Ugs NX 4 Advanced Simulation PDF

Applications of Advanced Simulation
Student Guide
July 2006
MT15020 — NX4.0.2
Publication Number
mt15020_g NX 4
Copyright and trademarks
Proprietary and Restricted Rights Notices
This software and all related documentation are proprietary to UGS Corp.
Copyright
©2006 UGS Corp. All Rights Reserved.

All trademarks belong to their respective holders.
©2006 UGS Corporation

All Rights Reserved.
Produced in the United States of America.
2 Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide mt15020_g NX 4

Contents
Course overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Course description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Intended audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How to use this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Symbols used in this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Advanced Simulation overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 1
Advanced Simulation file structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 2
Advanced Simulation workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 4
Simulation Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 5
Nodes in the Simulation Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 6
Simulation File View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1- 8
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Geometry idealization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Geometry idealization overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1
Modifying features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 1
Edit Feature Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 2
Suppress Feature/Unsuppress Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 2
Master Model Dimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 5
Modifying geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 7
Idealize Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 7
Defeature Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Partition Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Midsurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Face Pair midsurface method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Offset midsurface method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
User Defined midsurface method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Sew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Subdivide Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
3D meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3D Tetrahedral Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 1
©UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide 3
Contents
3D Swept Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 4
Solid from Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 6
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 8
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- 8
2D meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
2D meshing overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 1
Editing a 2D mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 5
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- 5
1D and 0D meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

1D Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 1
1D element meshing methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 2
Create Weld Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 5
1D Element Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 7
0D Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 9
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Mesh points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Mesh points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 1
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 2
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 2
Mesh and object display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Mesh Display preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 1
Object display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 2
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7- 4
Geometry abstraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Geometry abstraction overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1
Comparing geometry idealization and geometry abstraction . . . . . . 8- 2
Understanding polygon geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 2
Understanding the geometry abstraction process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 3
Fillet identification process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 6
Auto Heal Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 9
Split Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Split Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Merge Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Merge Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Match Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Collapse Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Face Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
4 Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide ©UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved mt15020_g NX 4
Contents
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Element attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Element attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 1
Attribute Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 3
Attribute Editor – point selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 3
Attribute Editor – curve/element selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 4
Attribute Editor – face selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 6
Attribute Editor – body selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 7
Attribute Editor – 3D mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 8
Attribute Editor – 2D mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 9
Attribute Editor – 1D mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Attribute Editor – 0D mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Attribute Editor – Contact mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Attribute Editor – Surface contact mesh selection . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
Materials overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10- 2
Customizing the material library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10- 4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10- 5
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10- 5
Boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Boundary conditions overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 2
Supported boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 2
Creating loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 5
Creating constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 6
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 6
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11- 6
Model information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Model information overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12- 2
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12- 4
Model checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

Model Check overview . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13- 2
Comprehensive check . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13- 2
Element Shapes check . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13- 3
Element Shapes Threshold Values ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13- 3
Element Outlines check . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Nodes check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Contents
2D Element Normals checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11
Solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Solving overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 2
Solving the model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 2
Analysis Job Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 3
Batch solving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 3
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 4
Post-processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-1
Post-processing introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 2
Results in the Simulation Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 2
The Post Control toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 3
Import Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 4
Post View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 6
Post view templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 7
Post view layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 7
Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 8
Combining load cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15- 9
Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-10
Identify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-10
Generating reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-12
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-12
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-12
Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16- 2
Creating the report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16- 4
Exporting the report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16- 4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16- 4
Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-1
Units overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17- 2
Units Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17- 2
Units Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17- 4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17- 5
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17- 5
Mesh connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Mesh Mating Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18- 2
Edge Face Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18- 5
Weld Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18- 6
Contents
Contact Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18- 9

Surface Contact Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-10
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-11
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-11
Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1
Optimization overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 2
Optimization Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 2
Optimization analysis options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 3
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 4
Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 5
Design Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 6
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 7
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19- 8
Durability (fatigue) analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-1

Durability overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 2
Preparing the model for a durability analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 2
Creating a durability solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 3
Evaluating fatigue results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 4
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 5
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20- 6
Buckling analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-1

Linear buckling overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21- 2
Loads in linear buckling analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21- 2
Supported environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21- 3
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21- 4
Modal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1

Modal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22- 2
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22- 5
Thermal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-1

Thermal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23- 2
Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23- 4
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23- 4
Contact and gluing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-1

Surface to Surface Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24- 2
Advanced Nonlinear Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24- 3
Surface to Surface Gluing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24- 5
Contents
Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24- 6
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24- 6
Course overview
Course description
Applications of Advanced Simulation introduces the finite element modeling
and analysis tool integrated in NX. It is intended for design engineers and
analysts who want to learn the details of how to do finite element analysis on
NX models. This course covers the details of the FEA processes from model
preparation, mesh generation and manipulation, material definition, loads
and boundary conditions, FEA model checking and solving, to postprocessing
the results.
Intended audience
• Design engineers
• Analysts
Prerequisites
• Practical Applications of NX course or self-paced equivalent.
• Working knowledge of NX Modeling.
• Basic understanding of finite element analysis principles.
How to use this manual

The general format for lesson content is:
• presentation
• activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation Workbook
• summary
It is important that you use the Student Guide and Workbook in the sequence
presented. Later lessons assume you have learned concepts and techniques
taught in earlier lessons. If necessary, you can always refer to any previous
activity where a method or technique was originally taught.
How to use this manual
Symbols used in this guide
The following symbols are used throughout this guide:

This is a tip.
This is a note.
This is a warning.
1
Lesson
1 Introduction
Objective
• This lesson is a fundamental introduction to Advanced Simulation.
Advanced Simulation overview

Advanced Simulation is a comprehensive finite element modeling and results
visualization product that is designed to meet the needs of experienced
analysts. Advanced Simulation includes a full suite of pre-and post-processing
tools and supports a broad range of product performance evaluation solutions.
Advanced Simulation provides seamless, transparent support for a number

of industry-standard solvers, such as NX Nastran, MSC Nastran, ANSYS,
and ABAQUS. For example, when you create either a mesh or a solution in
Advanced Simulation, you specify the solver you plan to use to solve your
model and the type of analysis you want to perform. The software then
presents all meshing, boundary conditions, and solution options using the
terminology or “language” of that solver and analysis type. Additionally, you
©UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide 1-1
Introduction
1
can solve your model and view your results directly in Advanced Simulation
without having to first export a solver file or import your results.
Advanced Simulation provides all the functionality available in Design
Simulation, plus numerous additional features that support advanced
analysis processes.
• Advanced Simulation features data structures, such as the separate
Simulation and FEM files, that help facilitate the development of FE
models across a distributed work environment. These data structures
also allow analysts to easily share FE data to perform multiple types
of analyses.
• Advanced Simulation offers world class meshing capabilities. The

software is designed to produce a very high quality mesh while using
an economic element count. Advanced Simulation supports a complete
complement of element types (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D). Additionally, Advanced
Simulation gives analysts control over specific meshing tolerances which
control, for example, how the software meshes complex geometry, such
as fillets.
• Advanced Simulation includes a number of geometry abstraction tools

that give analysts the ability to tailor the CAD geometry to the needs of
their analysis. For example, analysts can use these tools to improve the
overall quality of their mesh by eliminating problematic geometry, such as
tiny edges.
• Advanced Simulation features the new NX Thermal and NX Flow solvers.

– NX Thermal is a fully integrated finite difference solver. It allows
thermal engineers to predict heat flow and temperatures in systems
subjected to thermal loads.
– NX Flow is a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. It allows

analysts to perform steady-state, incompressible flow analysis and
predict flow rates and pressure gradients for movement of fluid in a
system.
You can use NX Thermal and NX Flow together to perform coupled

thermal/flow analyses.
Advanced Simulation file structure

As you progress through the Advanced Simulation workflow, you will use four
separate, yet associated, files to store information. To work efficiently in
Advanced Simulation, you need to understand what data is stored in which
file, and thus which file needs to be the active work part when you create that
data. These four files parallel the simulation process.
1-2 Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide ©UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved mt15020_g NX 4
Introduction
The original design part file being analyzed

A part file has a .prt extension. For example, a part might be named
plate.prt.
The part file contains the master part or an assembly, and the unmodified
part geometry.
If you start with a model designed by someone else, you might not have
permission to modify it. The master part file is generally not modified
during the analysis process.
The idealized copy of the design part file

An idealized part has a .prt extension. By default, when an idealized
part file is created, fem#_i is appended to the part name. For example,
an idealized part would be named plate_fem1_i.prt if the original part
was named plate.prt.
An idealized part is an associative copy of the original, and you can
modify it.
The idealization tools let you make changes to the design features of the
model using the idealized part. You can perform geometry idealization
as needed on the idealized part without modifying the master part. For
example, you may remove and suppress features such as small geometry
details that can be ignored in the analysis.
You can use multiple idealized files for different types of analysis of the
same original design part file.
The FEM file
Introduction
1
A FEM file has a .fem extension. By default, when a FEM file is created,
_fem# is appended to the part name. For example, a FEM file may be
named plate_fem1.fem if the original part was named plate.prt.
A FEM file contains the mesh (nodes and elements), physical properties,
and materials.
Once you create the mesh, you can use the abstraction tools to remove
design artifacts that can affect the overall quality of the mesh such as
sliver faces, small edges, and isthmus conditions. The abstraction tools
allow you to mesh the geometry at a level of detail that sufficiently
captures the design intent relevant to a particular finite element analysis.
The geometry abstraction occurs on polygon geometry stored in the FEM,
not in the idealized or master part.
Since multiple FEM files can reference the same idealized part, you can
build different FEMs for different types of analyses.
The Simulation file

A Simulation file name has a .sim extension. By default, when a
Simulation file is created, _sim# is appended to the part name. For
example, a Simulation file may be named plate_sim1.sim if the original
part was named plate.prt.
The Simulation file contains all the simulation data, such as solutions,
solution setup, loads, constraints, element-associated data, physical
properties, and overrides. You can create many Simulation files associated
to the same FEM file.
Advanced Simulation workflow

Before you begin an analysis, you should have a thorough understanding of
the problem you are trying to solve. You should know which solver you will be
using, what type of analysis you are performing, and what type of solution is
needed. The following outline summarizes the general workflow in Advanced
Simulation.
1. In NX, open a part file.
2. Open the Advanced Simulation application.

Specify the default solver (which sets the environment, or language) for
working in the FEM and Simulation files.
You could also choose to create only the FEM file first, and then
create a Simulation file later.
3. Create a solution.
Introduction
1
Select the solver (such as NX Nastran), analysis type (such as Structural),
and solution type (such as Linear Statics).
4. If necessary, idealize the part geometry.

Once you make the idealized part active, you can remove unnecessary
details such as holes or fillets, partition the geometry to prepare for solid
meshing, or create midsurfaces.
5. Make the FEM file active, and mesh your geometry.

It is a good practice to first mesh your geometry automatically using the
software defaults. In the great majority of cases, the software defaults
provide a robust, high-quality mesh you can use without modification.
6. Check your mesh quality.

If necessary, you can refine your mesh by returning to the idealized part
and further idealizing the part geometry. In addition, in the FEM you can
use the abstraction tools to eliminate issues with the CAD geometry that
can cause undesirable results when you mesh your model.
7. Apply a material to the mesh.
8. When you are satisfied with your mesh, make the Simulation file active,
and apply loads and constraints to your model.
9. Solve your model.
10. Examine your results in Postprocessing.
Simulation Navigator
The Simulation Navigator provides you with a graphical way of viewing and
manipulating the different files and components of a CAE analysis within a
tree structure. Each file or component is displayed as a separate node in
the tree.
The Simulation Navigator provides direct access to the entities in it through
shortcut menus. You can perform most operations directly in the Simulation
Navigator instead of using icons or commands. For example, to create a new
solution definition, you can drag loads and constraints from one container to
another in the Simulation Navigator.
Introduction
Nodes in the Simulation Navigator

The top panel of the Simulation Navigator shows the contents of the displayed
file. The figure below shows an example of the containers that can be
displayed within a top-level Simulation file. The check boxes let you control
the display of the items.
Introduction
1
The following table presents a high-level overview of the various nodes in the
Simulation Navigator.
Icon Node Name Node Description

Simulation Contains all the simulation data, such as
solutions, solution setup, solver-specific
simulation objects, loads, constraints, and
overrides. You can have multiple Simulation
files associated with a single FEM file.
FEM Contains all the mesh data, physical properties,
material data, and polygon geometry. The FEM
file is always associated to the idealized part.
You can associate multiple FEM files to a single
idealized part.
idealized part Contains the idealized part that the software
creates automatically when you create a FEM.
master part When the master part is the work part,
right-click on the master part node to create a
new FEM or display existing idealized parts.
Polygon Contains the polygon geometry (polygon bodies,
Geometry faces, and edges). Once you mesh the FEM,
any further geometry abstraction occurs on
the polygon geometry, not the idealized or the
master part.
0D Meshes Contains all 0D meshes.
Simulation Contains solver- and solution-specific objects,

Object such as thermostats, tables, or flow surfaces.
Container
Load Contains loads assigned to the current
Container Simulation file. In a Solution container, the
Load Container contains the loads assigned to
given subcase.
Constraint Contains constraints assigned to the current
Container Simulation file. In a Solution container, the
Constraint Container contains the constraints
assigned to the solution.
Introduction
1
Icon Node Name Node Description
Solution Contains the solution objects, loads, constraints,
and subcases for the solution.
Subcase Contains solution entities specific to each
subcase within a solution, such as loads,
Step
constraints, and simulation objects.
Results Contains any results from a solve. In the post

processor, you can open the Results node and use
the visibility check boxes within the Simulation
Navigator to control the display of various
results sets.
Simulation File View

The bottom section of the Simulation Navigator contains the Simulation File
View panel, which shows the overall “roadmap” of the files you have open. To
work on a particular file, double-click it make it active.
Introduction
Part file bracket.prt
Idealized part file bracket_fem_i.prt
FEM file bracket_fem1.fem
Simulation file bracket_sim1.sim
Introduction
1
Activity
See the “Introduction” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity you will work through the Advanced Simulation workflow by
analyzing a part — a connecting rod — using a 3D (solid) mesh.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned about the capabilities of Advanced Simulation.
• Learned about the files that are used by Advanced Simulation.
• Learned about basic workflow for using Advanced Simulation.
• Created FEM and Simulation files.
• Worked with files in the Simulation Navigator.
• Worked through the finite element analysis workflow in Advanced

Simulation.
Lesson
2 Geometry idealization
2
Objective
• Learn how to use model preparation tools to simplify your model before
meshing.
Geometry idealization overview

Geometry idealization is the process of removing or suppressing features from
your model prior to defining a mesh. You can also use geometry idealization
commands to create additional features, such as partitions, to support
your finite element modeling goals. For example, you can use geometry
idealization commands to:
• Remove features, such as bosses, that aren’t significant to your analysis.
• Modify the dimensions of the idealized part using interpart expressions.
• Partition a larger volume into multiple smaller volumes to facilitate

mapped meshing.
• Create midsurfaces to facilitate shell meshing of thin-walled parts.
The software performs all geometry idealization operations on the idealized

part, which is an assembly instance of your master model. No idealization is
performed directly on the master model.
You can use the commands on the Model Preparation toolbar to idealize the
geometry in your model.
To use the commands on the Model Preparation toolbar, you must
make the idealized part the displayed part.
Modifying features
Several tools let you modify features of the idealized part:
• Edit Feature Parameters
• Suppress Feature and Unsuppress Feature
Geometry idealization
• Master Model Dimension
Edit Feature Parameters

2 In Advanced Simulation, when you use the Midsurface tool, you create
a midsurface feature parameter that you can edit using Edit Feature
Parameters .
Additionally, you can edit any existing feature parameters in your model
based on the method and parameter values used when it was created. The
interaction depends on the type of feature you select.
Suppress Feature/Unsuppress Feature
Use Suppress Feature to automatically select features to be

suppressed, or to manually select one or more features and temporarily
remove them from the target body and the display.
To successfully access features for suppression, you must first enable
suppression for the relevant part features in Modeling (Modeling
application → Edit → Feature → Suppress by Expression).
A suppressed feature still exists in the database but appears to be removed

from the model. You can retrieve any suppressed features using Unsuppress
Feature .
Use Suppress Feature to:
2
• Reduce the size of large models, thereby reducing the creation, object
selection, edit, and display time.
• Remove non-critical features such as small holes, blends, and chamfers

from your model for analysis work. Note that suppressed features are not
meshed in Advanced Simulation.
• Create features in locations where there is conflicting geometry. For

example, if you need to position a feature using an edge that has already
been blended, you do not need to delete the blend. You can suppress the
blend, create and position the new feature, and then unsuppress the blend.
UGS recommends that you do not create new features where a

suppressed feature exists.
Suppressing associated features
When you suppress a feature that has associated features, the associated
features are also suppressed (see figure below).
Suppressing features
1. Click Suppress Feature .
2. Select the feature(s) to be suppressed, either from the list in the dialog or
in the graphics window. You can also click the Selection Criteria button
for automatic selection of suppressable features using a criteria filter.
3. If you do not want the Suppress Feature selection dialog to include any
dependents in the Selected Features list, turn the List Dependents toggle
switch to Off. (Doing so can noticeably improve performance time if the
selected features have a lot of dependents.)
4. Click OK or Apply to suppress the selected features.
Master Model Dimension
The Master Model Dimension tool launches the Edit Dimension dialog
box. Edit Dimension lets you modify the idealized part’s dimensions, taking
advantage of interpart expressions. Use the Edit Dimension dialog box to
modify any feature or sketch dimension without affecting the master part
dimensions.
Editing master model dimensions
1. Click Master Model Dimension to open the Edit Dimension dialog

and select a feature. Associated expressions or descriptions display in
the list window.
2. Use the Expression or the Description option to display the selected

feature’s dimensions as either an interpart expression or as standard
descriptions for the feature type.
3. Select a dimension from the list to modify. 2

4. (Optional) Click Used By to view a list of where the selected expression
is used.
5. Enter a new value for the selected dimension.
6. Click Apply to apply the new dimension value, and repeat steps 3 – 5 for
the remaining features and dimensions. Click OK to apply the new value
and close the Edit Dimensions dialog.
Modifying geometry
Several tools let you modify the geometry of the idealized part:
• Idealize Geometry
• Defeature Geometry
• Partition Model
• Midsurface
• Sew
• Subdivide Face
Idealize Geometry
Use Idealize Geometry to simplify a model’s geometry by removing

features from a body or a region of a body that satisfy certain criteria, or
that you explicitly select for removal. For example, you may want to remove
small geometric features that would otherwise cause too many additional
elements to be created.
To use Idealize Geometry , you must have the idealized part

displayed in the graphics window.
Idealizing Geometry on a Body
1. With the idealized part displayed in the graphics region, click Idealize
Geometry .
2. In the Idealize dialog, click Body .
3. In the graphics window, select the body.

