SimXpert R3.2 Example Problems

CHAPTER 1
List of Problems:
Example Problems
List of Problems:
2 New Template 2005
Example Problems By Workspace
Structures Workspace:
• Linear Static Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank for Pressure or Point Loading
• Linear Static Analysis of a Tension Coupon
• Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilevered Beam
• Linear Buckling Analysis of a Column
• Buckling Analysis of a Simply Supported Plate
• Modal Analysis of Cantilevered Beam
• Normal Mode Analysis of Rectangular Plate That is Pinned at Each End
• Modal Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank
• Modal Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate
• Direct Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular Plate
• Direct Transient Analysis
• Cantilevered Plate - Modal Transient Analysis
• Freebody Analysis of a Truss
• Postprocessing with Isosurfaces
• VMT Diagram
Motion Workspace:
• Example - Piston and Cylinder Assembly
• Example - Flexible Body Analysis of Four Bar Linkage
Crash Workspace:
• Crushing of a Thin Square Tube
MD Explicit Workspace:
• Impact of a Tapered Beam
Thermal Workspace:
• PCB with Component Heating
• Thermal Analysis for Flux Load, Free Convection, and Radiation
Linear Static Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank for
Pressure or Point Loading
Linear Static Analysis
Estimated Level of Difficulty
Time Required
Problem Description
A thick walled square tube-like structure with fillets and an interior hole is to be modeled.
The structure is constrained at one end, and a pressure load is applied at the other end. Also, a point load
is applied about midway along the length of the structure.
The finite element model is composed of Tet10 elements.
The analysis focuses on obtaining the stress, displacement distribution, and the deformation of the model.
2 Linear Static 3D Crank
In this example you will:

• Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the solid crank.
• Create material and solid element properties.
• Perform automatic meshing.
• Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs)
• Specify simulation conditions for a linear static analysis.
• Create stress and deformation plots.
Startup SimXpert, and Define Materials and Properties

When working in SimXpert you can create materials and properties prior to having geometry or elements.
In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and a solid
element property that you’ll use later in the simulation setup.
To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as

Metric:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the workspace from the startup panel.
2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not Solver Card) using the Tools menu.
3. Select Options.
This displays the User Options form.
4. Select GUI Options.
5. Unselect the Solver Card checkbox, if necessary.
6. Select Units Manager.
7. Click the Standard Units button, and select the row with mm, kg, s and N as the Length, Mass,
Time, and Force respectively.
8. Click OK.
To import a Parasolid solid:

1. From the File menu select Import, then select Parasolid.
2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and
select the file crank_demo.xmt_txt.
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 3
To create an Isotropic Material:

1. Select the Material and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.
2. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material box.
3. In the Isotropic Material form input the following:
Name: Steel
Young’s Modulus 2.1e+8
Poisson’s Ratio 0.28
4. Click OK.
To create an element Property set:

1. Select the Solid icon in the 3D Properties box.
2. For Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Solids.
3. For Entities click the Pick... icon.
4. Select the single solid in the viewport.
5. In the Solid Property form click the Done icon.
6. For Material click the Pick... icon.
7. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser.
8. In the Solid Property form click the Done icon.
9. Click OK.
To observe that the material and element property have been linked to the part:
1. From the Model Browser tree right click on Part ENGINE_block.prt_BLOCK.
2. Select Properties.
3. Notice that under Properties, Type 3D, the following is shown:
• Solid_1, Prop. ID = 1, Type = SOLID.
4. Click Cancel.
Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Creating the Tet10 element mesh for the Parasolid solid.
To create the solid elements and nodes for the geometric solid:
1. Select the Meshing tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.
2. Select the Solid icon in the Automesh box.
3. For Body Type select Geometry.
4. For Solid To Mesh click the Pick... icon.
5. Screen select the single solid.
6. In the Solid Mesher form click the Done icon.
1. For Element Size use 10.0.
2. For Element Type select Quadratic to obtain Tet10 elements.
1. For Element Property click the Pick... icon.
2. Select SOLID_1 in the Model Browser tree.
3. In the Solid Mesher form click the Done icon.
4. Click OK.
CHAPTER 5
Create Constraints and Loads

The model must be constrained and loads applied to it. First, the constraints are to be applied.
To create the constraints:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.
2. Select the Pin icon in the Constraints box.
3. For Name enter Fixed_End.
4. Use Rotate Window Center for the View Manipulation tool bar to rotate the geometry so that
the face with the hole is visible. It is to the right of the model.

6. Screen select the face/surface at the right of the model.
7. In the Pin Constraint LBC form click the Done icon.
8. Click OK.
To create the pressure load:

2. Select the Pressure icon in the Pressure box.
3. For Name enter Pressure_Load.
4. Use Rotate Window Center for the View Manipulation tool bar to rotate the geometry so that
the end with the two faces is visible.

6. Screen select the two faces/surfaces at the left of the model. It may be necessary to first un-select
the Pick Elements icon for the Pick Filters toolbar.
7. In the Pressure LBC form click the Done icon.
8. For Pressure Value enter 100.0
9. Click OK.
To create the concentrated (point) load:

2. Select the Force icon in the Loads box.
3. For Name enter Point_Force.
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5. Screen select a node at the middle of an outer semicircular edge.
6. In the Force LBC form click the Done icon.
7. For Magnitude enter 500.0
8. Click the Static tab.
9. Specify the X,Y,Z Direction components as
• Direction X = 0.0
• Direction Y = 0.0
• Direction Z = 1.0
10. Click OK.
Create Two LBC Sets

A static analysis is to be performed for two different load sets (load cases). One is for the constraint and
pressure set. The other is for the constraint and (point) force set.
To create the first load set:

1. Select the LBC Set icon in the LBC Set box.
2. For Name specify Fix+Press.
3. For LBC click the Pick... icon.
4. Select the LBCs named Fixed_End and Pressure_Load in the Model Browser tree. Use either
the Shift or Ctrl key.
5. In the LBC Set form click the Done icon.
1. Click OK.
To create the second load set:


2. For Name specify Fix+Force.
4. Select the LBCs named Fixed_End and Point_Force in the Model Browser tree. Use the Ctrl
key.
6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a linear static analysis.
To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. For Model Browser right click on FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
2. Enter Linear_Static_Solid_Crank for Job Name.
3. Select Linear Static Analysis (SOL 101) for Solution Type.
4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name
Linear_Static_Solid_Crank.
5. Click Save.
6. Uncheck the checkbox for Create Default Layout.
7. Click OK.
To specify Solver Control parameter values:

1. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Solver Control, then click
Properties.
2. Select Generic Solver Parameters.
3. Use default values.
4. Select Solution 101 Parameters.
6. Select Output File Properties.
7. For Text Output select Print.
8. Click Apply.
9. Click Close.
To specify the static analysis solution parameters for the two load cases:
1. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Load Cases, then click Create
Loadcase.
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2. For Name (Title) enter Fix_Press.

3. Click OK.
4. Right click Loads/Boundaries, then click Select Lbc Set.
5. From the Model Browser tree under LBC Set, select Fix+Press.
6. Click OK.
7. For Fix_Press right click Output Requests, then click Create Displacement Output Request.
8. Click OK.
9. From the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click Load Cases, then click Create
Loadcase.
10. For Name (Title) enter Fix_Force.
11. Click OK.
12. Right click Loads/Boundaries, then click Select Lbc Set.
13. From the Model Browser tree under LBC Set, select Fix+Force.
14. Click OK.
15. For Fix_Force right click Output Requests, then click Create Element Stress Output Request.
16. Click OK.
To run an MD Nastran linear static analysis:

For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Solid_Crank, then click Run.
Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To create stress and deformation plots it is necessary to first attach the MD Nastran XDB result file.
Then, the results can be displayed as a State or Chart plot. For this analysis only State plots are to be
created.
To attach an MD Nastran XDB result file:

1. For File select Attach Results.
2. For File path navigate to the location where the MD Nastran result file is located, then select the
file named linear_static_solid_crank.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
To plot the deformation result for Fix+Press:

1. Click Results tab, then select Deformation icon in the Results box.
2. Select Result cases SC1: Static Subcase
3. Select Result type Displacements,Translational.
4. Click Update.
To plot a stress fringe result for Fix+Force:

1. Click Results tab, then select Fringe icon in the Results box.
2. Select Result cases SC2: Static Subcase.
3. Select Result type Stress Tensor.
4. For Derivation select von Mises.
5. Click Update.
6. Set display to Geometry Wireframe using the pick for the Render toolbar.
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This is the end of this example.

Linear Static Analysis of a Tension Coupon
Time Required
Problem Description
A linear static analysis using a 1/4 symmetry model of a tension coupon is to be performed. The steps are
• Import the geometry
• Mesh the surface
• Create the 1/4 symmetry constraints
• Create the loads on one edge
• Perform the analysis
• View the stress and displacement results

• Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the tension coupon.
• Perform paver meshing.
• Specify simulation conditions for a linear static analysis.
Startup SimXpert and Define Materials and Properties

To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as

English:
3. Select Options.
7. Click the Standard Units button, and select the row with in, lb, and s as the Length, Mass, and
Time, respectively.
8. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid Surface:

2. In the selection window navigate to <SimXpert installation directory>/help/PartFiles, and select
the file tension_coupon.xmt_txt.
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 3
To create an isotropic Material:

Name: Steel
Poisson’s Ratio 0.28
4. Click OK.
To create an element Property:

1. Select the Shell icon in the 2D Properties box.
2. For Name enter Plate.
3. For Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Surfaces.
5. Select the single surface in the viewport.
6. In the Shell Property form click the Done icon.
8. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser tree.
9. In the Shell Property form click the Done icon.
10. For Part Thickness enter 0.1
11. Click the Advanced button.

12. Use the default values.
13. Click OK.
To link the material and element property to the geometric surface:

1. From the Model Browser tree, right click on Part icon tension_coupon_P1, then select
Properties.
2. On the Properties of ‘tension_coupon_P1’ form right click on 2D.
3. Select Assign Property.
4. In the Entity Type Selector form select Plate.
5. Click OK.
6. On the Properties of ‘tension_coupon_P1’ form click OK.
Create 2D Mesh for Parasolid Surface

Create the Quad4 element mesh for the Parasolid surface.
To create the quad4 elements and nodes for the geometric surface:
2. Select the Surface icon in the Automesh box.
3. For Surface To mesh click the Pick... icon.
4. Screen select the single tension coupon surface.
5. In the Surface Mesher form click the Done icon.
6. For Element Size use 0.1
7. For Element Type select Linear to obtain Quad4 elements.
9. Select Plate in the Model Browser tree.
11. Click OK.
12. From the View menu select Model Views, then select the Top option.
CHAPTER 5
Create Constraints and loads


2. Select the General icon in the Constraints box.
3. For Name enter Left_Constraint.
4. In the Pick Filters toolbar, for FEM Filters, select Pick Nodes.
5. In the Pick Filters toolbar select Rectangular Window.
7. Drag a rectangle around the nodes on the left vertical edge of the model.
8. In the General Constraint LBC form click the Done icon.
9. Uncheck the Ty checkbox. This will yield symmetry about the left vertical edge.
10. Click OK.

3. For Name enter Bottom_Constraint.
7. Drag a rectangle around the nodes on the right bottom edge of the model.
9. Check all Translations and Rotations checkboxes, if necessary.
10. Uncheck the Tx checkbox. This will yield symmetry about the right bottom edge.
11. Click OK.
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To create the distributed load:

2. For Name enter Applied_Force.
6. Select the nodes on the right vertical edge of the model.
8. Set the Magnitude to 10.0
9. Click Static tab.
11. Click OK.
Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the linear static analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
2. Enter Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon for Job Name.
Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK.
To specify solver control parameter values:

1. Right click Solver Control, then click Properties.
3. For Plate RZ Stiffness Factor enter 100.0
4. For Shell Normal Tolerance Angle enter 20.0
5. Click Apply.
CHAPTER 9
9. For Text Output click Print.

