VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT

Release Notes

version
17.5
VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5
Release Notes
© ESI Group, 2021
Published: November 2021
DocID: EI/VENV/21/062/00/A
BuildID: R39585S20211119T1419Z
This documentation is the property of ESI Group and is protected by intellectual property laws.
Any reproduction of this document or communication to third parties, unless expressly authorized
in writing by ESI Group, exposes its author to legal proceedings.
This documentation is subject to limited distribution and restricted disclosure.
All PAM- and SYS- product names as well as other products belonging to ESI 's portfolio are
tradenames or trademarks of ESI Group, unless specifically mentioned.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
 Contents

Introduction 1

Updated Applications 7

Visual-Assembly 9
What's New 9
Seam Weld Load Display and Clamp Display Improvement 9
Chaining of Visual-Assembly with Pam-Stamp for Taylor Blank Welding Application or Spot Weld
Assembly and Roll Hemming Chaining 11
Pam-Stamp Non-Conform Mesh Support in Visual-Assembly 11

Visual-Cast 13
Bug Fixes 13
Known Issues 14
Limitations 14

Visual-Mesh (Cast) 17
Bug Fixes 17
Limitations 17

Visual-Viewer (Cast) 19
Bug Fixes 19
Known Issues 19
Limitations 19

Visual-CEM 21
What's New 21
Standard Lightning Strike Waveforms 21
Anisotropic Materials in CEM-TD 22

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Contents

Thin Slots in CEM-TD 22

Geometry-based Voltage and Current Probes 23
Current Sources for Lumped Elements and Wires 24
Dispersive Material in FDTD – Multiple Poles 24

Visual-Crash PAM 25
What's New 25
VPS Solver Format Support 25
Other Updates 25
Bug Fixes 26

Visual-Safe 29
What's New 29
Sim-Folder 29

Appendix 31

Core Dump Tracker 33

Installation Requirements 35
Minimum Hardware Requirements 35
Product Platform Support 35
Validated Platforms 35
Supported Platforms 36
Runtime Requirements for Linux 36

Licensing System 37
Types of Licenses 37
Feature System 37
Context System 37
List of Compatible Contexts 38
Token System 38
Number of Tokens by Context 38
Used Tokens in a Session 39

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 Contents

Synthesis 40
List of Third Party Components Neither Included in Context nor Token 42
License Strategy Configuration 44
License Strategy Manager 45
FlexLM TIMEOUT Option 47
FlexLM BORROW Option 48
BORROWing Licenses 48

Python 2.x to 3.x Migration 49

Porting Guidelines 49
Common Coding Errors 50
Deprecated String Based Methods 52

myESI Customer Portal 53

Introduction 53

ESI-Player 4.5 55
About 55
Benefits 55
Installation Requirements 56
Minimum Hardware Requirement 56
Product Platform Support 56
Supported Formats 57
Utilities 58
Updates 59

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© ESI Group, 2021
 Introduction

Introduction
Visual-Environment (VE) is the first building block of the environment for ESI Group’s leading suite of
software products. Visual- Environment provides one single environment that encompasses the
complete workflow for realistic simulation-based design. It covers all of the activities of a CAE engineer;
starting from interfacing to CAD formats, CAD cleanup, meshing, assembling the model, model setup
and post- processing, using a single core extendable compute model. It further provides tools to
automate the tasks through scripts, macros and processes. It is comprised of many applications
dedicated to each task. The following sections detail the different applications. VE is a multi-
model/multi-window/multi-application environment. The embedded data model offers a very versatile
environment where new applications and interfaces can be easily implemented.
Visual-AM (Additive Manufacturing) is the new user interface with a state-of-the-art multi-window /
multi-model environment for Additive Manufacturing solution in Visual-Environment. In this version of
the Visual-AM module, two solvers are supported, namely Distortion and Prescan, which are mainly
dedicated to manufacturability of a material and a component. In later versions, additional solvers will
be implemented, such as, powder coating, melt pool simulation, thermal model for scanning strategies,
and many more. In the Visual- AM context, two different views (skins) are available: Distortion and
Prescan.
Visual- Assembly is the new- generation, easy- to- use assembly simulation tool developed in Visual-
Environment that encompasses the complete workflow for a realistic simulation-based design. Visual-
Assembly covers all the activities of the assembly process starting from the stamped part, to pre-
positioning, to the holding / clamping and joining procedures. It consists of three advisors - Pre-
Positioning, Holding and Joining - that provide easy step-by-step procedures to perform an assembly.
Visual-Body Stamp is a new context in Visual-Environment especially targeting the automotive industry
and allowing the setup, simulation and analysis of line dies stamping process. It is accessible via the
'Application Manager' of Visual-Environment under the group 'Automotive Solution / Body'.
Visual-CAD Editor is provided to quickly repair dirty geometry coming from different sources.
Visual-Cast is the single integrated environment for all of your casting needs. The pre-processor helps
with model setup, aided by definition of physics on topology and tailored process flowchart using
integrated Visual-Process. Visual-Cast is also linked to Thermodynamic Databases for the automatic
determination of the material properties.
Visual-Mesh (Cast) is a complete meshing tool for Casting and other volume based applications. This
supports a multi-model environment with model explorer and powerful display controls. It facilitates
the import of CAD and mesh data from various sources, repair of CAD geometry, assembly of volumes,
generation, validation and correction of surface mesh and finally generation of volume meshes.
Visual- Viewer (Cast) is the visualization and plotting tool that helps in analyzing ProCAST and
QuikCAST data within a uniform interface. It performs automated tasks and generates customized
reports, thereby increasing the engineer's productivity.

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Introduction

Visual- CEM is a dedicated environment enabling the intuitive and efficient management of the
complete simulation process when dealing with Computational Electromagnetics (CEM). Whatever their
operating mode (standalone use or coupled configuration), all electromagnetic solvers appearing in the
CEM One software package can be easily addressed and monitored.
Visual- CFD is a state- of- the- art multi- window / multi- model environment for carrying out CFD
simulations by coupling OpenFOAM solver into Visual-CFD. The current release targets CFD applications
for External Aerodynamics, Flows with Heat Transfer, Conjugate Heat Transfer modeling, Gravity-driven
flows, modeling moving meshes, multi- phase flow modeling with VoF and Eulerian methods and
Overset modeling.
Visual- Composer is the new name for Visual DSS . Visual- Composer is a Simulation Lifecycle
Management tool that aims at providing end- to- end decision- making support for simulations. It
manages a single core model for multiple domains as well as CAE representations for each component.
CAD and CAE representation are in sync. With Visual-Composer, versions and revisions, projects and
iterations plus corresponding content, as well as design and engineering changes, are manageable and
supported. Visual-Composer with integration to VisualDSS server enables concurrent engineering and
realistic simulations, and supports project and workflow management connecting simulation content,
project schedules, applications, teams, suppliers and associated documents together.
Visual-Crash DYNA provides LS-DYNA users with fast iteration and a rapid model revision process,
from data input to visualization for crash-worthiness simulation and design. This environment provides
quick model browsing, advanced mesh editing capabilities and rapid graphical assembly of system
models. Visual-Crash DYNA enables graphical creation, modification and deletion of LS-DYNA entities. In
Visual-Crash DYNA, you are provided with tools for checking model quality and simulation parameters
prior to launching calculations with the solver. These tools help in correcting errors and fine-tuning the
model and simulation before submitting it to the solver, thus saving time and resources.
Visual-Crash PAM provides PAM-CRASH users with fast iteration and rapid model revision process,
from data input to visualization for crash-worthiness simulation and design. This environment provides
quick model browsing, advanced mesh editing capabilities and rapid graphical assembly of system
models. Visual-Crash PAM enables graphical creation, modification and deletion of contacts, materials,
constraints, control cards and all crash entities. In Visual-Crash PAM, you are provided with tools for
checking model quality and simulation parameters prior to launching calculations with the solver. These
tools help in correcting errors and fine-tuning the model and simulation before submitting it to the
solver, thus saving precious time and resources.
Visual-NVH & Interior Acoustics skin is mainly dedicated to efficiently computing the vibro-acoustic
response of large size fluid-structure models, including 3D Porous Elastic Media (PEM), which can be
coupled with the structure part and with internal or external fluid domains.
Visual-Crash RAD provides RADIOSS users with fast iteration and rapid model revision process, from
data input to visualization for crash-worthiness simulation and design. This environment provides quick
model browsing, advanced mesh editing capabilities and rapid graphical assembly of system models.
Visual-Crash RAD enables graphical creation, modification and deletion of interfaces, materials, control
cards and all crash entities. In Visual-Crash RAD, you are provided with tools for checking model quality

