGON_DISPLAY 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POLYGON_SELECTN 2
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_RESULT 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION SYSNOISE_SOLVER 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION UNIF_DATA_VIE 2
CAE ADV_SIMULATION UPDATE_FEM 1
CAM BASIC_FUNCTIONS SINGLE_MACHINE 1
CAM JOURNALING ALL 1
CAM SWARFING ALL 2
CAM TC_MFG OTHER 1
CAM TURNING ROUGH 4
CAM TURNING USER_INTERFACE 1
CAM ZLEVEL_MILL NON_CUT_MOVES 1
CAM ZLEVEL_MILL OTHER 1
DRAFTING MDP GENERAL 1
GATEWAY OPEN_JT UNDETERMINED 1
GATEWAY OPEN_JT WIREFRAME 2
KDA COLLABORATION OPEN_LINK 5
KDA FEATURE2COST MOLDING_COST 1
KDA REQUIREMENT TC_INTEGRATION 1
KDA REUSE_LIBRARY REUSE_TC_LIB 1
KDA VALIDATION UNKNOWN 1
MECHATRONICS OPC UA_SERVER 1
PMI ADVISOR CORE 4
PMI PLMXML ALL 1
ROUTING_GENERAL PATH ASSIGN_CORNER 2
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN STIFFENER_SYS 1
SYSENG CONFIG_UPGRADE ENV_VARIABLES 5
SYSENG VIRTUAL_REALITY GRAPHIC_DISPLAY 1
TRANSLATOR CATIAV5 IMPORT_GEOMETRY 1
Total 69
1938
Application Function Sub-function Count of Calls
ADD_FIXED_PLANE GENERAL ALL 1
ARCHITECTURE FEATURE_TOGGLE ALL 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION ANSYS_IMPORT 2
CAE ADV_SIMULATION FE_ASSY_VRTICAL 4
CAE ADV_SIMULATION FIELDS 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION MATERIALS 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION NVA_APL_POST 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_POSTVIEW 4
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_TEMPLATES 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION SYSNOISE_SOLVER 1
CAE MOTION ANIMATION 1
CAE MOTION SOLVER_LMS 1
CAM POSTBUILDER POSTPROCESS 1
DESIGN CURVE LAW_SPLINE 1
DESIGN EXPRESSION ALL 1
DESIGN EXPRESSION INTERPART 1
DESIGN INFO_ANALYSIS MEASURE 2
GATEWAY OPEN_JT UNDETERMINED 1
GATEWAY PATTERNS ALL 13
NASTRAN DYNAMICS SOL_103_STNDRD 1
NASTRAN STRUCTURES SOL_401_MSTEPNN 1
NXMANAGER FILE_SAVE_AS NEW_ITEM 1
PMI SECTION_VIEW CORE 2
ROUTING_ELEC COMPONENT_LIST PROPERTIES 1
ROUTING_ELEC CONNECTION_LIST AUTO_RTE_PIN 1
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN SEAM 1
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING ANNOTATE_DRWG 1
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING EXPANSION_DRWG 1
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING SHIP_SECTN_DRWG 2
SHIP_DESIGN MANUFACTURING MFG_PREP 1
SHIP_DESIGN MODELING ALL 2
STRUCTURE_DES ENDCAP ALL 1
SYSENG SYSTEM_TOOLS FILE_MANAGEMENT 1
TL_DESKTOP DRIVER ALL 1
TRANSLATOR DXF_DWG EXPORT_DRAFTING 1
TRANSLATOR NX_JT TC_INTEGRATION 1
Total 59
1934
Application Function Sub-function Count of Calls
ARCHITECTURE USER_ATTRIBUTES GENERAL 1
ASSEMBLIES PART_FILE_OPS MINIMAL_LOAD 1
AUTOMATN_DESIGN ELECTRICAL ALL 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION ADDITIVE_MAN 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION ANSYS_IMPORT 2
CAE ADV_SIMULATION BOUNDARY_COND 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION CONNECTIONS_UNI 4
CAE ADV_SIMULATION LOAD_RECIPE 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION NASTRN_NX_EXPRT 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_POSTVIEW 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_RESULT 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION SYSNOISE_SOLVER 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION UNIF_DATA_VIE 1
CAM FEATURE_BASED OTHER 1
CAM MACHTOOL_BUILDR ALL 1