10. Click Apply.
11. Click Close.
To create a load case:

1. For Load Cases right click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. For Loads/Boundaries right click DefaultLbcSet, then click Properties.
6. Click OK.
To specify output request:

1. For Output Requests right click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. For Output Requests right click Element Stress Output Request, then click Properties.
6. Click OK.
To run an MD Nastran analysis:

1. For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Tension_Coupon, then click Run.

created.
To attach a MD Nastran XDB result file:

1. From the File menu select Attach Results.
file named linear_static_tension_coupon.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
To plot a fringe result:

2. Select Result cases Static Subcase.
5. Click Update.
To plot a deformation result on the fringe result:

3. Select Result type Displacements, Translational.
4. Click Update.
CHAPTER 11

Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilevered Beam
Time Required
Problem Description
A solid steel bar is to be modeled.
The bar is to be constrained at one end, while a point load is to be applied at the other end (a cantilevered
beam system).
1D bar elements will be used to represent the bar.
The analysis focuses on obtaining the displacement of the model once it is constrained and the point load
is applied.

• Specify the model units.
• Create geometry using SimXpert geometry tools.
• Create material and bar element properties.
• Create bar elements by meshing the curve.
• Create constraints, loading, and LBC set (combination of LBCs).
• Set up simulation conditions for a linear static analysis.
• Create deformation and fringe of displacement plots.
Startup SimXpert and Create Finite Elements

To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set Units as

English:
2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not the Solver Card) using the Tools menu.
3. Select Options.
7. Set Basic Units as follows:
• Length: “in”.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
• Temperature: “fahrenheit”.
• Force: “lbf”.
8. Click OK.
Create a Geometric Curve

In this section we will be using SimXpert’s geometry tool Curve to create a curve.
1. Access the SimXpert tools through its Tool Ribbon by right clicking in the space just above the
Workspace, then select Tool Ribbon in the dropdown menu.
CHAPTER 3
2. Select the Geometry tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.

3. Select the Curve icon in the Curve box.
4. In the Polyline Spline form under Entities click the Pick... icon.
5. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 0 0 0, then click OK.
7. In the Polyline Spline form click the Done icon.
8. Click OK in the Polyline Spline form.
9. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve into the model window.
To Create the Isotropic Material:

Name Steel
Poisson’s ratio 0.28
4. Click OK.
To create the 1D Property:

1. First, create a Beam Section. Select the Beam Section icon in the 1D Properties box.
2. For section type, select ROD.
3. For Section Name specify ROD_1.

4. On the diagram click the numeric value of the radius, and enter 0.25:
DIM1: 0.25
5. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
7. Second, create the 1D Property Beam. Select the Beam icon in the 1D Properties box.
8. For Name specify BEAM_1.
9. For Cross-section type specify Library.
10. For Entities use the Pick Filters type Pick Curves.
12. Select the single curve in the viewport.
13. In the Beam Property form click the Done icon.
15. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser.
17. For Section name click the Pick... icon.
18. Select the section type named ROD_1 in the Model Browser.
20. Click OK.
Create 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.
To create the bar elements and nodes on the curve:

2. Select the Curve icon in the Automesh box.
3. For Curve To mesh click the Pick... icon.
4. Screen select the single curve.
5. In the Curve Mesher form click the Done icon.
6. For Element Size use 1.0.
7. Enter the X,Y,Z components of the Orientation Vector.
CHAPTER 5
• Orientation Vector X = 0
• Orientation Vector Y = 0
• Orientation Vector Z = 1
9. Select the property named BEAM_1 in the Model Browser.
10. In the Curve Mesher form click the Done icon.
11. Click OK to mesh the curve with 1D bar elements.
Show element labels:

1. From the Tools menu click Identify.
2. In the Identify Entities pick panel select Elements.
3. Click All.
4. Also, this can be done for the nodes.

5. Click Exit in the Identify Entities pick panel.

To constrain the cantilever end of the beam constrain the bottom left node:
2. Select the Fixed icon in the Constraints box.
4. Screen select the single node at the bottom left of the screen.
5. In the Fixed Constraint LBC form click the Done icon.
6. Click OK.
To create a load:
3. Screen select the single node at the top right of the screen.
CHAPTER 7

7. Click OK.
Note: You can view the forces and constraints that you have made by clicking on the Detailed
Rendering button located on the Render toolbar.
Create LBC Set

An analysis can be performed for multiple load sets (load cases). In this example we will only consider
one load set. The default load set (LBC Set, DefaultLbcSet) could be used, but instead an LBC Set will
be created. The new LBC Set will use the Fixed constraint and applied Force.
2. For Name specify Case_1.
4. Select, using the Shift key, the LBCs named Fully Fixed Constraint_1 and Force_2 in the Model
Browser tree.
6. Click OK.
Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

2. Enter Linear_Static_Cant_Beam for Job Name.
CHAPTER 9

Linear_Static_Cant_Beam.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK.

8. Click Apply.
9. Click Close.

1. For Load Cases right click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. Right click Loads/Boundaries, then select Select Lbc Set.
5. For Selected Lbc Set click Pick... icon.
6. Select Case_1 from the Model Browser tree.
7. In the Select Lbc Set form click the Done icon.
8. Click OK.

3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

1. For Simulations right click Linear_Static_Cant_Beam, then click Run.
Create Deformation Plots

To create stress and deformation plots it is necessary to first attach the MD Nastran XDB result file. Then,
the results can be displayed as a State or Chart plot. For this analysis, only State plots are to be created.

1. For File select Attach Results.
file named linear_static_cant_beam.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
To plot a deformation result:

4. Click Update.
To plot a fringe result for displacement on the deformed shape:

8. For Derivation select Magnitude.
9. Click Update.
CHAPTER 11

Linear Buckling Analysis of a Column
Linear Buckling Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A beam is constrained on one end, and a force is applied along the centerline of the beam on the other end.
The finite element model is composed of CBAR elements.

The analysis focuses on obtaining the constraint forces, displacement distribution, and the deformation
of the model.

• Create material and bar element properties.
• Create the geometry of the beam.
• Specify simulation conditions for a linear buckling analysis.
• Create fringe and deformation plots.
Startup SimXpert and Create Finite Elements

In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and an

English:
2. Select Tools > Options.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
• Click OK.

In this section we will be using SimXpert’s geometry tool Curve to create a curve.
1. Select the Curve icon in the Curve group.
2. Click in the Entities textbox.
6. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve into the model window.
CHAPTER 3
Create an Isotropic Material:

1. On the Material and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group.
Name Aluminum
3. Click OK.
Create a 1D Property:
1. First, create a Beam Section. On the Material and Properties tab, select Beam Section from the
1D Properties group.
2. For Section Type, select BAR.
3. For Section Name, enter BAR_1.

4. On the diagram click the numeric values of the height and width.
(Y elem) height: 0.1

(Z elem) width: 0.2
5. Click OK.
6. Secondly, create the 1D Property Beam. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Beam from
the 1D Properties group.
7. For Name, enter Column.
8. For Cross-section type select Library.
10. Select the Pick... icon.
11. Select the Pick Filters type Pick Curves.
12. Select the curve from the viewport.
14. Click in the Material textbox.
15. Select the material named Aluminum in the Model Browser tree.
16. Click in the Section name textbox.
17. Select BAR_1 from the Model Browser tree.
18. Click OK.
Create 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.

1. On the Meshing tab, select Curve from the Automesh group.
2. Click in the Curve To mesh textbox.
3. Screen select the curve.
4. For Element Size, enter 2.5.
5. Enter the X,Y,Z components of the Orientation Vector.
6. Click in the Element property texbox.
7. Select the property named Column in the Model Browser tree.
8. Click OK to mesh the curve with 1D bar elements.

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3. Click All

To create the constraints at the right-end of the column:

1. On the LBCs tab, select General from the Constraints group.
2. For Name, enter Right End Constraint.
4. Screen pick the right-end node on the curve.
5. Uncheck Rx and Rz checkboxes, leaving all other degrees-of-freedom checked.
6. Click Apply.
To create the constraints at the left-end of the column:

1. On the LBCs tab, select General from the Constraints group.
2. For Name enter Left End Constraint.
4. Screen pick the left-end node on the curve.
5. Check only Tx, Tz, and Ry.
6. Click OK.
To create a force at the top of the column:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Force from the Loads group.
2. For Name enter Buckling Force.
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4. Screen pick the left-end node on the curve.
• Direction Y = -1.0
7. Click OK.
Setting up Buckling Load Job

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a linear buckling analysis.
To specify the buckling analysis solution parameters:

1. Right click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Buckling_Column as the Job Name.
3. Select Linear Buckling Analysis (SOL 105) for Solution Type.
4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name Buckling_Column.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK.


8. Click Apply.
9. Click Close.

1. For Load Cases right click Loads, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. Under Loads/Boundaries, right click DefaultLbcSet, then select Properties.
5. Accept the default values.
6. Click OK.

3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
To specify eigenvalue extraction for each subcase:

1. Right click Eigenvalue Extraction, then select Properties.
2. Use the default settings.
3. Click OK.
4. Under Eigenvalue Extraction, right-click Loadcase Control, then select Properties.
5. Select Eigenmode Extraction.
6. Set Number of Desired Roots to 1.
7. Click Apply.
8. Click Close.

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3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Buckling_Column and click Run.

created.

2. Click the browse button and select the file buckling_column.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Select Results as the Attach Option.
5. Click OK.
To plot the result:

1. On the Result tab, select Deformation.
2. Select Result Cases SC2: Mode 1.
3. Select Result type Eigenvectors,Translational.
4. Click Update.
5. Under the Plot Data tab select Fringe for Plot type.
6. Select Result Cases SC2: Mode 1.
7. For Result type select Eigenvectors,Translational.
9. Click Update.

Buckling Analysis of a Simply Supported Plate
Time Required
Problem Description
This problem is the simulation of a rectangular plate that is pinned at one end and partially pinned at the
other end. The partially pinned end of the plate is to be subjected to a buckling load. The results are to be
viewed.
.
2 Buckling Analysis of Simply Supported Plate

• Create material and shell element properties.
• Perform mapped mesh.
• Specify simulation conditions for a buckling analysis.


English:
2. Set the UI to Action/Object (not the Solver Card) using the Tools menu.
3. Select Options.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.
To Create the Isotropic Material:

2. Select the Materials and Properties tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.
3. Select the Isotropic icon in the Material group.
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Name Steel
5. Click OK.

1. Select the Shell icon in the 2D Properties group.
2. For Name specify Plate.
4. Select the material named Steel in the Model Browser tree.
5. For the Shell Property form click Done icon.
6. For Part Thickness enter 0.1
7. Click Advanced. Use the default settings.
8. Click OK.
Create Geometry and Finite Elements

To create a geometric surface:
Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel curves/lines
using SimXpert’s polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D surface:
1. Select the Geometry tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.
1. Select the Filler icon in the Surface box.
2. Uncheck Using Curves.
5. In the X,Y,Z Input box enter 2 0 0, then click OK.
8. Click OK in the Filler form.
9. For the View Manipulation tool bar click the Fill icon.
Optional:
1. Experiment with the Hatch lines On/Off icon.
2. Experiment with the Wireframe icon.
To specify the size of elements:

2. Select the Seed icon in the Automesh box.
3. Screen pick both short surface edges.
4. Select Uniform for Type.
5. On the Seed form enter 4 for Number of Elements.
6. Click Apply.
7. Repeat steps 3-5 for both long surface edges; enter 10 for Number of Elements. Note, clear 2
Curves from Curves list box.
8. Click OK.
To create a mapped mesh for the geometric surface:

1. Select the Surface icon in the Automesh box.
2. In Surface to mesh click the Pick... icon.
3. Screen select the single surface.
6. Select Plate in the Model Browser tree.
CHAPTER 5

8. Click OK.

To create buckling force constraint on left edge of the surface:

3. For Name enter Buckling_Force_Constraint.
4. Under Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Curves.
6. Select the curve on the left short surface edge, where the buckling force will be applied.
8. For Translations uncheck Ty checkbox.
9. For Rotations uncheck Rx, Ry, Rz checkbox.
10. Click OK.
To create pinned anchor constraint on right edge of surface:

1. Select the Pin icon in the Constraints group.
2. For Name enter Anchor_Pin_Constraint.
5. Select the curve on the right short surface edge, where the plate will be anchored.
6. In the Pin Constraint LBC form click the Done icon.
7. Click OK.
CHAPTER 7
To create load for buckling of plate model:

1. Select the Force icon in the Loads group.
2. For Name enter Buckling_Force.
5. Select the curve on the left short surface edge, where the buckling force is to be applied.
7. For Magnitude enter 1000.0
• Direction Y = -1.0
9. Click OK.
Setting up Buckling Load Job

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a Linear Buckling Analysis.
To specify the linear buckling analysis solution parameters for setup job:
1. Right click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Buckling_Analysis_of_Plate_Model as the Job Name.
3. Select Linear Buckling Analysis (SOL 105) for Solution Type.

