ELFINI Structural Analysis CATIA PDF

ELFINI Structural Analysis
CATIA V5 Training
Student Notes:
Foils
Copyright DASSAULT SYSTEMES
ELFINI Structural
Analysis
Version 5 Release 19
January 2009
EDU_CAT_EN_EST_FF_V5R19
About this course
Student Notes:
Objectives of the course

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Use the advanced pre-processing capabilities (such as loads and
boundary conditions) to create more realistic FE models.
- Visualize the images of objects used for pre-processing (which is not
possible in GPS).
- Use advanced case features (such as Buckling, MultiLoads, Envelope) in
addition to the standard Static and Frequency cases
- Create your own result image templates, customize the post-processing
result images, group selective entities in the result images, and create
advanced reports
Targeted audience
Mechanical Designers
Prerequisites
Generative Part Structural Analysis Fundamentals, Generative Assembly
Structural Analysis, FEM Surface Meshing
8 Hours

Student Notes:
Table of Contents (1/3)

Introduction to EST Analysis
How to Use EST in FEA Process
Advanced Pre-Processing
Advanced 1D Properties
Advanced Loads and Boundary Conditions
What is Data Mapping
What is Visualization Transferred onto Mesh
Visualizing Pre-processing Entities Transferred on Mesh
How to Customize Visualization Transferred on Mesh
What is FE Groups by Neighborhood
How to Create Groups for Pre-processing
What is Import V4
How to Import V4 Model
Advanced Analysis Case Management

Combined Case
Static Constrained Modes Case
6
7
9
10
11
16
27
40
41
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
52

Student Notes:

Envelop Case
Pre-processing Case
Multi Loads Case
Transfer of Computed Loads/Displacements
Assembled Solution
Local Adaptivity Specifications
Multi Analysis Case
How to Use Frequency Shifting
Buckling Case
Advanced Post-Processing
How to Customize Image
How to Create Advanced Report
Accessing Advanced Post-processing Images
Contact Pressure
How to Export Nodal Values
How to Generate Images for Groups
How to Create an Image Template
How to Create Nodes and Elements Images
54
59
62
67
77
80
83
86
87
91
92
97
102
103
106
107
108
109

Student Notes:

110
112
115
116
Local Sensors
EST Functionalities
Frequently Asked Questions
To Sum Up
Introduction to EST Analysis
Student Notes:
In this lesson, you will learn about the ELFINI Structural Analysis Workbench. The
ELFINI Structural Analysis Workbench is entirely integrated both in GPS and GAS
Workbenches.

Student Notes:
ELFINI Structural Analysis (1/2)

ELFINI Structural Analysis(EST) is an extension of GPS workbench and offers
advanced functionalities for each step in Finite Element Analysis process.
Pre-processing
(FE Modeling)
Advanced
pre-processing
Computation
(Solving FE Model)
Post-processing
(View Results)
Advanced
Post-processing
Advanced Analysis
Case Management
Mesh Refinement
Iterations
Create
Reports
ELFINI Structural Analysis (2/2)
Student Notes:
In this course you will see some of the functionalities offered by EST.
Advanced Pre-processing offers more functionalities for
pre-processing elements such as:
Advanced Loads Ex. Bearing Loads, Thermal loads
Advanced features in 1D, 2D Properties
Importing Data for Pre-processing features
Advanced Analysis Case Management In Addition to Static
and Frequency Computation this offers:
Buckling Analysis,
Multiple Analysis,
Multi-loads Analysis,
Combined Case Computation
Frequency Shifting
Computation with Adaptivity
Advanced Post-processing This offers more features for creating

post-processing Images such as:
Image Customization
Image Template
Exporting Nodal values
Advanced Reports
How to Use EST in FEA Process
Student Notes:
You will see the general process flow in which different EST functionalities
are required while performing FE Analysis.
1
Starting from a Part or an Assembly, open
Generative Structural Analysis Workbench
Visualize Pre-Processing
specifications directly on Mesh
Advanced Computing Perform

Computation with Multi Analysis
Cases, including Buckling
3
Customize image appearance
Generate Advanced Reports
Student Notes:
In this lesson, you will learn how Pre-Processing Elements are transferred onto the
Mesh. Moreover, you will see different types of loads and pre-processing features only
available in EST.
What is Visualization Transferred onto Mesh
What is Import V4
10
Advanced 1D Property
Student Notes:
You will see the functionalities related to 1D property.
11
What is Variable Cross-Section Beams
Student Notes:
Variable beam factors lets you create a linear approximation of variable cross section
beams.
Activate variable beam factors option. Two fields appear in the Beam Property dialog
box. The Multiplication Factors on extremities frame will let you give a scaling factor on
each side of the section. The beam will then be modeled as a sequence of constant
section beams with linearly decreasing dimensions.
12
Assigning Arbitrary Cross-section Using 1D Property
Student Notes:
You can assign an arbitrary cross-section in addition to standard cross-sections

available using Beam From Surface option.
Section properties for selected section is automatically computed. Parameters Extend the
beam property definition to any profile.
New Computed
From Surface item
Select the section of

the beam
Characteristics of
the beam
13
How to Create Local 1D Property
Student Notes:
You can overload global 1D properties on local geometry. You can have
multiple properties management in one single part. This is required for a
beam having variable cross-section and material properties.
1
Select a support (line, curve). Choose

a section and an orientation point
Beam Modeling Methodology

1.
Create wire-frame geometry. Use

Join command to create a single
wire-frame feature.
2.
Create a beam mesh-part and assign