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 Introduction

and simulation parameters prior to launching calculations with the Solver. These tools help in correcting
errors and fine-tuning the model and simulation before submitting it to the solver, thus saving time and
resources.
Visual-DIEMAKER gives you an industrial solution for Rapid Draw Die design inside Visual-Environment.
This version is the second release of PAM-STAMP’s die face design solution on the Visual-Environment
platform.
Visual- Distortion is used to set up the pre- processor part of PAM- DISTORTION, which is used to
compute residual stresses and geometrical shape distortions induced by the manufacturing process of
composite parts made of thermoset resins. It accounts for strains generated by the modification of
material properties of the part due to its phase transformations (liquid > rubbery > glassy). Visual-RTM
is part of the Composites trade available in the Visual-Environment suite. It is an integrated solution for
the manufacturing of composites structural parts made of reinforcements (carbon or glass fibers) and
resin (thermoplastic or thermoset).
Visual- Life NASTRAN is a comprehensive, integrated environment for NASTRAN simulations with
powerful enterprise capabilities. Visual-Life NASTRAN is a high-performance software to manage and
assemble large and complex finite element system models for NASTRAN, NVH and durability analysis
with its unique multi- window/multi- model environment providing high productivity with powerful
visualization and model browsing.
Visual-Materials (Composites) is another application of Visual-Environment that supports creation
and management of Composite materials. It enables the creation of Constituent, Reinforcement, Ply
and Laminate materials.
Visual-MEDYSA guides PAM-MEDYSA 2G users in building system models for design optimization and
performance validation of complex mechanical systems. Mechanical systems such as engine, tires,
chassis, suspensions, and machinery transmissions can be modeled with ease in this environment.
Visual-Mesh is a complete meshing tool that supports CAD import, 2D and 3D meshing and editing for
linear and quadratic meshes. Some of the features, which work only on mesh, are available in other pre-
processor applications (such as Visual-Crash PAM, Visual-Life NASTRAN, Visual-Crash DYNA, Visual-Crash
RAD, Visual-Safe MAD, etc.).
Visual- OPT in Visual- Environment provides a seamless interface to optimization solvers and DoE
studies. It supports PAM-OPT. Currently, only a demo version is available.
Visual- Process Executive , with its process- oriented philosophy, brings a compelling advantage to
Visual-Environment users to quickly build processes by customizing and executing GUIs.
Visual- Quoting is an application that enables material cost estimation. It can quickly develop the
flattened part outline and determine the optimal nesting layout in a coil of sheet metal, corresponding
to the lowest piece price.
Visual-Safe is dedicated to safety utilities. High productivity tools such as advanced dummy positioning,
seat morphing, belt fitting and airbag folder are provided in this application. Simulation-based airbag
folding is completely supported.
Visual-Safe MAD is a complete, efficient and productive CAE environment for multi-body and finite

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Introduction

element occupant safety simulations using MADYMO. It utilizes the multi-window/multi-model/multi-

application environment of Visual- Environment very efficiently. It provides complete flexibility by
working for both the experienced and the novice MADYMO users alike. It incorporates a vast database
of customer requirements and over a decade’s worth of feedback.
Visual- SDK (Software Development Kit) enables customizing/extending Visual- Environment by
providing features required for development of process templates and macros.
Visual-Seal provides advanced capability and fast-guided model building of Seal models. It uses the
multi- window/multi- model/multi- application environment very efficiently. With visual verification,
complete model-building activity can be performed efficiently.
Visual-Seat is the environment for Virtual Seat Solution, an end-to-end integrated solution to design,
engineer and deliver a safe, lightweight and comfortable seat accurately the first time, using Virtual Seat
Prototypes.
Visual-Shock (High Velocity Impact) simulation is used to analyze the dynamic behavior of materials
under very high-speed impacts. Visual-Shock supports PAM-SHOCK users in modeling such material
data easily. This typically finds application in aerospace where you need to understand the damage
suffered to a spacecraft when it encounters space debris, such as micrometeoroids.
Visual-Stamp enables you to create and edit material properties for any sheet metal forming materials
according to main mechanical laws.
Visual-Systems focuses on the collaboration between System Modeling (0D/1D) and FEM (3D), provides
the Modelica Standard Libraries and the CosimVPS library but is able also to load non-commercial third-
party Modelica libraries and access to SimulationX models through FMI. Visual-Systems enables a direct
access to VPS 3D models through the common VE platform and the post-processing for results from
both solutions.
Visual-SYSTUS is a multi-physics simulation software environment for the SYSTUS solver. SYSTUS is an
implicit code that covers fields as diverse as civil and mechanical engineering, energy and
transportation. Visual-SYSTUS is a high-performance software to manage complex finite element system
models for analysis with its unique multi-window / multi-model environment providing high productivity
with powerful visualization and model browsing. Visual-SYSTUS, as part of the Visual-Environment, has a
sleek, intuitive user interface with a Windows look and feel. All GUIs are command-driven and can be
easily programmed for process automation.
Visual-Viewer is a new-generation, post-processing tool with state-of-the-art plotting utilities. It caters
to the requirements of the CAE community. Visual- Viewer is built on a multi- page / multi- plot
environment, which enables you to group the data into pages and plots. It is designed with an intuitive
and sleek user interface with a Windows look and feel. Complete sessions can be re-run without loss of
any data. It is completely command-driven and thus enables you to execute commands with ease. With
Visual-Viewer being a multi-page environment, you are allowed to create any number of pages and can
have up to sixteen windows on a single page. These windows can be plot, animation, video, model or
drawing block windows.

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 Introduction

Visual- VTM is a plug- in application within Visual- Environment that enables you to set up a simple
trimmed Vibro-Acoustic model. All the inputs (meshes and modal bases) are already prepared in a
NASTRAN format.
Visual- Weld is the new- generation, easy- to- use welding simulation tool developed in Visual-
Environment that encompasses the complete workflow for a realistic simulation based design. Visual-
Weld coupled with Visual-Mesh and Visual-Viewer covers all the activities of a Welding Engineer starting
from interfacing to CAD formats, CAD cleanup, meshing, model setup, post-processing using one single
data model.
Visual-Heat Treatment is the new-generation, easy-to-use Heat-Treatment simulation tool developed
in Visual-Environment that encompasses the complete workflow for a realistic simulation based design.
It offers the full set of Heat Treatment engineering methodologies needed by designers, process
planners and manufacturing practitioners. Visual-Heat Treatment, coupled with Visual-Mesh and Visual-
Viewer, cover all the activities of a Heat Treatment Engineer starting from interfacing to CAD formats,
CAD cleanup, meshing, model setup and post processing using a single data model.

