MD& CAD 2

Lab Report 01

Objective: Introduction to Design Modeler CAD software, its interface and components and
to learn the utilization of different orientation/ views in the graphical interface.

Theory:
History:
The history of ANSYS begins in the early 1970s when Dr. John Swanson founded Swanson
Analysis Systems Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, with the vision of revolutionizing
engineering simulation. Originally developed as a finite element analysis (FEA) software
solution, ANSYS expanded its capabilities throughout the 1980s and 1990s to include
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and other disciplines. Strategic acquisitions, such as Fluent
Inc. in 2006, bolstered ANSYS' position in the market, while ongoing innovation in parallel
processing, optimization, and multi physics simulations solidified its reputation as a global leader
in engineering simulation. In the 2010s, ANSYS transitioned into a comprehensive simulation
platform, integrating cloud-based solutions, automation, and PLM integration. Today, ANSYS
continues to advance simulation technology, addressing emerging trends such as digital twins
and additive manufacturing, and serving diverse industries worldwide.

Design Modeler is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by ANSYS, a

leading provider of engineering simulation software. Design Modeler is widely used in various
industries, including aerospace, automotive, and mechanical engineering, to create and modify
3D geometric models for simulation and analysis purposes. In this detailed overview, we'll delve
into the interface, components, and key functionalities of Design Modeler, as well as discuss the
utilization of different orientations and views within its graphical interface.
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Introduction to Design Modeler:

Design Modeler serves as a pre-processing tool within the ANSYS software suite, allowing
engineers and designers to create, edit, and repair geometric models for subsequent simulation
and analysis. It provides a user-friendly interface combined with robust modeling capabilities,
enabling users to efficiently generate complex geometries required for finite element analysis
(FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and other engineering simulations.

Interface and Components:

1. Main Workspace:
Upon launching Design Modeler, users are presented with the main workspace where they can
create and manipulate geometric entities. The workspace consists of various menus, toolbars, and
panels for accessing different functionalities and options.

2. Geometry Toolbox:
Design Modeler offers a comprehensive set of tools for creating and modifying geometric
entities, including points, lines, curves, surfaces, and volumes.
Users can employ features such as extrusion, lofting, sweeping, and blending to generate
complex shapes.

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3. Geometry Tree:
The geometry tree provides a hierarchical representation of all geometric entities and operations
within the model.
Users can easily navigate through the tree to access and modify specific components of the
geometry.

4. Selection Toolbar:
The selection toolbar allows users to interactively select and manipulate geometric entities.
Various selection modes are available, including single entity selection, box selection, and
face/edge selection.
5. Property Panel:
The property panel displays properties and attributes of selected geometric entities, such as
dimensions, coordinates, and material assignments.

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Users can modify these properties to customize the geometry according to their requirements.

6. Meshing Tools :
Design Modeler may include tools for generating mesh or preparing geometry for meshing,
depending on the specific workflow and simulation requirements.

Utilization of Different Orientations/Views:

Design Modeler offers several orientation and view options to facilitate model visualization and
manipulation:

1. Standard Views:

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Users can quickly switch to standard views such as top, bottom, front, back, left, and right to
examine the model from different perspectives.
These views provide orthogonal orientations aligned with the global coordinate system.

2. Custom Views:
Design Modeler allows users to define custom views by rotating, panning, and zooming the
model as needed.
Custom views enable users to focus on specific regions of interest and inspect the geometry from
any desired angle.

3. Orientation Toolbar:
The orientation toolbar provides shortcuts for adjusting the orientation of the model, including
rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes.
Users can use these controls to precisely orient the model according to their preferences.

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4. Pan and Zoom:

Pan and zoom functionalities allow users to navigate within the model space smoothly.
Users can pan the view horizontally and vertically or zoom in and out to magnify or shrink the
displayed geometry.
5. Orientation Cube (3D View):
In the 3D view, Design Modeler often includes an orientation cube that provides a visual
representation of the current orientation of the model.
Users can click on different faces of the orientation cube to quickly change the view direction.

Advanced Functionality and Methodologies:

1. Parametric Modeling:
 ANSYS supports parametric modeling, enabling users to establish relationships between
geometric features and parameters.
 Parametric modeling facilitates efficient design exploration by allowing quick updates
and modifications to the geometry based on changing design criteria.
2. Feature-based Modeling:
 ANSYS adopts a feature-based approach to modeling, where geometric features such as
holes, fillets, chamfers, and patterns are created as individual entities.

 Feature-based modeling enhances design flexibility and simplifies the creation of

complex geometries through a combination of simple operations.
3. Geometry Editing and Repair:
 ANSYS provides robust tools for editing and repairing imported geometries, including
capabilities for healing gaps, removing small features, and simplifying complex
geometries.

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 Geometry editing and repair ensure that the model is suitable for subsequent simulation
and analysis without compromising accuracy or integrity.
4. Topology Optimization:
 ANSYS may integrate topology optimization tools, empowering engineers to iteratively
refine and optimize the geometry based on predefined performance objectives and
constraints.

 Topology optimization assists engineers in identifying the most efficient and lightweight
designs while maintaining structural integrity and performance requirements.
5. CAD Integration:
 ANSYS seamlessly integrates with various CAD platforms, facilitating the importation of
geometries from external CAD software for further refinement and analysis.
 CAD integration streamlines the design-to-simulation workflow, eliminating the need for
manual data conversion and rework.

Advanced Visualization and Analysis:

1. Sectioning and Cutting Planes:
 ANSYS enables users to create section views and cutting planes to dissect the geometry
and visualize internal features.
 Sectioning and cutting planes aid in identifying potential design flaws, analyzing flow
patterns, and inspecting internal structures.
2. Measurements and Annotations:
 ANSYS offers measurement and annotation tools for quantifying geometric dimensions,
distances, angles, and other parameters.
 Measurements and annotations facilitate geometric analysis, tolerance verification, and
communication of design specifications.

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3. Collaborative Design Environment:

 ANSYS may support collaborative design environments, enabling multiple users to work
on the same project simultaneously.
 Collaborative design environments enhance productivity and facilitate teamwork by
enabling real-time collaboration and version control.
4. Simulation Preparation:
 ANSYS plays a pivotal role in preparing geometries for subsequent simulation and
analysis within the ANSYS environment.

 Users can define boundary conditions, material properties, and meshing parameters
directly within Design Modeler, streamlining the simulation setup process.
5. Model Validation and Verification:
 ANSYS provides tools for model validation and verification to ensure that the geometry
meets the desired specifications and is suitable for the intended simulation.
 Model validation and verification encompass geometric checks, mesh quality
assessments, and adherence to design standards and regulations.

Conclusion:
Design Modeler is a versatile CAD tool that empowers engineers and designers to create,
modify, and analyze complex geometries for engineering simulations. Its intuitive interface,
combined with a rich set of modeling tools and view options, enables efficient geometry
generation and manipulation. By leveraging different orientations and views, users can gain
valuable insights into their designs and effectively communicate their ideas throughout the
simulation workflow.

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