Global 1D property.
3.
Overload this default Global property

on local lines or curves.
Right-click on the 1D Property node

in tree and select Local 1D Property
14
What is 1D Property for Vehicle Conceptual Model
Student Notes:
A new type of 1D elements: BAR. Bar elements only have stiffness along their
axis. They have three translation degrees of freedom per node. You can change
the Physical Property type of 1D mesh as Bar or Beam.
On the 1D property
On the 1D mesh part
Bar Elements
surrounding membrane
or shear panel element
Membrane
or shear
panel
Membrane or shear
panel element
In aeronautics, bar elements are usually

used in combination with membrane or shear
panel elements.
15
Student Notes:
You will see the advanced features for 2D Property.
16
How to Create Local 2D Property
Student Notes:
You can edit the 2D property icon and create several Local 2D properties associated
to local geometry. This is available through contextual menu on the 2D Property in
specification tree. This is required to model parts having variable thickness and
material properties.
Right-click on the 2D property in specification

tree. Select local 2D Property
Select a face. Enter a new thickness value
You need to create a Local 2D Property for

every area that has a thickness value other than
the global thickness defined by the 2D Property.
You can Select Data

mapping and choose a
txt or xls input file.
17
Importing 2D Properties from External File
Student Notes:
You can import 2D properties from an external file (.xls or .txt), and apply them locally
or globally. There is no need for compatible grid and node identification.
Contextual menu on the

2D property icon. Select
Create local 2D Property.
Select a face.
Choose Data Mapping,

and Browse a xls file.
Compute Mesh Only.
Contextual menu on
Properties, and
Generate Image.
Choose Thickness
fringe.
At the point
(-2,14,-7),
there is a
thickness
value of
2*1mm
18

Student Notes:
What is Changing Physical Type for 2D Property

You can change the 2D property type using Change Type Mesh
Specification contextual menu.
On the 2D mesh part
Membrane and Shear panel are 2D

elements with no transversal stiffness
On the 2D property
2D Property will support membrane

and shear panel elements in addition
to shell elements
19

Student Notes:
What is Imported Composite Property

You can generate Composite FE model from the design by Plies/Zones.
There are two types of composites analysis :
By zone for preliminary design
By ply for detailed analysis
The orthotropic material is now

available on 2D geometries
Applied on 2D geometry
Type of analysis chosen
( by zone or by ply)
Optional tolerance for

core sampling depth
FE Composite properties are automatically generated

from Design definition.
Full Support of FE simulation on composite models
(pre-processing, solving, post-processing)
20
How to Generate Image for Composite FE Model (1/2)
Student Notes:
You can generate the images related to Composite properties.

Click on Imported Composite Property
icon.
Select the support and Analysis Type and

launch Mesh Only computation.
Right-click on Properties in tree to open

Image Generation dialogue box and Display
Thickness fringe
Double-click on the Image to get Image

Edition Panel and change Lamina to 4
21
How to Generate Image for Composite FE Model (2/2)

5
Student Notes:
Click OK to view the image.
A new criterion Sum, which is used in the

thickness fringe image to display the total
thickness of all lamina of composite elements.
22

Student Notes:
What is Mapping Property (1/2)

Mapped Property allows applying in one shot different Finite Element properties on a set of
meshed part of the Part document. It handles 1D, 2D and 3D properties including 2D composite
properties.
The feature is based on a file generated by the user. The file contains element identification
information and the associated property values which include thickness, materials, beam/bar
characteristics, tolerance and axes.
This is very useful for structures where mesh properties are variable e.g. aircraft fuselage Where
the thickness and material are not uniform. You can in later on modify the property file and
reapply the properties again.
Mesh without
property applied
.xml file containing FE

property information
Mesh after Mapping

property applied
You can now Overload Mapping Property to improve the use of the existing
Mapping Property.Once a Mapping Property has been applied on the finite
element model, any modification of its characteristics will be applied faster on
the model without re applying the previous unchanged properties specifications.
23

Student Notes:
What is Mapping Property (2/2)

There are two approaches for the element identification:
Spatial identification based on x, y, z
coordinates of the element gravity center
Associative identification based on mesh

part/group names and geometrical feature
names
Here element location is defined using

geometric co-ordinates.
Element location is defined with the help of

geometry surrounding the element
These two approaches can be mixed however the solution will not wholly be associative. Each time
the property is updated (standard compute command) the whole file is parsed and properties
applied to the elements
24
Mapping File Generation
Student Notes:
You can export XML mapping file by taking into account the characteristic values of
properties you have already defined. The generated mapping file takes into account the
values already applied to elements.
The generated mapping file then can be applied to
the same mesh model without defining the
properties.
This command generates an XML mapping file
with spatial identification of elements and
current property characteristics applied to those
elements. This XML mapping property can be
immediately used as input of the Mapping
Property command.
This command is available only when, there is

at least one mesh part defined under the Nodes
and Elements set and the properties set is upto-date. To update the property set, perform
computation with Mesh Only option.
25