Buckling_Analysis_of_Plate_Model.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK.

3. Shell Normal Tolerance Angle 20.
4. Plate RZ Stiffness Factor 100.
9. Click Apply.
10. Click Close.

1. For Load Cases right click Loads, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. Under Loads/Boundaries, right click DefaultLbcSet, then select Properties.
6. Click OK.

3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

1. Right click Eigenvalue Extraction, then select Properties.
CHAPTER 9
2. Use the default settings.

3. Click OK.
4. Under Eigenvalue Extraction, right-click Loadcase Control, then select Properties.
7. Click Apply.
8. Click Close.

3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Buckling_Analysis_of_Plate_Model.
2. Click Run.

created.
To Attach a MD Nastran XDB Result File:

2. Select the file buckling_analysis_of_plate_model.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
To Plot a Deformation Result:

1. From the Results menu select Deformation.
2. For Result Cases select Mode 1: Factor = 0.40952.
3. Select Result type Eigenvectors, Translational.
4. Click Update.
To plot a Stress Fringe Result:

1. Select Fringe as Plot type.
2. For Result Cases select Mode 1: Factor = 0.40952.
5. Click Update.

Modal Analysis of Cantilevered Beam
Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
This problem involves modeling a cantilevered beam using CBAR elements. The model is constrained
at one end. You will calculate the natural frequencies and normal modes of the model.

• Create Nodes and 1D elements by meshing the geometric curve.
• Set up simulation conditions for a modal analysis.
• Create deformation plots.
2 Geometry

In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create element properties and define
an part which will be used to create the geometry.
To enter the Structures Workspace, not set UI as Solver Card, and set Units as
English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Structures as the default workspace from the startup panel.
2. Make sure to not set the UI to Solver Card.
3. Select Tools / Options.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
• Force: “lbf”
8. Click OK.
To Create an Isotropic Material:

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group.
2. On the Isotropic Material form, enter:
Name: Steel
Young’s modulus 3.05e7
Density (mass) 0.284
3. Click OK.
To create an element Property:

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Beam Section from the 1D Properties group.
2. In the Section Type dropdown menu, select ROD.
CHAPTER 3
3. For Setion Name, enter BAR.

4. On the diagram click the value of the radius, and enter 0.25:
DIM1: 0.25
5. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
7. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Beam from the 1D Properties group.
8. For Cross-section type, select Library.
9. Click the Material textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser.
10. Click Section name, and select BAR from the Model Browser.
11. Click OK.

In this section we will be using SimXperts geometry tool, polyline/spline, to create a curve.
1. On the Geometry tab, select Curve from the Curve group.
3. In the X,Y,Z Input form enter 12 0 0, then click OK
5. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curve to the model window.
4 Geometry
Creating 1D Elements on the Curve

We will be creating 1D Bar elements along the curve by using the curve mesher.

1. On the Meshing tab, select Curve from the Automesh group.
2. Click in the Curve to mesh textbox.
3. Screen pick the curve.
4. For Element Size enter 1.0.
5. Enter the XYZ components of the Orientation Vector.
6. Click in the Element Property textbox.
7. Select BEAM_1 from the Model Browser tree.
8. Click OK.

3. Click All.

CHAPTER 5

The model must be constrained at one end. A load is not to be applied to the beam because this is a modal
analysis.
To constrain the cantilever end of the beam constrain the bottom left node:
5. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraint group.
7. Screen pick bottom left node.
8. Click OK.
Setting up the Modal Analysis Job

We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This is to be used to obtain a BDF
file, which is to be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

1. From the Model Browser tree right-click FileSet and click Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Modal_Cant_Beam for Job Name.
3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Analysis (SOL 103).
4. For Solver Input File navigate to the desired directory and enter the name Modal_Cant_Beam.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK.
6 Geometry

3. Weight - Mass Conversion, 0.00259
8. Click Apply.
9. Click Close.

1. Under Load Cases, right-click Loadcase Control, then select Properties.
4. Click Apply.
5. Click Close.
To create a loads/boundaries case:

1. Under Loads/Boundaries, right-click DefaultLbcSet, then select Properties.
3. Click OK.

1. For Output Requests right-click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
4. For Output Requests right-click Element Stress Output Request, then click Properties.
6. Click OK.
To run the modal analysis job:

1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Modal_Cant_Beam
2. Click Run.
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Attach the MD Nastran Results File

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database to view the results.
2. Click the browse button and select the file Modal_Cant_Beam.xdb.
3. Click Open.
5. Click OK.

We will display the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots for displacement
results.
1. On the Results tab, select Deformation.
2. For Result Cases select Mode1: Freq = 98.526.
3. For Result type select Eigenvectors, Translational.
4. Click Deformation tab.
5. Under Deformed shape, set the following:
• Render style: Wireframe.
• Edge color: black.
6. Click Plot Data tab.
8 Geometry
7. Select Update.
12. Select Update.
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13. Select Clear.

14. Under the Plot Data tab select Deformation for Plot type.
15. For Result Cases select Mode 5: Freq = 1683.8.
17. Click Deformation tab.
18. Under Deformed shape, set the following:
• Render style: Wireframe.
• Edge color: black.
19. Click Plot Data tab.
20. Select Update.
10 Geometry
CHAPTER 11
25. Select Update.

12 Geometry
Normal Mode Analysis of Rectangular Plate That is
Pinned at Each End
Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description:
A 5x2 plate is constrained translationally on two ends, then a modal analysis is performed.

2 Geometry

• Perform meshing.
• Set up simulation conditions for a modal analysis.

In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then create an isotropic material and a shell
English:
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.

1. On the Materials and Properties tab select Isotropic from Material group.
2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values:
Young’s Modulus 10E6

Density 0.101
3. Click OK.
CHAPTER 3

1. On the Materials and Properties tab select Shell from 2D Properties group.
2. Click in the Material textbox and select Isotropic_1 from the Model Browser tree.
3. On the Shell Property form enter 0.1 for Part thickness.
4. Click OK.
Create a Geometric Surface

Creating the geometry for the plate is accomplished in two steps. First create two parallel lines using
SimXpert’s polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body (surface).
1. On the Geometry tab, select Filler from the Surface group.
2. Uncheck Using Curves then click in the Entites textbox.
7. In the Filler surface form click OK.
8. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Top to show a plan view.
9. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the curves to the model window.
4 Geometry
Mesh the Geometric Surface

1. On the Meshing tab, select Surface from the Automesh group.
2. Click in the Surface to Mesh textbox.
3. Screen select the surface.
4. For Element Size use the value 0.25.
5. For Mesh type use the default of Mixed.
6. For Mesh Method select Mapped.
7. Click in the Element property textbox.
8. From the Model Browser tree select SHELL_1.
9. Click OK.

The plate is to have the translational freedoms of each of the short ends constrained. No loading will be
applied because this is a modal analysis.
To create single point constraint (SPC):

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pin from the Constraint group.
2. For the Pick Filters toolbar, set to Pick Nodes.
4. Drag a rectangle around the nodes at each end of the plate.
CHAPTER 5
5. Click OK.

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This is to be used to obtain a BDF
file, which is to be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

2. On the job properties form enter Modal_Analy_of_Pin_Pin_Plate for Job Name.
Modal_Analy_of_Pin_Pin_Plate.
5. Click Save.
6 Geometry
6. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Solver Control, then click Properties.
3. Shell Normal Tolerance Angle, 20.0
4. Plate RZ Stiffness Factor, 100.0
5. Weight - Mass Conversion, 0.00259
10. Click Apply.
11. Click Close.

4. Click Apply.
5. Click Close.

3. Click OK.

3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

CHAPTER 7
1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Modal_Analy_of_Pin_Pin_Plate

2. Click Run.

2. Click the browse button and select the file Modal_Analy_of_Pin_Pin_Plate.xdb.
3. Click Open.
5. Click OK.
Create Deformation and Fringe Plot

View the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots.
2. From the Render toolbar select Geometry Wireframe and FE Wireframe.
3. For Result Cases select SC1: Mode 1:Freq = 356.91.
5. Select Update.
7. For Result Cases select SC1: Mode 1:Freq = 356.91.
10. Select Update.
8 Geometry
11. Follow Steps 3 through 11 to plot the results for the remaining result cases.

Modal Analysis of a Model of a Solid Crank
Modal Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A slightly complex thick walled square tube like structure with fillets and an interior hole is to be
modeled.
The finite element model of the structure is to be with Tet10 elements.

The structure is to be constrained at one end.
The analysis focuses on obtaining the displacement distribution and the deformation of the model.

• Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the solid crank.
• Create a constraint, and an LBC set
• Specify simulation conditions for a modal analysis.

English:
• Length: “mm”.
• Mass: “kg”.
• Time: “s”.
• Temperature: “kelvin”.
• Force: “mN”
8. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid Solid:

select the file crank_demo.xmt_txt.
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 3

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Isotropic from the Material group..
2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the values.
Young’s Modulus 2.1e8

Density 7.856e-6
3. Click OK

1. On the Materials and Properties tab, select Solid from the 3D Properties group.
2. Click in the Entities textbox and select the crank geometry from the screen.
3. Click in the Material textbox and select Isotropic_1 from the Model Browser.
4. Click OK.
Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Creating the Tet10 element mesh for the Parasolid solid.
1. On the Meshing tab, select Solid from the Automesh group.

2. Click in Solid to mesh textbox.
3. Screen select the solid.
4. Enter 10.0 for Element Size.
5. Select Quadratic for Element Type to obtain Tet10 elements.
6. Click OK to mesh the solid with 3D Tet10 elements.
Create Constraints
The model must be constrained at one end. A load is not to be applied to the model because this is a modal
analysis.

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pin from the Constraint group.
3. From the View menu select Model Views, then select Rear.
CHAPTER 5
4. Select Pick Surface from the Pick Filters toolbar.

5. Drag a rectangle around the right end of the part to select the rear surface of the crank.
6. Click OK.

Next, specify the values of the solution parameters for a modal analysis.
To specify the modal analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

2. On the job properties form enter Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model for Job Name.
Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model.
5. Click Save.
6. Click OK

1. In the Model Browser right-click Solver Control, then click Properties.
8. Click Apply.
9. Click Close.

4. Click Apply.
5. Click Close.

3. Click OK.

CHAPTER 7
3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser tree right-click Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model
2. Click Run.

2. Click the browse button and select the file Modal_Analysis_of_Crank_Model.xdb.
3. Click Open.
5. Click OK.
6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Isometric View.
7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
Create Deformation and Fringe Plots

We will visually assess our results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots.
To plot a deformation result:

1. On the Result tab, select Deformation.
2. Select Result Cases Mode 1: Freq = 1038.
4. Click Update.
To plot a stress fringe result:

5. Click Update.
CHAPTER 9
6. Click Clear.
To plot a deformation result for Mode 3:

1. Select Deformation as Plot type.
4. Click Update.
To plot a stress fringe result:

5. Click Update.
6. Click Clear.
Modal Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular
Plate
Time Required
Problem Description
There are several things that must be done to perform the simulation of a rectangular plate constrained at
one end and a periodic concentrated force applied at the other end.
• Create a rectangular shaped geometric surface
• Constrain one end of the surface
• Apply a concentrated force at the other end of the surface
• Create DELAY, DPHASE, and RLODAD1 MD Nastran entries
• Specify modal damping
• Perform the simulation
2 Geometry

• Set up simulation conditions for a frequency response analysis.