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 Updated Applications

Updated Applications
The following applications have been updated for this release:
l Visual-Assembly
l Visual-Cast
l Visual-Mesh (Cast)
l Visual-Viewer (Cast)
l Visual-CEM
l Visual-Crash PAM
l Visual-Safe

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 Visual-Assembly
What's New

Visual-Assembly

What's New

Seam Weld Load Display and Clamp Display Improvement

When the weld is selected, the respective weld group is displayed instead of displaying only a line.

Clamp display improvement: Clamp display has been improved by displaying the direction arrow for the
first entity of the selected entities (nodes or elements) instead of displaying the direction arrow for each
node/element of the selected entities.

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Visual-Assembly
What's New

Also, the elastic clamp direction arrow has been improved by displaying a big arrow (3D arrow).

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 Visual-Assembly
What's New

Chaining of Visual- Assembly with Pam- Stamp for Taylor Blank Welding
Application or Spot Weld Assembly and Roll Hemming Chaining
During sub-assembly export, a cleaned PC file is exported. All the nuggets are merged with parent parts
and a single .pc file is exported for ease of use. This .pc file can then be imported as it is within Pam-
Stamp.

Pam-Stamp Non-Conform Mesh Support in Visual-Assembly

l Due to various remeshing operations, including spot weld creation, some of the mid nodes were
becoming invalid. On submitting to solver, this was causing the solver to throw an error. Earlier,
processing of mid nodes in order to have only valid mid nodes was causing performance issues
during export. In this version, performance has been improved manifold.
l For the easy management of .pc master file, all the mid nodes are stored in _plates.inc

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 Visual-Cast
Bug Fixes

Visual-Cast
l Important Note:
o This is a maintenance version with the main focus on fixing existing issues.
o No new capabilities have been embedded in this version (compared to the previous version
ProCAST 2021.0 / Visual 17.0).
o No fixes in solvers were embedded.
o QuikCAST legacy GUI has been phased out from the installation package.

Bug Fixes
l Locating process conditions from the Explorer with a right click was not working. This is corrected.
l There was an issue in the Optimization workflow when the velocities' values were negative.
Minimum and maximum values were reversed, creating an issue with the solver. This has been
fixed.
l There was an issue with displaying the Optimization plots in specific circumstances. This is
corrected.
l There was an issue with selection of discrete values in the Optimization workflow. This has been
corrected.
l In specific circumstances, Optimization was not running when dealing with logic condition
formula. This has been fixed.
l Robustness Optimization run was crashing in some specific situations. This is now corrected.
l Importing an interface condition using the 'Import Process Condition' functionality was wrong
when the interface boundary condition had a time or temperature function. This is now fixed.
l Some instabilities were noticed when selecting regions on CentOS7. This has been reviewed and is
now corrected.
l There was an issue with exponential notation of parameters (such as MOLD_PERM) sending bad
information to the solver. This is now corrected.
l The import of Customization setting from the previous version was not working properly. This has
been corrected.

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Visual-Cast
Known Issues

Known Issues
l When the Material Database dialog box is opened to visualize TTT/CCT diagrams, context change
to Visual-Viewer may result in instability on some machines.

Limitations
l Extraction/Mapping functionality is not supported for Niyama and Niyama Star porosity results.
l Extraction/Mapping functionality is not supported for MILE cases.
l In some specific enclosure cases where there are sharp 90 degree changes, Datacheck may say
normals are not aligned. Manually check the normal of enclosure using the Check Normal option
and ignore such data check errors.
l Loading <prefix>d.dat files with special characters in material name may sometimes fail in Linux
versions.
o Workaround: Edit such files and rename material by removing the special characters.
l In 'Start Simulation', -hostlist can be specified only in option1.
o Workaround: In 'Start Simulation' on Windows platform, avoid specifying both -hostlist in
option1 and hostfile together.
l If mold and alloy are connected by a line of common nodes instead of interfaces, the solver will
throw an error when launched.
o Workaround: Create COINC nodes at these locations in Visual-Mesh.
l Frequencies defined, such as TFREQ, VFREQ, cannot be changed when calling 'Restart'.
o Workaround: Use extract and define new TFREQ and VFREQ.
l The Stress calculations are not supported in new multi-radius accordion calculations.
l Computation of 'm' and 'k' values using back diffusion method on Linux platform is incorrect.
o Workaround: Use Scheil, Lever, or Compute on Windows platform.
l APM, HCS, CAFE in post-processor mode are not fully compatible with the new storage frequency
capabilities.
l Currently, Cutoff + slice display is not supported for CAFE results.
l The units selected in 'Cast Preferences' are not reflected in the database editor.
l Avoid special characters in project folder path (name). Solver fails to launch if the folder name
contains special characters.
l 'Run Multi-Stage' on Linux will run the batch file in the same shell window that will start running
the solver. Hence, it is advised to generate the batch file and data separately and then launch this
batch file.

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 Visual-Cast
Limitations

l During pmf file import, if default regions have been renamed, the file import fails. You must first
rename it manually in QuikCAST and then import.
l If exemesh fails for some pmf files, try again after computing volumes.
l On systems with AMD graphics cards, if you experience stability issues when displaying the
model, toggle off the 'Enable optimized rendering' option in the Graphics tab of the Preferences
panel. (To post this panel, select File > Preferences from the menu).
l Computation of properties for any material in QuikCAST skin will not show the hidden tab
information in ProCAST.
o Workaround: Recompute properties in order to get all the information.
l PMF file import fails if any volume name in the selected file exceeds 20 characters.
o Workaround: Open the PMF file in the original QuikCAST dialog box and modify the volume
names.
l The box definition in the objective specification of the Optimization workflow will not work if the
decimal separator of the system is set with a comma.
o Workaround:Set the decimal separator of the system with a point.
l For non- Newtonian viscosity models, that is, Carreau- Yasuda and Power- Cutoff, the material
properties 'Zero Viscosity' and 'Power' are shared. If it is desired to apply different viscosity
models to the same material, these values have to be shared across models. Otherwise, it is
recommended to create two separate material entries.
l MICRO calculations of Al- based alloys are not possible when chemical composition has Ti
component.

Related links
l Visual-Mesh (Cast)
l Visual-Viewer (Cast)

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 Visual-Mesh (Cast)
Bug Fixes

Visual-Mesh (Cast)
l Important Note:
o This is a maintenance version with the main focus on fixing existing issues.
o No new capabilities have been embedded in this version (compared to the previous version
ProCAST 2021.0 / Visual 17.0).

Bug Fixes
l In specific circumstances, there was a stability issue with showing and hiding the regions from the
Explorer. This is now corrected with a safety check performed on adjacent volumes for equivalent
interfaces.
l There was an issue with scaling the model to mm with models having CAD and mesh. This is now
fixed.
l Renaming volumes in the Explorer tree in sessions was not working. This has been fixed.
l Some instabilities were noticed on CentOS7 when proceeding to 3D meshing. This has been
reviewed and fixed.
l CAD to STL functionality was not creating appropriate mesh. This is now corrected.
l Volume conversion from CAD to FE was not working properly in Mesh Assembly functionality. This
has been fixed.
l The import of Customization setting from the previous version was not working properly. This has
been corrected.