Student Notes:
How to Generate XML Mapping File

Right click the Properties node from the
specification tree. Select Generate
mapping File option from the contextual
menu.
Specify the Output directory and the file

name to the xml file to be generated.
Select the mesh parts as support.
Click OK.
26
Student Notes:
You will see advanced features related to Loads and Boundary Conditions.
27
What is Combined Loads/Masses
Student Notes:
You can form linear combinations of existing loads/masses to reuse them in different
computation cases. Loads/Masses can belong to different analysis cases.
Combination describes any linear combination,

11+22+
33+ where Ai are loads or
masses and i are the combination coefficients. Unit loads/masses can be defined once and
then reused to define a lot of derived load/mass. Combining loads and masses will improve
pre-processing tools.
28
How to Create Combined Loads/Masses (1/2)
Student Notes:
You will learn how to form linear combination of existing loads/masses to reuse loads
or masses in different computation cases.
1
Click on Combined Loads icon

in Advanced Loads Toolbar
Select the required Load Set from

pre-processing Load sets
It is possible to select Loads using Search functionality.
29
How to Create Combined Loads/Masses (2/2)

3
Student Notes:
Select the Loads set in and click on

Edit Coefficient in contextual menu
Enter the required

coefficient and click OK
Similarly Edit Coefficient for other

selected Load Sets and click OK
In similar way you can create Combined Mass.
30
How to Use Periodicity Conditions
Student Notes:
With Cyclic Symmetry conditions, you dont have to analyze all your model, but
only a symmetric sub-part of it. You can define infinite (translation with vector)
or finite (rotation with vector and angle) cyclic symmetry.
1
Click on Periodic Conditions icon.
Compute Mesh only.
Select the two faces of your sub-part.
These faces must be planar

and identical, but their meshes
can be different (incompatible
mesh is taken into account).
Periodicity Condition Symbol
A new mesh-part and a new property

are created. New type of MPC elements
(linear combination between the DOF of
the nodes faces) are generated between
the two faces.
31
How to Use Bearing Loads (1/2)
Student Notes:
Bearing loads create contact-wise force only on revolution surfaces and simulate
the action of a part on another one without modeling it. Eccentric loads are always
perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
1
Click on Bearing Load icon
Select only a revolution surface-like

support and enter a resultant effort
Visualization of force distribution on

each node after the computation
32
How to Use Bearing Loads (2/2)

Inward distribution of bearing loads.
Student Notes:
Except for the force orientation, the inward bearing load

specifications are similar to the outward bearing load
Outward distribution
Inward distribution
33
How to Use Thermo-mechanical Loads (1/2)
Student Notes:
You can apply a temperature field loading on your model, available on solids and surfaces
of bodies. Data mapping is also allowed.
1
Click on Show button to display values
Check the Data mapping and browse the file
Double-click the Environment in

tree to set the initial temperature
Click on Temperature field icon. Select the

required support and temperature value
34
How to Use Thermo-mechanical Loads (2/2)

5
Compute Mesh Only
Change visu Type to Average iso
Student Notes:
Go to Temperature Field contextual menu and

click on Temperature Field visualization mesh
Temperature
symbol
35
Creating Temperature Field from Thermal Solution
Student Notes:
You can also import temperature field from other thermal solution.
Added Value:
Enhance interoperability with third party products
You can change temperature unit in

Tools/Options/Parameters and Measure/units
36
Creating Self-balancing on Load set
Student Notes:
Self-balancing is an attribute available on a load set meaning that the resultant at

the center of inertia is null.
1
Double-click on the Loads

icon in the tree.
Select the Self Balancing

option, and choose Yes.
Result : load is self-balancing

so as to have a null resultant at
the centre of inertia.
Used with iso-static restraint, you can simulate free-body loading.
37
How to Use Imported Forces and Moments (1/2)
Student Notes:
You can import forces or moments data with the standard data-mapping format (excel
or text file). Complete data transfer is also possible thanks to Image export data.
1
Click on the Forces or Moments

import icon.
Select support (surface, edge or point).
Click Browse, and select the import file.
Click Show, and visualize the import file content
Imported Forces can be applied either on

surfaces or virtual parts. For each point in the data
file, the corresponding force is distributed on the
three closest nodes of the selected support.
38
How to Use Imported Forces and Moments (2/2)
Student Notes:
You can perform accurate analysis with Export/Import capabilities :

Perform analysis of a complete
structure with coarse mesh and Export
Nodal forces at the connection.
Perform refined mesh on

the critical part.
Import the forces on the connection

surface of the single part.
39

Student Notes:

You can re-use data that is external from CATIA V5 (experimental data or data coming
from in-house codes or procedures).
This data mapping is available for pressure, line loads, surface loads, volume loads,
thermo-mechanical loads, thickness property, and forces/moments.
The selected external data file will be either a .txt file (columns separated using the Tab key)
or a .xls file with a pre-defined format (pressure : four columns, the first three columns letting
you specify X, Y and Z points coordinates in the global axis and the last one containing the
amplification coefficient).
The file must be pre-defined like this
Different units
40

Student Notes:
What is Visualization Transferred onto Mesh (1/2)

Once you clicked on the visualization on mesh symbol, the mesh is visualized
on your model, as well as the way the pre-processing element is applied onto it.
Clamp with support

face highlighted
Meshed Part showing

Mesh Symbol
Distribution of DOF
on the mesh at
same support area
Mesh Image
Meshed Part
41

Student Notes:
What is Visualization Transferred onto Mesh (2/2)

You can have pre-processing images for different Loads.
Distributed Force
applied on support
as cylindrical
surface of hole
Distributed Force
transferred on Mesh
Surface Force applied

on support as face
Surface Force
transferred on Mesh
42
Student Notes:
All pre-processing elements (restraints, loads, mass equipment) can be visualized

on Mesh.
Create pre-processing elements.
Compute Mesh Only, which transfers pre-processing

data onto the mesh (loads symbols have to appear
yellow).
Display contextual menu with a right mouse click

on an existing pre-processing element (in the tree
or directly on the model).
Click on Restraint Visualization on Mesh
43
Student Notes:
Pre-processing visualization on mesh symbols can also be customized.