English:
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.

2. From the Tool Ribbon, click on the Materials and Properties tab, and click on Isotropic in the
Material box.
CHAPTER 3
Name (default): Isotropic_1

E (Young’s modulus) 10.0e6
NU (Poisson’s ratio) 0.3
RHO (mass density) 0.101
4. Click OK.
To Create an element Property:

1. From the Tool Ribbon, click the Materials and Properties tab, then click on Shell in the 2D
Properties box.
2. Click in Material.
3. Click Pick... icon, then click on Isotropic_1 in the Model Browser.
4. For Part thickness enter 0.1.
5. Click OK.

SimXpert’s polyline/spline tool, then fill the surface to create a 2D body:
1. From the Tool Ribbon, click on the Geometry tab and select Curve in the Curve box.
4. Click Apply in the PolClearyline Spline form.
5. Clear the Entities listbox by pressing the Backspace key, then click Remove All.
6. For Pick Filters toolbar, under Point Filters select Specify XYZ coordinates
7. In the X,Y,Z Input box, enter 0 2 0, then click OK.
10. To access the View menu, right click in the space above the tool ribbon and select View in the
dropdown menu.
11. From the View menu, click Plan to show a top view.
12. From the View menu, click the Fill button to fit the curves to the model window.
4 Geometry
13. From the Geometry tool ribbon tab, select Filler from the Surface box.
14. If necessary, click Using Curves in the Filler form.
15. For the Curves textbox, click the Pick... icon.
16. Click on the two curves.
17. In the Filler form, click the Done icon.
18. In the Filler form, click OK.

1. From the Meshing tool ribbon tab, select Surface from the Automesh box.
2. For Surface To mesh, click the Pick... icon.
6. For Element Property, click the Pick... icon.
7. Select SHELL_1 in the Model Browser tree.
CHAPTER 5
9. Click OK to mesh the surface with 2D quad4 elements.

The plate will have the translational freedoms on the left end constrained while a force will be applied
to the corner node on the right side.

1. From the tool ribbon LBCs tab, click Fixed from the Constraints box.
2. Change the Name to Fully_Fixed_Constraint_1.
3. Select Pick Curves as the mode of selection in the Pick Filters toolbar.
4. Click in the Entities field and screen pick the curve on the left end of the plate.
5. Click OK.
To create unit force (FORCE):

1. From the Tool Ribbon, click on Force under the Loads box.
2. Change the Name to Unit_Force.
3. For Entities, click in the field and then screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate.
6 Geometry
4. Enter 1 for the Magnitude.

5. Enter the following values for the Static tab:
Direction X 0
Direction Y 0
Direction Z 1
6. Click OK.
To create an RLOAD1 entry:

1. From the Model Browser tree, right-click LBC, then click on Create LBC, then click on SPC
BC, then click on DELAY.
2. Click in the Entities textbox, then click the Pick... icon.
3. For the Pick Filters toolbar, under FEM Filters, select Pick Nodes.
4. Select the node at the bottom right corner of the plate.
5. For the Time delay LBC form click the Done icon.
6. Click the checkbox for Tz, and for Time delay enter a value of 0.0.
7. Click OK.
CHAPTER 7
BC, then click on DPHASE.
12. For the Phase lead LBC form click the Done icon.
13. Click the checkbox for Tz, and for Phase lead enter a value of 0.0.
14. Click OK.
In the Tool Ribbon, click on the Fields/Tables tab, click on NastranBDF in the Tables box, then select
TABLED1.
15. Press the Add “+” button twice, and enter the following values
20 1
1000 1
16. Click OK.

17. From the Model Browser tree, double-click Unit_Force.
18. Click the checkbox for the Dynamic tab.
19. For Dynamic type, select Frequency Excitation (Mag/Phase).
20. For the Time delay field, from the Model Browser tree select DELAY_3.
21. For Dynamic excitation, select LOAD.
22. For the Id of TABLEDi entry B(f), click on the Pick... arrow icon and select TABLE_1 from the
Model Browser tree.
23. For the Phase angle field, from the Model Browser tree select DPHASE_4.
24. Click OK.
8 Geometry
Set up Simulation Conditions for a Modal Frequency

Response Analysis and Perform a Simulation
We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will make it possible to create
a BDF file, which can be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To create a job:
1. From the Model Browser tree, right click on FileSet, then click on Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Modal_Frequency_Response for Job Name.
3. For Solution Type drop down menu select Modal_Frequency_Response (SOL 111).
4. For Solver Input File, navigate to the desired folder, enter the file name
Modal_Frequency_Response, then click Save.
5. Click OK to create the new job.

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Solver Control, then click Properties.
3. For Shell Normal Tolerance Angle enter 20.0.
4. For Plate RZ Stiffness Factor enter 100.0.
5. For Weight-Mass Conversion enter 0.00259.
6. For Node for Weight Generation enter 0.
7. Click Apply.
9. For Structural Damping Coeff. enter 0.06.
10. Click Apply.
13. Click Apply.
14. Click Close.
To specify the loadcase:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
To specify solution and output frequencies:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Loadcase Control, then click Properties.
CHAPTER 9

3. For Method select Lanczos.
4. For Number of Desired Roots enter 10.
5. Click Apply.
6. Select Recover Frequencies Table.
7. For Recovery Frequencies form click the plus icon (“+”) once.
8. On the Recovery Frequencies form enter the following values:
Type Linear distribution

Number of Increments 49
Start Frequency 20
End Frequency 1000
9. On the Recovery Frequencies form click Apply.

10. Select Damping Definition Table.
11. For Damping Type select Critical Damping (CRIT).
12. For Damping Definition Table form click the plus icon (“+”) twice.
13. On the Damping Definition Table form enter the following values:
Frequency Damping Value

20 0.03
1000 0.03
14. For Damping Definition Table click Apply.

15. Click Close.
To specify loads and boundaries:

1. In the Model Browser tree, under Loads/Boundaries, right-click DefaultLbcSet, then click
Properties.
3. Click OK.
To specify the results to obtain:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties.
2. For Sorting select By Frequency / Time.
3. Click OK.
10 Geometry
To Run job:
1. In the Model Browser tree under Simulations, right click on Modal_Frequency_Response.
2. Click Run.
Attach Results
1. From the File menu click Attach Results.
2. For File path navigate to the results file Modal_Frequency_Response.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
5. From the View menu select Model Views, then click Isometric View.
6. From the View menu select Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.

Visually assess the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots.
1. From the tool ribbon Results tab, click Deformation from the Results box.
2. For Result Cases select Freq. = 100.
3. For Result type select Displacements, Translational.
4. Select the Deformation tab.
5. For Undeformed shape under Edge color select red.
6. Click in the checkbox for Show undeformed.
7. Select the Plot Data tab.
8. Select Update.
CHAPTER 11
9. From the tool ribbon Results tab, click Fringe from the Results box.
13. Select Update.
12 Geometry

Direct Frequency Response Analysis of a Rectangular
Plate
Time Required
Problem Description
There are several things that must be done to perform the simulation of a rectangular plate constrained at
one end and a periodic concentrated force applied at the other end.
• Create a rectangular shaped geometric surface
• Constrain one end of the surface
• Apply a concentrated force at the other end of the surface
• Create DELAY, DPHASE, and RLODAD1 MD Nastran entries
• Specify modal damping
• Perform the simulation
2 Geometry

• Set up simulation conditions for a frequency response analysis.

English:
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.

2. From the Tool Ribbon, click on the Materials and Properties tab, and click on Isotropic in the
Material box.
CHAPTER 3
Name (default): Isotropic_1

E (elastic modulus) 10.0e6
NU (Poisson’s ratio) 0.3
RHO (mass density) 0.101
4. Click OK.
To Create an element Property:

1. From the Tool Ribbon, click the Materials and Properties tab, then click on Shell in the 2D
Properties box.
2. Click in Material.
3. Click Pick... icon, then click on Isotropic_1 in the Model Browser.
4. For Part thickness enter 0.1.
5. Click OK.

1. From the Tool Ribbon, click on the Geometry tab and select Curve in the Curve box.
4. Click Apply in the PolClearyline Spline form.
5. Clear the Entities listbox by pressing the Backspace key, then click Remove All.
6. For Pick Filters toolbar, under Point Filters select Specify XYZ coordinates
10. To access the View menu, right click in the space above the tool ribbon and select View in the
dropdown menu.
11. From the View menu, click Plan to show a top view.
12. From the View menu, click the Fill button to fit the curves to the model window.
4 Geometry
13. From the Geometry tool ribbon tab, select Filler from the Surface box.
14. If necessary, click Using Curves in the Filler form.
15. For the Curves textbox, click the Pick... icon.
16. Click on the two curves.
17. In the Filler form, click the Done icon.
18. In the Filler form, click OK.

1. From the Meshing tool ribbon tab, select Surface from the Automesh box.
2. For Surface To mesh, click the Pick... icon.
6. For Element Property, click the Pick... icon.
7. Select SHELL_1 in the Model Browser tree.
CHAPTER 5
9. Click OK

The plate will have the translational freedoms on the left end constrained while a force will be applied
to the corner node on the right side.

1. From the tool ribbon LBCs tab, click Fixed from the Constraints box.
2. Change the Name to BCS3.
3. Select Pick Curves as the mode of selection in the Pick Filters toolbar.
4. Click in the Entities field and screen pick the curve on the left end of the plate.
5. Click OK.
To create unit force (FORCE):

1. From the Tool Ribbon, click on Force under the Loads box.
2. Change the Name to Unit_Force.
3. For Entities, click in the field and then screen pick the node at the bottom right corner of the plate.
6 Geometry
4. Enter 1 for the Magnitude.

5. Enter the following values for the Static tab:
Direction X 0
Direction Y 0
Direction Z 1
6. Click OK.
To create an RLOAD1 entry:

BC, then click on DELAY.
5. For the Time delay LBC form click the Done icon.
6. Click the checkbox for Tz, and for Time delay enter a value of 0.0.
7. Click OK.
CHAPTER 7
BC, then click on DPHASE.
12. For the Phase lead LBC form click the Done icon.
13. Click the checkbox for Tz, and for Phase lead enter a value of 0.0.
14. Click OK.
In the Tool Ribbon, click on the Fields/Tables tab, click on NastranBDF in the Tables box, then select
TABLED1.
15. Press the Add “+” button twice, and enter the following values
20 1
1000 1
16. Click OK.

17. From the Model Browser tree, double-click Unit_Force.
18. Click the checkbox for the Dynamic tab.
19. For Dynamic type, select Frequency Excitation (Mag/Phase).
20. For the Time delay field, from the Model Browser tree select DELAY_3.
22. For the Id of TABLEDi entry B(f), click on the Pick... arrow icon and select TABLE_1 from the
Model Browser tree.
23. For the Phase angle field, from the Model Browser tree select DPHASE_4.
24. Click OK.
8 Geometry
Set up Simulation Conditions for a Direct Frequency

Response Analysis and Perform a Simulation
We will set up a Job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will make it possible to create
a BDF file, which can be used to solve the problem using MD Nastran.
To create a job:
1. From the Model Browser tree, right click on FileSet, then click on Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Direct_Frequency_Response for Job Name.
3. For Solution Type drop down menu select Direct Frequency Response (SOL 108).
Direct_Frequency_Response, then click Save.
5. Click OK.

3. For Shell Normal Tolerance Angle enter 20.0.
4. For Plate RZ Stiffness Factor enter 100.0.
5. For Weight-Mass Conversion enter 0.00259.
6. For Node for Weight Generation enter 0.
7. Click Apply.
9. For Structural Damping Coeff. enter 0.06.
10. Click Apply.
13. Click Apply.
14. Click Close.
To specify the loadcase:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click DefaultLoadCase, then click Properties.
3. Click OK.
To specify solution and output frequencies:

CHAPTER 9
2. Select Recover Frequencies Table.

