Modeling the core

You can create the core for a Core-shift analysis using an existing model. Alternatively, you can import the core from a CAD program.

If you want the core to extend past the end of the part, use Create Mold Inserts Inserts to create a mold insert.

Note: Ensure the part uses a Dual Domain mesh. If your part uses a Midplane mesh, convert it to Dual Domain mesh before following the instructions. Make sure the mesh has no errors.
  1. Create a copy of the study in which you want to create a core.
  2. Create a new layer.
  3. Select the elements that are touching the core, and assign them to the new layer.
  4. Delete the elements that are not part of the core, and the layers that do not contain core elements.
  5. Delete all the remaining unused nodes that are not connected to the core elements.
  6. Fill any holes in the mesh.
  7. Change the properties of all elements on all layers to Part Surface (Dual Domain) .
  8. Change the mesh type to 3D and remesh the core.
    Tip: Use a minimum of 4 elements through the thickness of the mesh.
  9. Set the Property Type of all elements on all layers to Core 3D.
    Tip: The name of the property assigned will be displayed in the analysis logs. If you have multiple cores, you can apply a separate Core 3D property with a different name to the elements in each of the cores.
  10. You can change the material of the core and the local mold surface temperature control by selecting all elements on all layers, then editing their properties (right-click and select Properties, or click Edit (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Edit).
  11. You must set a fixed constraint on the nodes at the fixed end of the core, where it joins to the mold. Select Fixed Constraint (Boundary Conditions tab > Constraints and Loads panel > Constraints > Fixed Constraint).
  12. Select all the nodes at the fixed end of the core.
    Tip: Ensure that the Select Enclosed entitiesSelect Enclosed entities option is set (Geometry tab > Selection panel > Select Enclosed entities) and that you rotate the part so the nodes you want to select are in a line. This stops unwanted nodes from being selected.
  13. In the Input Parameters section of the Fixed Constraint tool, select Core-shift Analysis from the Use constraint in drop down box, then select Apply to apply the fixed constraint.
  14. Rename the layers with core elements in them to:
    • Core nodes
    • Core tetras
    • Core constraints
    This prevents duplication of existing layer names, and allows you to easily identify the core layers when the core is added to the model of the part.
  15. Click Application button then click Save (Save > Save Study) to save your study.
  16. Open the study containing the model of the part, and add the study containing the core model to it.

The model is now ready to be used in a Core-shift analysis.