1
Double click on the visualization

symbol, either on the tree or
directly on the model.
Customize the visualization

(choose the visualization type,
customize symbol appearance)
Click OK.
44
Student Notes:
Provides associative capturing of mesh entities

Allows pre-processing on non-associative meshes like:
Extruded mesh-parts
Imported orphan mesh
Surface Group
Line Group
Point Group
45
Student Notes:
You can create groups of geometrical entities so as to apply preprocessing conditions

only on the associated nodes or elements. You will see how to create surface group and
use it as support for applying distributed load.
1
Click a Group icon.
Select the support (several

surfaces for example).
Select any pre-processing conditions:

restraint, load and choose the group as
support.
46

Student Notes:
What is Import V4
Import V4 provides access to V4 Finite Element data for V5 analysis and analysis of assembly.
Import is based on a result view only.
The following V4 entities will be transferred:

FEM Model
Mesh, Selections, Elements, Materials, Properties,
axis systems, groups
Preprocessing
Restraints, Loads, Non Structural-masses
All V4 transferred data will be created and stored in

CATAnalysis file.
You can now import V4 Displacements as orphan

results and can perform post-processing on V5 solutions
without having to rebuild and compute equivalent cases.
47
Student Notes:
Open new Analysis document in

Analysis & Simulation Workbench
Go to Links Manager Contextual

Menu and click Import
Select CATIAV4 model file
Expand the tree.
You will get FE

entities imported
48
Advanced Analysis Case Management
Student Notes:
EST license provides you various kinds of Analysis Cases in addition to static Analysis
Case and a Frequency Analysis Case provided in GPS workbench.
Combined Case
Static Constrained Modes Case
Envelop Case
Pre-processing Case
Multi Loads Case
Transfer of Computed Loads/Displacements
Assembled Solution
Multi Analysis Case
Buckling Case
49
Combined Case
Student Notes:
You will see how to create Combined Case from already existing Static cases.
50

Student Notes:
How to Create Combined Case

You have the possibility to create linear combinations of static cases.
Once you have computed several static cases, you can perform solutions
combinations in Post-processing analysis.
1
Create static cases. Insert a

Combined Static Case.
Add another Static Case :

Contextual menu into the
window and click Add.
Select the first Static Case

Solution in the tree.
Affect a coefficient :
CSCS = A*SCS.1 + B*SCS.2
You can also select the static

solution having multi-load,
assembled solutions, imported
solutions
51
Static constrained modes Case
Student Notes:
You will see how to create Static constrained modes Case.
52
How to Use Static Constrained Modes Case
Student Notes:
You can generate a multi-occurrence solution made of static constrained modes cases.
The output is a multi-occurrence solution made of static constrained modes : unitary
imposed displacements are imposed on each DOF constrained by the restraint.
The solution consists in (nb restrained nodes*nb restrained dof) structure displacements.
Insert a Static Constrained

modes Case.
Create a Restraint. For

example a clamp on an edge
Launch computation
Display the results: deformed

image or displacement image
Clamp applied
to edge
Animate the deformed shape

The animation shows each
restrained nodes moving along
its constrained DOF : X,Y and Z
53
Envelope Case
Student Notes:
You will study the envelope case which is used to find out most critical values among
existing analysis cases.
54

Student Notes:
What is Envelop Case (1/2)

There are two types of Analysis sets. This functionality enables you to search a selected
number of most critical values such as minima, maxima or absolute value among several
analysis sets.
These extremes may be computed on any kind of values provided by the selected analysis sets.
Envelop Set
Envelop
Types
Images
The Envelop Case will contain:

An Envelop Set: It contains the definition of the
support i.e. the entities on which the envelops will be
computed and the selected analysis sets. Under this
Envelop Set, you can create the Envelop Types which
will contain information about what will be computed
like physical type, values type, axis system
definition, results definition.
An Envelop Solution: Solution will contain the result
of the envelop computation. It will be updated using
the standard Compute command.
The results of an Envelop Solution will be available
through images.
55

Student Notes:
What is Envelop Case (2/2)

Two types of images will be available per envelop types.
Values images
The most critical value will be displayed
according to the chosen visualization mode
Critical solutions images

The critical solutions will be displayed, by
their index.
For both types of images, it will be possible to change the visualization type.
56

Student Notes:
How to Create Envelop Case (1/2)

You will learn how to perform envelop case.
Go to Insert -> Envelop Case
Double click on Envelops.1
Check support as All and select the

required Solution Sets in Analysis Sets
Go to Envelops contextual menu and

click on Add Envelop Type
57

Student Notes:
How to Create Envelop Case (2/2)