Limitations
l Incorrect number of volumes can be shown if the 2D mesh has issues. Proceed to check and
repair surface mesh to get issues fixed and number of volumes updated.
l For better performance, it is advised to compute volumes based on FE (not on CAD) before
proceeding to Mesh Assembly functionality.

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 Visual-Viewer (Cast)
Bug Fixes

Visual-Viewer (Cast)
l Important Note:
o This is a maintenance version with the main focus on fixing existing issues.
o No new capabilities have been embedded in this version (compared to the previous version
ProCAST 2021.0 / Visual 17.0).

Bug Fixes
l There was an issue when using section cut functionality with Integrated GPU. This is now
corrected.

Known Issues
l If more than one Principal stress is selected for display as vector, its maximum value will not be
properly displayed in the legend.
l During copying and pasting of the model from one window or page to another, the image may not
be displayed as expected.
o Workaround: The model is displayed properly by pressing 'F', that is, fitting the model
within the window.
l In deform export, coincident and equivalent interfaces are detected using <prefix>ff.unf file. If this
file is not present, the exported file will not be proper. It is recommended to export only the final
single part to be imported into DEFORM rather than the whole model, as DEFORM manages
interface differently.
l In case of Profile plotting for dynamic models like MILE, the profile created at one step will give an
incorrect result if plotted during another step.
l In case of duplicating window, working with cutoff may sometimes give wrong results. Hence, it is
advised to refresh the window by slightly rotating the model and then applying the cutoff.

Limitations
l Precipitation result generation is not supported in Linux platform.
l Template does not support calculated particles, free surface / point XY-plotting.

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Visual-Viewer (Cast)
Limitations

l Volume of porosity computation is linked to the mesh size; consequently, this is an approximated
value.
l Exporting the evolution curves plotted is faulty. If the curve names are not present in the
'Page/File View' tab, exporting two or more curves by pressing the 'Ctrl' key and right-clicking will
yield an error.
l Misrun is caused by a combined effect of viscosity and permeability. The risk indicator is not
applicable to thixo casting since the metal at inlet is already in the mushy zone.
l Unit conversion is not supported for 'Temperature gradient' results. It is always displayed in K/cm
units.
l Since the Inclusion Particle Tracking tool acts in post-processing mode, it relies on the frequency
of the result storage, which is controlled by the run parameter VFREQ. With high values of VFREQ,
there may be too little information to displace the trace. Therefore, the results may not be very
accurate, with the trace leaving the alloy domain. In that case, it is advised to reduce VFREQ.

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 Visual-CEM
What's New

Visual-CEM

What's New

Standard Lightning Strike Waveforms

As part of the SIMLIGHT project, some important features related to simulation of indirect effects of
lightning strike on aircraft have been introduced. One of the new features is support for the current
source waveforms recommended in the SAE standard 'Aerospace Recommended Practice ARP5412B,
1999':

The waveforms are available by selecting one of the new waveforms 'Lightning' or 'Lightning derivative'
in the Waveforms dialog and then selecting the desired component, as shown below:

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Visual-CEM
What's New

Anisotropic Materials in CEM-TD

The 3D dielectric material dialog now supports definition of materials where the material properties
depend on the direction in the Cartesian coordinate system. The new settings are accessed by changing
'3D Subtype' from 'Isotropic' (default) to 'Anisotropic (Diagonal)' or 'Anisotropic (General)' and then
selecting the material parameter, as shown in the figure below. For example, the selection of
'Anisotropic (Diagonal)' and then 'Sigma' for the conductivity gives the user the ability to enter different
conductivities for the x-, y- and z-directions.

Thin Slots in CEM-TD

In Visual-CEM 17.5, a new model for narrow gaps in metallic (PEC) surfaces is introduced. This model is a
so- called sub- cell model which does not require resolving the gap with the computational mesh.
Instead, the location of the center of the gap, or thin slot, is given by a curve on a surface. The figures
below show, from left to right, the thin slot represented as a line on a meshed surface, the FD-meshed
slot and finally a typical mesh required for resolving the slot.

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 Visual-CEM
What's New

The width and depth of the thin slot are then specified in a new 1D material type called 'Thin slot', as
shown in the figure below. In addition to the geometrical parameters, the user can optionally specify a
'Gasket material' in case the slot has a dielectric loading and a 'Segment length' to define slots that are
short-circuited at regular intervals along the length of the slot (for example, to model a riveted seam).

Geometry-based Voltage and Current Probes

With this release, it is possible to "measure" currents and voltages anywhere in the computational
domain using probes similar to what is done by the EMC engineer in practical experiments. The
supported probe types are integrated H-field loops (closed curves) for measuring electric currents and
integrated E- field along curves for measuring voltages. The figure below shows a microstrip
transmission line with user- defined probe curves for measuring the current through the inner
conductor and the voltage between ground and conductor. Output is then defined by setting either 'I'
for current or 'V' for voltage as Result type in the Part Manager.

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Visual-CEM
What's New

Current Sources for Lumped Elements and Wires

Lumped elements and wires now support ideal current sources either as a prescribed current I(t) = f(t)
on an edge (hard source, only available on wires) or lumped with a parallel resistor (soft source). The
dialog setup is shown in the figure below for a hard source on a wire (left) and a soft source on a
lumped element (right).

Dispersive Material in FDTD – Multiple Poles

Frequency- dependent, or dispersive material properties can now be defined by using an arbitrary
number of poles of Debye or Lorentz type. The parameter entries are accessed by selecting the desired
number of poles for each type, as shown in the figure below.

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 Visual-Crash PAM
What's New

Visual-Crash PAM

What's New

VPS Solver Format Support

Visual- Environment 17.0 is compliant with VPS 2021 Solver. However, a few options that were not
supported then have been made available in this release. They are:
l ALPHAY and ALPHAZ, the thermal expansion coefficient in Y and Z directions.
l POLYMER_B and Extended Johnson-Cook Strain Rate Model hardening parameter in MMAT.
l META support in PFMAT, PLY, FASCI.

Other Updates
l HTML format is enabled for Model Compare report in command line mode. There are two ways to
achieve this:
o By specifying the extension as:
VisualEnvironment.bat -activeconfig Performance: Crash -mctmplt <template file> -mcout
report.html -compare file1.pc file2.pc
o Through an argument, mcformat as:
VisualEnvironment.bat - activeconfig Performance: Crash - mctmplt <template file> -
mcformat HTML -mcout report -compare file1.pc file2.pc
l 'Move Entities' command is enabled in Numerical Parameters, Picking and Coupling Data folder in
Explorer tree.
l Performance improvement in Trim modeler process: 'Grow Elements' block was taking nearly
three hours for some of the industrial models and required too much manual effort to generate
the tetra mesh. This has been addressed. It now takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the
workflow and generate the tetra mesh successfully.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 25 -

© ESI Group, 2021
Visual-Crash PAM
Bug Fixes

Bug Fixes
l MMAT2020:
o In a model with FAILURE_ RISK already defined, defining another FAILURE module with