3. For Recovery Frequencies form Click the plus icon (“+”) once.
4. On the Recovery Frequencies form enter the following values:
Type Linear distribution

Number of Increments 49
Start Frequency 20
End Frequency 1000
5. On the Recovery Frequencies Table form click Apply.

6. Click Close.
To specify loads and boundaries:

1. In the Model Browser tree, under Loads/Boundaries right-click DefaultLbcSet, then click
Properties.
3. Click OK.
To specify the results to obtain:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Displacement Output Request, then click Properties.
2. Change Sorting to By Frequency / Time.
3. Click OK.
To Run job:
1. In the Model Browser tree, under Simulations right-click on Direct_Frequency_Response.
2. Click Run.
Attach Results
2. For File path navigate to the results file Direct_Frequency_Response.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Click OK.
5. From the View menu select Model Views, then click Isometric View.
6. From the View menu select Display, then click Fill to fit the model to the model window.
10 Geometry

Visually assess the results using SimXpert to generate fringe and deformation plots.
1. From the tool ribbon Results tab, click Deformation from the Results box.
4. Select the Deformation tab.
5. For Undeformed shape under Edge color select red.
6. Click in the checkbox for Show undeformed.
7. Select the Plot Data tab.
8. Select Update.
9. From the tool ribbon Results tab, click Fringe from the Results box.
13. Select Update.
CHAPTER 11

12 Geometry
Direct Transient Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A 5 x 2 plate is constrained at one short edge, and at the opposite edge there is a periodic transient
concentrated force at one of its corners. Also, there is a periodic transient pressure load over the entire
plate. The simulation is to be transient using the direct method, as opposed to the modal method.
2 Geometry

• Set up simulation conditions for a direct transient analysis.

English:
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.

2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values::
Name: Steel
CHAPTER 3
Young’s modulus 30E6

3. Click OK.
To create an element property:

2. Click in the Material textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser tree.
4. Click OK.

4 Geometry

2. Click in the Surface To mesh textbox.
4. For Element Size use the value 0.4
5. For Mesh Type use the default of Mixed.
7. For Element property select SHELL_1 from the Model Browser.
CHAPTER 5

The plate is to have the translational and rotational degrees-of-freedom on the left end constrained, while
a force is to be applied to a corner node on the right side. In addition to this a constant pressure load over
the plate is to be applied.
To create single point constraint:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraints group.
2. Select Pick Curves from the Pick Filter toolbar.
3. Click in the Entities field.
4. Screen pick the curve on the left edge of the model.
5. Click OK.
6 Geometry
To create a pressure load on the model:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pressure from the Pressure group.
3. Select the surface from the screen.
4. Enter a Pressure value of -1.0.
5. Click Advanced.
6. Click the Dynamic tab, and the Dynamic checkbox.
7. For Dynamic type, select Transient Excitation (Analytical).
9. For Time constant 1, enter 0.0.
11. For Frequency, enter 250.0.
12. For Phase angle, enter -90.0.
13. Click OK.
CHAPTER 7
To create a concentrated force:

4. For Magnitude, enter 50.0.
6. Enter the following values:
Direction X 0
Direction Y 0
Direction Z 1

14. Click OK.
8 Geometry
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Direct Transient Analysis

Set up a job by defining the specific input and output requests. This will yield a BDF file, from which an
MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the transient analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

1. From the Model Browser tree, right-click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for Job
Name.
3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Direct Transient Analysis (SOL109).
Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model, then click Save.
5. Click OK.
To specify the Solver Control Parameters:

2. On the Generic Solver Parameters form enter the following values.
Shell Normal Tolerance Angle 20.0

Plate RZ Stiffness Factor 100.0
Weight-Mass Conversion 0.00259
CHAPTER 9
3. Click Apply.
4. On the Solution 109 Parameters form enter the following values:
Structural Damping Coeff. 0.06

W3 Damping Factor 1570.0
W4 Damping Factor 0
5. Click Apply.
6. Select Output File Properties from the list.
7. Check Print under Text Output.
8. Select XDB for Binary Output.
9. Click Apply.
10. Click Close.
Setup Loadcase Control:

12. On the Time Step Definition Table form, click Add (+).
13. Enter time step increment data:
Number of Time Steps 100

Time Increment 0.0004
Skip Factor 1
14. Click Apply.

15. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model
2. Click Run.

We will attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database.
1. From the File menu, click Attach Results.
2. Click the browse button and select the file
Direct_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model.xdb.
10 Geometry
3. Click Open.
4. Select Result as the Attach Option.
5. Click OK.
Create Deformation State Plot

To create deformation plots:
2. For Result Cases select Time = 0.02.
3. For Result type select Displacement, Translational.
4. Click on the Deformation Tab and check Show undeformed.
5. Click the Plot Data tab.
6. Select Update.
7. Select Fringe for Plot type.

CHAPTER 11
11. Select Update.

12 Geometry
Cantilevered Plate - Modal Transient Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A 5 x 2 plate is constrained at one short edge, and at the opposite edge there is a periodic transient
concentrated force at one of its corners. Also, there is a periodic transient pressure load over the entire
plate. The simulation is to be transient using the modal method, as opposed to the direct method.

• Set up simulation conditions for a direct transient analysis.
2 Geometry

English:
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “s”.
8. Click OK.

2. On the Isotropic Material form enter the following values::
Name: Steel
Young’s modulus 30E6
3. Click OK.
To create an element property:

2. Click in the Material textbox and select Steel from the Model Browser tree.
CHAPTER 3

4. Click OK.


4 Geometry
2. Click in the Surface To mesh textbox.

4. For Element Size use the value 0.4
5. For Mesh Type use the default of Mixed.
7. For Element property select SHELL_1 from the Model Browser.
.

The plate is to have the translational and rotational degrees-of-freedom on the left end constrained, while
a force is to be applied to a corner node on the right side. In addition to this a constant pressure load over
the plate is to be applied.
To create single point constraint:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Fixed from the Constraints group.
2. Select Pick Curves from the Pick Filter toolbar.
3. Click in the Entities field.
4. Screen pick the curve on the left edge of the model.
5. Click OK.
CHAPTER 5
To create a pressure load on the model:

1. On the LBCs tab, select Pressure from the Pressure group.
3. Select the surface from the screen.
4. Enter a Pressure value of -1.0.
5. Click Advanced.
13. Click OK.
6 Geometry
To create a concentrated force:

4. For Magnitude, enter 50.0.
6. Enter the following values:
Direction X 0
Direction Y 0
Direction Z 1

14. Click OK.
CHAPTER 7
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Modal Transient Analysis

We will set up a job by defining our specific input and output requests. This will give us a BDF file, from
which an MSC Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the transient analysis solution parameters for setup of job:

1. From the Model Browser tree, right-click FileSet, then click Create new Nastran job.
2. On the job properties form enter Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model for Job
Name.
3. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Modal Transient Analysis (SOL112).
Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model, then click Save.
5. Click OK.
To specify the Solver Control Parameters:

2. On the Generic Solver Parameters form enter the following values.
Shell Normal Tolerance Angle 20.0

Plate RZ Stiffness Factor 100.0
Weight-Mass Conversion 0.00259
8 Geometry
3. Click Apply.
4. On the Solution 112 Parameters form enter the following values:
Structural Damping Coeff. 0.06

W3 Damping Factor 1570.0
W4 Damping Factor 0
5. Click Apply.
6. Select Output File Properties from the list.
7. Check Print under Text Output.
9. Click Apply.
10. Click Close.
Setup Loadcase Control:

13. For Method select Lanczos.
14. For Number of Desired Roots specify 10.
15. Select Time Step Definition Table.
16. On the Time Step Definition Table form, click Add (+).
17. Enter time step increment data:
Number of Time Steps 100

Time Increment 0.0004
Skip Factor 1
18. Click Apply.

19. Click Close.

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model.
2. Click Run.
CHAPTER 9

We will attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database.
2. Click the browse button and select the file
Modal_Transient_Analysis_of_5x2_Plate_Model.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. Select Result as the Attach Option.
5. Click OK.
Create Displacement Chart and Deformation Plot

To Create a Chart:
1. On the toolbox Result tab, click Chart.
2. Under Result Cases click on SC1 to select all the times.
3. For Result Type click Displacements, Translational.
4. For Derivation click Z Component.
5. Click on the window under Target Entities (in the form) and the node where the point force was
applied.
10 Geometry
6. Click Add Curves.
7. Click Clear Plot.

8. Close the Chart form.
To create deformation plots:

1. On the Results tab select Deformation.
4. Click the Deformation tab and check Show Undeformed.
5. Change the Undeformed shape Render Style to Wireframe.
6. For the View dropdown menu, select Entity Display, then click Boundary Condition Shown.
7. Select Update.
CHAPTER 11
8. Under the Plot Data tab, select Fringe for Plot type.
12 Geometry
12. Select Update.
This is the end of this exercise.

Freebody Analysis of a Truss
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
Truss Structure is fixed at one end with permanent constraints at all nodes. Point forces applied to top.

• Import a Nastran Bulk Data File.
• Define Material and Properties.
• Apply constraints.
• Set up and run analysis.
• Attach results and create freebody diagrams.
One Enterprise Project With One Model

1. Launch the SimXpert Structures Workspace.
Import Nastran File

1. Select File > Import > Nastran...
2. Select truss.bdf
3. Click Open.
Define Materials and Properties

1. Click the Materials and Properties tab.
2. Click Isotropic in the Material group.
3. Change the name to Alum.
4. Enter 10e6 and 0.3 for Young’s Modulus and Poisson’s Ratio respectively.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Beam Section in the 1D Properties group.
7. Select I for Section Type.
8. Click on the Web thickness dimension

9. Enter the value 0.1 and click OK.
10. Similarly change the flange thicknesses to 0.1 and the widths and height to 1.0 and 2.0
respectively
11. Click OK.
12. Click Beam in the 1D Properties group.
13. Click General.
14. Click Library.
15. Click in the Entities text box.
16. Pull down Select All on the Pick Filters toolbar.
17. Click in the Material text box.
18. Click on Alum in the Model Browser under Material.
19. Click in the Section name text box.
20. Click on BEAM_SECT_1 in the Model Browser under Property.
21. Click OK.
Apply Boundary Conditions.

1. Click the LBC’s tab.
2. Click Fixed in the Constraints group.
3. Change the orientation to Top.
4. Click Fill.
5. Click Entities text box.
6. Select the two corner nodes on the left side of the truss.
7. Click OK.
8. Click General in the Constraints group.
9. Pull down Select All on the Pick Filters toolbar
10. Uncheck Translations Tx and Ty and all Rotations (Rx, Ry, and Rz). This will constrain the
model to translate in plane only.
11. Select Permanent Motion.
12. Click OK.
13. Click Force in the Loads group.
14. Enter Vertical for Name.
15. Click in the Entities text box.
16. Select the four intersection nodes along the top of the truss.
17. Enter 250 as the force Magnitude.
CHAPTER 3
18. Set the Direction values to 0, -1, and 0. This will apply the force in negative Y direction.
19. Click Apply.
20. Change Name to Horizontal and Direction values to 1,0,0
21. Click OK.
Setup and Run Analysis

1. Right Click truss.bdf in the Model Browser and select Create new Nastran job.
2. Enter the Job Name truss.
3. Click OK. This will create a new job under Simulations.
4. Right click on Output Requests in the Model Browser.
5. Select Create Grid Point Force Balance Output Request
6. Click OK
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for, Create Constraint Output Request, Create Applied Load Output
Request, Create Element Force Output Request.
8. Right click on truss under Simulations in the Model Browser and select Run.
Attach Results file

1. Click Clear.
2. Select File > Attach Results.
3. Select the results file, truss.xdb and click Open.
4. Select Results from the Attach Options.
5. Click OK.
Plot Freebody Diagrams

1. Click the Results tab.
2. Select Free Body.
3. Select Freebody Diagram for Load selection.
4. Click Update.
Notice that SimXpert plots the combination of constraint forces and applied loads for the entire
model.
5. Select Applied Loads for Load selection.
6. Click the Freebody tab.
7. Un-check Show summation point.
8. Click Update to see the freebody diagram of applied loads.
9. Click the Plot Data tab
10. Select Constraint Forces for Load selection.
11. Click Update to see the freebody diagram of constraint forces.