You can now select options that identify features to be removed.
4. (Optional) To remove specific faces, click Removed Faces (Optional)
, and select faces to remove.
5. (Optional) To remove blends, select Chain Selected Blends. In the

graphics window, select a blend.
The software selects adjacent blends with the same radius.
6. (Optional) To automatically remove features, select Holes or Blends in

Automatic Feature Removal. Enter a value for the criteria.
The software selects all features in the body that meet the criteria.
7. Click OK. 2
The selected features are removed.
Idealizing Geometry in a Region
1. With the idealized part displayed, click Idealize Geometry .
2. In the Idealize dialog, click Region .
3. In the graphics window, select a seed face (the first face in the region).
You can now select features to be removed.
4. (Optional) To define an outer boundary for the region, click Boundary
Faces (Optional) and select the face or a set of faces.
5. (Optional) To automatically select adjacent faces to include in the region,

select Tangential Edge Angle, and enter an angle value.
The software selects faces adjacent to the seed face if the angle between
the normal to the seed face and the normal of an adjacent face is less
than or equal to the angle value.
6. (Optional) To remove specific faces, click Removed Faces (Optional)
, and select faces to remove.
7. (Optional) To remove blends, turn on Chain Selected Blends. Select

a blend.
The software selects the adjacent blends with the same radius.
8. Click Preview Region to see the outline of the region to be simplified.
9. (Optional) To automatically remove features, select Holes or Blends in

Automatic Feature Removal. Enter a value for the criteria.
The software selects all features that meet the criteria.
10. Click OK.
All selected features are removed.
Defeature Geometry
2
Defeature Geometry provides a streamlined method for feature
removal. When you defeature a model, you simplify geometry by using
selections in the graphics window to remove a face or set of faces. This is a
quick way to remove larger model features such as bosses containing multiple
faces.
Defeaturing geometry
To remove a feature or set of features, follow these basic steps:
1. Click Defeature Geometry .

If the Selection Intent toolbar is not visible in the graphics
window, position the cursor in the toolbar area outside the
graphics window and click MB3 to enable Selection Intent.
2. Select Add Region Boundary from the Face drop-down list in Selection
Intent.
In the graphics window, the cursor becomes available for face selection.
3. Select a seed face for the feature you want to remove.
4. Select a boundary face as the outer limit for feature removal.
5. Click MB2 to update the surface region. The second figure in the following
graphic shows an example of a resulting surface region.
6. Click on the Defeature dialog bar, or click MB2 again to execute

feature removal.
To edit the removed feature, click on the Part Navigator tab in the Resource
Bar and locate the Defeature node. Use MB3 menu options to edit feature
parameters.
Partition Model
Partition Model provides a way to associatively partition solid bodies in

a simulation model. This feature is most often used to partition bodies into
sweepable solids to create a swept mesh model.
This feature creates a named group of features, which can be seen in the
model navigation tool. The objects selected for the trimming operation
determine the contents of the named feature. Furthermore, the grouped
feature allows users much greater flexibility in editing.
In addition to the geometric operation of splitting the body, a glued mesh
mating condition is automatically created at the partitioning geometry
location, so that applied meshes are continuous from one body to the other.
The model partitioning function is also useful for controlling a tetrahedral
mesh using, for example, different global element sizes on sub-bodies.
Because of this, the geometry model needs to be broken down into smaller
units that can be more easily and automatically meshed. Model partitioning
breaks down a volume into sub-volumes associatively.
Partition Model provides a way to associatively partition solid bodies in

a simulation model. This feature is most often used to partition bodies into
sweepable solids to create a swept mesh model.
This feature creates a named group of features, which can be seen in the
model navigation tool. The objects selected for the trimming operation
determine the contents of the named feature. Furthermore, the grouped
feature allows users much greater flexibility in editing.
In addition to the geometric operation of splitting the body, a glued mesh
mating condition is automatically created at the partitioning geometry
location, so that applied meshes are continuous from one body to the other.
The model partitioning function is also useful for controlling a tetrahedral
mesh using, for example, different global element sizes on sub-bodies.
Because of this, the geometry model needs to be broken down into smaller
units that can be more easily and automatically meshed. Model partitioning
breaks down a volume into sub-volumes associatively.
Partitioning the model
1. Click Partition Model .

The Partition Model dialog is displayed.
2. Click Body to Partition and select the solid body to be partitioned.
3. Click Partitioning Geometry , and select the desired partition

geometric tool (datum plane, sheet body, curve/edge, etc.) to subdivide
the body or bodies. Select an option from the Filter drop-down menu to
aid in selection.
When Blank Partition Geometry is selected (the default), partitioning
geometry is blanked following the partitioning operation.
4. If necessary, click Direction and choose a Vector Method to define a

direction vector to extrude or revolve a selected section.
2 5. Click Apply to create the partition.
If you are partitioning the model to prepare for swept meshing,
click Show Unsweepable Solids to highlight bodies that

require further partitioning.
Repeat steps 2 – 4 to fully partition the model.
Midsurface
Use Midsurface to simplify thin-walled geometry and create a

continuous surface feature that resides between two opposing faces within a
single solid body. The points and normals of the parent faces (surface pairs)
are averaged at corresponding parameters. The new surface, or midsurface,
contains information about the geometric thickness of the surface pairs.
Midsurface creation methods

Use one of the following methods to create a midsurface feature:
• Face Pair: This method creates a midsurface halfway between the
opposing face pairs. The face pair method is useful for creating
midsurfaces for thin-wall geometries with ribs.
• Offset: This method offsets the midsurface from one side of the solid body
by a depth ranging from 0 to 100% (the thickness of the solid).
• User Defined: This method defines a sheet body you’ve previously created
as the midsurface of a part. That is, you can manually model a sheet body
to approximate the midsurface of a thin-walled part, and then define that
body as a midsurface feature of your part.
2
Face Pair midsurface method
The Face Pair method uses opposing face pairs to create a midsurface located
halfway between the two faces. This type of midsurface can only be created
from a single solid body that contains opposing faces.
Automatically Creating a Face Pair
1. Click Midsurface .
2. In the dialog, choose Method →Face Pair.
3. Select a face for side one and click MB2.

Note that the solid body is promoted at this point.
4. Choose AutoCreate.
2
The software creates as many face pair features as possible.
5. Manually define or edit any remaining face pair features, if necessary.
Manually Creating a Face Pair Midsurface
2. In the dialog, choose Method →Face Pair.
3. Select a face for side one and click MB2. Note that the solid body is
promoted at this point.
4. Select an opposing face for side 2.

Alternatively, select the Automatic Progression check box. When this
option is turned on, the software selects the most likely side 2 face for
each side 1 face you select.
5. Continue to select pairs in this manner until all face pair features
are defined. Watch the cue line to ensure that you select the correct
corresponding face at the right time.
Offset midsurface method
With the Offset method, a midsurface generated from a seed face is positioned
midway between the seed face and its opposing face. The distance between
the seed face and the opposing face is the thickness of the solid. The offset
method requires a solid of uniform thickness.
You can define any number of faces to be offset, but you first must select
a seed face.
Once you begin, you cannot switch from the offset method to the face
pair method.
The midsurface thickness created using the offset method is added as an NX

attribute attached to the midsurface sheet body. The name of the attribute
is "Midsurface_thickness." You can verify the thickness using Format →
Attribute → Object.
Defining a midsurface with the offset method
2. In the Midsurface dialog, choose Method → Offset.
3. Select the solid body and click MB2 to advance to the next selection step.
4. Click Target Body and select the body.
5. Click Seed Face and select a seed face for the midsurface.
6. Set the Cliff Angle. The default is 75 degrees.
7. Preview the generated face to be offset by clicking the Region or Full

Boundary preview buttons.
8. If necessary, adjust the Cliff Angle to ensure that the correct face is
2 selected. When the previewed face is correct, click OK.
If Blank Original is selected, the original solid body is blanked;
only the sheet body is displayed.
User Defined midsurface method

With the User Defined method, you use an existing sheet body to create a
midsurface in a solid body. This method can be useful in situations where
alternate methods of midsurface creation did not produce satisfactory results.
If the sheet body you create is within the confines of the solid body, the
software will automatically generate the midsurface, even if the body is not
uniformly thick.
All faces connected to the seed face that satisfy smoothness and boundary
face criteria are offset as a midsurface half the thickness into the solid.
The software terminates midsurface creation when it encounters a boundary
face. A boundary face is defined as a face oriented in the thickness direction,
at an angle greater than or equal to the cliff angle value. The seed face will
propagate in all directions until it reaches the edge on a boundary face.
Thickness Outside Body guidelines

The user-defined midsurface can contain surfaces that extend. For example,
if you have a sheet body containing small holes and you want the holes to be
ignored in the midsurface creation, enter a value for the Thickness Outside
Body option. This value tells the software how thick to define the "virtual"
solid body when it encounters what are actually the small holes.
Note that an outside body thickness value of greater than zero is

recommended. Although it is unlikely that a zero value will cause midsurface
creation problems, the solve could fail, especially if the midsurface extends
beyond the solid body, because the shell thickness will be interpreted as zero.
In the following graphic, the yellow portion of the midsurface ignores the hole 2
in the solid, while the dark green area extends beyond its boundaries. The
software approximates a thickness for these regions, which you can modify.
Defining a midsurface with the user defined method
2. In the Midsurface dialog, choose Method → User Defined.
3. Select the solid body and click MB2 to advance to the next selection step.
4. Select the sheet body.

If some part of the selected sheet body is not fully contained within the
solid body, enter a value in the Thickness Outside Body field for the
software to use when formatting the element thickness for a solve.
Sew
Use Sew to join together selected sheet or solid bodies.

You can use Sew to join together:
• Two or more sheet bodies to create a single sheet. If the collection of

sheets to be sewn encloses a volume, the software creates a solid body.
• Two solid bodies if they share one or more common faces.

2
Creating a solid vs. sheet body
If you want to create a solid body by sewing a set of sheets together, the
selected sheets must not have any gaps larger than the specified Sew
Tolerance. Otherwise, the resulting body is a sheet, not a solid.
Sewing two solid bodies together
You can sew two solid bodies together only if they share one or more common
(coincident) faces. When you use Sew, the software deletes the common
face(s) and sews the solid bodies into a single solid body.
Sew All Instances
• If a selected body is part of an instance array and you select the Sew All
Instances option, the software sews the entire instance array.
• If you deselect the Sew All Instances option, the software only sews the
selected instance.
Sew Tolerance
The software sews edges together, whether there is a gap between them or
whether they overlap, if the distance between them is less than the specified
Sew Tolerance. If the distance between them is greater than this tolerance,
the software cannot sew them together.
Subdivide Face
Subdivide Face lets you automatically subdivide multiple faces while

maintaining associativity, using a variety of subdividing geometries. This
function allows you to control a 2D mesh using global element size for a
portion of the model. It is also useful if you want to subdivide a face into
four-sided regions to facilitate mapped meshing with quadrilateral elements.
The edges and faces of a subdivided face are associative and are combined
into a group feature.
For simple edges and curves, the behavior will be as follows:
• Where a datum plane, sheet body, or face is used as a tool, the tool is
intersected with the selected face to be subdivided, and the resulting
curves are used for subdividing. These intersect curve features will show
up in the grouped feature.
2
• Where the Two Points option is chosen in the filter, you can specify the end
points of a line. The last two points selected are used to create the line.
The end points are associative to the underlying geometry. The resulting
line will be used to subdivide the face, projecting the line as required.
Geometry objects that are associated with the subdivided face feature cannot
be deleted.
If you transform the objects associated with a subdivided face, the face itself
is also updated. If you transform the solid body on which any subdivided
faces reside, their associated curves do not move. However, the subdivided
faces are updated accordingly.
Activities
See the “Geometry idealization” activities in the Applications of Advanced
Simulation Workbook.
In these activities, you will idealize a part.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned about tools for modifying features in the idealized part, including
Edit Feature Parameters, Suppress Feature, Unsuppress Feature, and
Master Model Dimension.
• Learned about tools for modifying geometry in the idealized part,

including Idealize Geometry, Defeature Geometry, Partition Model,
Midsurface (three methods), Sew, and Subdivide Face.
2
Lesson
3 3D meshing
Objectives 3
• Learn how to mesh solid bodies using 3D tetrahedral elements.
• Learn how to mesh solid bodies using 3D swept mesh elements.
• Learn how to mesh solid bodies by creating a solid mesh generated from
shell elements.
3D Tetrahedral Mesh
The 3D Tetrahedral Mesh function supports the creation of 4-noded and

10-noded tetrahedral elements. You can create a 3D mesh on solid bodies for
all supported solvers.
3D meshing
3D Mesh Options
The 3D Mesh Options dialog box defines how the meshing algorithm
processes small features and fillets.
3D meshing
Failed elements
After meshing, the element quality is checked against the Maximum Jacobian
threshold:
• If the quality measure violates this threshold, the element is highlighted
in red.
• If the quality measure is within 10% of the this threshold, the element is
highlighted in yellow.
If you have a high number of poor quality elements, you can:

• Further idealize the part’s geometry to remove problematic areas.
• Modify surface or solid mesh size variation to improve node distribution.
• Use the abstraction tools to improve the quality of the polygonal geometry.
3D meshing
• Increase the threshold value for Maximum Jacobian if element quality is

not critical in that area of the model.
Creating a 3D mesh
1. Click 3D Tetrahedral Mesh .
2. In the graphics window, select the solid body to mesh.

3
3. In the dialog, choose an element type from the drop-down list.
4. Enter an element size. Or, click to have the software

calculate an appropriate element size.
5. (Optional) Click Preview to view the resulting nodes on edges for the
mesh. If you are not satisfied, you can modify the Overall Element Size
value.
6. (Optional) To specify small feature tolerances and fillet processing

parameters, click the Mesh Options button.
7. Click OK or Apply to generate the mesh.
3D Swept Mesh
3D Swept Mesh generates a mesh of either 8– (linear) or 20–noded

(parabolic) hexahedral elements on any two-and-one-half dimensional solid
by sweeping the mesh from a source face through the entire solid.
When you create a swept mesh, the software first meshes the specified source
face of the volume with linear quadrilateral elements. The software then
propagates that mesh into the volume layer by layer with the first layer
resulting in the first set of hexahedral elements, and so on.
You can also use an existing (linear or parabolic) triangular or (linear or
parabolic) quadrilateral surface mesh to generate (linear or parabolic) wedge
or (linear or parabolic) hexahedral swept mesh elements.
The mesh generation proceeds from the selected source face to the target face,
which the software determines by evaluating the volume. If the initial mesh
originating from the source face contains one or more triangular elements,
the swept mesh will also contain corresponding wedge elements.
3D meshing
System checks
Once you click OK or Apply on the dialog box, the software:
• Checks whether the solid is geometrically sweepable and generates an
appropriate error if not.
• Checks whether the meshes on the solid’s faces or mated faces can be used
for sweeping and generates an appropriate error if not.
• Checks whether the target face has already been meshed and generates
an error if yes.
Mesh mating conditions

For each face in the solid, the software checks to see whether mesh mating
conditions on an adjacent solid are satisfied. If they are and if a mesh is
found on the face adjacent to the source face for the swept mesh, this will be
used for mesh mating conditions as long as it matches the defined swept
mesh, as follows.
• For a linear or parabolic wedge swept mesh, the adjacent body must have
an existing linear triangular/wedge or parabolic triangular/wedge mesh.
• For a linear or parabolic hexahedral swept mesh, the adjacent body

must have an existing linear quadrilateral/hexahedral or parabolic
quadrilateral/hexahedral mesh.
3D meshing
If no mesh is found on the adjacent body that satisfies other mesh mating
conditions, a surface mesh is created. Free mesh or mapped mesh will be
determined based on whether the face is a wall face. (All wall faces must be
map-meshed.) For each edge, the same logic is applied.
Generating a swept mesh from a sweepable solid
1. Click 3D Swept Mesh .