INSTABILITY_ RISK as MUESCHENBORN_ SONNE would add this model to the existing
FAILURE_RISK as well. This is fixed.
o While editing the MMAT 2020, selecting the same TABLE ID from the list removed the TABLE
reference. This is fixed.
o Editing the FUNCTION values in the table editor may have resulted in writing the values
without space in the exported file. This is fixed.
o While reading a file with erroneous MMAT 2020 format, the notification that was written in
the console is now written to the .err file as well.
o While executing Estimate Stamping effects for MMAT 2020 input files which were defined
with TABLE, erroneous Table arguments were written out after END_ MMAT which was
leading to solver error. This is fixed.
l Safe Tools > Dummy Integration Workflow: In positioning and seating, sometimes, the generated
file when submitted to VPS2021 solver may have given the following error:

*** ERROR 10400062 *** NODE ID <ID> USED IN SOME INCOMPATIBLE KINEMATIC OPTIONS (SEE
BELOW)
* RBODY_S
* RETRA”.
This is fixed.

l For a solid part, when a new part was assigned using Change PID GUI and if the Solid part was
referred in PLINK Selection, after changing the part ID, it was still referring to OLD PID. This is
fixed.
l Solver Version Manager GUI was enabled in SDK-BATCH in 17.0 release. However, the commands
to get the PhasedOut entities folder and the entity list were not working with the same key. This is
fixed such that both these commands work with either 'PhasedOut' or 'PhaseOut' keys.
l Creating FPMIN with only selection for WALL Boundary Condition added incorrect extra lines on
exporting this data. This is fixed.
l In STLOAD creation, addition of multiple OVERLAP_RESOLVE was not allowed. This is fixed.
l Closing or quitting an SDK Process that included multi-thread job submission procedure resulted
in a crash. This is fixed.
l On executing the Report Generation process though the SDK- Batch, in VE 17.0, an error "_
imagingft C module is not installed" was written out. This has been fixed​.

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 Visual-Crash PAM
Bug Fixes

l If the file contained Unicode characters, for example, in file header section, title card or
comments, and if such data was parsed using VistaDb module APIs in SDK BATCH or Python
scripts, Unicode error was written out. This is fixed for the following APIs:

VistaDb.HashtableGetString
VistaDb.GetObjectName
VistaDb.SetStringValue
VistaDb.SetCommentToObject
VistaDb.VistaDbModelGetEntityAttributes()
VistaDb.DbsSetName
VistaDb.SetStringArrayValue
VistaDb.GetStringArrayValue

l While creating TRSFM with NPOS, negative scale factor definition was not allowed. This is fixed.
l VistaDb.ModelGetObjectList (model, "FeMatClass") API always gave empty list even though
material was defined with load curves. This has been addressed.
l For MMC model, if MODEL / NAME and INCLU / FNAME were the same, the control cards were not
correctly read. This is fixed.
l GROUP definition with only spaces as name was not treated correctly. The name was truncated to
an empty string, and entities referencing this GROUP were deleted. This is fixed.
l In Nastran to VPS conversion for PBEAML > CHAN to PART>BEAM conversion, error in geometric
properties calculation is fixed now.
l In some cases, conversion of RBODY to MTOCO was not correctly done when each RBODY was
converted individually from the Explorer folder. This has been addressed.
l VE Datachecker has a framework to customize checks through a configuration xml file. This
framework was not working as expected in some cases. For example, when materials were
classified by types, the check may have been performed on a wrong material and hence yielded a
wrong result. This is fixed.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 27 -

© ESI Group, 2021
 Visual-Safe
What's New

Visual-Safe

What's New

Sim-Folder
l The same license feature FOLD_SIMTOOL required by VPS solver to fold airbags defined through
Sim-Folder is now also needed to access Sim-Folder, Sim-Folder Chaining and Folding Project
options in Visual-Environment.
l All the folding tools packed within the 17.5 release are no longer encrypted and thus fully
accessible to the user.
l A new parameter BendingStartIDList is added under Airbag. This facilitates same IDs for bending
elements in subsequent sequences that match with the previous CATCSM.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 29 -

© ESI Group, 2021
 Appendix

Appendix
This section consists of the following topics:
l Core Dump Tracker
l Installation Requirements
l Licensing System
l Python 2.x to 3.x Migration
l myESI Customer Portal
l ESI-Player 4.5

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 31 -

© ESI Group, 2021
 Core Dump Tracker

Core Dump Tracker

You can register any crash that occurs while you are working with Visual-Environment through the Core
Dump Tracker utility. This utility is available only on Windows systems.
Whenever the application crashes, the following dialog box is posted:

l Click on Send Error Report to send the report and close both the dialog box and the application.
l Click on Don’t Send to close the dialog box and the application without sending a report.
l Click on View Report Details… to check details of the report that are sent. The following dialog
box is posted, listing the files that are sent:

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 33 -

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Core Dump Tracker

l By default, the check box to send additional files is OFF and only the files marked with an ‘*’
against their name are sent.
l To send the additional files, check the ON box .
Please note that the session file is not sent by default.
You can also set the following variables in the VisualEnvrc.bat file residing in your ‘Site’ folder to
customize the settings:
l If you want to send your session file, add the following line:
set VHOST_COREDUMPTRACKERFILES_ENABLE=1
l If you do not want to use the Core Dump Tracker, add the following line:
set VHOST_COREDUMPTRACKER_ENABLE=0
We would appreciate your help to improve your experience with Visual-Environment by sending us a report
through this utility. We assure you that the information you send us is used only to solve the reported problem
and confidentiality of the information is fully maintained.

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 Installation Requirements
Minimum Hardware Requirements

Installation Requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirements

l 4 GB of RAM recommended.
o Memory requirement could vary depending on model size. Normally, 1 GB RAM is good
enough for 1 million element/cell model.
l 2.6 GHz Xeon or i5-i7 equivalent CPU.
l Hardware accelerated graphics (preferably NVidia or AMD) equivalent of Quadro 2000 and above.
l 13 GB disk (free) space for complete installation.
l Super VGA monitor with the following settings:
o Screen resolution set to at least 1280 x 1080.
o Small fonts selected.
l Three button mouse (middle button required for dynamic rotations in graphic window).

Product Platform Support

Validated Platforms
Validated platforms are platforms that were tested with ESI Group's software through a set of manual
or automated tests and can properly run ESI Group's software.

linux-libc217-x86-64 windows-vs140-x86-64

1 RHEL 7.8 Windows 10 Version 1809

linux-libc228-x86-64

2 RHEL 8.0

Note: With RHEL 8, GNOME 3 is the default Desktop Environment. GNOME 3 uses Wayland protocol by
default to build the graphical user interface.
Visual-Environment is not compatible with Wayland protocol. To overcome this, use the X11 protocol,
which uses X.Org as the display server. You can set this at the time of logging in.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 35 -

© ESI Group, 2021
Installation Requirements
Runtime Requirements for Linux

Supported Platforms
Supported platforms are platforms relying on the platform vendor's compatibility rules and should run
properly ESI Group's software.

linux-libc211-x86-64 windows-vs140-x86-64
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server
1 Windows 10 version 20H2
11 SP4
SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop Windows 8.1 with latest
2
11 SP4 Microsoft Update
Windows Server 2012 R2 with
3
latest Microsoft Update
4 Windows 10 from Version 1809

linux-libc228-x86-64

5 RHEL 8.3

linux-libc217-x86-64

6 Cent OS 7.8

linux-libc228-x86-64

7 Cent OS 8.0

Runtime Requirements for Linux

l Software:
o Linux OS (Refer to the file README_ Visual- Environment_ 17.0 under info directory for
system requirement details).
o You need to have any product able to display PDF files (for example, Adobe Reader).
o You need to have any product able to display HTML files (for example, Mozilla Firefox).
o You need to have an Office product able to display ODS files (for example, LibreOffice,
OpenOffice.org).
l Shell Compliance:
o csh and its variant tcsh are supported on all systems provided on the DVD.
o ksh is supported on all systems provided on the DVD.
o bash is supported on all systems provided on the DVD.