Notice that SimXpert plots the Constraint forces for the entire model.
12. Select Freebody Diagram for Load selection.
13. Uncheck Mx, My, and Mz.
14. Click the Target Entities tab.
15. Pull down Target entities to Select entities.
16. Click Elements.
17. Select the two elements touching the top-middle node on the left side. Before selecting the two
elements, set the picking for Pick Filters to Accumulate Mode, then select the two elements.
18. Click Update to see a freebody diagram of the selected elements.
19. Click the Result Entities tab.
20. Select Resultant and uncheck Force.
21. Click Update to see resultant moments for selected elements.
22. Using Shift-Right-Click rotate the model slightly until the labels are visible.
23. Click Clear.
Plot Freebody Diagram of Interface Loads

1. Select Interface Loads for Load selection.
2. Select Component for the Result display method.
3. Uncheck Mx, My, and Mz.
4. Click the Target Entities tab.
5. Click Nodes.
6. Select the node that is shared by the selected elements (top-middle node).
7. Click the Freebody tab.
8. Check Show summation point.
9. Click Update to see freebody diagram of interface loads.
12. Uncheck Fx, Fy, and Fz and check Mx, My, and Mz.
13. Click Update to see the interface moments.
14. Click the Summation Point Tab.
15. Enter location 10 0 0.
16. Click Update to change the summation point.
18. Check Fx, Fy, and Fz and uncheck Mx, My, and Mz.
CHAPTER 5
19. Click Update to plot interface forces at the new summation point.
Postprocessing with Isosurfaces
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
View isosurfaces on a solid model using the provided results file.

• Attach Model and Results file
• Create an IsoSurface plot
• Dynamically Change IsoSurface Values
• Create fringe plot
• Move IsoSurface Along Model

Attach Model and Results File

1. Select File > Attach Results...
2. Click the folder icon.
3. Navigate to and select clevis.op2.
4. Click Open.
5. To attach both the model and results, select Both.
6. Click OK.
Create an Iso-Surface Plot

1. Under the Results tab, select Iso-Surface from the Results group.
2. Select Stress Tensor for Result type and Von Mises for Derivation.
3. Click the IsoSurface tab.
4. Select 4 for No. of isosurface values.
5. Enter 3000 for First value.

6. Enter 13000 for Last value.
7. Click Update.
8. Select Spectrum on the Tool Ribbon
9. Click Add.
10. Enter four_levels for Spectrum.
11. Enter 3000 for the Start value.
12. Enter 13000 for the End value.
13. Enter 4 for the No. of sub-ranges.
14. Select Auto for the Algorithm.
15. Click the Calculate button.
Notice in the spectrum that two blues are side by side. In the following steps you will make the
spectrum more distinct.
16. Click the Colors tab and drag a green color box onto the light blue band in the sample spectrum.
17. Click OK.
18. Close the Spectrum Manager.
19. Click the Isosurface / Isosurface settings tabs.
20. Change Spectrum to four_levels
21. Click Update.
22. Change Surface Style shading to flat shading.
23. Click Update. Contrast the two shading styles.
Dynamically Change IsoSurface Values

1. Click the Method settings tab.
2. Click Auto to automatically update the plot when settings change.
3. Slide the First value and Last Value sliders and observe the results display updating.
Create Isosurface and Fringe at Constant Planes.

4. Click Auto to toggle off automatic display updates.
5. Click By coordinate value for Method type.
6. Enter 5 for No. of isosurface values.
7. Select Global Coord. Sys for Coordinate system.
8. Select X-axis for Axis.
9. Enter –5.95 for First value and –1 for Last value.
10. Click the Isosurface settings tab.
CHAPTER 3
11. Click on IsoSurface 1 then shift-click on IsoSurface 5 to select all Isosurfaces.

12. Move transparency slider to 90 %.
13. Change Surface style back to Smooth Shading.
14. Click on the Plot Data tab.
15. Pull down Name and select Create Attribute.
16. Enter transparent for the plot attribute name.
17. Click OK.
18. Click Clear then click Update.
19. Pull down the Plot type to Fringe.
20. Select Von Mises for Derivation.
21. Click the Target entities tab.
22. Pull down IsoSurface plot for the Target entities.
23. Click transparent under Existing plots.
24. Click Update.
Create Isosurface and Fringe at Coordinate Location

1. Click Clear.
2. Pull down Plot type to IsoSurface.
3. Pull down Name to Create Attribute.
4. Enter single for the plot attribute name.
5. Click OK.
6. Click the IsoSurface tab and click Method settings.
7. Select By coordinate value for Method type.
8. Enter 1 for No. of IsoSurface values.
9. Select Coord. Sys -1 for Coordinate system.
10. Select X-axis for Axis. This will be the radial direction for this cylindrical coordinate system.
11. Enter 1.1 for First value.
12. Click Update.
14. Pull down Plot type to Fringe.
15. Click the Target entities tab.
16. Pull down Target entities to IsoSurface plot.
17. Click single under Existing plots.
18. Click Update.
Dynamically Move Isosurface Along Model

1. Pull down Plot type to IsoSurface.
2. Pull down Name to single.
3. Click the IsoSurface tab and the Method settings tab.
4. Click the Auto icon to dynamically update the screen display.
5. Move the slider to a desired location 5.35 in this case.
7. Change Plot type to Fringe.
8. Change the Plot type back to IsoSurface.
9. Click the IsoSurface tab.
10. Click in the First value text box and enter 2.7
12. Change Plot type to Fringe.
VMT Diagram
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
Import model and results from a Nastran results file and create 2 types of VMT diagrams.

• Attach a Nastran Bulk Data File.
• Create Monitor Points and a Monitor Groups
• Create a VMT diagrams

Attach Model and Results from Nastran File

1. Select File > Attach Results.
2. Select the results file freebody.xdb and click Open.
3. Select Both for the Attach Options.
4. Click OK.
5. Change the view to Left.
Create Monitor Points for Applied Loads

1. Click VMT under the Results tab.
2. Click the Monitor Points tab.
3. Drag the mouse to select the two elements in the center of the bottom row.
4. Enter 0 0 0 for Monitor Point / Enter location.
5. Click Apply.
6. Repeat selecting the two elements in the center of the middle row and entering 4 0 0 for Monitor
Point / Enter location.
7. Repeat one more time, this time selecting the two elements in the center of the top row and
entering 8 0 0 for Monitor Point / Enter location.
Create a Monitor Point Group.

1. Click the Monitor Point Groups Tab.
2. Click on each of the monitor points to move them to Monitor Point Group Order box.
3. Click Apply.
Create a VMT Diagram

2. Select SC2:FORCEONLY for Result Cases.
3. Select Applied Loads for Load Selection.
4. Click the Target Tab.
5. Click the Monitor Point Group MONGP001.
6. Click Update.
7. Orient the model to Isometric View.
Create Monitor Points for Interface Loads

1. Click Clear to remove the current VMT diagram.
2. Re-orient the model to Left view.
3. Click the Monitor Points tab.
4. Select Interface Loads for Monitor Point Type.
5. Under Target entities, click Elements.
6. Drag the mouse to select the three elements on the left hand side of the model.
7. Under Target entities, click Nodes.
8. Drag the mouse to select the interface nodes for the selected elements (4 nodes between the
selected elements and the non-selected elements - Node 13:46:11).
9. Enter 0 0 0 for Monitor Point / Enter location.
10. Click Apply.
11. Repeat steps 5 tough 10 for element columns 3, 5, 7, and 9 from the left, each time selecting the
interface nodes on the right side of the elements with locations 4 0 0, 8 0 0, 12 0 0, 16 0 0
respectively.
CHAPTER 3
Monitor Point
Element List Node List Location
11:31:10 13:16:11 000
13:33:10 15:48:11 400
15:35:10 17:50:11 800
17:37:10 19:52:11 12 0 0
19:39:10 21:54:11 16 0 0
Create Second Monitor Point Group.

1. Click the Monitor Point Groups tab.
2. Select Interface Loads for Monitor Point Group Type.
3. Click on monitor points to move them to the Monitor Point Group Order box.
4. Click Apply.
5. Click the Shear Moment Diagram tab.
6. Click the Chart Attributes tab.
7. Uncheck All curves on same chart.
8. Click the Display Attributes tab.
9. Check Show contributing value.
10. Click the Data Transforms tab.
11. Pull down Filter to None.
Create a VMT Plot of Interface Loads

2. Click on the Results Entities tab.
3. Highlight SC2:FORCEONLY for Result Cases.
4. Select Interface Loads for Load Selection.
5. Click the Target tab.
6. Click Monitor Point Groups MONGP002 – Interface Loads to select it.
7. Click Update.
Piston and Cylinder Assembly
Time Required
Problem Description.
This example shows the simulation of a piston and cylinder assembly subject to specific motion. The
example covers many simulation topics, including importing geometry, creating hardpoints, creating
various types of joints, and imposing motion.
2 Geometry

• Import a parasolid model file.
• Create the connecting rod part.
• Import the crankshaft geometry.
• Create the crankshaft part.
• Import the piston geometry. Create the piston part.
• Import the engine block geometry.
• Create the engine block part.
• Create hard points.
• Create cylindrical, spherical, revolute and translational joints.
• Create a motion.
• Perform the simulation.
• View the results.
Startup SimXpert, Define Properties, and Import Files

To enter the Motion Workspace, and set Units as SI:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Motion as the workspace from the startup panel.
2. Select Options from theTools menu.
• Length: “m”.
• Mass: “kg”.
• Time: “s”.
• Angle: “degree”.
• Force: “N”.
5. Click OK.

CHAPTER 3

select the file conrod.x_t.
3. Click Open.
To create a rod Part:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Part.
2. Enter conrod for the Part Name.
3. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the
connecting rod model in the model window.
4. Click OK.
4 Geometry

select the file crankshaft.x_t.
3. Click Open.
To create a crankshaft Part:

2. Enter crankshaft for the Part Name.
CHAPTER 5
crankshaft model in the model window.
4. Click OK.

select the file piston.x_t.
3. Click Open.
6 Geometry
To create a piston Part:

2. Enter piston for the Part Name.
3. On the properties of Part form click in the Geometry field (at the bottom), then click on the piston
model in the model window.
4. Click OK.

select the file engineblock.x_t.
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 7
To create an engineblock Part:

2. Enter engineblock for the Part Name.
3. Select Ground to make the block a grounded part.
engineblock model in the model window.
5. Click OK.
To create several hard points:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Components, then select Hardpoint.
2. For the Hardpoint / Name enter CrankPivotHP.
3. Select Single.
4. For X location enter -0.3965.
5. For Y location enter -0.30225.
6. For Z location enter 0.314.
7. Click Apply.
8 Geometry
8. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter CrankToRodHP.