3
2. In the graphics window, select the sweepable solid body to mesh.
3. In the dialog, select an element type from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter an element size, or click to have the software

calculate an appropriate element size.
5. (Optional) Click Preview to view the resulting nodes on edges for the
mesh. If you are not satisfied, you can modify the Overall Element Size
value.
Generating a swept mesh from a meshed surface
1. Click 3D Swept Mesh .
2. In the graphics window, select an existing meshed surface on a sweepable

solid.
3. Select an element type from the drop-down menu.

Note that the element size is determined by the size of the seed mesh.
Solid from Shell
Use Solid From Shell to generate a solid tetrahedral mesh from a

triangular shell mesh.
3D meshing
Solid meshes created from shell elements have no associativity to

the bounding shell mesh or the underlying geometry. Solid meshes
created by the Solid From Shell command are not editable. In
addition, if any shell mesh bounding a 3D mesh created by Solid from
Shell requires an update, the 3D mesh is automatically deleted. You
must re-create the solid mesh following the shell mesh update.
To generate a solid mesh, the shell mesh must meet the following
requirements:
• All 2D triangular elements must be of the same order (linear or parabolic).
Use caution when generating a solid shell from parabolic
elements. Unless the parabolic triangular shell elements have
straight edges, the resulting parabolic tetrahedral mesh will
likely contain elements that fail Jacobian tests.
• The shell elements must completely enclose a volume. Otherwise, the

software can’t generate the solid elements.
• There are no coincident triangular elements in the shell mesh.
3D meshing
Use Check Nodes to identify duplicate nodes. This is a good check

for coincident elements.
Use Element Outlines to check for element free edges. A free-edge
check will reveal any gaps in volume boundary.
You can use the 2D Edit Mesh commands to repair any gaps in your
shell mesh.
When selected, Mesh Interior Volumes generates multiple solid meshes

3 from selected shell meshes that enclose interior volumes. This is useful for
modeling thermal or flow problems, in which the interior volumes would
typically represent a heat sink or source, or a flow obstacle.
Creating a solid mesh from shell elements
To create a solid tetrahedral mesh from triangular shell elements
1. Choose Solid from Shell .
2. Review and modify the dialog options as needed.
3. Select one or more 2D, triangular shell meshes that completely enclose
one or more volumes.
4. Click OK.
Activity
See the “3D meshing” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will generate and refine a 3D mesh.
Summary
In this lesson you learned about the three 3D meshing commands:
• 3D Tetrahedral Mesh
• 3D Swept Mesh
• Solid from Shell
Lesson
4 2D meshing
Objectives
• Learn how to generate a 2D mesh.
• Learn about tools for editing a 2D mesh.

4
2D meshing overview
2D Mesh generates 3- and 6-noded triangular elements as well as 4-

and 8-noded quadrilateral elements. 2D elements are also commonly known
as shell or plate elements. For Tri6 and Quad8 elements, midnode snapping
and a specified Jacobian ratio are supported.
The default element size does not specify the final size of the elements but
defines the parameter used to control the edge length of the element. Actual
element edge lengths are approximately equal to the specified overall element
size.
The software automatically adjusts for problematic element sizes on
rectangular or nearly rectangular surfaces (non-planar included). The
resulting element size will be "safe" and yield a higher quality mesh.
2D meshing
Mesh Options
The 2D Mesh Options dialog box specifies how the meshing algorithm
processes small features and fillets.
2D meshing
Creating a 2D mesh
1. Click 2D Mesh .
2. Select the midsurface or faces you want to mesh.

In the dialog, use the Filter drop-down menu to help you select from faces,
bodies, or an existing mesh.
3. From the Type drop-down menu, choose the element type.
4. Enter a size for the Overall Element Size, or click to

automatically calculate a suggested element size.
5. If necessary, click the More Options arrow to display additional options

for this mesh.
2D meshing
6. To specify small feature tolerances and fillet processing parameters, click

the Mesh Options button.
7. Click Preview to view the resulting nodes on edges for the mesh. If you
are not satisfied with the node number and location, you can modify the
Overall Element Size value.
Editing a 2D mesh
The 2D Edit Mesh functionality provides you with a basic set of shell element
and/or node editing capabilities for the purpose of fixing elements of poor and
unsatisfactory quality produced by the automatic mesh.
4
Edit Mesh features the following options:
Icon Label Description
Split Quad Allows you to divide quadrilateral

elements (quads) into triangular
elements (tris).
Splitting occurs along the
smaller of the two diagonals.
Combine Tris Allows you to combine triangular
elements (tris) into quadrilateral
elements (quads).
Move Node Allows you to relocate a nodal
position.
Delete Element Allows you to delete elements of your

choice.
Create Element Allows you to create a quad or tri

element that will be added to the
existing 2D mesh. If the mesh has
higher order elements, the newly
created element will also have
midnodes.
Unlock Mesh Allows you to unlock the edited mesh
for an update operation.
Assign Nodal Allows you to manually define a nodal

Displacement displacement coordinate system for
Coordinate System selected nodes or geometry.
2D meshing
Icon Label Description
Assign Nodal Allows you to determine the

Displacement coordinate system assigned to nodes,
Coordinate System or the nodes to which a coordinate
system is assigned.
Activity
See the “2D meshing” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will generate and refine a 2D mesh.
4
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to generate a 2D mesh.
• Learned about tools for editing a 2D mesh.
4
Lesson
5 1D and 0D meshing
Objectives
• Learn how to create a mesh of 1D elements.
• Learn how to create weld elements.
• Learn how to create a 1D element section.
• Learn how to create a 0D mesh.
1D Mesh
5
1D Mesh lets you create a mesh of one-dimensional elements. You can

create or edit one-dimensional elements, along or between points, curves,
or edges.
One-dimensional elements are two-noded elements which, depending on
type, may or may not require an orientation component. A one-dimensional
element is one in which the properties of the element are defined along a line
or curve. Typical applications for the 1D element include beams, stiffeners,
and truss structures.
1D and 0D meshing
1D element meshing methods
The following section describes methods available for creating different types
of 1D mesh. These methods are based on the way you select geometry using
Selection Step icons in the 1D Mesh dialog.
Ordered Nodes method
Using this method (which requires selection of a point or points for Group 1 as
well as Group 2), two ordered sets of point locations are created. These point
locations are associated to the parent data from which they were selected.
1D and 0D meshing
Depending on the quantity of data selected for this method, several outputs
are possible:
• If the number of points created in each set (Group 1 and Group 2)
are equal, then a single 1D element is generated between each set of
corresponding points, as shown in the graphic above.
• If the number of points created in each set are unequal, then 1D elements
are created from all of the points in Group 1 to all points in Group 2.
This option provides a "one to many" type of connection, as shown in the 5
following figure.
Point-to-Point Chaining method
This method, which requires Group 1 selection only, generates a chain of 1D

elements between the points that you select. The elements that are created
form a consecutive link between the successive point locations.
1D and 0D meshing
Along a Curve (Edge) method

This method, which requires Group 1 selection only, generates a series of 1D
elements along single or multiple curves or edges. You can specify a total
number of elements or an element size for the elements. Nodes created at
coincident point locations on adjacent curves/edges are shared.
Point-to-Curve (Edge) method

For this method, which requires selection of a Group 1 point and a Group 2
curve, elements are created similarly to the Ordered Nodes method. In the
Point-to-Curve method, however, the curve you select for Group 2 infers the
second curve set, as shown in the following figure.
Curve-to-Curve method
This method, which requires selection of a curve for both Group 1 and
Group 2, generates 1D elements between two curves or edges. The point
1D and 0D meshing
locations associated to the parent curve/edge will be used to determine the

corresponding node locations.
If the two sets of point locations do not contain the same number of points,
the software matches all possible points and build the rest of the elements
between a point on one curve and the remaining points on the other curve.
Creating a 1D mesh
1. Click (1D Mesh).
2. In the dialog, choose an element type.

5
3. Choose either Default Element Number or Size and enter a value:
• If you select Number, enter an element density. If you enter 9 for
example, and select an edge, the software will distribute nine elements
along the selected edge.
• If you select Size, enter a size in model units.
4. (Optional) Select Create Mesh Points to create selectable mesh points on

or relative to CAE geometry. For example, you could create a mesh point
at an arc centerpoint to create a spider mesh at a large hole. Or you could
create mesh points to force a node location on an edge or improve node
distribution on a curve.
5. Use the Selection Steps (Group 1, Group 2) to define sections.
6. Choose Apply or OK. 1D elements are built along or between the objects
you selected for meshing.
Create Weld Elements

Create Weld Elements allows you to model welds by projecting a set of points
to top faces and using the resulting points to project to bottom faces, using
the Normal to Face option in both projections.
1D and 0D meshing
Weld mesh effect on 1D mesh

When you exit the Create Weld Elements dialog box, the ordered set of points
from the top faces will be added to Group 1 selection step of the 1D Mesh
dialog, and the ordered set of points from the bottom faces will be added to
Group 2. You can then create any type of 1D element available. In addition,
the software honors the weld elements during 2D face meshing.
5 Support for interior hard curves in meshing

This feature gives you the ability to associate curves to faces to represent
weld locations in the Create Weld Elements dialog. These weld points are
treated as interior hard curves. The point locations on the hard curves are
honored by the software during 2D meshing.
Creating a weld element mesh
1. Click 1D Mesh .
2. Choose an element type.
3. Choose either Default Element Number or Size and enter a value:

• If you select Number, enter an element density. If you enter 9 for
• If you select Size, enter a size in model units.
4. Click Create Weld Elements.

The Create Weld Elements dialog is displayed.
5. Using the Points/Curves selection step, select points, curves, or edges. Use
the Filter menu to pinpoint selection. Click OK to confirm the selection.
1D and 0D meshing
6. Use the Top Faces selection step to project the points, curves, or edges.
Click OK to confirm the selection.
7. Use the Bottom Faces selection step to choose the bottom face and click
OK to confirm the selection. Temporary points are displayed at the
projected locations.
8. Click OK or Apply to return to the 1D Mesh dialog. The Top Faces

selection is added to Group 1 and the Bottom Faces selection is added
to Group 2.
9. Click OK or Apply to project the points and create weld elements. The
elements are created between each pair of points (the point on the top face
and the corresponding point on the bottom face).
1D Element Section
1D Element Section helps you create sections, which you can

then assign and analyze for comparison to a bar or beam element mesh,
5
curves/edges, or points, and display the results.
This feature also lets you create associative section properties from the
analysis, which can then be used for beam model analysis. Since section
properties are associative, they are updated whenever changes are made to
the data from which they are derived.
1D and 0D meshing
1D and 0D meshing
Types of sections include:

• thin wall rectangle
• hollow circle
• thin wall channel
• thin wall hat
• thin I-beam
• solid cylinder
• solid rectangle
• user–defined properties
• user–defined thin wall
• user–defined solid
Order of precedence when using sections

5
The following is the order of precedence for each section type when there are
conflicts in the section assignment:
• Section on points (smart points for the Along a Curve option)
• Section on curves/edges
• Section on bar/beam mesh
A section assigned to a hard point on a curve will be used in place of the

section on the curve. A section on a curve/edge will precede a section found on
a beam mesh. A warning message will be issued by both the Section dialog
and the Attribute Editor when you attempt to add a section to a beam mesh if
the underlying curve/edge already has a section.
You can align the sections to bar or beam elements by specifying the
desired orientation vectors.
0D Mesh
0D Mesh provides you with the tools to create concentrated mass

elements at specific nodes. Zero-dimensional elements are also referred to
as scalar elements. To create concentrated mass elements on nodes, you can
select points, lines, curves, faces, edges, solids, or meshes.
1D and 0D meshing
5 Creating a 0D mesh
To create a concentrated mass using a mesh of 0D elements:
1. Click 0D Mesh and select the entity for the mass in the graphics
window, or choose Create Mesh Point to concentrate the mass on a point.
2. If necessary, choose an element type.
3. In the dialog, choose either Default Element Number or Size and enter
a value:
• If you select Number, enter an element density. If you enter 9, for
• If you select Size, enter a size in model units. This size is the average
distance between 0D elements.
4. Click either Apply or OK. Notice that 0D elements are built along the
grids of the object you selected for meshing.
1D and 0D meshing
5. To specify mass properties for the 0D mesh, with the FEM file as the
active part, select Simulation Navigator → FEM node → 0D Meshes → the
0D mesh → RMB → Edit Attributes. Specify total mass, CG, and inertial
properties attributes on the Element tab. Specify mass distribution and
mesh density attributes on the Mesh tab.
Activity
See the “1D and 0D meshing” activity in the Applications of Advanced
5
In this activity, you will generate beam (1D) elements and define a beam
cross section.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to create a mesh with 1D elements.
• Learned how to create a mesh with 0D elements.
• Learned how to create a 1D element section.
• Learned how to create a 0D mesh.
5
Lesson
6 Mesh points
Objectives
• Learn how to use mesh points.
Mesh points
When you mesh your model, the software automatically creates a node at all
mesh point locations.
You create mesh points directly on the polygon geometry in your FEM file.
You can position them using the standard NX Snap Point toolbar icons.
Mesh points are useful for ensuring that the software creates nodes at specific
locations. You can also define point-based loads or boundary conditions on
mesh points.
6
The following example illustrates one use of mesh points. Suppose you want
to transfer a load from the centerpoint of the hole to the nodes on the edge.
You could use the Mesh Point to create a mesh point at the centerpoint of the
hole and then use the Arc Center tool on the Snap Point toolbar to constrain
the new point.
Mesh points
You could then create a spiderweb mesh of rigid bar elements to connect the
mesh point to the nodes on the edge of the hole and define a fixed constraint
at the mesh point.
Where do I find it?
(With the FEM file active in the Simulation Navigator) Insert→ Model
Preparation→ Mesh Point
6 Activity
See the “Mesh points” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will create mesh points.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to use mesh points.
Lesson
7 Mesh and object display
Objectives
• Learn how to set mesh display preferences.
• Learn how to control object display.
Mesh Display preferences

Mesh Display lets you define preferences for basic finite element model
visualization capabilities such as color, element shrink, and 2D element
normals.
Mesh and object display
Where do I find it?

7 Preferences→ Mesh Display
Object display
Two commands help you manage and control your display:
• Show Only
• Show Adjacent
Both commands are designed to make it easier to limit and control the objects
being displayed, which is particularly useful when you’re working with a
very complex finite element model.
• Show Only lets you easily display only the entities you select. For
example:
– When you’re working with a mesh in a FEM file, you can use Show
Only to display only selected polygon faces.
– When you’re working with boundary conditions in a Simulation file,

you can use Show Only to display selected polygon geometry and
associated simulation objects, such as points, splines, conics, meshes,
loads, boundary conditions, and mesh points.
• Show Adjacent works with the Show Only command. Show Adjacent
shows all faces adjacent to the selected face. For example, once you’ve used
Show Only to limit your display, to only a selected set of polygon faces, you
can then use Show Adjacent to selectively add additional adjacent faces
to that display. This process can be useful, for example, for examining an
area where you might want to create a mesh mating condition.
In the following example, we used Show Only (A) to display only the polygon
face on the selected fillet. (B) shows the resulting display.
We then used Show Adjacent (C) to add all adjacent faces (all faces that
share an edge with the displayed face) to the current display. (D) shows the
resulting display.
Show Only and Show Adjacent work similarly to the Blank commands
in the Edit menu, but they require far fewer clicks to display only selected
geometry of interest.
Activity
See the “Mesh and object display” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will learn how to modify the display of a mesh.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to set mesh display preferences
7
• Learned how to control display of objects such as geometry, meshes, loads,
and constraints
Lesson
8 Geometry abstraction
Objectives
• Learn about geometry abstraction techniques.
• Understand the difference between geometry idealization and geometry

abstraction.
• Learn about polygon geometry.
• Learn how to detect fillets before meshing.
• Learn about various geometry abstraction tools.
Geometry abstraction overview

The Model Cleanup toolbar contains a set of commands that let you perform
geometry abstraction operations on your model. Geometry abstraction lets
you eliminate issues with the CAD geometry that can cause undesirable
results when you mesh your model.
For example, you can use geometry abstraction tools to:
• Improve the quality of your mesh by manually eliminating problematic
geometry.
• Create boundaries on which to define loads and constraints.

