Model simplification
Remove unnecessary model features that complicate a simulation.
A simulation model can be less detailed than a manufacturing model. There are often features in a production design that are unimportant with regard to stress, modal, or thermal simulation. However, they can greatly increase the complexity of the mesh (producing a high element count). Therefore, the file size and solution time increase. Examples of potentially unnecessary features are embossed or raised part numbers and fillets on external corners.
Use the Simplify tools to remove bodies or features that are unnecessary for simulation. You can also split faces to confine loads or constraints to only a portion of a larger face. Finally, you can make other geometry changes to gauge how the simulation results are affected by model variations. Once optimal geometry is determined, you can make the same changes to the base production model in the Design workspace.
Understand simulation models
Important: Simulation-specific modifications can be made to your model without affecting the base production version represented in the Design workspace. You can:
- Remove unnecessary components, bodies, or features to facilitate simulation.
- Split faces to confine loads or constraints to a portion of a larger face.
- Modify the geometry to perform "what-if" analyses, gauging the effects on the resulting stresses, displacements, temperature, and so on.
- Create multiple variants of the base production model. By default, each variant is named Simulation Model x (where "x" is an automatically incremented serial number). You can rename the simulation models to be more descriptive.
Note: When you create a New Simulation Model, the production version of the model is used as the starting point for the new simulation model. To avoid re-doing changes made to a prior simulation model, clone the simulation model instead.
The Simplify commands are not limited to simplifications. You can make any modification to the geometry. Any modification made using Simplify commands are saved to a Simulation model, and do not affect the production model saved in the Design workspace.
Example modifications
- Model simplification - remove features that are irrelevant to the simulation, to reduce analysis time and complexity.
- Modify the geometry - vary dimensions for "what if" analyses, to gauge the effect on your results.
- Split faces - confine loads or constraints to only a portion of a larger face.
- Split bodies - take advantage of symmetry. After splitting a body, remove one of its halves. Then, apply the appropriate constraint to the face or faces along the splitting plane to represent symmetry.
- Replace with Primitives - substitute a basic solid body for one or more selected components or bodies. Do this when you...
- aren't concerned about the simulation results for the individual parts being replaced, but
- are concerned about the weight, heat generation, contact with adjacent parts, or other characteristics; or
- when you want to simplify a complex assembly. For example: In a thermal study, represent a circular pattern of discrete electronic components (such as LEDs) with a simple annular ring. First, select the LEDs and replace them with a solid cylinder using the Replace with Primitives command. Next, add a hole to the cylinder to convert it to an annular ring. Finally, apply the total combined heat generation of the discrete components to the ring.