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 Licensing System
Types of Licenses

Licensing System

Types of Licenses
Three different types of licenses are available:
l FEATURE: Licenses based on features.
l CONTEXT: Licenses based on contexts count.
o VISUAL_CONTEXT1: One context can be used.
o VISUAL_CONTEXT2: Two contexts can be used simultaneously.
o VISUAL_CONTEXT3: Three or more contexts can be used simultaneously.
l TOKEN: Licenses based on tokens count.
o Each context is converted in VISUAL_TOKEN tokens.
o Usage of contexts increases the number of tokens requested.
In all cases, a VISUAL_BASE seat is required to launch Visual-Environment.

Feature System
l In this strategy, features are checked out based on usage, when entering different contexts.
l Unavailable contexts (no licenses) are now deactivated in the Context bar and Context
Manager.
l VISUAL_BASE seat is required to launch VE.

Context System
l This system is based on the number of contexts to be used.
l There are three options:
o VISUAL_CONTEXT1: One context can be used.
o VISUAL_CONTEXT2: Two contexts can be used simultaneously.
o VISUAL_CONTEXT3: Three or more contexts can be used simultaneously.
l Selected contexts can be managed and modified during the session using the Context Manager

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Licensing System
Token System

in the Context bar.

l Third-party options are not converted in contexts and require standard features.
l VISUAL_BASE seat required to launch VE.

List of Compatible Contexts

All contexts except:
l Visual-Seal.
l Visual-Process Builder.
l Visual-CAD Editor.
l All contexts from Visual-Seat.
l Visual-DIEMAKER.
l Visual-Stamp.

Token System
l This system is based on the usage of VISUAL_TOKEN tokens.
l Each context is converted in tokens.
l Depending of the usage, tokens are requested.
o The number of tokens actually used is computed in a way to limit the maximum number of
tokens used in a single session (maximum of 12 tokens per session).
l Third-party options are not converted in tokens and require standard features.
l VISUAL_BASE seat is required to launch VE.

Number of Tokens by Context

All contexts check out 6 tokens except:
l Visual-Mesh: 4 tokens.
l Visual-Seal: not available in Tokens mode.
l Visual-SDK: not available in Tokens mode.
l Visual-DIEMAKER and Visual-Seat check out tokens based on the tokens table.

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 Licensing System
Token System

Used Tokens in a Session

l From 0 to 6 tokens (first context): Full “tokens price”.

l From 6 to 18 tokens (second and third contexts): Half “tokens price”.
l More than 18 tokens (Three and more contexts): No more tokens taken.
l One VISUAL_BASE seat by session.
This does not apply to the contexts of Visual-DIEMAKER and Visual-Seat where the full tokens price is
taken.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 39 -

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Licensing System
Synthesis

Synthesis
Compatibility of contexts versus strategy:

Application name FEATURE CONTEXT TOKENS

Visual-Additive Manufacturing VISUAL_AM
Visual-Assembly VISUAL_ASSEMBLY 6
Visual-CAD Editor VISUAL_CADCLEAN 2
Visual-Cast VISUAL_CAST 6
Visual-CEM VISUAL_CEM 6
Visual-CFD VISUAL_CFD 6
Visual-CRASH DYNA VISUAL_CRASH_DYNA 6
Visual-CRASH PAM VISUAL_CRASH_PAM 6
Visual-CRASH RAD VISUAL_CRASH_RAD 6
Visual-DIEMAKER VISUAL_DIEMAKER 11*
Visual-DISTORTION VISUAL_DISTORTION 6
Visual-Composer VISUAL_COMPOSER 6
Visual-FORM VISUAL_FORM 6
Visual-Heat Treatment VISUAL_HT 6
Visual-Life NASTRAN VISUAL_LIFE_NASTRAN 6
Visual-Materials (Composites) VISUAL_COMPOSITES 6
Visual-MEDYSA VISUAL_MEDYSA 6
Visual-Mesh VISUAL_MESH 4
Visual-Process Executive VISUAL_PROCESS_EXECUTIVE 6
Visual-Quoting VISUAL_QUOTING 4
Visual-RTM VISUAL_RTM 6
Visual-Safe VISUAL_SAFE 6
Visual-Safe MAD VISUAL_SAFE_MAD 6
Visual-SDK VISUAL_PROCESS_BUILDER
Visual-Seal VISUAL_SEAL
Visual-Seat Single Core Model VISUAL_SEAT_BASE 6*
Visual-Seat Foam
VISUAL_SEAT_FOAMMANUF 3*
Manufacturing
Visual-Seat Trim
VISUAL_SEAT_TRIMMANUF 3*
Manufacturing
Visual-Seat Static Comfort VISUAL_SEAT_STATICCOMF 3*
Visual-Seat Whiplash VISUAL_SEAT_WHIPLASH 3*
Visual-Seat Dynamic Comfort VISUAL_SEAT_DYNAMICCOMF 3*
Visual-Seat Thermal Comfort VISUAL_SEAT_THERMALCOMF 3*

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 Licensing System
Synthesis

Visual-Shock VISUAL_HVI 6
Visual-Stamp VISUAL_STAMP
Visual-SYSTUS VISUAL_SYSTUS 6
Visual-Viewer VISUAL_VIEWER 6
Visual-Systems VISUAL_SYSTEMS 6
Visual-VTM VISUAL_RAYON 6
Visual-Weld VISUAL_WELD 6

Note: For all applications with a ‘*’ in the tokens column, full tokens are consumed.

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Licensing System
List of Third Party Components Neither Included in Context nor Token

List of Third Party Components Neither Included in Context nor

Token
l The Visual-Environment seat:
o VISUAL_BASE.
l The CAD converters:

l Visual-SDK Batch execution:

o VISUAL_BATCH_SDK.

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 Licensing System
List of Third Party Components Neither Included in Context nor Token

l Thermal properties calculation in Visual-Cast:

o COMPUTHERM_AL.
o COMPUTHERM_NI.
o COMPUTHERM_FE.
o COMPUTHERM_TI.
o COMPUTHERM_MG.
o COMPUTHERM_CU.
l Other tools:
o VISUAL_VKI (to read NASTRAN op2 files).
o VISUAL_FULLSTS/VISUAL_ALLSTS (for Morphing).
o VISUAL_WISETEX (for Wisetex).
o CRIPTE_BASE (for CRIPTE Tools).

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© ESI Group, 2021
Licensing System
License Strategy Configuration

License Strategy Configuration

License checkout strategy that is used by the application is determined in the following order:
l The first level of check is made at the license file level (Enterprise level).
o If ‘USER_INFO’ is specified in the license file, this information is used to detect the license
strategy.
o This field is managed by the client and not ESI’s licensing team. It is one of the very rare
modifications which the client is allowed to make in the license file.

l The second level check is made at the ‘Site’ installation directory level (Enterprise level).
o If the ‘checkout_ strategy.cfg’ file exists in the Site installation directory, this shared
configuration is used instead of the configuration stored in User Local Data.
o This can be very useful in a ‘network’ installation configuration.
l The last level of check is at the End User level.
o At this level, if a 'checkout_strategy.cfg' is available under 'User Local Data', it is used.
o Otherwise, the application decides which license strategy to use based on the information
available in the license file. In this case, no 'checkout_strategy.cfg' file is written. 