8
The Model Cleanup toolbar contains a set of commands that let you perform
geometry abstraction operations on your model. Geometry abstraction lets
you eliminate issues with the CAD geometry that can cause undesirable
results when you mesh your model.
For example, you can use geometry abstraction tools to:
• Improve the quality of your mesh by manually eliminating problematic
geometry.
• Create boundaries on which to define loads and constraints.
Geometry abstraction
Comparing geometry idealization and geometry abstraction

Geometry idealization and geometry abstraction operations are similar in
their intent in that both allow you to specifically tailor the geometry to the
needs of your analysis. However, the two are fundamentally distinct processes
that operate on different aspects of your model.
• You perform geometry idealization operations on the idealized part.
Geometry idealization lets you simplify and streamline your model by
removing or suppressing unnecessary features. For example, you can:
– Add features to the idealized part to facilitate the analysis.
– Partition a large volume to facilitate the meshing of that volume.
– Create a midsurface on a thin-walled part to facilitate 2D meshing
• You perform geometry abstraction operations on the polygon geometry

within the FEM file. Geometry abstraction lets you eliminate issues with
the CAD geometry that can cause undesirable results when you mesh
your model. For example, you can use geometry abstraction commands to:
– Remove very small surfaces or small edges from your model that can
degrade element quality in that region.
– Add geometry to your model for use in the analysis. For example, you
can add edges to the polygon geometry to either control the mesh in
that region or to define additional edge-based loads or constraints.
Understanding polygon geometry

When you create a FEM file, the software automatically creates “polygon”
geometry from the idealized part. Polygon geometry is a faceted
representation of the geometry in the master part. Polygon geometry allows
you to:
• Tailor the design geometry to fit the needs of your CAE analysis.
8
• Repair issues with the design geometry, such as narrow regions or tiny
edges, that can prevent the software from meshing or solving your model.
Changes you make to the polygon geometry do not affect the master part.
This gives you the flexibility and control to idealize the geometry to suit
the needs of your analysis, without impacting the CAD design process and
without requiring that you own the CAD part.
The polygon geometry is initially a one-for-one representation of your original
master part. That is, for every body, face, and edge in your model, the software
creates a corresponding polygon body, polygon face, and polygon edge.
In some cases with particularly complex geometry, the software may

be unable to generate a complete, faceted representation of the master
part. In those cases, the polygon geometry may contain missing faces.
When this occurs, you can use the Face Repair command on the
Model Cleanup toolbar to construct a new face.
Understanding the geometry abstraction process

There are two different ways you can abstract the polygon geometry in your
FEM file to optimize it for meshing:
• You can use the software’s automatic abstraction capabilities (available
through the Mesh Options form) during either 2D or 3D meshing.
• You can use the Auto Heal Geometry command on the Model Cleanup
toolbar to manually abstract your model.
Whether you choose to perform the abstraction during meshing or by using

Auto Heal Geometry, the abstraction process is the same. In both cases, the
software searches your model for geometric features that are so small that
they can prevent the software from being able to mesh or solve your model.
During the abstraction process, the software eliminates:
• Short edges.
• Sliver faces.
• Highly pinched regions of the geometry.
Small feature tolerance

The key difference between the different ways to perform the abstraction
is in how you define the small feature tolerance. The software uses the
small feature tolerance to determine which features to eliminate during the
abstraction.
• On the Mesh Options dialog, you define the small feature tolerance as a 8
percentage of your overall element size.
• On the Auto Heal Geometry dialog, you define the small feature tolerance
as an absolute measurement.
In general, the abstraction process is designed to abstract features that are

smaller than 10% of your overall element size. Removing features below that
size helps ensure that your model will mesh with elements that have an
aspect ratio greater than 10:1, which is required by many solvers. However,
you should always use caution not to set the small feature tolerance too high.
In general, the small feature tolerance should not be larger than 20% of the
element size you intend to use to mesh the geometry.
Abstraction process limitations
The abstraction process is limited to abstracting away small features. The

abstraction process does not:
• Suppress holes.
• Transform radius corners of fillets into 90° angles.
• Turn sheet bodies into solid bodies.
Removing short edges
The software abstracts any edges that are shorter than the specified small
feature tolerance. This prevents the software from creating an element with
a very short edge on that portion of the geometry.
Removing sliver faces
The software abstracts any sliver faces whose width (W) is smaller than the
specified small feature tolerance.
The following graphic shows an example of a sliver face on polygon geometry.
When the software meshes the geometry, the software abstracts away the
sliver face. Notice how the software doesn’t include this face in the mesh.
Eliminating pinched regions
The software also abstracts away any highly pinched regions of the geometry.
A pinched region is a very narrow region of a surface whose width is smaller
than the specified small feature tolerance.
In the case of a pinched region, the software evaluates the extent of the
pinched region, isolates the pinched region, and then tries to merge it with
the adjacent geometry. The following graphic shows an example of a pinched
region.
When the software meshes the geometry, the pinched region is absorbed
into the adjacent geometry.
Fillet identification process

The software’s meshing and geometry abstraction operations contain a
capability that allows the software to intelligently detect fillets within your
model. By identifying fillets prior to meshing, the software can create a better
discretized, mapped mesh in those regions.
The software always tries to create a mapped mesh on fillet surfaces.

However, this is not possible in all cases. If the software cannot
create a mapped mesh on a fillet, the software tries to create a size
consistent free mesh.
If you select Fillet Processing on either the Mesh Options or Auto Heal
Geometry dialogs, the software searches your model for fillets that
meet criteria you specify (minimum and maximum radius dimensions).
Importantly, this search is not based on the part’s history data. Rather,
the software detects fillets by searching for surfaces whose boundary edges
meet certain characteristics. There are two stages in the fillet identification
process. The software:
• Searches the faces in the model to identify fillets.
• Categorizes any detected fillets into inside and outside radius fillets.
Process of identifying fillets

In general, fillets have four logical sides and are defined by a chain of edges
that form a closed loop. The edges of fillets must also have a radius that falls
between the minimum and maximum fillet radii values you specify on either
the Mesh Options or the Auto Heal Geometry dialogs. If 30% of the edges on
a face are fillet edges, the software considers the face to be a fillet.
Categorizing fillets into inside and outside radius fillets

Once the software identifies the faces that are fillets, it categorizes them
as either inside or outside radius fillets. During this process, the software
constructs a vector between the centerpoint of the fillet’s edge and a point on
the edge. The software then compares the direction of this vector against the
normal of the surface at the point on edge.
• If the vector’s direction is different from the direction of the surface’s
normal, then the software categorizes the fillet as an inside radius fillet.
• If the vector’s direction is the same as the direction of the surface’s

normal, then the software categorizes the fillet as an outside radius fillet.
Auto Heal Geometry
Auto Heal Geometry lets you abstract certain types of features from
your model that may be problematic for meshing.
When you create a 2D or 3D mesh on your model, the software automatically
abstracts the polygon geometry to repair problematic topology, such as small
features, that can degrade the quality of your mesh. With both 2D and 3D
meshing, you use the options on the Mesh Options dialog to control the
abstraction.
The Auto Heal Geometry command gives you an alternative way of

performing the same abstraction operations that are embedded within the
2D and 3D meshing commands. However, there are some subtle differences
between the two methods. 8
• How you specify the Small Feature Tolerance on the Auto Heal Geometry
dialog is different from the way you specify it on the Mesh Options dialog.
On the Auto Heal Geometry dialog, you define the small feature tolerance
as an absolute measurement. On the Mesh Options, you define the small
feature tolerance as a percentage of overall element size.
• Auto Heal Geometry lets you abstract the geometry without generating
a mesh on it. This can be advantageous if you intend to perform more
manual abstraction operations on your model prior to meshing.
You can use Auto Heal Geometry to abstract your model at any point in the
finite element modeling process prior to meshing. Additionally, if you use
Auto Heal Geometry to abstract your model, the software won’t abstract the
part again during meshing.
Limitations
Auto Heal Geometry does not:

• Suppress through holes or features.
• Turn sheet bodies into solid bodies.
• Transform manifold bodies into non-manifold bodies.
Automatically healing polygon geometry
1. Click Auto Heal Geometry .
2. On the dialog, specify a Small Feature tolerance value in model units.

Features smaller than this value are abstracted during meshing.
3. If you want special processing to apply to filleted faces during meshing,

choose whether you want special processing applied to inside-radius
fillets, outside-radius fillets, or all fillets. Otherwise, select No Fillets.
4. Enter the minimum and maximum radius that you want the software to
use during the fillet identification process.
5. Click OK or Apply.
Split Edge
8
Split Edge splits a single edge into two separate edges at the location
you specify.
Split Edge lets you split any polygon edge in your model into two separate
edges. You may want to split an edge when:
• You want to define separate boundary conditions on different portions
of an edge.
• You’re preparing to split a face.
Splitting an edge
1. Click Split Edge .
2. Select the polygon edge you want to split.
3. Use the selection mode icons on the Snap Point toolbar to select the
location where you want to split the edge.
• Mid Point lets you select a location at 50% of the total length of the
curve.
• Quadrant Point lets you select a point at the quarter points of an arc
or ellipse.
• Point on Curve lets you select any point along the curve.
4. Click MB2 or click OK on the Split Edge dialog bar to split the edge at
the selected location.
Split Face
Use Split Face to divide a selected polygon face into two separate faces.
For example, you can use Split Face to:
• Add an edge to divide a face so that you can apply an edge-based load.
• Divide an irregular face into several smaller faces on which you can define
mapped meshes.
• Restore an edge that was previously removed by another abstraction

command, such as Merge Face or Auto Heal Geometry, or by the
automatic abstraction that occurs during 2D or 3D meshing.
Splitting faces by points or suppressed edges 8

The Split Face command has two separate modes of use.
• Use the Split face by points mode to split a polygon face by selecting
two points on one of the face’s edges.
• Use the Split face by suppressed edges mode to split a polygon face
by restoring an edge that was previously removed by another abstraction
command or process.
Splitting a face by selecting points
1. Click Split Face .
2. Click Split face by points on the Split Face dialog bar.
3. Select the first point on a polygon edge.

The selection mode icons on the Snap Point toolbar help you select the
point.
• End Point lets you select a point at the end of a curve.
• Mid Point lets you select a point at 50% of the total length of the curve.
or ellipse.
4. Select the second point on a polygon edge on the same face.
5. The software creates a new polygon edge between the two selected points.
Click MB2 or click OK on the dialog bar to accept the new edge and split
the face at that location.
Splitting a face by selecting suppressed edges
1. Click Split Face .
2. Click Split face by suppressed edges on the Split Face dialog bar.
8
The software displays any previously suppressed polygon edges in the
graphics window.
3. Select a suppressed edge.
4. Click MB2 or click OK to restore the edge and divide the face at that
location.
Merge Edge
Use Merge Edge to merge two edges together at a selected end-of-edge

location.
Merge Edge allows you to combine selected polygon edges at a selected
endpoint. This is useful, for example, when you want to create a larger or
more continuous boundary edge prior to meshing. You can also use Merge
Edge to recombine edges that you had previously divided with the Split
Edge command.
You cannot use Merge Edge to combine edges when more than two
polygon edges intersect at a single endpoint.
Merging edges
1. Click Merge Edge .
2. Select the point at the end of the polygon edge that you want to merge
with the adjacent edge.
The End Point option on the Snap Point toolbar lets you easily
select points at the end of polygon edges.
3. Click MB2 or click OK on the Merge Edge dialog bar to merge the two
edges together at the selected location.
Merge Face
Merge Face lets you merge two separate polygon faces into a single
polygon face along a common polygon edge.
You can use Merge Face to combine two adjacent polygon faces into a single
face. This is useful, for example, if you want to create larger faces prior to
meshing. You can also use Merge Face to recombine faces you previously
8
divided with Split Face.
Manual or Automatic Face Merging

With the Merge Face command, you can either manually combine faces at
locations you select, or you can have the software automatically combine
faces based on criteria you specify. The options on the Merge Face dialog let
you choose between the manual and automatic methods. You can also use
options on the Merge Face dialog to specify the criteria the software should
use when automatically merging faces.
Merging adjacent faces manually
1. Click Merge Face .
2. Click Merge Faces on the Merge Face dialog bar to display the Merge
Faces dialog.
3. Use Auto Remove Vertices to control whether the software automatically

removes associated vertices (end-of-edge points) when you remove an
edge between two faces
4. Click Merge and then select the polygon edge between the two adjacent
faces you want to merge together.
5. Click OK or Apply on the Merge Faces dialog.
Automatically merging adjacent faces
1. Click Merge Face .
2. Click Merge Faces on the Merge Face dialog bar to display the Merge
Faces dialog.
3. Click Auto Merge.
4. Use Auto Remove Vertices to control whether the software automatically

removes associated vertices (end-of-edge points) when you remove an
edge between two faces
5. Specify the maximum Edge Angle and Vertex Angle in degrees.
6. In the graphics window, select the faces that you want to have the
8 software automatically evaluate for merger using the edge and vertex
angle criteria you specified.
7. Click OK or Apply on the Merge Faces dialog.
Match Edge
Use Match Edge to match the first edge you select to the second edge
you select.
Match Edge lets you repair small cracks or gaps in your model by matching
an edge (the source edge) to another edge (the target edge). You can use
Match Edge on any solid polygon body that contains free (unstitched) edges.
• If you use Match Edge to connect free edges within the same solid or sheet
body, the software stitches the free edges together and creates a single,
common edge. When you mesh these edges, the software creates duplicate
nodes along the area where the edges were matched.
• If you use Match Edge to connect free edges between different solid or
sheet bodies, the software matches the free edges together. This results in
two coincident, but separate edges.
Projecting versus not projecting edges
You can choose from two different methods on the Match Edge dialog to
control how the software matches the first edge to the second edge.
• With Project, the software projects the source edge onto the target edge.
8
• With No Project, the software interpolates the source edge point-by-point

onto the target edge.
Match Edge limitations

• You cannot use Match Edge to stitch together the free edges between
separate solid bodies.
• You cannot use Match Edge to stitch together the free edges between
8 separate sheet bodies.
• You can’t use the Match Edge method when the source edge is unstitched
and the target edge is stitched within the same sheet or solid body. You
can only use Match Edge when the source edge is stitched and the target
edge is stitched within a different sheet or solid body.
Matching edges
1. Click Match Edge .
2. Select the edge to match (the source edge).
3. On the Match Edge dialog, set the Project Switch:

• Click Project to project the source edge to the target edge without
changing its length or shape.
• Click No Project to map, endpoint-to-endpoint, the source edge onto

the target edge.
4. Select the edge to match to (the target edge).
Collapse Edge
Use Collapse Edge to collapse an edge to either one of its end points or
to a specified point along the edge.
Collapse Edge lets you manually remove very small edges, such as those
shown below, from your model by collapsing them to a point.
8
You can use Collapse Edge to collapse a selected polygon edge to any point
along that edge.
For example, the following graphic shows an example of a very small polygon
edge.
We then used Collapse Edge to collapse the edge to its end point, as shown
below.
8 Collapsing an edge to a point
1. Click Collapse Edge .
2. In the graphics window, select the polygon edge to collapse.
3. Use the tools on the Snap Point toolbar to help select the point to which
you want to collapse the edge.
• End Point lets you select a point at the end of a curve.
• Mid Point lets you select a point at 50% of the total length of the curve.
or ellipse.
4. Click MB2 or click OK on the Collapse Edge dialog bar to collapse the
edge to the selected point.
Face Repair
Use Face Repair to create new polygon faces from free polygon edges
on the surrounding body.
When you first create a FEM file, the software creates polygon geometry from
the idealized part. The polygon geometry is a one-for-one, faceted (tessellated)
representation of your original geometry. Occasionally, the software may
encounter problems during this process and may be unable to completely or
properly tessellate certain faces. Face Repair lets you repair polygon faces
that are either damaged or missing entirely. For example, you can use Face
Repair to:
• Repair a corrupt or poor quality polygon face that did not tessellate
properly when the software created the polygon geometry.
• Create a new polygon face to fill a missing void in your model.
Repairing and replacing damaged faces
1. Click Face Repair .
2. Set the Type Filter in the Selection toolbar to the type of polygon geometry
you need to select. 8
• To create a new polygon face from a set of free edges, set the Type
Filter to Polygon Edge.
• To replace a damaged polygon face with a new face, set the Type Filter
to Polygon Face
3. With the Pick Loops selection step active:

• If you’re creating a new face from a set of free edges, select a free edge.
The software constructs a loop of free edges.
• If you’re replacing a damaged face, select the damaged face. The

software automatically deletes the face, leaving a loop of free edges.
4. Subdivide the loop as necessary:

a. Click the first Point selection step icon, and select a point along a
free edge of the loop.
b. Click the second Point selection step icon. Select a second point to
define a curve that subdivides the free loop so that you can create a
quality face. Use the Snap Point toolbar options to help select specific
points.
c. Click Create Face from Loops. Select an edge to define an outer loop,
and, if necessary, select a second edge to define an inner loop (i.e.,
a hole).
d. Click Complete Set and Start Next Set to generate the face and return
to the Point selection step.
5. Repeat step three until you’ve defined a new polygon face to connect the
free edges.
6. Click OK.
Reset
Use Reset to restore abstracted polygon geometry to its original state.