Select required Envelop Type for
which the case will be calculated
Compute the Envelop case
Go to Envelop Case so;ution contextual

menu, click on Generate Image
Select critical symbol image or values

image and click ok to confirm.
58
Pre-processing Case
Student Notes:
You will see the Pre-processing case which is used to organize pre-processing data for
Finite Element model.
59
What is Pre-processing Case
Student Notes:
Pre-processing case is a new kind of analysis case which contains a lot of pre-processing
data and no solution sets. It is useful tool to organize, store pre-processing data and reuse
it in Solution-based cases.
You can create several pre-processing cases in the same analysis model. You can define
any type of Load Sets, Mass Sets or Restraint Sets.
It is possible to insert transferred

Computed Loads in pre-processing sets.
60

Student Notes:
How to Create a Pre-processing Case

The pre-processing case is used to store pre-processing data and reuse it in
Solution-based cases.
1
Go to Insert > Preprocessing case
Create required restraints,

mass or load on generated
pre-processing sets.
Create pre-processing set in

Preprocessing Case contextual
menu
61
Multi Loads Case
Student Notes:
You will see how to use the Multi Loads case and reuse existing Loads and mass sets.
62
What is Multi Loads Case (1/2)
Student Notes:
Multi Loads Case is special Static Case containing:

One Restraint Set
One Multiple-Load Set
One optional Mass Set
Multi Loads Set is a new type of Load Set. You can not create loads under a Multi Loads Case.
You can only reference several Load Sets defined in any other cases. Thus, Multi Load Case
Solution is multi-occurrence and each occurrence corresponds to a Load Set. It is necessary
that all referenced Loads should belong to same Analysis Document.
Multi Load Case uses Preprocessing case to store a large number of loads.
63
What is Multi Loads Case (2/2)
Student Notes:
The multi Loads Set can reference any type of Load Set, including inertia loads and enforced
displacements, V4 imported Loads.
Inertia Loads computed within a Multi Loads Case are relative to the Multi Load Case additional
Mass Set. Enforced Displacements computed in a Multi Load Case are relative to the Restraint
entity specified in the Enforced Displacement definition panel (which may not be included in the
Multiple-Load Case Restraint Set).
You can create images under the Solution using the standard Generate Image
command. In the image edition panel, you can choose the Load Set. Occurrence tab
page displays the Load Set names.
64

Student Notes:
How to Use Multi Loads Case (1/2)

A Multi Loads Case is used to solve large number of loads on a single Finite Element
model in one shot. Thus avoids the creation of separate analysis cases for each Load
set. The Multi Loads case generally refers to Loads from preprocessing.
Go to Insert > Static Case and
check Multi Loads option.
Check the Masses option, if

required (optional) and press OK.
Double-click the Multi Loads

in Static Case just created.
Select the required Loads from

tree in the Multiple Load set.
It is possible to select Loads

using Search functionality.
65

Student Notes:
How to Use Multi Loads Case (2/2)

5
Click on Compute icon

and click OK
Double-click the Static Case Solution, select

Static Solution Parameters and press OK
View required images for different

Load sets using occurrence Tab.
Apply Restraints and apply

Masses (Masses are optional).
66
What is Transfer of Computed Loads/Displacements (1/2)
Student Notes:
You can transfer Computed Loads/Displacements from one document to another document.
Computed Loads (Forces) are applied loads evaluated by the solver at the Degrees Of Freedom
(DOFs) of mesh nodes.
Displacements are translations/rotations at DOFs of mesh nodes.
A displacements transfer is just the copy of solutions, between a source document and a target
document. A loads transfer is a copy of computed loads, between a source document and a target
document.
Exporting from Source Document

to create .CATAnalysisExport file
Importing file to
Target Document
The Transfer of Computed Loads/Displacements from Source Document to

Target Document will be done in two separate steps:
Export of Computed Loads/Displacements into .CATAnalysisExport file from Source Document.
Import of .CATAnalysisExport file resulting from Source Document > Export to Target Document.
67
What is Transfer of Computed Loads/Displacements (2/2)
Student Notes:
To export computed loads, an Export Computed Loads command will be available on the
following type of cases:
Static Case
Multi Loads Case
To export displacements, an Export Solution command will be available on the following
type of solutions:
Static Case Solutions
Combined Case Solution
V4 Imported Solutions
Assembled Solutions
Multi-Load Cases Solutions
You can either transfer Computed Loads/Displacements:

From Assembly to Sub-Analysis or
Between two analyses based on identical mesh
The .CATAnalysisExport file will contain the computed loads corresponding to the load sets used
by the solution. Whatever the type of the transferred loads (Distributed Forces, Pressures, Force
Densities) the file will contain the nodal force/moment vectors corresponding to these loads.
68

Student Notes:
What is Transfer of Computed Loads (1/2)

Transfer of Computed Loads from Assembly to Sub-Analysis level
Source Global
Assembly
Document
Target Sub-Analysis
Document
Transfer of
Computed Loads
For importing Computed

Loads, you need to insert
Pre-processing Case.
69

Student Notes:
What is Transfer of Computed Loads (2/2)

Transfer of Computed Loads between two analyses document based on identical mesh.
Source Analysis
Document
Target Analysis
Document
Transfer of
Computed Loads
For importing Computed