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 Licensing System
License Strategy Manager

License Strategy Manager

License strategy manager is a tool that allows you to check the available options for license strategy.
You can also redefine the license strategy to be used by the application, overriding the decision made by
the application. 
If needed, you can invoke this tool through the desktop shortcut 'Licensing Strategy' on Windows or by
keying in '<alias for VE> -strategy' on Linux systems. The following dialog box is displayed:

Important Note: By default, 'Tokens' is switched on in this dialog. After posting this dialog, and if you select
OK, a 'checkout_strategy.cfg' file is saved with this strategy and the application attempts to use this strategy in
the future.
l License Type: Choice between the 3 strategies:
o FEATURE Features based strategy.
o CONTEXT Contexts based strategy using VISUAL_CONTEXT.
o TOKEN Tokens strategy using VISUAL_TOKEN.
l Checkout strategy: In FEATURE strategy, choice of the checkout option:
o ON_INIT  To checkout the features On Initialization.
o ON_FLY To checkout the features On Fly when using the context.
l Contexts: In CONTEXT strategy, choice of the option:
o CONTEXT1   To use 1 Context.
o CONTEXT2  To use 2 Contexts simultaneously.
o CONTEXT3   To use 3 Contexts and more simultaneously.
l Options: Activate a log file to analyze the licenses usage during a session:
o LOGFILE Create log file. The file is stored with the session file.
o Log is also activated when setting FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS variable.
l Check the license strategies and license file or server:

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Licensing System
License Strategy Manager

o Features OK   A VISUAL_BASE seat is available (license system OK).

o Contexts OK   VISUAL_CONTEXT are available.
o Tokens OK  Some VISUAL_TOKEN are available.

l Usage gives a detailed list of users.

l Defaults: Reset to default (FEATURE ON_FLY).

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 Licensing System
FlexLM TIMEOUT Option

FlexLM TIMEOUT Option

TIMEOUT is a flexnet optional keyword that can be set to control the release of licenses when the
application has been inactive for a period of time.
To enable this, you must set the environment variable VHOST_FLEXTIMEOUT_ENABLE with value 1.
Procedure
l If the application is inactive, it is detected and signaled after 30 minutes.
l After signaling inactivity, another dialog box is posted to inform you that TIMEOUT is checked. If
you do not respond, the license is released at the end of the TIMEOUT period.
For example, if TIMEOUT = 2700 (i.e., 45 minutes) and the application is inactive, it is signaled after 30
minutes. If you do not respond, the license is released 15 minutes after informing you about the
inactivity.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 47 -

© ESI Group, 2021
Licensing System
FlexLM BORROW Option

FlexLM BORROW Option

BORROWing a license enables you (the server can be any OS) to checkout licenses from a server for a
set amount of time. The temporarily BORROWed licenses are assigned to the PC, and the number of
seats for each feature on the server is decremented until the BORROW time elapses
If the License file has the Keyword BORROW=336, BORROW option can utilized.

BORROWing Licenses
l Run lmtools.exe (can be found in the C:\flexlm directory).
l From the BORROWing tab, enter a Return Date and Time.
l Click the Set Borrow Expiration button.
l Leave LMTOOLS open.

l To borrow a license for a desired feature on the same day and the same system, while still
connected to the network, launch the application to checkout and borrow the license.

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 Python 2.x to 3.x Migration
Porting Guidelines

Python 2.x to 3.x Migration

Porting Guidelines
As Visual-Environment starts to support Python 3.x, use the following guidelines to port your Python
scripts. All COMMON/Resources Python scripts are already migrated and are compatible with Python
2.x and Python 3.x.
Step 1: Ensure that your Python scripts are portable. This can be achieved by running pep8 tool
(https://pypi.org/project/autopep8/)
Python 3.x does not allow mixed indentation. Many deprecated modules of Python 2.x are no longer
supported. It is therefore advised to run autopep8 for mixed indent fixes and also to identify
deprecated modules.
Deprecated modules https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0004/

Step 2: Run auto Python 2to3 conversion tool (https://docs.python.org/3/library/2to3.html)

This tool converts 80-90% of the code. Please read the following article before porting your code.
http://python3porting.com/preparing.html

Once conversion is done, please run through the following:

l Converted 2to3 sometimes converts imports wrongly.
o E.g.: from .a.b import c (This is okay if a.b.c are relative to the current Python location). It is
not okay if a.b.c is somewhere in the Python path.
l “imports” from your current Python file must start with "." , e.g.: from . import *
l Commented print becomes un-commented print()
l Modules in the same folder can no longer be directly imported (e.g.: import SelectCaseFSR →
from . SelectCaseFSR)
l Run 'compile all' to ensure conversions have no issues (python -m compileall "scripts dir path" -r
50 -q > "path\result.txt")
l Ensure that you are using modules after import (VScn, etc.)
l Pyd files are not compatible across versions. Hence, you must copy your pyd files under
winx64u/bin/Py27 or winx64u/bin/py36

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Python 2.x to 3.x Migration
Common Coding Errors

Common Coding Errors

Wrong usage Correct usage

import pickle
import pickle
filePtr = open(r"D:\temp\testvals.txt","wb")
filePtr = open(r"D:\temp\testvals.txt","w")
filePtr1 = open(pkl_file_name,"rb")
filePtr1 = open(pkl_file_name,"r")

String module no longer has this method; correct

way of calling is:
a="my string"
b=a.split(a," ")
or
string.split() vestring.split(separator)
or
vestring.split() // default delimiter as space
It is recommended to use vestring methods so
that future replacing with something else is all in
one place.

String module no longer has this method; correct

string.replace(stringToReplace, replaceTo,
replaceWith)
way of calling is:
a="my string"
b=a.replace("my","your")
or
vestring.replace(replace(stringToReplace,
replaceTo, replaceWith)
It is recommended to use vestring methods so
that future replacing with something else is all in
one place.

Try using proper name space

UpdatesTempCurvestoDel() method lost
Like Viewer.UpdateTempCurvesToDel

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 Python 2.x to 3.x Migration
Common Coding Errors

sequDoc = minidom.parse ("D:/temp/test/1.xml") Open writing file with binary mode:

python code... fileToWrite = open("D:/temp/test/2.xml", "wb")
fileToWrite = open("D:/temp/test/2.xml", "w") fileToWrite.write
fileToWrite.write (sequDoc.toprettyxml (sequDoc.toprettyxml(indent="\t", newl="\n",
(indent="\t", newl="\n", encoding="ISO-8859-1")) encoding="ISO-8859-1"))

aa = 10 aa = 10
for index in range(aa/2): for index in range(int(aa/2)):

In Python 2.7, even if you have not used "import

VScn", it used to work.
VScn modules
Now, it is mandatory to include "import VScn" in
all such files which use VScn module.

Py 2.x -> result = 1.1. * 700.0 -> print (result) ->

str(float value) in Py3.6 returns more digits than 770.0
Py2.7 Py 3.x -> result = 1.1. * 700.0 -> print (result) ->
770.000000000000001

In Py 2.x this used to work fine even if you use "rb"

for ASCII file.
fp = open("file name, "rb")
But, in Py 3.6 it will not. For ASCII files use only "r".
Same for "wb"

import sys
if sys.version_info > (3,):
import Configparser import configparser as configparser
else:
import ConfigParser as configparser

if( type(field) == types.DictType ): if( type(field) == dict ):

if( type(field) == types.StringType): if(type(field) == bytes);

The 2to3 tool will automatically adapt imports

The httplib module has been renamed to when converting your sources to Python 3.
http.client in Python 3. But please note the converted code is no longer
backward compatible.