Reset lets you remove changes you have made to the polygon geometry with
the geometry abstraction tools, such as Split Face and Match Edge. When
you use Reset, the software returns the portion of the polygon geometry you
select to its original state prior to any modifications.
8 Collapse Edge limitation

In general, Reset removes all changes to the polygon geometry from the
geometry abstraction commands. The one exception to this is the Collage
Edge command. Because Collapse Edge can cause fundamental changes in
the polygon geometry, the software can’t always reset all the changes caused
by the Collapse Edge command.
Resetting geometry
1. Click Reset .
2. Select the polygon geometry on which you want to remove changes caused
by the geometry abstraction commands. You can:
• Select one or more faces or bodies to reset the abstractions made to
those faces or bodies.
• Choose Edit → Selections → Select All to reset all abstractions made

to the polygon geometry.
3. Click OK to reset the selected geometry.
Activity
See the “Geometry abstraction” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will simplify geometry to improve mesh quality.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned about geometry abstraction techniques.
• Learned the difference between geometry idealization and geometry

abstraction.
• Learned about polygon geometry.
• Learned how to detect fillets before meshing.
• Learned about various geometry abstraction tools.
8
Lesson
9 Element attributes
Objectives
• Learn how to modify element attributes.
• Learn how to override element attributes.
• Learn how to use the Attribute Editor to modify element attributes.
Element attributes
The Element Attributes dialogs let you define and modify the materials and
physical properties for the elements, as well as additional mesh properties.
The default language Solver setting for the FEM file determines which
elements can be used, as well as their corresponding element attributes.
The dialog below shows the element attributes for a beam element.
In the same dialog, if you pick the mesh tab, you can modify additional mesh
attributes:
Element attributes
Where do I find it?
Simulation Navigator→mesh node→right click→Edit Attributes
Element attribute overrides
When you’re working in a Simulation file, you can define element “overrides.”
Element overrides let you change the value of selected element attributes,
such as materials or physical properties, without requiring that you copy the
entire mesh (FEM file). When you solve a model that contains an override,
the software uses the values you modified in the override instead of the values
you defined in the original model. For example, this allows you to use a single
FEM model to perform a series of material studies, which saves disk space
as well as modeling time and effort. You can also use overrides to quickly
analyze the effect of varying the element thickness within a 2D mesh.
The graphic below shows an example of an element override that is used to
vary the element thickness. When we initially created the original FEM file,
we didn’t define a thickness value. However, we then created two different
overrides in the files SIM1 and SIM2 in which we defined override values for
the element thickness of 2mm and 2.5mm, respectively.
9
Element attributes
Attribute Editor
The Attribute Editor lets you select any editable FEM entity and review
and revise its attributes. The entities that you can select include:
• Meshes, including 0D, 1D, 2D, 3D, contact meshes, and surface contact
meshes. Once you select a mesh, you can edit the element attributes and
materials assigned to the elements. The attributes that you can edit
depend on the element type.
These properties are the same ones that you can modify through the
Element Attributes dialogs available in the Simulation Navigator.
• Geometry, including point/mesh point, curve/edge, face, and body. Once

you select geometry, you can edit attributes that will help you control the
mesh definition on this geometry.
Attribute Editor – point selection
The following illustration shows the Attribute Editor dialog that displays
after selecting a point. The dialog presents a variety of point attributes that
may be reviewed and edited.
9
Element attributes
Attribute Editor – curve/element selection
after selecting a curve or edge. The dialog presents a variety of curve/edge
attributes that may be reviewed and edited.
Element attributes
Edge Density Type and Edge Density value

These two options work in combination, allowing you to specify density
control for the 2D mesher on local edges. You can apply or assign edge
densities to model edges and curves using any of the following:
• Edge Density Number
• Edge Density Size
• Edge Density Chordal Tolerance
• Edge Density Geometric Progression
Number
When the Edge Density Type is set to Number, the number entered in the
Edge Density field reflects the number of elements on the edge.
Edge Density Size

When the Edge Density Method is set to Size, the value entered in the Edge
Density field reflects the approximate size of the element on the edge. The
number of elements is rounded to the closest integer.
Edge Density Chordal Tolerance

Chordal tolerance is defined as the maximum distance between an arc along
the curve and the curve itself. The Chordal Tolerance option allows you to
produce a parametric set of node locations that are derived from equations
related to the curvature of the curve or edge. Nodes are placed in high
curvature areas (where curvature is greater) and in lower curvature areas.
Edge Density Geometric Progression

Geometric Progression allows you to specify a ratio of node locations along
an edge or curve. This produces a series of node locations that are more dense
at one end and less dense at the other. This option should be used to define
critical areas of interest. Finer, more controlled meshes are produced in these
critical areas, allowing a coarser mesh to be generated in less critical areas
of the part.
Edge Density Ratio

The Edge Density Ratio field becomes active when the Geometry Progression 9
option is selected. The default value for Edge Density Ratio is 1.0. With the
default value, the result is the specified Number of Points value (or node
locations) divided into equal parameter spacing, based on the arc length.
Geometric Progression allows spacing of a set of points based on a geometric
ratio.
Element attributes
For example, if a ratio of 0.75 is entered, the distance from one point to the
next is multiplied by 0.75 (as shown below).
It is important to note that the Geometric Progression option is dependent

upon direction. The distribution of the nodes always begins at the natural
start of the curve (indicated by the direction of the temporary display arrow).
The arrow always points from the natural start of the edges or curves to
its end.
Applying the inverse value for the Edge Density allows you to reverse the
direction of node distribution.
Attribute Editor – face selection
The following illustration shows the Attribute Editor dialog that displays after
selecting a face. The dialog presents a variety of face attributes that may be
reviewed and edited. Shown below is a brief description of each option.
Element attributes
Face Density
Face Density allows you to set the approximate element size for the selected
face.
Attribute Editor – body selection
after selecting a solid body. The dialog presents a variety of solid body
attributes that may be reviewed and edited.
Element attributes
Attribute Editor – 3D mesh selection
The following illustration shows the Mesh tab on the Attribute Editor dialog
that displays after selecting a solid (3D) CTETRA10 mesh. The dialog
presents a variety of solid mesh attributes that may be reviewed and edited.
Element attributes
after selecting a shell (2D) CQUAD4 mesh. The dialog presents a variety of
mesh and element attributes that may be reviewed and edited.
Element attributes
9 Attribute Editor – 1D mesh selection
The following is a typical Attribute Editor dialog that displays after you have
selected a beam mesh. The dialog presents a variety of mesh and element
attributes of the mesh for your review and/or edit, if desired.
Element attributes
The following image shows the Mesh tab on the Attribute Editor dialog that
displays after you have selected a 0D mesh (concentrated mass). The dialog
presents a variety of mesh and element attributes of the mesh for your review
and/or edit, if desired.
Element attributes
Element attributes
Mesh Density method and value
Mesh Density allows assignment of a default density to the element to be

created. The two options are:
• Number - Use this option to specify the number of elements to be created
on the geometry.
• Size - Enter the approximate size of the element to be created.
Mesh Density Value allows specification of a desired density value for the
mesh.
Distribute Mass
When toggled on, the Distribute Mass option instructs the system to distribute
the concentrated mass elements along the selected object (face, edge, etc.).
Attribute Editor – Contact mesh selection
The following image shows the Attribute Editor dialog that displays after you
have selected a contact mesh.
Element attributes
Element attributes
Attribute Editor – Surface contact mesh selection
The following image shows the Attribute Editor dialog that displays after you
have selected a surface contact mesh.
Element attributes
Activities
See the “Element attributes” activities in the Applications of Advanced
In these activities, you will improve the mesh by modifying element and
mesh attributes.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to apply element attributes.
• Learned how to modify element overrides.
• Learned how to use the Attribute Editor.
Lesson
10 Materials
Objectives
• Learn how to assign a material to a mesh or geometry.
• Learn how to customize the material database.
10
Materials
Materials overview
Use Materials to select and define materials and material properties to

use in the simulations and mechanisms you build.
10
Materials
From the Materials dialog box, you can:

• Create, review, and edit isotropic, anisotropic, orthotropic, and fluid
materials.
• Add, review, and edit temperature-dependent fields for these material

types.
• Control the orientation of the material by aligning it with a coordinate

system.
• Use the material library, which includes standard as well as user-defined

materials.
Isotropic materials
The isotropic material is the most commonly used material property.
An isotropic material is defined as a material having the same material
properties in any or all directions.
Isotropic material types are used when certain assumptions are made. Use of
an Isotropic material assumes that the material is homogeneous and that the
properties (Young’s Modulus, for example) are the same in all directions.
On the Materials dialog, you select the Isotropic tab to enter the isotropic
material properties.
Orthotropic materials
An orthotropic material is a special case of an anisotropic material that may
be used with plate and shell elements. It contains three orthogonal planes of
material symmetry at a given location in the model structure. It is common
to model composite structures (laminates) using an orthotropic material,
especially when the parts are constructed from fiber composites.
the Orthotropic tab on the Materials dialog shows the material properties
for this material type. You may want to re-size the dialog to better see the
contents of the scroll window.
Anisotropic materials
An anisotropic material has different properties in each direction at any
given location in the model structure. No material plane of symmetry is
associated with an anisotropic material (meaning that properties may vary
in all directions).
Anisotropic specification consists of three matrices. The two square matrices
are symmetrical so that you need only enter data at the bottom half. As a
convenience, the paired value is a label which will be updated automatically
each time the opposite twin value is entered. When complete, the entire
symmetric matrix will be shown. 10
Materials
Fluid materials
Fluid material properties are those applicable to 3D elements modeling the
liquid or gas in a fluid volume.
Assigning a material
1. Click Materials .
2. On the Materials dialog, click Library .
3. When the **Unsatisfied Title** dialog opens, click OK. A list of available
materials appears.
4. Select one or more materials and click OK. Use Shift-click or Control-click
to select multiple items.
5. Select the material name in the Materials dialog, then pick the geometry
in the graphics window and click Apply. A status message appears,
indicating that the material has been assigned.
Customizing the material library

Adding a new material
To add a new material to the library, use the following basic steps:
1. From ${UGII_BASE_DIR}\ugii\materials, make a backup copy of
phys_material.dat. If you are running NX as a client, copy the following
files to a local directory: phys_material.dat and phys_material.tcl.
2. Make sure the necessary environment variables are pointing to the

location of the modified phys_material.dat file, and to locations of the
current phys_material.def and phys_material.tcl files. If you are running
NX as a client, you may need to set the variables manually.
To add a new material to the database:

1. Open the phys_material.dat file in a text editor application.
2. Go to the bottom of the materials list. Copy the full line of the bottom-most
material and paste it on the next line down.
3. Enter a new material name and unique ID.
10 4. Change the values in the material property fields, as necessary.
Materials
5. Add temperature-dependent properties.
6. Save the file and exit the text editor.
7. From a command shell or the System Properties dialog, set the

appropriate environment variables for running the software with the
modified file. (see Setting material library environment variables)
8. Launch the software with a test part to make sure the new material is
working as intended.
Setting material library environment variables

To ensure that the material library database is accessed from the correct
location, make sure the ugii_env.dat file has the following environment
variables set correctly, or set them directly:
•
phys_material.def - UGII_PHYS_MATERIAL_LIB_DIR=
${UGII_BASE_DIR}\ugii\materials\${UGII_LANG}\
•
phys_material.dat - UGII_PHYS_MATERIAL_LIB_DATA_DIR=
${UGII_BASE_DIR}\ugii\materials\
•
phys_material.tcl - UGII_PHYS_MATERIAL_LIB_PATH=
${UGII_BASE_DIR}\ugii\materials\
•
ug_metric.def or ug_english.def - UGII_DEFAULTS_FILE=
[default directory ${UGII_BASE_DIR}\ugii\]
When defining the environment variable path, UGS recommends that

you use an end backslash. Otherwise, you may get an error message
when you try to use the updated library.
Activity
See the “Materials” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity you will apply a material to a mesh, and create a new material.
Summary
In this lesson you: 10
Materials
• Learn how to assign a material to a mesh or geometry.
• Learn how to customize the material database.
10
11
Lesson
11 Boundary conditions
Objectives
• Learn about the boundary conditions that can be defined for a model.
• Learn how to create loads.
• Learn how to create constraints.
Boundary conditions
11
Boundary conditions overview
Loads, constraints, and simulation objects are all considered boundary
conditions. The Simulation Navigator provides tools that let you create, edit,
and display boundary conditions. You can also create boundary conditions
using icons on the Advanced Simulation toolbar.
The options that appear on the boundary conditions dialogs are specific to the
active solution and its associated solver.
For example, if the active solution uses the NX Nastran solver, the Create
Force dialog provides options that are specific to the NX Nastran FORCE
card.
You can create boundary conditions before or after you create a solution:
• If you create a solution first, the loads, constraints, and simulation objects
are stored in their respective containers in the Simulation: the Load
Container, Constraint Container, and Simulation Objects Container.
They are also stored in the solution.
• If you create the loads, constraints, and simulation objects first, they are
stored in their respective containers in the Simulation. You can then drag
and drop individual boundary conditions into solutions you create.
Supported boundary conditions

The tables list the Advanced Simulation boundary conditions (loads,
constraints, simulation objects), the associated analysis types, and the
Nastran solver cards that they support.
Supported Nastran
Icon Load Nastran Analysis Type
Cards
Structural (all except
Force SEMODES 103) FORCE
Axisymmetric Structural
Moment MOMENT
SEMODES 103)
Bearing FORCE
SEMODES 103)
Torque FORCE
SEMODES 103)
Boundary conditions
11
Supported Nastran
Icon Load Nastran Analysis Type
Cards
PLOAD4 (Structural
only)
PLOAD2 (Structural
Structural (all except only)
Pressure SEMODES 103)
PLOAD1(Structural
Axisymmetric Structural only)
PLOADX1
(Axisymmetric
Structural only)
Hydrostatic Structural (all except
PLOAD4
Pressure SEMODES 103)
Gravity SEMODES 103) GRAV
Centrifugal SEMODES 103) RFORCE
Temperature SEMODES 103) TEMP
Load
QBDY3
Thermal
Heat Flux QBDY2
Axisymmetric Thermal
QHBDY
Thermal
Radiation RADBC
Heat
Thermal QVOL
Generation
Supported
Icon Constraint Nastran Analysis Type
Nastran Cards
SPC (Structural
User Defined Structural
only)
Constraint Axisymmetric Structural
SPC1
Boundary conditions
11
Supported
Icon Constraint Nastran Analysis Type
Nastran Cards
Enforced
Displacement Structural SPCD
Constraint
Fixed Structural
SPC
Constraint Axisymmetric Structural
Fixed
Translation Structural SPC
Constraint
Fixed Rotation
Structural SPC
Constraint
Simply
Supported Structural SPC
Constraint
Pinned
Structural SPC
Constraint
Cylindrical
Structural SPC
Constraint
Slider
Structural SPC
Constraint
Roller
Structural SPC
Constraint
Symmetric
Structural SPC
Constraint
Anti-Symmetric
Structural SPC
Constraint
Thermal Thermal
SPC
Constraints Axisymmetric Thermal
Thermal
Convection CONV
Boundary conditions
11
Simulation Supported
Icon Nastran Analysis Type
Object Nastran Cards
BCRPARAM
BCTPARM
SESTATIC 101 (Single BCTSET
Surf to Surf Constraint and Multi
Contact Constraint), ADVNL 601, BSURF
106 BSURFS
BCTPARA (ADVNL
only)
Surf to Surf Structural (all except NX
BGSET
Gluing Nastran ADVNL 601, 106)
NLSTATIC 106
Initial NX Nastran ADVNL 601,
TEMP
Temperatures 106
NLSCH 153
Creating loads
The procedure for creating most structural and thermal loads is similar.
1. In the Simulation Navigator active structural or thermal solution,
right-click on Loads.
2. Choose New Load.
3. From the menu, choose the type of load that you want to create.
4. (Optional) In the dialog box, choose the type of load to create.
5. Select the object to apply the load to.

Boundary conditions can be applied to geometry, including faces, edges,
curves, points, mesh points, vertices, or the entire model. They can also be
applied to nodes or elements. The type of boundary condition determines
the objects that you can apply it to.
6. (Optional) For some thermal loads, click (Optional Control Point),

and select a control point.
Boundary conditions
11
7. (Optional) Click the arrow next to (Inferred Vector) and enter a
direction for the load.
8. Enter a magnitude for the load.
Creating constraints
The procedure for creating most constraints is similar.
1. In the Simulation Navigator active solution, right-click on Constraints.
2. Choose New Constraint.
3. From the menu, choose the constraint that you want to create.
4. (Optional) On the Create (Constraint) dialog, choose the Type.
5. Select the object to apply the constraint to.