CAM VERIFY 3D_DYNAMIC 2
DESIGN CURVE LAW_SPLINE 1
DRAFTING DRAWING/VIEW VW_LABEL 1
DRAFTING MDP GENERAL 1
GATEWAY PATTERNS ALL 12
INTEGRATIONS CAD_SERVICES ALL 2
MECHATRONICS RUN_TIME BEHAVIOR_CODE 1
NX_JACK HUMAN_CTRL_PANL ALL 1
NXMANAGER FILE_OPEN STRUCTURE_SYNC 1
PMI SECTION_VIEW CORE 2
ROUTING_GENERAL PATH SIMPLIFY_PATH 1
ROUTING_GENERAL PATH SPLINE_PATH 1
ROUTING_GENERAL STOCK_AS_COMP INSERT_STOCK 1
ROUTING_GENERAL STOCK_AS_COMP OVERSTOCK 2
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN ADD_STD_PART 1
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN GENERIC_PLATE 1
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN STIFFENER_SYS 1
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING ANNOTATE_DRWG 4
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING SHIP_SECTN_DRWG 1
SHIP_DESIGN MANUFACTURING MANUXML_OUT 2
SHIP_DESIGN MANUFACTURING MARKING_LINE 1
SHIP_DESIGN MANUFACTURING MFG_PREP 3
SHIP_DESIGN MANUFACTURING PLATE_PREP 1
SHIP_DESIGN MODELING ALL 2
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES BRACKET 3
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES COLLAR_PLATE 1
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES CUTOUT 1
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES EDGE_CUT 1
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES END_CUT 1
STRUCTURE_DES CORNER ALL 1
SYSENG UI_TOOLS WEB_BROWSER 5
SYSENG VISUALIZATION CAMERA 4
Total 82
1930
Application Function Sub-function Count of Calls
ASSEMBLIES PART_FILE_OPS MINIMAL_LOAD 1
ASSEMBLIES WAVE GRAPH_BROWSER 1
AUTOMATN_DESIGN ELECTRICAL ALL 3
CAE ADV_SIMULATION AFEM 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION AFEM_SUPERELEM 1
CAE ADV_SIMULATION CONNECTIONS_UNI 2
CAE ADV_SIMULATION FE_ASSY_VRTICAL 4
CAE ADV_SIMULATION POST_DISPLAY 1
CAE MOTION FUNCTION 1
CAE MOTION JOINT 3
CAE MOTION VL2NXMIGRATION 3
CAM GENERIC_MOTION SUBOP_CREATION 4
CAM MILLING IPW 1
CAM TC_MFG OTHER 1
CAM TEMPLATES DEFAULTS 1
CAM TOOL_PATH DIVIDE 1
CAM UPDATE ALL 2
DESIGN EXPRESSION USER_INTERFACE 1
DEX_COMPONENTS PRC_ADAPTER PRC_WRITE 1
FLEXIBLE_PIPE KINEMATIC ALL 1
JOIN ALL ALL 1
KDA WELD_ASSISTANT ALL 1
KDA WELD_ASSISTANT WELDING_JOINT 1
NXMANAGER ATTRIBUTES MAPPING 1
NXMANAGER FILE_NEW ALL 1
NXMANAGER FILE_OPEN PERFORMANCE 1
NXMANAGER UGOPEN JOURNAMATION 1
NX_SHEET_METAL CONVERT_TO_SM ALL 1
NX_SHEET_METAL FLAT_PATTERN ALL 1
ROUTING_GENERAL LEGACY_STOCK INSERT_STOCK 1
ROUTING_GENERAL RUN_NAVIGATOR REMOVE_SPOOLS 1
SHIP_DESIGN BASIC_DESIGN EDIT_STOCK 1
SHIP_DESIGN DRAFTING SHIP_SECTN_DRWG 3
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES BUILT_UP 1
SHIP_DESIGN STEEL_FEATURES STIFFENER 1
TL_DESKTOP DRIVER ALL 1
TRANSLATOR DXF_DWG EXPORT_DRAFTING 1
Total 53
GLOBAL TECHNICAL ACCESS CENTER
Installation Assistance
For additional installation assistance, or to report any problems, contact the Global Technical Access
Center (GTAC).

Website:

http://support.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/gtac.shtml
Phone:
United States and Canada: 800-955-0000 or 714-952-5444

Outside the United States and Canada: Contact your local support office.
This software and related documentation are proprietary to Siemens Product Lifecycle Management
Software Inc .

©2020 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.

Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. NX, Solid Edge, and Teamcenter
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or their
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