Loads, you need to insert
Pre-processing Case.
70
How to Transfer Computed Loads (1/2)
Student Notes:
You can use Transfer of Computed Loads to transfer forces either from Assembly
Analysis to Sub-Analysis level or between two Analysis Documents having identical
mesh.
Go to Export > Solution in Static Case
Solution contextual menu in Source
Document and click Computed Loads.
Browse the location where you want

to store .CATAnalysisExport file
Enter the File name and click on Save
Select the number of occurrences and

sub-analysis, if required and click OK.
Sub Analysis option is available only In Assembly of

Analysis. By default, the entire model will be exported.
71
How to Transfer Computed Loads (2/2)

5
Select the required support and

.CATAnalysisExport file created from
Source Document and click OK
Click the Import Forces in

Preprocessing Case contextual menu.
View images for Transferred Computed Loads

using Generate Image in Import of Loads
contextual menu.
Open Target Document and

add Preprocessing Case.
Student Notes:
72

Student Notes:
What is Transfer of Displacements (1/2)

Transfer of Displacements from Assembly to Sub-Analysis level
Source Global
Assembly
Document
Target
Sub-Analysis
Document
Transfer of
Displacement
For importing Solution, you need to

insert Solution Case. A Solution Case is
case containing at least one Solution like
Static Case, Frequency Case, transferred
Solution
73

Student Notes:
What is Transfer of Displacements (2/2)

Transfer of Displacements between two analyses document based on identical mesh.
Source Analysis
Document
Target Analysis
Document
Transfer of
Displacement
For importing Solution, you need to

insert Solution Case. A Solution Case is
case containing at least one Solution like
Static Case, Frequency Case, transferred
Solution
74

Student Notes:
How to Transfer Displacements (1/2)

You can use Transfer of Displacement to transfer displacements either from Assembly
Analysis to Sub-Analysis level or between two Analysis Documents having identical mesh.
Go to Export > Solution in Static Case Solution
contextual menu in Source Document and click
Solution.
Browse the location where you want

to store .CATAnalysisExport file
Enter the File name and click on Save
Select the number of occurrences and

sub-analysis, if required and click OK.
Sub Analysis option is available only In Assembly of

Analysis. By default, the entire model will be exported.
75
How to Transfer Displacements (2/2)

5
Browse .CATAnalysisExport file created

from Source Document and click OK
Click the Add Solution > Imported

solution in Solution Case
contextual menu.
View required images for Transferred Solution using

Generate Image in StaticSet contextual menu
Open Target document and

add Solution Case.
Student Notes:
76
Assembled Solution
Student Notes:
You will learn the what is assembled solution and how to add the assembled solution.
77
What is Assembled Solution
Student Notes:
Assembled solution is the concatenation of several solutions computed in

sub analyses.
Assembled solution is created in an assembled analysis. It is also called as displacement
assembly. The aim of the assembled solution is to post-process all the components of an
assembled model without carrying formal assembly analysis. In the assembled solution
only component positioning is required (connections and preprocessing specifications are
not required).
Assembled solutions are added to the solution

case, which is a new type of analysis case
gathering a collection of solutions. You can add
several assembled solutions in the same
solution case.
78

Student Notes:
How to add Assembled Solution

1
Right-click on Solution Case.1 and

from the contextual menu select add
Solution > Assembled Solution.
In the Assembled Solution dialog box,

you can edit the name.
Select the required Analysis case

solution from the specification tree.
You can select multiple solutions.
Assembled Solution node gets added

in the specification tree under the
Solution Case.
Create a solution case from Insert menu
79
Student Notes:
You will see how to create local mesh refinement based on adaptive mesh refinement.
80
What is Local Adaptivity Specifications
Student Notes:
The adaptivity method implemented is the H-method. At constant element order, the mesh
is selectively refined (decrease element size) in such a way as to obtain a desired results
accuracy. The mesh refining criteria are based on a technique called predictive error
estimation, which consists of determining the distribution of a local error estimate field for
a given Static Analysis Case.
As a result, the use of the adaptivity method makes it possible to reduce the memory costs
and the time costs. The Adaptivity functionalities are only available with static analysis
solution or a combined solution that references a static analysis solution.
81
How to Create Local Adaptivity Specifications
Student Notes:
Local Adaptivity specifications allows you to reduce error in locally selected

regions of mesh part. This local regions may be faces, edges or groups.
Right-click Global Adaptivity.1
object in specification tree, select
Local Adaptivity contextual menu
enter desired error value in Objective

error.
Select the required supports where

you need to reduce the error.
You need to define Global adaptivity

specifications before creating Local
Adaptivity Specifications.
82
How to Create Multi Analysis Case
Student Notes:
You can insert any type of analysis case to an existing analysis document.
Each pre-processing element can be defined either from scratch, or by
replicating a pre-processing element of an existing analysis case.
In the Insert menu, choose one of the
three proposed analysis case types.
Activate bottom button if you want

the symbols of previous analysis
cases to disappear from mesh.
Select an existing pre-processing

element if necessary.
The newly created case is

defined as current.
83
How to set Analysis Case as Active
Student Notes:
All the analysis cases you have created appear in the analysis tree. However, only
one case is active at a time. The active case appears underlined in the features
tree. You will see how to set required case as current case.
Right click on an existing (inactive) analysis

case, click on Set as current Case.
84
How to Update Multi Analysis Case
Student Notes:
If you have several analysis cases in your analysis document that share a
common restraint set, then the restraint is factorized only once.
Define two different analysis cases
based on the same restraint set
Compute the analysis
The factorization of the restraint