Boundary conditions can be applied to geometry, including faces, edges,
curves, points, mesh points, vertices, or the entire model. They can also be
applied to nodes or elements. The type of boundary condition determines
the objects that you can apply it to.
6. (Optional) For a convection boundary condition, click the Optional Control

Point icon, and select a control point.
7. (Optional) Enter a direction for the constraint.
8. (Optional) Enter a magnitude for the constraint.
Activity
See the “Boundary conditions” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will apply loads and constraints to your model.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned about the boundary conditions that can be defined for a model.
• Learned how to create loads.
Boundary conditions
11
• Learned how to create constraints.
11
Lesson
12 Model information
12
Objectives
• Learn how to display information about your model.
Model information
Model information overview

The Information feature is available with every NX application producing
geometric and part relationship data. The Information→Advanced
12 Simulation menu lets you query finite element entities or objects. In addition,
you can obtain a simulation summary which gives more detailed information
on mesh nodes, element numbers, etc.
Information options provide general and specific information for selected
objects, expressions, parts, layers, etc. Data is displayed in the Information
window. The Information window has its own menu bar that supports cut,
copy and paste operations, as well as capability to save output to a file and/or
print to the default printer. The data that is output to the Information
window differs depending upon the chosen Information option(s).
• Identify lets you display element or node labels.
The image shows element and node labels displayed for 2D elements.
Model information
12
• When the FEM is active, you can list information on a mesh, material,
section, and mesh mating condition. Finite Element Summary lists
detailed information about number of nodes, elements, and other entities.
The figure shows an information listing for one element.
• When the Simulation file is active, you can list information on a mesh,
load, constraint, Simulation object, solution, step, material. Identify lets
you display element or node labels. Simulation Summary lists information
about the solutions in the Simulation file.
Model information
12
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to display information about your model.
Lesson
13 Model checking
Objectives 13
• Learn how to perform model checks.
• Understand threshold values.
Model checking
Model Check overview
Model Check provides complete information about the model and all
its finite element components. Model Check is a good predictor of whether
the model is ready to solve.
Comprehensive check
13 Use the Comprehensive check to see if your model contains all the necessary
elements for the analysis. When you perform a Comprehensive check, the
software verifies that the model contains:
• Elements
• Element attributes (such as thickness)
• Loads
• Constraints
• Materials
The software displays the results of a Comprehensive check in a separate

Information window, along with an error summary for each topic.
Model checking
Element Shapes check

Use the Element Shapes check to detect elements that may be too distorted
to yield good analysis results. For accurate results, finite element analysis
solvers require elements that are not distorted.
13
Element Shapes Threshold Values

Threshold values are the maximum allowable value for each test. Any
element whose test results exceed these values will fail the test. You may also
accept the software’s defaults for the threshold values.
The values you enter depend on the accuracy you need from your analysis
and the type of solver specified in the environment.
Model checking
13
The Jacobian zero threshold is an exception. An element fails the

Jacobian zero test if its test results fall below the threshold value
you enter.
Note that the shape tests do not check for misplaced midside nodes.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the ratio of an element’s length to its width.
Model checking
Tri Aspect Ratio
13
The aspect ratio for a triangular element is calculated as the ratio of the
length (h2) to the height (h1). This ratio (h2/h1) is then multiplied by
SQRT(3)/2, such that an element in the shape of an equilateral triangle
will equal 1. This procedure is repeated for the remaining two edges of the
triangle and the largest value is retained as the aspect ratio for the element.
Quad Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio for a quad element is determined using a test proposed
by Robinson and Haggenmacher (J. Robinson and G. W. Haggenmacher,
"Element Warning Diagnostics," Finite Element News. June and August,
1982). This test is based on a projection plane created by first bisecting the
four element edges, then creating a point on the plane at the vector average of
the corners. The x-axis extends from the point to the bisector on edge 2. The
ratio is determined as the ratio of the length from the origin to the bisector of
Model checking
edge 2 to the length from the origin to the bisector of edge 3. If the ratio is
less than 1.0, it is inverted.
Tet Aspect Ratio
13
The aspect ratio for a tetrahedral element is computed by taking the ratio of
the height of a vertex to the square root of the area of the opposing face.
The maximum height to area value is multiplied by a factor cf = 0.805927,
which is the ratio of height to edge length for an equilateral tetrahedron.
This result is the aspect ratio. With an equilateral tetrahedral element, the
software report a value of 1.
Aspect ratio = Max(cf(hi)/sqrt(Ai)), where i = 1,2,3,4.
Warp
Warp allows for measurement of out-of-plane element deviation.
Quad Warp
The warp value is determined using a test proposed by Robinson and

Haggenmacher which uses the following method of calculating Quad element
Warp. The test is based on a projection plane created by first bisecting the
four element edges, then creating a point on the plane at the vector average of
Model checking
the corners (where the x-axis extends from the point to the bisector on edge
2). The plane normal is in the direction of the cross product of the x-axis and
the vector from the origin to the bisector of edge 3. Every corner of the quad
is a distance h from the plane. The length of each half edge is measured and
the shortest length is assigned a value of 1. The warp angle is the arcsine of
the ratio of the projection height h to the half edge length 1.
Skew
Skew allows for measurement of angular deviation of an element using an 13

edge bisector method.
Tri Skew Angle
Three potential skew angles are computed for each triangular element. To
calculate each skew angle, the software constructs two vectors: one from a
vertex to the mid-point of the opposite edge; the other between the mid-points
of the adjacent edges. The software subtracts the angle between these two
vectors from 90° (skew angle = 90°-a). This procedure is repeated for the
other two vertices. The largest of the three computed angles is the skew angle
for that element (skew factor = (90°-a)/90).
Quad Skew Angle
Prior to testing for skew, the software checks each element for convexity.
Elements which fail the convexity check double-back on themselves. This
causes the element stiffness terms to contain either a zero or negative value.
Model checking
13
This skew test is based on a reference frame created by first bisecting the four
element edges, then creating an origin at the vector average of the corners
(where the x-axis extends from the origin to the bisector on edge 2). The
z-axis is in the direction of the cross product of the x-axis and the vector from
the origin to the bisector of edge 3. The y-axis is in the direction of the live
cross product of the x- and z-axes as shown above.
The Robinson and Haggenmacher skew test uses the angle (alpha) between
the edge 2 and 4 bisector and the test y-axis. The resulting angle is subtracted
from 90 degrees to yield the skew angle.
Tet Skew Angle

Each face of the tet element is tested for skew as if it were a tri element. The
highest resulting angle for each element is retained as the skew angle.
Quad Taper
Taper allows for measurement of the geometric deviation of a quadrilateral
element from a rectangular shape.
Model checking
13
Quadrilateral element taper is determined using a test proposed by Robinson
and Haggenmacher. Four triangles are created bounded by the element
edge and the edges created by connecting the element verification reference
frame origin with the two nodes at the element edge. The resulting four
triangular areas are calculated and summed. The ratio of the smallest
triangular area to the total area of the element is the taper ratio (taper ratio
= 4*a(smallest)/a1+a2+a3+a4)
Jacobian
A Jacobian is a determinant used to describe the variance of some
characteristic at two different positions in a system. For example, a Jacobian
might be used to describe the variance of slope between two points on a curve.
Jacobians are useful tools for measuring distortion. A Jacobian could be used
to compare the orientation between two edges of an element. For shape check
the Jacobian is evaluated at each vertex. These values are then used to
generate results for the Jacobian Ratio and Jacobian Zero tests.
Jacobian measures the ratio between the area or volume of an element to the
ideal parametric element. The software calculates this value by mapping a
parent element (in computational space) against the actual element.
Jacobian Ratio
Jacobian Ratio is a ratio of the largest Jacobian determinant to the smallest.
This ratio gives you an idea of overall distortion in an element. The Jacobian
ratio test is helpful for identifying when the interior corner angles of an
element deviate too much from 90 degrees. An element will fail this test if
the ratio is higher than the value entered in the data field. A ratio close or
equal to 1.0 is desired.
Jacobian Zero
The determinant of the Jacobian (J) is calculated at all integration points for
each element selected. The minimum value for each element is determined.
This element verification test can be used to identify incorrectly shaped
Model checking
elements. For a well formed element, J is positive at each Gauss point

and is not significantly different from the J value at other Gauss points. J
approaches zero as an element vertex angle approaches 180 degrees. The
Jacobian Zero is the smallest determinant. An element will fail this test if its
Jacobian Zero is below the value entered in the data field.
Element Outlines check
13 Use the Element Outlines check to display free edges (element edges that
are unconnected to any other element) of 2D meshes and display free faces
(element faces that are unconnected to any other element) of 3D meshes.
Nodes check
Use the Nodes check to detect and merge duplicate (coincident) nodes
between meshes. This check operates only between boundary nodes on your
geometry (for example, edges of faces and faces of bodies, etc.). Moreover, the
software only merges nodes of identical types. For example, the software will
not merge a midnode with an end node.
The ability to detect and merge duplicate nodes is particularly useful
when you’re working with assembly models or with models that contain
multiple meshes. If you try to solve a model that contains coincident nodes,
singularities or other rigid body motion errors can occur during the solve.
Model checking
13
2D Element Normals checks

Use the 2D Element Normals check to display and reverse 2D element
normals. You can check the normals on individual faces or within individual
meshes, or you can check all 2D elements in the current part. Once you
reverse an element’s normal, the software maintains that reversal across
all mesh updates.
Summary
In this lesson you:
Model checking
• Learned how to perform model checks.
• Learned about threshold values.
13
Lesson
14 Solving
Objectives
• Learn how to solve the finite element model.
• Learn how to do a batch solve.

14
Solving
Solving overview
Once you have prepared your FE model by defining a mesh and applying
boundary conditions, you can perform a solve.
A solve formats the bulk data deck or input file, then automatically begins
processing. You can also choose to write out the input file without solving it.
You can also write out an input file with File →Export. This command
lets you control the location of the input file, as well as the units for
the file. You can write out the active FE Model and Simulation, or
only the active FE Model.
Solving the model

14 To ensure a successful solve and accurate results, run a comprehensive check,
as well as element quality checks, before you solve the model.
1. In the Simulation Navigator, select the solution node.
2. Click .
3. On the Solve dialog, select an option from the Submit menu.
4. To edit solution attributes, choose Edit Solution Attributes.
5. To edit solver parameters, choose Edit Solver Parameters.
6. Click OK to run the solve.

The Analysis Job Monitor appears. When the analysis is complete, a
Results node appears in the Simulation Navigator.
Solving
Analysis Job Monitor

The Analysis Job Monitor lets you keep track of the progress of the analysis
job you submitted, and also lets you know when the analysis job is completed.
The Analysis Job Monitor automatically appears after you run a solve.
14
Batch solving
Solve All Solutions allows you to perform batch solves. You can choose
between launching all solves simultaneously or in sequential order.
Solving
14 Activity
See the “Solving” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will learn the process for preparing and solving a model.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to solve the finite element model.
• Learned how to do a batch solve.
Lesson
15 Post-processing
Objectives
• Learn how to use Post-processing.
• Learn how to use the tools on the Post Control toolbar.
15
Post-processing
Post-processing introduction
Use the post-processor to view the results of all analysis types supported by
Advanced Simulation. You can enter Post-processing by double-clicking on
any Results node in the Simulation Navigator.
Opening the post-processor
To open the post-processor:

• Double-click on the Results node in the Simulation Navigator.
• Click the Enter Post Processing on the Advanced Simulation

toolbar.
• From the main menu, choose Tools→Results→Enter Post Processing
Results in the Simulation Navigator

15
Use the Simulation Navigator to display and manage results in Post
–processing. Available options include the following:
Node Name Description and Functions
Results node Result types are displayed under
the Results node in the Simulation
Navigator. You can expand each result
type to access all data components
available for the selected result type.
Select or clear the visibility check box (
) for a result type or data component,
and the graphics window display
updates dynamically.
You can use MB3 options available
from the Results node to do the
following:
• Create and append post views
• Combine load cases
Post-processing
Node Name Description and Functions

Post View node Provides access to the current post
view. Double-clicking on a post view in
the Navigator designates that view as
the new work view. To manage display
features of a particular view, select the
view in the Navigator, then right-click
to access the following options:
• Load - Populates the graphics
window with the selected post view.
• Rename - Renames the post view.
• Clone - Creates an identical copy

of the post view in the Simulation
Navigator.
• Delete - Deletes the selected post

view.
15
• Overlay - Adds the post view to the
current working post view.
• Append to Display - adds the post

view to the current layout.
• Save As Template - Lets you

save the selected post view as a
template.
The Post Control toolbar

Use the Post Control toolbar to access the following Post-processing features:
Icon Option Description

Finish Post Exits Post-processing.
Processing
Alternatively, you can
exit Post-processing by
double-clicking the FE
Model node in Simulation
Navigator.
Post View Controls the display of results in
selected post views.
Post-processing
Icon Option Description

Identify Probes and displays node and
element information in the work
view.
Display Marker Switches the display of minimum
and maximum result markers on
and off.
Display Marker Drag Allows you to reposition minimum
and maximum result markers.
View Layout Displays results in multiple layout
views.
Select All Views Selects all layout views.
Deselect All Views Deselects all selected layout views.
Overlay Superimposes one set of results on

another in the same view.
Animation Setup Controls animation settings.
15
Previous Steps backward through the
animation one frame at a time
when the animation is paused.
Next Steps forward through the
animation one frame at a time
when the animation is paused.
Play Plays the animation using the
current settings.
Pause Pauses the current animation.
Stop Stops the current animation.
Import Results
You can import and access results for solves performed outside of the current
set of solutions. The following file formats are supported for importing results:
• Nastran (.op2)
• Structures P.E. (.vdm)
• Ansys Structural (.rst)
Post-processing
• Abaqus Thermal (.rth)
• Abaqus (.fil)
• I-DEAS results file (.unv)
• I-DEAS Bun file (.bun)
Importing results
To import and view results:
1. From the Simulation Navigator, right-click on the Simulation file and
select Import Results.
2. From the Import Results dialog, name the imported results file.
15
3. Click on the File Open button to select a file type and path for the file
name. Click OK.
4. Review the results units. If necessary, click Change and select new units
from the Import Results units dialog.
5. Click OK. The imported results node appears in the Simulation Navigator.
Using imported results

Once you have successfully imported a results file, the imported results node
behaves somewhat like a solution node in the Simulation Navigator. You can
therefore perform the following operations on imported results:
• Post-process and view the results
• Re-solve for new results
• Edit attributes of the imported results
Post-processing
Post View
When you enter Post-processing, the Results node expands to display all
result types available. Beneath the Results node is a post view, which is
created automatically by the software from solver results. A post view
represents result settings displayed in the graphics window that include
result type, data component, cutting plane, deformation, and so on. You can
create additional post views, and save settings as templates.
You can manage the settings for each view using the Post View dialog.
15
• The Post View Display tab provides options for displaying results such as
contour type, deformed display options, and where to display results. You
can also manage cutting plane options from the Post View Display tab.
• The Color Bar tab lets you select results data for post processing. Options
are also provided for linear or log display and for viewing optimization
results in tabular and graph form.
• The Edges and Faces tab controls the display of element edges and faces.
• The Preferences tab controls display marker, synchronization, dynamic

viewing and text color preferences.
Post-processing
Post view templates

Post View templates provide a way to save data from one or more post views
for future re-use. Depending on how many views are currently displayed, you
can save the template as a single view or as a layout.
Creating a Single-View Template
1. Select the post view node of the view you want to save as a template.
2. Right-click on the post view and choose Save as Template.
3. In the Save Post Template dialog, enter a Name and choose additional
options, if necessary. For example, you can save this template as the
default, and you can choose to use the part model image for the template
icon.
15
4. Click OK. This template is stored in the Post Processing Templates

palette, available from the resource bar.
Post view layouts

Post-processing displays up to nine models simultaneously. The Layout view
also lets you save templates in layout format.
Creating a viewport layout
To create a viewport layout, click the down arrow next to the layout icon
on the Post Control toolbar. From the drop-down list, select a layout from
one to nine views.
Post-processing
Overlay
The Overlay icon ( ) becomes active only after you have created an
overlay using the Simulation Navigator. Use Overlay to superimpose one or
more sets of results on another. Use the Overlay dialog to select the view to
apply changes to when modifying an overlay, and to remove overlays.
Creating an Overlay
Create an overlay using the Simulation Navigator. Overlay is not

active until an overlay exists. To create an overlay display:
1. Ensure that you have created at least two post views in the Simulation
Navigator.
2. Ensure that the layout in the graphics window for the current work view
is single-view only.
15 3. Right-click on a non-work view, and select Overlay. The non-work view is
superimposed over the work view in the graphics window.
4. Select additional views to superimpose, if desired.
You can now use Overlay in the Post Control toolbar to launch the
Overlay dialog.
Post-processing
Combining load cases

You can add linear static load cases and view their combined results. You
can scale results to compare the results of similar loading conditions at
different loading values. This feature is useful for viewing results for varying
combinations of load cases without spending analysis time, resources and
disk space for every instance of a load case combination.
Combined load case definitions are saved in the Simulation file and are
available from session to session.
Prior to using the Combine Load Cases functionality, you should
give some thought to how you set up your analysis. Be sure to create
a separate subcase for each load case you intend to combine. If you
will be applying a scale factor, you may find it useful to define loads
using unit values.
Combining load cases
To combine and scale load cases in the post-processor:

1. Right-click on the Results node in Simulation Navigator and choose 15
Combined Loadcases.
2. Enter a short, meaningful name for the combined load case and click
Create.
The combined load case name appears selected in the Combined Load
Cases list box. The Load Case Component list box is now active.
3. The Load Case Component list box lists the solved subcases for the
solution. Select the first load case to combine.
The Scale field and the Add/Edit button are now active.
4. If you are applying a scale factor to this load case, enter a value in the
Scale field.
5. Click Add/Enter.
The load case, multiplied by the entered scale factor, appears in the
Combined Load Case Definition list.
6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 for each load case you want to combine.
The combined load case appears below the results node along with the
subcases. You can create post views displaying the combined results.
Post-processing
Animation
Animation allows you to generate and control the display of animation

frames. You can animate displays to better visualize how the model responds
to a particular solution.
Using the animation tools
You can quickly animate static displacement or stress results (using the
default settings) using the Animation tools:
1. Click Play on the Post Control toolbar.

The software first generates and steps through the individual frames of
the animation, and then plays the animation.
2. (Optional) Step through the animation frame by frame. Click Pause
15 , and then click Previous or Next to step backward or

forward through each animation frame.
3. Click Stop to delete the animation frames and return to the static
displacement or stress display.
Identify
Use Identify to probe and display nodal and elemental information for
the Work view display. You can display the IDs or the current results value.
You can also list results for selected nodes and elements, and you can save a
particular selection.
Identifying results at nodes or elements
1. Click Identify .
Post-processing
15
2. In the dialog, choose a filter from the Filter menu.

• If you select n Highest or n Lowest Nodes or Elements, enter a value
for N=. For example, to view the 10 nodes with the highest values for
the current result, enter N= 10.
• If you select Node IDs or Element IDs, enter node or element ID in the
IDs: field. Use commas or spaces to separate multiple node IDs.
• If you select a geometry-based filter (or no filter), use the resulting

Probe cursor to interactively select nodes or elements.
Selected elements are marked using the marker indicated in the Mark
field: Values, node IDs, or just the node location highlight.
3. Click List Information in Window or List Information in Spreadsheet to

generate a listing of results data for all nodes or elements matching the
probe criteria. To include all data components in the listing, be sure to
select the List All Components check box.
Post-processing
Generating reports
The report is an HTML document containing .gif images and other FE model
data. It consists of a title page and multiple chapters. Each chapter contains
automatically generated information, with some sections including optional
information that you can enter or edit.
Use Create Report to generate a report.
Activity
See the “Post-processing” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will explore some of the techniques that you can use to
post-process the results from a solve.
15 Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to use the post-processor.
• Learned how to use the tools on the Post Control toolbar.
Lesson
16 Reports
Objectives
• Learn how to generate an HTML report.
16
Reports
Overview
To generate a report, use Create Report .