9. Select Single.
13. Click Apply.
CHAPTER 9
14. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter RodToPistonHP.

15. Select Single.
19. Click Apply.
10 Geometry
20. For the next Hardpoint / Name enter PistonSlideHP.

21. Select Single.
23. For Y location enter 0.
25. Click Ok.
CHAPTER 11
To create a cylindrical joint:

1. from the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Cylindrical.
2. Enter CrankPivot for the Connector Name.
3. Click in the Part1 cell and select crankshaft from the Model Browser Tree.
4. Click in the Part2 cell and select engineblock from the Model Browser Tree.
5. For Location 1 / Method select HardPoint.
6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select CrankPivotHP from the Model Browser Tree.
7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Global.
8. Click OK.
12 Geometry
To create a spherical joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Spherical.
2. Enter CrankToRod for the Connector Name.
3. Click in the Part1 cell and select crankshaft from the Model Browser Tree.
4. Click in the Part2 cell and select conrod from the Model Browser Tree.
6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select CrankToRodHP from the Model Browser
Tree.
7. Click OK.
CHAPTER 13
To create a revolute joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Revolute.
2. Enter RodToPiston for the Connector Name.
3. Click in the Part1 cell and select conrod from the Model Browser Tree.
4. Click in the Part2 cell and select piston from the Model Browser Tree.
6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select RodToPistonHP from the Model Browser
Tree.
7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Global.
8. Click OK.
14 Geometry
To create a translational joint:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Connections, then select Translational.
2. Enter PistonSlide for the Connector Name.
3. Click in the Part1 cell and select piston from the Model Browser Tree.
4. Click in the Part2 cell and select engineblock from the Model Browser Tree.
6. Click in the Location 1 / Hardpoint cell and select PistonSlideHP from the Model Browser Tree.
7. For Orientation 1 / Method select Euler Angles.
8. In the Euler Angles cells enter:
Rotation 1: 0.
Rotation 2: 90.
Rotation 3: 0.
9. Click OK.
CHAPTER 15
To create motion:
1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Motions, then select Joint.
2. Enter Motion_1 for the Joint Name.
3. Click in the Joint Name cell and select CrankPivot from the Model Browser Tree.
4. Select Rotate Z for Freedom.
5. Select Displacement as Motion Type.
6. For Motion / Method select Expression.
7. For Expression enter 100*TIME
8. Click OK.
Perform Motion Transient Simulation and View the Results

To perform the simulation:
1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Simulation, then select Simulation.
2. Enter 4 for the End Time.
3. Enter 400 for the number of Steps.
4. Click the Begin Model Simulation icon.
16 Geometry
5. When the simulation is finished running (at 100%), close the form.
To view resulting motion:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Results, then select Animation.
2. Click the Play Animation Forward button.
3. When finished viewing the animation click on the Reset Animation button, and close the form.
To create position of the piston versus time chart:

1. From the Model Browser Tree right click, select New / Results, then select Chart.
2. Select the name of Simulation run completed.
3. Select piston for the Entity.
4. Select Y as the Quantity.
5. Click Add Curves.
CHAPTER 17
6. Click Clear Chart.
To create a position versus position chart:

1. Click on Independent Data tab in the window.
2. Uncheck the Time checkbox.
3. Select the name of the Simulations run completed.
4. Select conrod as the Entity.
5. Select X as the Quantity.
6. Then select Dependent Data tab in the window.
7. Select conrod as the Entity.
8. Select Y as the Quantity.
9. Click Add Curves. This will plot the path of the center of mass of the conrod during the
simulation.
18 Geometry

Flexible Body Analysis of Four Bar Linkage
Motion Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description.
A four bar linkage is to be modeled.
The Structure is anchored at both ends and the individual bars are linked together.
Analysis will focus on obtaining the stress and deformation distributions of the model first when it is
made to rotate about a link, and then again when the link is connected with a rotational stiffness.
2 Motion Four Bar Flexible Body

• Import a Parasolid file with the geometry for the three links and two lugs (constraining Parts).
• Perform automatic meshing with tetrahedron elements.
• Specify simulation conditions for a modal analysis.
Start up SimXpert and Create Motion Parts, Components, and

Connections
In this section, you will assign global units for the simulation, then import the bar linkage system into the
workspace.
To enter the Motion workspace and set options:

1. Startup SimXpert and select Motion as the workspace from the startup panel.
2. Select Options from the Tools menu.
• Length: “mm”.
• Mass: “kg”.
• Time: “s”.
• Angle: “degree”.
• Force: “N”.
5. Select Geometry / CAD Import.
• Under Parasolid, click checkbox for Create a part for each body when importing a
subassembly.
6. Click OK.
To Import a Parasolid:
select the file 4bar1.x_t.
CHAPTER 3
3. Click Open.
To create motion parts for each link:

1. From the Components toolbox, select Part.
2. Enter link1 as the Part Name (replace Part_1).
3. Select Geometry as the Source of Inertia.
4. Click in the Geometry text box, then select Part1 in the Model Browser tree.
5. Click Apply.
6. In the same form enter link2 as the Part Name (replace Part_2).
8. Click Apply.
9. In the same form enter link3 as the Part Name (replace Part_3).
11. Click Apply.
To create motion parts for the fixed lugs:

1. In the same form enter lug1 as the Part Name (replace Part_4).
2. Check the Ground checkbox.
4. Click Apply.
5. In the same form enter lug2 as the Part Name (replace Part_5).
6. Check the Ground checkbox.
8. Click OK.
To create connections:
Connect link1 to link2

1. From the Connections toolbox, select Revolute.

2. In the Connector form click in the Part 1 text box and select link1 from the Model Browser tree.
3. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select link2 from the Model Browser tree.
4. Select Geometry from the Location 1 / Method drop down menu.
5. Click in the Feature text box.
6. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar select Edges.
7. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link1 and link2. It may be heplful to
unselect Faces and Vertices.
8. Click Apply.
Connect link2 to link3:

1. In the Connection form, click in the Part 1 text box and select link2 from the Model Browser tree.
2. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select link3 from the Model Browser tree.
5. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link2 and link3.
6. Click Apply.
Connect link3 to lug2:

2. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select lug2 from the Model Browser tree.
5. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link3 and lug2.
6. Click Apply.
Connect link1 to lug1:

CHAPTER 5
1. Click in the Part 2 text box, and select lug1 from the Model Browser tree.
4. Now select a circular edge of a hole at the connection of link1 and lug1.
5. Click OK.
Note: Once completed there should be five components and four connections in the Model
Browser tree.
To apply Joint Motion:

1. From the Motions toolbox, select Joint Motion.
2. In the Joint Motion form, click in the Joint Name text box and select Connector_1 from the
Model Browser tree.
3. Set Motion Type to Velocity.
4. For Motion / Expression, enter 90d. (This is a angular velocity of 90 degrees/second)
5. Click OK.
To calculate the motion as a function of time:

1. From the Simulation toolbox, select Simulation.
2. Change the Name to Rigid_link
3. Set End Time to 4.0 seconds and Steps to 200.
4. Change Simulation Type to Transient.
5. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button to calculate the motion.
To animate results from simulation:

1. Right click in the graphics window and select Model Views, then select Top.
2. For the Results toolbox, select Animation.
3. Click on the Play Animation Forward button to start animation.
4. Close the animation form.
Define Structural Model Parameters for link2

To define connection geometry for link2:
1. Right click on link2 in the Model Browser tree, and select Properties.
2. Select the Loads tab.
3. Under Connections and Forces, select the Load Bearing Geometry field for Connector_1.
4. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar, select Faces (it may be heplful to unselect Edges and
Vertices).
5. Click Pick... .
6. Select the cylindrical face of the hole of link2 at Connector_1. It may be helpful to rotate the
model as shown.
7. Under Connections and Forces, select the Load Bearing Geometry field for Connector_2.
8. From the Motion Pick Filters toolbar, select Faces.
9. Click Pick... .
10. Select the cylindrical face of the hole of link2 at Connector_2.
11. In the Properties of “link2” editor form, click Apply.
To define structural material properties:

CHAPTER 7
1. Select the Structures tab.

2. Under Material Info / Source, select Create New.
3. Enter 2.1e5 for Young’s Modulus.
4. Enter 0.3 for Poisson’s ratio.
To define mesh parameter values:

1. Under the Structures tab, for Mesh / Source, select Create New.
2. For Element Size, select User Defined, then enter 15.0 for the element size.
3. For Type, select Solid.
4. For Element Type, select Quadratic.
To define structural analysis output:

1. Under the Structures tab, for Output / Number of Modes, enter 10.
2. Under Results, select Grid Point Stress and Element Stress.
3. Click Apply.
Create Flexible Body Model for link2

To make flexbody model for link2:
1. Under the Structures tab, check the Automate option.
2. Click the Create Flexible Part button.
Note: This action will cause the workspace to be changed from Motion to Structures, then
link2 to be meshed with tetrahedral elements and a modal analysis will be
performed. Finally, the workspace will be switched back to Mation and the link2
part will be changed to a flexible part automatically.
Run Flexible Body Simulation

1. From the toolbar select Simulation, then select Simulation.
2. Change the Name of the simulation to Flexible_link.
3. End Time should be set to 4 seconds.
4. Steps should be 200.
5. Simulation Type should be set to Transient.
6. The Start at Static Equilibrium checkbox should be checked.
7. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button.
8. Close the Simulation form when finished.
Animate the Simulation Results

To animate results using motion and fringe:
1. Pull down the Results toolbox and select Animation.
CHAPTER 9
2. Set Results Set to the second simulation run, Flexible_link_Run.

3. Click on Play Animation Forward to animate the model using the simulation results.
To animate results using stress fringe:

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Animation.
2. Set Results Set to the second simulation run, Flexible_link_Run.
3. Select the Plot Data tab in the Animation property editor.
4. For Result Type select Stress.
5. For Derivation select Von Mises.
6. Select the Deform tab in the Animation property editor.
7. Under Element Edge display change the Display dropdown menu to No edges.
Note: This increases animation speed and it easier to see contours when zoomed out.
8. Select the Animation tab, then click Play.

Include Rotational Spring in Model and Perform Analysis
To add a rotational spring to the model, and perform an analysis:

1. Pull down the Forces toolbox, then select Rotational from the Spring Damepr group.
2. Click on the Part 1 text box, then select link3 from the Model Browser tree.
3. Click on the Part 2 text box, then select lug2 from the Model Browser tree.
4. In the Location / Define Location Using drop down menu select Geometry.
5. Click on the Feature text box.
6. From the Pick Filters toolbar select Pick Edges.
7. Select the circular edge of the hole of link3 at lug2.
8. In the Orientation 1/ Method drop down menu select Global.
9. Set the Stiffness to Linear.
10. Set the Stiffness Rate to 1e+6.
11. Click OK.
CHAPTER 11
To perform simulation with rotational spring:

1. Pull down the Simulation toolbox, then select Simulation.
2. Change the simulation Name to Spring_link.
3. Click on the Begin Model Simulation button.
To animate model, with rotational spring simulation results:

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Animation.
2. Ensure that the latest simulation run is selected in the Results Set drop down menu.
3. Click on Play Animation Forward to animate the model using the simulation results.
Plot Reaction Forces in Joints

1. Pull down the Results toolbox, then select Chart.
2. Select rigid_link_run and spring_link_run from the Simulations section.
3. Select link1 from the Entity section.
4. Select X from the Quantity section.
5. Click on Add Curves.
13
Crushing of a Thin Square Tube

Crash Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A square cross section thin tube is to be simulated for crushing by a rigid wall moving with an initial
velocity toward one end of the tube, while the other end is fixed. The basic FEA model containing the
nodes and the elements is imported from a Nastran input file. Complete the crush model with materials,
sections, boundary conditions, loads, and analysis and output options for performing the crush
simulation.
Some Key Data:
Cross-section of the tube: 69.954 mm X 69.954 mm
Length of the tube: 320 mm
Thickness of the tube: 1.2 mm
Weight of the rigid wall: 0.4 ton
Initial velocity of the rigid wall: 5646 mm/sec
Steps:
Following are the steps to complete the crush model.
1. Launch SimXpert
Select Structures as the Workspace
2. Select the Solver Card as the GUI Options

Tools -> Options -> GUI Options
Select Solver Card
Click Apply
14 Crash Analysis
3. Set the Units for the model

Click Units Manager
Click Standard Units
Select mm, t, s as the units for Length, Mass, and Time respectively
Click OK
Click OK
4. Import the FEA mesh from a MSC.Nastran input file

File -> Input -> Nastran ...
Select the file, square_tube_nast.bdf
Hint: You can find the above file in the PartFiles folder under the help folder in the SimXpert
installation directory.
Click Open
Close the (pop-up) Notepad window (nastran.err - Notepad)
The imported FEA mesh represents a quarter model of the thin square tube.
Figure 1 Quarter model of a square section tube

15
5. Switch the workspace to crash:

Set workspace to crash
6. Create the material:

Materials and Properties-> MAT [1 to 20] -> [003]MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC
Enter steel as the Title for the material
Enter value for RO: 7.85E-9
Enter value for E: 1.994E5
Enter value for PR: 0.30
Enter value for SIGY: 3.366E2
Enter value for ETAN: 1
Enter value for BETA: 1
Click OK
7. Create properties for the shell elements:

Materials and Properties-> Section -> SECTION_SHELL
Select 2 for ELFORM
Enter value for SHRF: 1.
Enter value for NIP: 3
Note: Hit the Enter key, after typing 3 for NIP. Otherwise, the change will not be made.
Enter value for T1: 1.2
Click OK
8. Assign property and material to the part:

Right click on the (part) PSHELL... in the Model Browser
Click Properties on the pop-up window
Double click on the SECID data box, and click Select
Select SECTION_SHELL_1 from the Select a PSECTION form
Click OK
Double click on the cell below MID, and click Select
16 Crash Analysis
Select steel from the Select a Material form

Click OK
Set the value for ADPOPT to 1
Click Modify
Click Exit
9. Create the boundary conditions for the tube:

LBCs -> LBC -> SPC -> Boundary SPC
Make sure all six DOFs are checked-in (selected)
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick all the nodes on the bottom of the tube
Click Done on the Pick panel
This fixes the bottom edge of the tube against all translations and rotations.
17
Top edge
z-symmetry edge
x-symmetry
edge
Bottom edge (fixed)
Figure 2 Boundary conditions for the tube model

18 Crash Analysis

Check in DOFX, DOFRY, DOFRZ
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick all the nodes on the x-symmetry edge, except the node on the bottom edge.
This imposes the symmetric boundary condition on the x-symmetry edge.