This code must be ported by using alternative

ZSI module is no more supported in python 3
methods.

From openpyxl.cell import needs to be modified to

Openpyxl module
openpyxl.utils.cell import

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Python 2.x to 3.x Migration
Deprecated String Based Methods

Deprecated String Based Methods

The following String based methods are deprecated. Try to replace them by vestring, which exposes all
APIs from backward compatibility point of view.

string.atof(var) vestring.atof(var)

string.atoi(var) vestring.atoi(var)

string.replace(replace(stringToReplace, replaceTo, vestring.replace(stringToReplace, replaceTo,

replaceWith,Numtimes) replaceWith,Numtimes)

string.replace(replace(stringToReplace, replaceTo, vestring.replace(stringToReplace, replaceTo,

replaceWith) replaceWith)

string.strip(remove) vestring.strip(remove)

string.rstrip(remove) vestring.rstrip(remove)
string.rstrip() vestring.rstrip()

string.lstrip(remove) vestring.lstrip()
string.lstrip() vestring.lstrip()

string.find(toFind) vestring.find(toFind)
string.find(toFind, iPos, fPos) vestring.find(toFind, iPos, fPos)

string.rfind(toFind) vestring.rfind(toFind) 
 string.find(toFind, iPos, fPos) vestring.find(toFind, iPos, fPos)

string.count(toCount) vestring.count(toCount)

string.split(separator) vestring.split(separator)
vestring.split() vestring.split()

string.lower() vestring.lower()

string.join(StringTojoin) vestring.join(StringTojoin)

string.zfill(StringTofill,numZeros) vestring.zfill(StringTofill,numZeros)

- 52 - VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes

© ESI Group, 2021
 myESI Customer Portal
Introduction

myESI Customer Portal

Introduction
The ESI customer portal's myESI primary goal is to provide you with valuable content to enhance your
experience with our products. Once logged in to "https://myesi.esi-group.com/" myesi.esi-group.com,
you gain access to dedicated content for the solutions relevant to you.
When connected to myESI, you can benefit from Tips & Tricks and sign-up for worldwide trainings
which are available through the online training schedule. You can also access the download section
that gathers technical documentation, including product manuals, release notes and specific tutorial
guides. A selected range of software downloads can also be enabled on myESI through your local ESI
office.
The content provided on the portal is continuously updated . If you do not already have a myESI
account, join by clicking on "create new account" to get started today!

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 53 -

© ESI Group, 2021
 ESI-Player 4.5
About

ESI-Player 4.5

About
ESI-Player is a light-weight, stand-alone tool for visualizing ERF files. Its sleek and user-friendly interface
allows this tool to be used by CAE engineers as well as CAE managers. Easy installation and license-free
usage makes it an ideal tool for sharing pertinent information not only across the organization but also
with customers to enable quick decision making.

Benefits
l ESI-Player allows professionals to communicate effectively with their customers using this simple,
free and easy-to-use interactive interface.
l ESI-Player eliminates the need to install full versions of Visual-Environment for visualization. It also
eliminates the need to transfer huge chunks of data across teams. This is accomplished by
exporting a subset of the ERF file with the required results in Visual-Viewer and visualizing this

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 55 -

© ESI Group, 2021
ESI-Player 4.5
Installation Requirements

truncated ERF in ESI-Player.

l Being light-weight, it enables quick communication across the board.
l ESI-Player can handle very complex data, competitively.

Installation Requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirement

l Around 500 MB of disk space.
l For Linux, a minimum version of 3.22 for NSS (Network Security Services).
l Three button mouse (middle button is required for dynamic zoom in / zoom out, and for rotation
in graphical window).
l Graphic card with minimum OpenGL 1.2 support.

Product Platform Support

Validated Platform
Validated platforms are platforms that were tested with ESI Group's software through a set of manual
or automated tests and that can properly run ESI Group's software.

linux-libc217-x86-64 windows-vs140-x86-64
l RHEL 7.5
1 Windows 10 Version 1809
l Cent OS 7.5

Supported Platforms
Supported platforms are platforms relying on the platform vendor's compatibility rules and that should
properly run ESI Group's software.

linux-libc217-x86-64 windows-vs140-x86-64

1 SuSE 13 Windows 10 from Version 1809

2 Ubuntu 16

- 56 - VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes

© ESI Group, 2021
 ESI-Player 4.5
Supported Formats

Supported Formats
l ESI-Player supports visualization of ERF files (ERF is ESI's proprietary result format) and PGD files
(*.bpxdmf, *.epgd, *.epgd2).
l The table below provides a list of supported domains and ERF version for each domain. Also
included is the list of default result contours for each domain. The exact name of the result may
vary, based on the domain and ERF version. A maximum of five result contours are listed in the
application.

Note: It is advisable to export a subset of the relevant results from Visual-Viewer and visualize this
truncated ERF in ESI-Player.
For Sheet Metal Forming, the .res file generated by PAM-STAMP is converted to ERF on loading it in
Visual-Viewer.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 57 -

© ESI Group, 2021
ESI-Player 4.5
Utilities

Utilities
l ESI- Player allows you to perform basic visualization operations such as animating a model,
applying result contours, manipulating the views, changing display methods and modifying part
attributes through a Part table.
l The number of result contours that can be applied per domain is restricted to five (See table
above). You are encouraged to export a subset of the required result contours from Visual-Viewer
and use the corresponding ERF file in ESI-Player to make the best use of this tool. Hence, if the
truncated ERF file has a maximum of five results, you will be able to visualize all of them in ESI-
Player, irrespective of whether or not they are present in the default list. If the ERF file has more
than five results, the default list shown above will be given preference. If some or all of the results
listed as default are not found in the ERF file, the results from the ERF file are displayed, again
subject to a maximum of five results in all.
l For casting results, you can modify the Spectrum and Cut Off min max for the current result
contour.
l You can sign in to home page and model window page on top of the title bar. You can also sign in
with an existing account or create a new account in VisualDSS Cloud.
l After successful sign in, you can load the files from the cloud.
l Files loaded from the local system drives can be uploaded to cloud after signing in to VisualDSS
Cloud account.
l Files loaded only from the cloud can be shared with other users who have Visual DSS Cloud
account.
l You can also customize the window background color and the mouse convention through
Settings.
l You can provide the directory path for image export in jpeg format. This is set to user home by
default and unless otherwise modified, exported images will be saved to this path.
l Additional utilities include Overlay of models, Section Cut and Measure distance between two
points and between two parts.
l Overlay is restricted to two models and provides control over translation and display attributes of
the slave model.
l Sections can be cut into three standard directions with an additional possibility to clip the model.

- 58 - VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes

© ESI Group, 2021
 ESI-Player 4.5
Updates

Updates
l Connected to Visual-Environment 16.5 sources.
l Spectrum Min-Max setting in the Contour dialog is now supported for all files.

VISUAL-ENVIRONMENT 17.5 Release Notes - 59 -

© ESI Group, 2021
esi-group.com

All PAM- and SYS- product names as well as other products belonging to ESI's portfolio are tradenames or trademarks of ESI Group, unless specifically mentioned.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners - Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

© ESI Group, 2021