The report is an HTML document containing .gif images and other FE model
data. It consists of a title page and multiple chapters. Each chapter contains
automatically generated information, with some sections including optional
information that you can enter or edit.
You can create a report at any time after you create a solution. That is,
the solution need not be complete and solved. For example, suppose that
you define the loads and constraints for a model that will be meshed by
a colleague. You may want to create a report detailing the loading before
handing off the solution to the colleague performing the meshing.
The figure shows a typical report structure displayed in the Simulation
Navigator.
16
Reports
16
Reports
Creating the report
1. Click (Create Report), or right-click on the Solution node in the

Simulation Navigator and select Create Report. An HTML-formatted
report is automatically generated and displays as a node in the Simulation
Navigator.
2. Expand the Reports node in Simulation Navigator so you can see the
chapters and their contents.
3. Use MB3 options in the Simulation Navigator to modify the report, as

necessary.
• Clear the visibility check box ( ) next to a report item to exclude it
from the current report, or MB3 → Clear.
• MB3 → Edit to display a text editor where you can add or edit text to
the sections of the report.
Exporting the report

To export the report, right-click on the Report node in the Simulation
Navigator and choose Export. The report is written to a number of HTML
16 and graphics files, and stored in your local temp directory. When the files
are written, the software launches your default browser and displays the
resulting report.
Activity
See the “Reports” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will create an HTML report of model data, solution data,
and images.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to generate an HTML report.
Lesson
17 Units
Objectives
• Learn how to create new units of measure.
• Learn how to calculate unit conversions.
17
Units
Units overview
The NX software provides two default unit system files: English and metric.
You can choose one of these unit systems when you create a new part file. The
settings for that unit system are then applied to and stored with the file.
Within a part, you can modify the default unit settings as follows:
• In key dialogs, drop-down selections let you change the unit system
dynamically rather than having to manually calculate conversions. For
example, if you are creating a load set and want to enter the force in
Newtons instead of pound-feet, select Newtons from the unit options
and enter a value.
• The Units Manager dialog lets you create new units and unit systems that
are saved to the part and become available from all key dialogs.
• The Units Converter dialog provides a utility to calculate unit conversions.
All unit modifications are stored with the part and are therefore preserved
between sessions. In addition, the unit values are automatically converted to
the NX standard or metric system when you perform a solve.
Units Manager
Units Manager lets you make changes to units of measure. New information
from each Units Manager session is dynamically updated in all key dialogs.
17
Units
Creating a new unit of measure

17
To create a new unit of measure:
1. Choose Analysis → Units Custom → Units Manager.
TheUnits Manager dialog opens. The default unit system is displayed,
with the Default Unit option selected.
2. Choose Measure to change or add a unit of measure, such as Temperature.

Each unit of measure is assigned a unique conversion equation, which
appears in the Conversion Parameters section of the dialog and updates
automatically whenever you change the unit of measure.
3. Select or enter a new unit name. When you switch from the original unit
system, the software updates the dialog by clearing the Default Unit check
box.
Units
4. Enter a Unit Display Name, which is the abbreviated name for the unit.
5. Enter a full-name description for the unit of measure.
6. In the Conversion Parameters section, enter a multiplication factor and,

if necessary, an addition factor for the unit of measure equation.
7. Choose New Unit.
The new unit measurement is available immediately. For example, if you just
defined dyne as a unit of force in the Units Manager dialog, the dyne unit
appears as a selectable option the next time you open the Loads dialog.
You can delete or update units you’ve manually created in the Units Manager
dialog as long as they haven’t been used elsewhere.
Units Converter
The Units Converter dialog provides a utility to calculate unit conversions.
You can use the converted values as input in other dialogs, or to simply
compare with other values.
17
Calculating a conversion value

1. Choose Analysis → Units Custom → Units Converter.
2. In the dialog, select a Quantity.
3. In the From field, enter a value and select a unit system for the original
unit.
4. In the To field, select the new unit system. The software automatically
calculates a conversion value.
Units
Activity
See the “Units” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation Workbook.
In this activity, you will create and work with custom units.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to create new units of measure.
• Learned how to calculate unit conversions.
17
17
Lesson
18 Mesh connections
Objectives
• Learn how to connect parts using various tools, including Mesh Mating
Condition, Edge-Face Connection, Weld Mesh, Contact Mesh, Surface
Contact Mesh.
18
Mesh connections
Mesh Mating Condition
Use Mesh Mating Condition to connect two separate solid bodies and
their associated 3D meshes.
The Mesh Mating Condition capability lets you assemble individual meshes
together at a specified interface. The software ensures that connectivity is
maintained at that interface.
For example, you can use Mesh Mating Condition to:
• Connect the meshes on similar bodies within an assembly.
• Create identical meshes on two faces to facilitate contact definition.
18
Understanding the roles of the source and target faces
In a mesh mating condition, the software creates a connection between the

mesh on the face of one body and the mesh on the face of another body. One
face serves as the source face for the mating condition, and the other face
serves as the target face. The source face controls the density of the mesh at
the interface. In general, the source face should have a finer mesh, and the
target face should have a more coarse mesh. However, when you define a mesh
mating condition, you actually select the faces of the part and not the meshes.
Mesh connections
You can use the Reverse Direction icon at the bottom of the Mesh
Mating Conditions dialog to reverse which face is the source and
which face is the target.
Selecting faces automatically or manually
On the Mesh Mating Conditions dialog, the Type options let you choose
whether you want the software to automatically search your model for
appropriate source and target faces or whether you want to manually select
pairs.
If you select Auto Create to have the software select the pairs, you can use
the Face Search option to control the criteria the software should use to
find pairs.
• Choose All Pairs to have the software find all pairs of source and target
surfaces within the specified Distance Tolerance.
• Choose Identical Pairs to have the software find only pairs of source and
target surfaces within the specified Distance Tolerance. that are also
geometrically identical (for example, they must have the same number of
edges, the same area, etc.).
Selecting a mesh mating condition type
The Mesh Mating Conditions dialog lets you define the following types of
mating conditions:
• A Glue Coincident condition.
• A Glue Non-Coincident condition.
• A Free Coincident condition.
Glue Coincident conditions

18
With a Glue Coincident condition, if two faces are geometrically identical,
the software imprints the mesh from the source face onto the target face. It
then merges the nodes at the interface between the source and target so that
the two faces share the same nodes.
Glue Non-Coincident conditions
With a Glue Non-Coincident condition, the software creates multi-point

constraints (MPCs) or constraint equations between the nodes on the source
and target faces.
Mesh connections
You can create this type of mesh mating condition between any
two faces irrespective of their relative positioning. However, the
software uses the Distance Tolerance to connect the nodes at the
time you solve. Therefore, if the two faces are far apart relative to
the tolerance, no relationship is created between the two meshes, and
the bodies are likely to move independently.
Free Coincident conditions

With a Free Coincident condition, the software aligns the mesh on both
the source and target face but does not connect the meshes. With Free
Coincident, this results in duplicate nodes at the interface between the source
and target faces. This is useful, for example, for setting up surface-to-surface
contact problems.
Managing Mesh Mating conditions in the Simulation Navigator

When you create a mesh mating condition, the software adds it to the
Connection Meshes → Mesh Mating Conditions container in your FEM file
in the Simulation Navigator. You can use MB3 options in the Simulation
Navigator to delete, rename, and manage mesh mating conditions.
Automatically Creating Mesh Mating Conditions
1. Click Mesh Mating Condition .
2. Select Auto Create on the Mesh Mating Condition dialog.
3. Optionally, select a region of your model to limit the face pair search. If
you don’t select a region of faces, the software searches the entire visible
model.
4. Choose the Mesh Mating Type.
18 5. Choose the Face Search Option. To limit the face pair search to coincident
faces, select Identical Pairs Only.
6. Adjust the Distance Tolerance as necessary for the size and scale of
your model.
7. Click Preview to highlight all face pairs that match the criterion you’ve
set.
If the previewed face pairs do not meet your expectations, you may need to
adjust the Mesh Mating Type, Face Search Option, or Distance Tolerance.
You can also change the Type to Manual and manually select the
Mesh connections
8. Click OK or Apply to create the mesh mating condition.
Manually creating mesh mating conditions
1. Click Mesh Mating Condition .
2. Select Manual on the Mesh Mating Condition dialog.
3. Choose the Mesh Mating Type.
4. Depending on the size and scale of your model, you may want to adjust
the Distance Tolerance.
5. Select the source face.
6. Select the target face.
7. Click OK or Apply to create the mesh mating condition.
Edge Face Connection
Use Edge-Face Connection to define the connection between a set of

edges and a set of faces. Use this feature whenever there are meshes to be
connected in T-junction configuration, for example, fins or stiffeners attached
to surfaces.
When you use Edge-Face Connection functionality, the software ties
the selected edges to the faces using rigid links and MPCs (multi-point
constraints). The existing meshes on the edges or faces are not disturbed.
18
Mesh connections
Understanding the edge-face connection process
Once you finish making selections on the Edge-Face Connection dialog, click
OK or Apply to create rigid links between the selected edges and selected
faces. The software creates the connection as follows:
• If are no meshes exist on the edges, each selected edge is seeded with
nodes corresponding to the number specified in the Default Element field.
• From these seeded node locations, element nodes are located (Glue
Meshes) or points are projected and corresponding nodes created on the
selected faces (Match Meshes).
18 • Rigid links are created between the face nodes and the edge nodes.
• The rigid link elements are displayed in preview.
Weld Mesh
Weld Mesh lets you locate/automate the recognition of weld

features (connections) and then automate the creation of their FE model
representation, including consideration for midsurfaces.
Mesh connections
Use Weld Mesh to create weld elements (1D mesh) from weld features
(connections).
Resistance spot welds

Resistance spot welds are used to connect multiple layers of sheet metal. The
original spot weld locations (weld points) are projected onto the face, and the
software creates weld elements (Rigid Link or Spring type elements) between
the projection points.
• The original spot welds are first projected to the first body using a normal
to the surface projection.
• The second and subsequent bodies are projections of the first body’s
locations, again projected normal to the first body’s surface. 18
• The software treats the weld points as hard points. This means that the
software honors the weld points during face meshing.
Weld element process

You can get spot locations for each layer of metal faces from the weld feature.
The software creates hard points at the spot locations defined in the weld
feature. The software sorts face pairs from top to middle, and middle to
bottom. It then creates the recipe for the weld mesh recipe. Finally, the
Mesh connections
software creates 1D elements between the projection points for each pair
of faces.
Resistance seam welds
Resistance seam welds connect multiple layers of sheet metal, just as

resistance spot welds do. They differ from resistance spot welds in that
the weld geometry is modeled by curve. Points on the original curves are
projected on to the faces, and weld elements (Rigid Link/Spring) are created
between the projected points.
• Resistance seam welds connect multiple layers of sheet metal, just as
spot welds do. They differ from spot welds in that the weld geometry is
modeled by a curve. As with spot welds, the points on the "original" curves
18 are projected to the first body’s surface, and then the resulting projection
points are projected to each subsequent body.
• The software creates the rigid elements between each pair of points (point
on top face and the corresponding point on the bottom face).
• The software treats the weld points as hard points. This means that the
software honors the weld points during face meshing.
Mesh connections
Contact Mesh
Use Contact Mesh to create point-to-point contact between two edges

or a portion of two edges defined by limiting points.
Result types supported in Post Processing for contact mesh include
Normal Force, Sliding Force, Element Status, and Gap/Penetration.
18
Creating a contact mesh
1. Click Contact Mesh .
2. Select the desired contact edge and click OK.
3. Select the desired target edge.
Mesh connections
4. Click Apply to build the contact mesh.
5. (Optional) You can also use the other selection step icons to control the
limiting points definition.
You can define or edit the element properties of the contact mesh
you built using the Attribute Editor.
Surface Contact Mesh
Surface Contact Mesh lets you create and define contact elements
between two selected faces of a solid or between different components.
The options available in the Surface Contact dialog depend on the solver
environment selected as the currently active solution.
Using surface contact, you can choose between four contact conditions:
standard, rough, no separation, or bonded. Depending on the solver you plan
to use, you define the contact elements as surface contacts or node-to-node
gap elements.
18
Creating a surface contact mesh
1. Click Surface Contact Mesh .
2. (Optional) Select Auto Create Contact Pairs, and enter the desired
Capture Distance to specify the surface proximity value by which the
overlapping faces can be detected.
Mesh connections
3. (Optional) To more specifically define contact, use the Selection Steps

instead of Auto Create. First, select the source face and then the target
contact face.
4. Change other properties as desired.
5. Click Apply to build the surface contact mesh, and then click OK.
Activity
See the “Mesh connections” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will create mesh connections and generate a mesh.
Summary
In this lesson you learned how to use various mesh connection tools:
• Mesh Mating Condition
• Edge Face Connection
• Weld Mesh
• Contact Mesh
• Surface Contact Mesh
18
18
Lesson
19 Optimization
Objectives
• Learn how to use optimization.
19
Optimization
Optimization overview
Optimization is a process that helps you arrive at the best solution for a given
design goal. To achieve the design goal, you set convergence parameters for
the design objective, constraints, and design variables. The software then
performs a series of iterations to converge on a solution.
After you perform an optimized solve, you can access the results in Post
Processing.
Where do I find it?
To run optimization, do one of the following:

• In the Simulation Navigator, right-click on the simulation → New
Solution Process → Optimization
• Advanced Simulation toolbar → Optimization Setup
Optimization Setup
Use the Optimization Setup dialog to specify an optimization type, then
define a design objective, constraints, design variables, and convergence
parameters. You can also use this dialog to specify the number of iterations
for the optimization run and to view defined optimization settings.
19
Optimization
Optimization analysis options

Two types of optimization are available:
• Global Sensitivity Studies
• Altair HyperOpt™
19
Global Sensitivity Studies
Global Sensitivity Studies iterates through the limits of each selected design
variable one at a time, to see how sensitive the design objective is to each
variable.
Optimization
The design variable values are varied over a specified number of steps. For
example, if a design variable has a lower limit of 0.0, an upper limit of 10.0,
and you specified 5 steps for the global sensitivity study, there will be five
iterations during which the design variable is incremented by a value of 2.0
for each iteration.
The total number of iterations for a global sensitivity study is equal to:
( number of steps + 1 ) * number of selected design variables
The results for study are displayed in the Sensitivity Spreadsheet, which you
can access from Results → Type in the Post-Processor.
Upon initiating an analysis or study, a copy of the part is saved. In general,
you should not attempt to modify a model while an optimization analysis is
in progress.
Altair HyperOpt™
Altair HyperOpt™ provides full support for shape optimization, including the
use of feature parameters and expressions as design variables.
Once you have defined a set of design variables, design constraints, and an
optimization goal, the software stores this information and uses it during
optimization to determine how many iterations are needed for a converged
solution.
During the optimization, a graph displays that dynamically updates for
each iteration to show the objective result (y axis) vs. iteration (x axis).
When the run is complete, the graph closes and quits, and the Optimization
Spreadsheet automatically launches.
Objectives
Use the Objective dialog to select and define a design objective to be applied
to the optimization problem. Optimization objectives include response types
from supported solvers. You can select:
• Volume or weight (for static analysis)
• Frequency (for modal analysis)
19 • Additional selections such as stress, displacement, and temperature (for

thermal analysis)
Optimization
Constraints
Use the Constraints dialog to make constraint selections for optimizing a
specific problem. Constraints can be applied to the model as a whole or
to specific geometries.
19
Optimization
Design Variables
Use the Design Variables dialog to define the design variables, which are
independent quantities that you can vary in order to achieve the optimum
design. Upper and lower limits define a maximum range of variation and
serve as constraints on the allowable amount of change.
19
Optimization
Activity
See the “Optimization” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook. 19
In this activity, you will use shape optimization to minimize the weight of a
part.
Optimization
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to use optimization to achieve your design goals.
19
Lesson
20 Durability (fatigue) analysis
Objectives
• Learn how to create a durability solution.
• Learn about the types of durability results.
20
Durability (fatigue) analysis
Durability overview
Fatigue life can be defined as "failure due to repeated load...involving the
initiation and propagation of a crack or cracks to final fracture" (Fuchs,
1980). Structural fatigue analysis is a tool for evaluating a design’s structural
worthiness, or its durability, under various simple or complex loading
conditions, also known as fatigue duty cycles. Results of a fatigue analysis are
displayed as contour plots that show the duration of cyclic loading (number of
fatigue duty cycles) the structure can undergo before crack initiation occurs.
Fatigue analysis uses the cumulative damage approach to estimate fatigue life
from stress or strain time histories. Estimation is accomplished by reducing
data to a peak/valley sequence, counting the cycles, and calculating fatigue
life. A library containing standard fatigue material properties is provided.
Fatigue analysis process

To perform a fatigue or durability analysis, prepare the model as you would
for a finite element analysis and then provide certain fatigue-specific
information:
• Fatigue material properties
• Fatigue load variations
• Fatigue analysis options
Fatigue results
During the solve, the load variation parameters are combined with other
fatigue criteria, and the software performs fatigue analysis calculations to
evaluate the structure’s durability. Durability is assessed and displayed as
contour plots in the following areas:
• Structural strength (Stress Safety Factor)
• Fatigue strength (Fatigue Safety Factor)
• Fatigue life (Fatigue Life)
Preparing the model for a durability analysis

To prepare the model for a durability analysis, first perform the initial steps
for a linear static analysis:
1. Open or create the part or assembly.
2. In Advanced Simulation, create new FEM and Simulation files.
20 3. Create a linear statics solution. You will not need to perform a solve.
4. Apply loads and constraints; mesh the model.
5. Make sure to assign a material that contains fatigue properties.
Creating a durability solution

To create a durability solution:
1. With the Simulation node selected, create a new solution process (MB3 →
New Solution Process → Durability Solution).
2. Assign a name to the solution and specify durability parameters. Click

OK.
3. In the Simulation Navigator, select the Durability solution node.