set is performed only once
85

Student Notes:
With Frequency Shifting, you can avoid heavy computation to look at natural
frequencies in a given range, and so reduce computation time.
Double-click on the Frequency

solution icon in the tree
Enter the number of modes

(here : 10)
Select the Lanczos method
Check the Shift option
Enter the frequency from which

the computation will start
In this example, the first

natural frequency after
1000 Hz is 3818.96 Hz
86
Buckling Case
Student Notes:
You will see how to use Buckling Case.
87
How to Use the Buckling Case (1/3)
Student Notes:
Inserting a new Buckling Case allows you to perform the computation of buckling
modes associated with a given Static Analysis Case
1
Perform a Static Analysis,

and compute its solution.
Select Static case solution on which the

buckling analysis is based on.
Insert a Buckling Case

through the insert menu.
The new Buckling Analysis Case representation in

the features tree contains two object sets : a Static
Case Solution and a Buckling Case Solution.
The Hide Existing Analysis Cases

switch allows you to hide all symbols
due to previous analysis cases.
88
Student Notes:
You will see how to compute buckling modes.
Double click on the Buckling

Case Solution in the tree.
Adjust parameters (number of

modes, dynamic parameters ).
The Buckling Solution Parameters

box is displayed.
Compute Buckling
Case Solution.
89
Student Notes:
Post-processing a Buckling Case is similar to post-processing a Frequency Case.

In both cases you can create either a Displacements image or a Deformations
image, and then select one of a given set of buckling modes.
Each mode is associated with a coefficient, by which you multiply the loads in
order to obtain the given buckling mode.
1
Click on the Displacements image
Double click on image icon in tree to get

Image edition dialogue box.
The created images appear in tree

under Buckling Case Solution.
Go to occurrences tab and choose mode
and customize image.
Buckling factors represent

the amplification coefficients
to apply to the effort in static
case for which the buckling
modes appear.
Only the first Buckling factor is generally
used to verify if the load is critical.
You have to multiply the load value (a unit
or the real loading) by the Buckling Factor to
have the loading limit.
90
Student Notes:
In this lesson, you will learn advanced post processing tools on top of the normal GPS
and GAS post-processing tools. These tools allow you even more to customize the
analysis results.
How to Customize Image

How to Create Advanced Report
Contact Pressure
Local Sensors
EST Functionalities
To Sum Up
91
How to Customize Image (1/5)
Student Notes:
With EST you get extra tools to customize your results images.
You will see how to customize a displacements image.
Double-click either on an image
representation in the tree, or on
the image itself.
Select Symbol and

click on Options button
Change Arrow Length with Size option. You

can change the different visualization options
92

4
Select AVERAGE-ISO
visualization mode
(on Von-Mises image).
Click on Options button
Student Notes:
Change Shrink value
Activate Display
Element without value
93

Student Notes:

Click on More to go to Filters
Change the position of computed

value using position option
10
Select component whose values

you want to map in component
dropdown.
Images with C11

component selected
Images with C33

component selected
94

Student Notes:

11
Go to Selections to select the entity you want to see.
Images with
all Model
Images with OCTREE

Tetrahedron Mesh
You can also select Groups
in Available Groups.
95

Student Notes:

With EST you have extra tools for choosing the number of mapped colors on
color palette.
Create an image and then
double-click on the color palette.
Thresholds defined according to an

histogram or linear distribution.
Click More.
Change the display format for a scientific or

decimal display and Set significant digits
Option Histogram Distribution

automatically adjusts color
map to physical distribution.
96

Student Notes:
How to Create Advanced Report (1/5)

Advanced Report gives you access to all the data and results of your analysis, and
allows you to build a fully customized report. You will see how to define the options
for your Advanced Report .
1
Click on the Advanced Reporting icon

The Reporting Options box is displayed
Select an output directory
Enter a title for your report
Select the cases you want to

include in your report
Click on OK to confirm the inputs of

Advanced Report. The "Advanced
Reporting Options" panel will be
displayed.
Imagine you are working

on an analysis document
containing three cases :
Static Case
Frequency Case
Buckling Case.
97

Student Notes:

Advanced Reporting Options Panel.
You can launch a browser to readily

display the resulting report.
The left part of the panel

contains all the data and
results available in the
selected cases.
The right part of the

panel will contain the
structure of your report.
98
Student Notes:
Build the structure of your Advanced Report using the data available in the left part of
the options Panel.
1
Double click on the elements

to extend the tree in left part
of panel.
For each element you need in your
report structure : Double click on it
or select it and click the middle
arrow
Each element selected will appear in

the right part of the panel.
Proceed the same way to delete an

element from your report structure.
Click OK when your report

structure is completed.
Moving and zooming functions are available
as in other CATIA windows (Middle mouse
button to move + left button to zoom)
99

Student Notes:

Visualization of the generated report. You can visualize it while creating the report
structure by launching the browser from the creation panel.
The report is constituted by a set of

files (html, jpg, etc.) located in the
specified directory.
100
Student Notes:
A text document is also available, containing the same data than report
without images. Its name is ficel without extension.
You can open it with software like notepad. When you make a report,
the data are added to it. You can also generate it by clicking the icon.
101
Student Notes:
Now, you have access to different advanced post-processing images on Properties,