Right-click and select New Load Variation.
20
4. Select the Durability solution node you just created; right-click and select
Solve.
5. After the solve is complete, select the Results node in the Simulation
Navigator; double-click. Post Processing opens.
6. Under the Results node, pick one of the results types.
Evaluating fatigue results

The fatigue result types correspond to the fatigue evaluation options:
• Stress Safety Factor
• Fatigue Safety Factor
• Fatigue Life Factor
You can view each of these result sets in a post processing display. Stress
safety results are displayed as linear scale by default, while fatigue safety
20 and fatigue life results are displayed as log scale.
Viewing fatigue results
To access fatigue results:
1. After the solve is complete, select the Results node in the Simulation
Navigator; double-click. Post Processing opens.
2. Under the Results node, pick one of the results types (see below for
description).
Stress Safety Factor results
The software calculates Stress Safety Factor as a function of the time history
of effective stress (von Mises, maximum or minimum principal stresses) to
determine the failure index results set for the structure. Values greater than
1 are acceptable; values less than 1 indicate failure.
Fatigue Safety Factor results
Fatigue safety results reflect the fatigue safety factor due to the cyclic loading
conditions you defined in the fatigue duty cycle. For a design to be considered
feasible, the fatigue safety factor must be greater than 1.
In addition:
• An area where the fatigue safety factor approaches infinity may be overly
designed for this particular event. You probably don’t need to pay much
attention to it.
• An area where the fatigue safety factor is less than or equal to 1 will
eventually be damaged by repeating the given fatigue duty cycle.
• Lower fatigue safety factor values indicate that the cyclic stress range
during the fatigue duty cycle was high.
Fatigue Life results
Fatigue life is expressed as a real scalar results set that evaluates the number
of fatigue duty cycles before crack initiation occurs.
Activity
See the “Durability (fatigue) analysis” activity in the Applications of
Advanced Simulation Workbook.
In this activity, you will perform a durability (fatigue) analysis. 20
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to create a durability solution.
• Learned about durability results types.
20
21
Lesson
21 Buckling analysis
Objectives
• Use linear buckling in an analysis
Buckling analysis
21
Linear buckling overview
Buckling analysis is a technique used to determine buckling loads and
buckled mode shapes. A buckling load is the critical load at which a structure
becomes unstable, and a buckled mode shape is the characteristic shape
associated with a structure’s buckled response.
A linear buckling analysis identifies the loading conditions that make a
structure unstable and result in various buckled mode shapes, as determined
by the eigenvalue extraction method and the number of modes for which
the analysis is solved.
In a linear statics analysis, a structural model is normally considered to be
in a state of stable equilibrium. As you remove the load previously applied,
the structure goes back to its original position. However, under certain
loading combinations, the structure becomes unstable. When this loading is
reached, the structure continues to deflect without an increase in the loading
magnitude and "buckles" or becomes unstable.
To build the model for a linear buckling analysis, choose the Linear Buckling
analysis. Before performing the Solve operation, enter a number for the
required buckled shape modes and, if desired, the upper and lower eigenvalue
range. A default value (usually the lowest number of modes) is given if these
values are not defined.
Loads in linear buckling analysis

If the analyzed model only contains a buckling load (that is, a load, which
when large enough, would cause the system to become unstable), the critical
buckling load is the load multiplied by the eigenvalue.
The model can contain one or more buckling loads and also other loads that
would not cause buckling on their own, but instead act on the part by making
it more (or less) likely to become unstable. The figure below illustrates one
such case.
Buckling analysis
21
P1 is the buckling load and P2 is a load that makes the part more likely to
become unstable. The part in the example will become unstable for a lower
value of P1 than the same part without P2.
P2 may be a known load acting on the part. You may want to find out the
value of P1 at which the part becomes unstable.
With a linear buckling solution, you cannot keep P2 constant and analyze the
part only for buckling caused by P1. The linear buckling solution considers
all loads as a system. The relation between the loads is not considered to
change. For example, if the part is analyzed with P1=1 and P2=0.5 and the
lowest eigenvalue turns out to be 500, the system is calculated to be unstable
for the load combination: P1=500 and P2=250.
Supported environments
Advanced Simulation supports the following linear buckling environments:
• Nastran - SEBUCKL105
• ANSYS - Buckling
• ABAQUS - Buckling Perturbation Substep
Buckling analysis
21
Activity
See the “Buckling analysis” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will analyze a strap to determine the first three buckling
modes.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to use linear buckling in an analysis.
Lesson
22 Modal analysis
22
Objectives
• Learn how to perform a modal analysis.
Modal analysis
Modal analysis
Dynamic analysis is an important part of any design involving non-static
structure. These analyses are frequently performed to ensure that the natural
22 frequency of a given part does not coincide with that of a certain input or
forcing function. These forcing functions can occur in nature from such causes
as wind or other parts of a mechanical system (such as a nearby engine).
Use of modal analysis
Below are a couple reasons for running a dynamic analysis and verifying that
the forcing function frequency does not coincide with the part being analyzed:
• If the natural frequency of the part happens to be the same as that of the
forcing function, an amplification of vibration may result, imparting more
load into the part than intended. This amplification can also carry over
into any mating parts, resulting in a vibrating system.
• If the natural frequencies are close, the product may vibrate. Although
the vibration may not be detrimental to the strength of the system, it
can present discomfort to the user.
Modal analysis and material properties
In order to perform a dynamic analysis, the density must be specified in the

material properties listing. Failure to specify the density and assign it to the
mesh will yield a result without natural frequencies.
Submitting a dynamic analysis
Several parameters must be specified before submitting a dynamic analysis.

Upon selecting Solve, choose Edit Solution Attributes, and the Edit Solution
dialog is displayed.
Modal analysis
22
To submit the analysis, you must first specify the frequency range of interest
and number of modes you wish to find. From the Modal Generation menu,
Modal analysis
choose Modes/Frequency to activate the Frequency Range Lower Limit and

Upper Limit fields.
Knowing the input frequency, you would typically specify a broad range
around it, within the range of interest field. For example, for a forcing
22 frequency of 500 Hz, you could specify a lower limit of 0 and an upper limit of
1000. It should be noted that this frequency range is in Hertz units.
The Number of Desired Modes corresponds with the number of mode shapes
for that part. Typically there is one natural frequency that corresponds to a
given mode shape. The higher the number of mode shape, the less extreme
are the deflections that correspond to the frequency of that mode. The first
mode shape normally results in the highest local deflection of a part. The first
four mode shapes are typically requested when performing an analysis.
Generally, a dynamic analysis is submitted without any type of loading;
however, the part must be constrained in accordance with a real-life situation.
If a structural analysis is being performed, the simplest way to transition to a
dynamic analysis is to delete the loads and submit the model with constraint
information only.
Mode shapes of a modal analysis

Mode shapes illustrate the deflection of the part when subjected to vibration.
A mode shape develops when the vibration frequency reaches the natural
frequency. At this point the part is considered to be in a steady state.
Post processing a modal analysis

For modal analysis the frequency results are displayed, ranging from lowest
to highest natural frequency in the specified range.
The results are ordered by mode shape, with the lowest natural frequency
being the first mode shape, the next highest the second mode shape, and
so on. Selection of the various results shows the mode shape. The natural
frequency for that mode shape is displayed with the result selection.
All post processing tools are available when processing the model results.
This includes the animation tool. The animation tool is particularly useful
when visualizing mode shapes.
The displayed deflections are relative to other grid points in the model and
should not necessarily be considered true deflections.
Activity
See the “Modal analysis” activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation
Workbook.
In this activity, you will perform an modal analysis on a speaker cabinet.
Modal analysis
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to perform a modal analysis.
22
22
Lesson
23 Thermal analysis
Objectives 23
• Learn how to perform a thermal analysis.
Thermal analysis
Thermal analysis
Thermal analysis is an important part of any design intended to function over
a broad range of temperatures. There are usually certain design conditions
that a given part must be designed to withstand. Thermal analysis is one
tool employed to verify this criterion.
Thermal model preparation

Preparation of a thermal model is similar to preparation of a structural
23 model. With a structural model, the part must be both constrained and loaded
to obtain a result. With a thermal model, constraints only may be specified or
a combination of constraints and loads, depending on the application.
There are a number of different types of loads and constraints available when
performing a thermal analysis.
One parameter that is required with a thermal analysis is the coefficient
of conductivity. A value must be assigned to the mesh. Failure to enter a
conductivity coefficient will yield no results as the solver does not know the
rate at which heat flows through the assigned material.
Post processing a thermal model

Thermal models are post processed similar to dynamic and structural models.
When viewing the results of a thermal model, you can animate the result and
view the temperature changes throughout the model.
Also helpful as an available option is the ability to target the highest
temperature node or element.
Determining thermal stresses and strains

From various strength of materials and linear elasticity concepts, we know
that thermal loading is not capable of causing direct stress, but instead
causes thermal strains. Depending on how the part is constrained, these
thermal strains may result in thermal stresses.
For example, if a part is constrained at both ends over a length and is
subjected to a positive temperature load, the part will tend to grow. Because
the part is fully constrained at both ends, it is not able to grow. This results
in thermal stresses. If one end of the part was free, the part would grow
without incident and no thermal stress would develop.
To calculate these stresses and strains the part must first be loaded with the
thermal loads or constraints. The part is then structurally constrained. The
model would then be run as a structural analysis and post processed. If there
are no structural loads applied, the resulting stresses and strains must be
due to thermal loading. It should be noted that in linear elastic analysis,
Thermal analysis
these thermal stresses and strains are additive to the structural stresses
and strains.
Submitting a thermal model for analysis
When submitting a thermal model for analysis, choose Edit Solution

Attributes on the Solve dialog. On the Edit Solution dialog, enter the Default
Initialization Temperatutre, which is a start temperature for all the nodes
that do not have a temperature assigned. This gives the solver a starting
point that is closer to the ending temperature, resulting in fewer iterations.
This can actually lower the run time of the model.
23
Material considerations of temperature
When considering varying ranges of temperature, attention must be paid to

the material properties. Material properties typically vary with temperature.
Thermal analysis
As a material is removed from room temperature, property degradation will

occur. For an accurate analysis, this degradation must be accounted for.
One way to accomplish this is to use multiple names of the same material
with different material values. For example, aluminum may be denoted by
the numbers 1 through 5. They can then be defined as being in a category of a
temperature range. Consult your local material information specifications
for temperature range and degradation amounts.
23 Activity
See the “Thermal analysis” activity in the Applications of Advanced
In this activity, you will perform a thermal analysis. You will also create and
solve a second solution using the same model.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to perform a thermal analysis.
Lesson
24 Contact and gluing
Objectives
• Learn how to analyze surface to surface contact
• Learn how to analyze advanced nonlinear contact
• Learn how to analyze gluing 24
Contact and gluing
Surface to Surface Contact
Surf to Surf Contact lets you define contact between two surfaces.
To define the contact, select a source region and target region in the
Simulation model. On the Create Surf to Surf Contact dialog, enter the
parameters to define contact between these two surfaces.
24
To define additional contact parameters for the solver and solution type, use
the Edit Solution dialog. These solvers and solution types support surface to
surface contact:
Solver Solution Type

SESTATIC 101 (Single Constraint
NX Nastran
and Multi Constraint)
Linear Statics
ANSYS
Nonlinear Statics
ABAQUS Structural — General Analysis
Contact and gluing
When the solution is set to the NX Nastran solution type SESTATIC

101, there are two commands for defining surface contact: Surf to
Surf Contact, and the legacy command Surface Contact Mesh. UGS
recommends that you use Surf to Surf Contact to define contact
between two surfaces. Unlike Surf to Surf Contact, Surface Contact
Mesh generates contact (or gap) elements between the two surfaces.
Defining surface to surface contact

To define surface to surface contact:
1. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click on Simulation Objects Container
→ New Simulation Object → Surf to Surf Contact.
Make sure that your solution supports surface to surface contact.
2. Select the first surface (the source region). 24

3. In the Create Surf to Surf Contact dialog, click Target Region.
4. Select the second surface (target region).
5. In the Create Initial Temperature dialog, enter parameters for the contact
between these two surfaces and click OK.
Advanced Nonlinear Contact
Create Advanced Nonlinear Contact lets you define surface-to-surface

contacts on shell and solid element faces in an advanced nonlinear solution
for NX Nastran. This dialog box is available when the Solution Type is
ADVNL 601,106.
Contact and gluing
24
To define the contact, select a source region and target region in the
Simulation model. On the dialog box, enter the parameters to define contact
between these two surfaces. Specify the Target Region Type as FLEX
(flexible) or RIGID. When you use a rigid target region (meaning the target
contact surface is rigid and the rest of the target part is flexible), you can
use the optional selection step, Optional node for rigid target displacement
. Choose this step to select a single node or point as a “master” node

to control the motion of the rigid target region. Internally, rigid links will
connect all the nodes on the rigid target region to this master node.
Defining advanced nonlinear contact
Only NX Nastran SOL 601,106 supports advanced nonlinear contacts.

→ New Simulation Object → Advanced Nonlinear Contact.
2. Select the first surface (the source region).
3. In the Create Advanced Nonlinear Contact dialog, click Target Region
Contact and gluing
4. Select the second surface (the target region).
5. If you set the Target Region Type to RIGID, you can click Optional node
for rigid target displacement . Then select a single node or point

as a “master” node to control the motion of the rigid surface. Internally,
rigid links will connect all the nodes on the rigid target region to this
master node.
6. Enter any additional parameters for the contact between the two contact
surfaces and click OK.
Surface to Surface Gluing

24
Create Surf to Surf Gluing lets you connect two surfaces to prevent
relative motion in all directions.
To glue two surfaces, you must first define the regions where you want to
create glue elements (stiff springs that connect and constrain the surfaces).
A region is a collection of element free faces in a section of the model where
you expect gluing (or contact) to occur. These regions can be created using
shell elements and using free faces of solid elements. Select a source region
and target region in the Simulation model. In the Create Surf to Surf Gluing
dialog box, enter the parameters to define the contact between these two
surfaces.
Contact and gluing
This option is available for all structural NX Nastran solution sequences

except for SOL 601 and 701. It is not supported in thermal or axisymmetric
solutions.
Defining surface to surface gluing
Only NX Nastran supports surface-to-surface gluing.

→ New Simulation Object → Surf to Surf Gluing.
2. Select the first surface (the source region).
3. In the Create Surf to Surf Gluing dialog, click Target Region.

24
4. Select the second surface (the target region).
5. Enter parameters for the contact between these two surfaces and click OK.
Activities
See the “Contact and gluing” activities in the Applications of Advanced
In these activities, you will learn how to set up and perform contact and
gluing analysis problems.
Summary
In this lesson you:
• Learned how to define surface to surface contact.
• Learned how to define advanced nonlinear contact.
• Learned how to define surface to surface gluing.

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2 Applications of Advanced Simulation — Student Guide mt15020_g NX 4

Geometry idealization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

1D and 0D meshing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Mesh points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Mesh and object display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Geometry abstraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Element attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

Boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Model information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Model checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

2D Element Normals checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11

Mesh connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-1

Contact Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18- 9

Durability (fatigue) analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-1

Buckling analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-1

Modal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-1

Thermal analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-1

Contact and gluing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-1

• Working knowledge of NX Modeling.

• Basic understanding of finite element analysis principles.

How to use this manual

• activity in the Applications of Advanced Simulation Workbook

Symbols used in this guide

The following symbols are used throughout this guide:

• This lesson is a fundamental introduction to Advanced Simulation.

Advanced Simulation overview

Advanced Simulation provides seamless, transparent support for a number

• Advanced Simulation offers world class meshing capabilities. The

• Advanced Simulation includes a number of geometry abstraction tools

• Advanced Simulation features the new NX Thermal and NX Flow solvers.

– NX Flow is a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. It allows

You can use NX Thermal and NX Flow together to perform coupled

Advanced Simulation file structure

The original design part file being analyzed

The idealized copy of the design part file

The FEM file

The Simulation file

Advanced Simulation workflow

2. Open the Advanced Simulation application.

4. If necessary, idealize the part geometry.

5. Make the FEM file active, and mesh your geometry.

6. Check your mesh quality.

7. Apply a material to the mesh.

9. Solve your model.

10. Examine your results in Postprocessing.

Nodes in the Simulation Navigator

Icon Node Name Node Description

2D Meshes Contains all 2D meshes.

3D Meshes Contains all 3D meshes.

Simulation Contains solver- and solution-specific objects,

Results Contains any results from a solve. In the post

Simulation File View

Part file bracket.prt

Idealized part file bracket_fem_i.prt

FEM file bracket_fem1.fem

Simulation file bracket_sim1.sim

• Learned about the files that are used by Advanced Simulation.

• Learned about basic workflow for using Advanced Simulation.

• Created FEM and Simulation files.