Loads, solutions.
1
Contextual menu on Properties, Loads,

Static or Frequency solutions in the tree.
Click on Generate Image.
Choose the Images to visualize.
Properties
Loads
Static Solutions
Frequency Solutions
Combined Case Solution
Image icons are created

at the end of the tree.
102
Contact Pressure
Student Notes:
You will see how to create contact pressure image and how to customize the image.
103
How to Create Contact Pressure Image (1/2)
Student Notes:
Contact Pressures are advanced visualization functions which allow the user
to visualize on each part the pressure values exercised on contact surfaces.
Perform an assembly structural
analysis with contact connections
and compute it.
Right-click on Static Case Solution.1

and select Generate Image.
Select Pressure Fringe or

Pressure Vector
104
How to Create Contact Pressure Image (2/2)
Student Notes:
Customize the Contact Pressures Visualization to visualize only the contact

pressures on each part by double-clicking on Pressure Fringe.
1
Click on Options in Image Edition and

check Display Element Without Value.
Click on Selections and select

the entity you want to see.
Different visualization with

different Activated Groups
105

Student Notes:

You can export nodal data from nodal values images (scalar, vector, tensor)
with a text file or an .xls file.
Select Export Data in Contextual menu
2 Enter the output directory, a file name and
1
choose between a text file or an excel type file.
on a Post-processing visualization (Von
Mises Stress nodal value, for example).
X,Y,Z nodal
coordinates in
global axis system
If you edit the image

and select a given
selection, you will only
export the nodal values
of this selection (use
Groups).
Now you can export the
data in 3dxml format.
Data in relation
with the nodal
value image
Select the Location axis system. You can select

user co-ordinate system so that the exported
values will be with respect to selected coordinate system.
106

Student Notes:

Grouping elements allows you to generate images from a group of elements (points, lines,
surfaces, bodies), or from a space allocation (box, sphere). So you have the possibility to
focus post-processing analysis on critical areas.
Double click on a result image object
to open the Image Edition window
and click on Selection Tab
Double click on the already created Group

be make it available in Activated Groups
Remember to deactivate
results images before selecting
geometrical entities for groups.
107

Student Notes:

You can save your customised image as Image Template in order to store it.
It will be available in the Generate Images list
Allows to benefit from previous Image customization
Customise a standard image (ex. Von
Mises with Mid Layer)
This image is now available

Through Generate Image List
Save it as New Template using its contextual

menu and name it as Von Mises Mid
108

Student Notes:

Images are available for Nodes and Elements.
1
Generate the mesh. Launch a

computation for mesh only
In Nodes and Elements Contextual

Menu, select generate Image
Image Names
Meaning
Mesh
Mesh
Elements text
Elements numbers
Nodes text
Nodes numbers
Degrees of freedom
Nodal symbol of
fixed degrees of
freedom
Local axis
Symbol of local
axis
Physical type fringe
Fringe image of the

element physical
type
Coordinate symbol
node
Nodal coordinate
symbol
Display any available FEM image
109
Local Sensors
Student Notes:
You can get the output values at selected supports using Local sensors.
110

Student Notes:
How to Create Local Sensors
You can generate a local sensor: displacement, Von-Mises

extremum on a chosen geometry. It allows you to focus on
specific area.
1
Create a local sensor using

sensors contextual menu.
Double click on the

created local sensor.
Load sensor provides resulting force

vector and moment vector: Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx,
My, Mz. Inertia sensor provides mass and
six inertia coefficients Ixx, Ixy, Ixz, Iyy, Iyz,
Izz. These are available under Reaction
Sensor.
Enter Post Treatment : maximum,

minimum or average and check
to create parameters
111
EST Functionalities (1/3)
Student Notes:
These are the functionalities which run ONLY with EST :

Buckling case.
Inserting a new static case and a new frequency case (except for inserting a
first static case and a first frequency case).
Distributed mass visualization on mesh.
Line mass density visualization on mesh.
Surface mass density visualization on mesh
Generate Image of masses objects.
Basic analysis report of masses objects.
Restraint visualization on mesh.
Generate Image of restraint objects.
Basic analysis report of restraint objects.
Load visualization on mesh.
Generate Image of load objects.
Basic analysis report on load objects.
Analysis Cases Solution Selection.
Definition parameters of an Analysis Case.
Generate Image of Static Analysis objects.
Global analysis report of an Analysis Case.
112
Student Notes:

Report on a deformed mesh.
FEM Image editor.
Selections tab in Image Edition for Von-Mises and Principal stresses.
Image Iso Fringe Editor.
Report on a Stress Von-Mises / Principal stresses feature.
Selections tab in Symbol Editor.
Image Axis System.
Report on a translational displacement vector.
Report on Estimated local error feature.
Advanced reporting.
Static constrained case
Combined case
Imported composite property
Groups functionalities
Periodicity condition
Inertia on virtual parts
Bearing Load, Imported forces, Imported moments
Force density
Creating temperature field
113
Student Notes:
Advanced reporting
Image layout
Simplified representation
Local 2D property
Local beam property
Local adaptivity
114
Student Notes:
Is the Contact Analysis no linear one?

For the moment, contact analysis is linear (without friction effects).
How to share analysis results?
You can generate an html report, and users can specify its content thanks to
Advanced Reporting function.
How to launch a batch analysis?

You can launch batch analysis with a macro written in VB Script.
115
To Sum Up
Student Notes:
In this course you have seen :
Extra tools offered with advanced option EST :

Advanced Analysis case management
116

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