Check in DOFZ, DOFRX, DOFRY
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick all the nodes on the z-symmetry edge, except the node on the bottom edge.
This imposes the symmetric boundary condition on the z-symmetry edge.
10. Create a constrained node set on all the nodes on the top edge:
Nodes/Elements ->Elements -> Create -> Rigid -> Constrained Node Set
Set DOF to 2
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick all the nodes on the top edge
11. Create mass elements to represent the rigid wall:

Elements -> Create -> 1 Noded -> Element Mass
Enter value for MASS: 0.01
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick all the nodes on the top edge, except two nodes where the symmetry edges meet the top edge.
19
Elements -> Create -> 1 Noded -> Element Mass

Enter value for MASS: 0.005
Click Store
Click Exit
Pick the two nodes where the symmetry edges meet the top edge
12. Create the initial velocity on the top nodes:

LBCs -> LBC -> Nodal BC-> Initial Velocity
Enter value for VY: -5646
Click on Define App Region
Pick all the nodes on the top edge
Click Create
13. Create an auto single surface contact:

LBCs -> Contact-> Automatic -> Auto Single Surface
Click OK on the Auto Single Surface form
14. Select the dyna control options:

Parameters -> Control -> [A to C] -> CONTROL ADAPTIVE
Enter value for ADPFREQ: 1.E-4
Enter value for ADPTOL: 5
Select value for ADPOPT: 2
Enter value for MAXLVL: 2
Enter value for ADPSIZE: 0
Click OK
Control -> [N to Z] -> CONTROL TERMINATION
Enter value for ENDTIME: 3.E-3
Click OK
Control -> [D to H] -> CONTROL ENERGY
Select value for HGEN: 2
Select value for RWEN: 2
Select value for SLNTEN: 2
Select value for RYLEN: 1
20 Crash Analysis
Click OK
Control -> [N to Z] -> CONTROL OUTPUT
Select value for NPOPT: 1
Select value for NEECHO: 3
Click OK
Control -> Title ->TITLE
Enter value for Title: Crushing of a thin square tube
Click OK
15. Select the dyna database options:
Database -> OPC -> DATABASE BINARY option
Enter valuEnter value for DT_D3PLOT: 1.E-4
Check in the IOPT select box, and set its value to 1
Click OK
Database -> OPC -> DATABASE option
Enter value for DT_GLSTAT: 2.E-5
Enter value for DT_MATSUM: 2.E-5
Click OK
16. Save the SimXpert database:

File -> Save As
Enter name for the file: square_tube_crush
Click Save
17. Run the Simulation:

Rght-click on Simulations
Enter name for Fle name: square_tube_crush
Click Save
18. Exit from SimXpert:

File -> Exit
19. Post-process the Results in ls-prepost

21
Figure 3 Von Mises Stress at Time = 0.003

22 Crash Analysis
23
Impact of a Tapered Beam

MD Explicit Analysis
Time Required
Problem Statement
Simulate the impacting of a square cross section solid, tapered beam with a rigid wall. The impacting is
to be simulated by moving the beam with an initial velocity toward wall, while the other end is free. The
basic FEA model containing the nodes and the elements is imported from a nastran input file. Complete
the model with materials, sections, boundary conditions, loads, and analysis options for performing the
simulation.
Beam Dimensions:
Length: 40 in.
Cross Section: 2 in. square at one end, and 4 in. square at the other end.
Plate Dimensions:
6 in. X 6 in. ; Thickness: 0.60
Impact velocity = 7,200 in./sec
Material Properties
E = 30.E6 psi
ν = 0.3
ρ = 7.33E-4 lb-mass/in^3
σy = 58.E3 psi
ET = 29.E3 psi
Steps
Following are the steps to complete the impact model.
1. Launch SimXpert
Select MD Explicit as the Workspace
2. Turn off the Solver Card GUI Option

24 MD Explicit Analysis
Tools -> Options -> GUI Options

Make sure the Solver Card is not checked in
Click Apply
3. Set the units for the model

Clik Units Manager
Click Standard Units
Select in, lb, s as the units for Length, Mass, and Time respectively
Click OK (twice)
4. Import the FEA mesh from a .Nastran input file
File -> Import -> Nastran
Select the file tapered_beam_model.bdf
Hint: You can find the above file in the PartFiles folder under the help folder in the SimXpert
installation directory.
Click Open
Close the (pop-up) nastran.err Notepad window
The imported FEA mesh as shown here represents the beam and the rigid wall.
25
Figure 3-1 The Tapered Beam Impacting a Rigid Wall
5. Create the material.

Materials and Properties-> MAT [21 to 40] ->
[024]MAT_PIECEWISE_LINEAR_PLASTICITY
Enter steel as the Title for the material
Enter value for RO: 7.33E-4
Enter value for E: 30.E6
Enter value for PR: 0.30
Enter value for SIGY: 58.E3
Enter value for ETAN: 29.E3
Click Create
6. Modify the element properties for the shell elements

From the Model Browser, Double Click on PSHELL_2... (under Property)
Click on the Material ID selection icon, and Click Select
Select steel, and Click Ok
Click on the Bending Material ID icon, and Click Select
Click on the Transverse Shear Material ID icon, and Click Select
Click Modify
7. Modify the element properties for the solid elements

From the Model Browser, Double Click on PSOLID_1... (under Property)
Click on the MID selection icon, and Click Select
Click Modify
8. Create the Boundary conditions for the rigid plate

LBCs -> LBC -> SPC BC -> Fully Fixed Constraint
Pick all the nodes on the plate
This fixes the plate against all translations and rotations, essentially making it a rigid plate.
Figure 3-2 Boundary condition for the rigid plate
9. Create the Initial Velocity on the beam nodes

LBCs -> LBC -> Nodal BC -> Initial Transient Condition
Enter 7200 for ZVEL
Click Define App Region
Pick all the nodes on the beam
Click Create
10. Create Contact for the Beam Elements

CONTACT -> Deformable Body
Select Deformable Solid as Type
Type beam for Name
Select all the beam elements
Click OK
11. Create Contact for the Plate Elements

27
CONTACT -> Deformable Body

Select Deformable Surface as Type
Type plate for Name
Select all the plate elements
Click OK
12. Create an analysis job

Model Browser: Right Click on tapered_beam_model.bdf
Select Create new Nastran Job
Enter name for the Job Name: tapered_beam
Click OK
13. Create the analysis parameters for the job

Right Click on Loadcase Control-> Properties
Enter 0.005 for Ending Time
Enter 100 for Number of Time Steps
Click Apply
Click Close
14. Specify the time step for d3plot and time hstory output
Job Parameters -> PARAM
Enter DYDTOUT for N1
Enter 0.0001 for V1
Enter STEPFCTL for N1
Enter 0.1 for V1
Click Create
Click Exit
15. Specify output requests

Right-Click on Output Requests
Click Add Velocity Output Request
Click OK
16. Save the SimXpert database

File -> Save As
Enter name for the file: tapered_beam
Click Save
17. Export an MD Explicit Analysis Input File

Right Click on tapered_beam
Click Export
Enter tapered_beam for File name
Click Save
18. Submit the exported input file tapered_beam.bdf for analysis by MD Nastran.
Open MD Nastran
Select the input file: tapered_beam.bdf
Click Open
Click Run
19. Attach the Analysis Results (after the spawned MD Nastran job is completed)
File -> Attach Results
Select Results
Click the File Path icon
Select the result file: tapered_beam.dytr.d3plot
Click Open
Click OK
20. View the Simulation Results

Results -> Fringe
Result Cases: Select Time 0.005 (the last result case)
Result type: Stress, Components
Derivation: Von Mises
Click Update
29
PCB with Component Heating
Steady State Heat Transfer Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A plate structure with extrusions will be used to demonstrate the heat flow by heat flux and free
convection. A steady state heat transfer analysis with SimXpert is to be performed. The analysis focuses
on the temperature of the plate.
2 Geometry

• Set to the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as English.
• Import an MD Nastran Bulk Data file with part of the model.
• Create heat flux and free convection LBCs.
• Set up simulation conditions for a steady state heat transfer analysis.
• Create a fringe plot of temperature.
Startup SimXpert and Import the BDF file

To enter the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object , and set Units as
English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Thermal as the workspace from the startup panel.
• Length: “ft”.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “h”.
• Click OK.
To import the MD Nastran .bdf file

1. In the Main Menu click File, click on Import, then click on Nastran.
select the file free_conv_pcb_bdf.bdf.
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 3
4. Under View select Model Views, then click on Left view.

The pcb will have 1) an applied heat flux load, 2) a free convection boundary condition. Also, the
initialization temperature is to be specified under the Analysis pick in the Model Browser Tree.
To apply a thermal heat Flux load:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Normal Flux.
2. For Heat Flux enter 5.
3. Click Store, then click Exit.
4. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel select Nodes.
5. Set the picking to Rectangular Window using this choice in the Pick Filters toolbar.
6. Select the upper-most row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
7. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
To create Convection boundary condition:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Free Convection.
2. For Ambient Temperature enter 20.0.
3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.02 .
5. On the Create Free Convection pick panel select Nodes.
6. Select the lower-most row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
7. On the Create Free Convection pick panel click Done, then click Exit.
Create an LBC Set

1. From the Workspace select LBC Set: LBC Set.
2. For Name enter Case_1.
4 Geometry
4. Select the LBCs named Normal Flux_1 and Free Convection_2 in the Model Browser tree. Use
the Shift key for picking.
6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Steady State Analysis

which an MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the steady state analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
1. From the Model Browser tree, expand Analysis.
2. Right click on Nastran Jobs, then click on Create New Job.
3. On the Job Properties form enter Flux_Convection for Job Name.
4. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL153).
To specify the General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on General Parameters.
2. Click Properties.
3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following value.
Default Init Temperature 0.0
4. Click OK.
To add output requests:

5. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Output Requests, then click Properties.
6. On the Define Output Request form, right-click on Output Requests.
7. Select Add Temperature.
8. On the Define Output Request form click Close.
CHAPTER 5
To set Output File:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Output File.
3. On the Output File Properties form check the Print box under Text Output.
5. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on flux_convection - (Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL
153)).
2. Click on Run
3. Specifying the File name flux_convection.
4. Click Save.

Attach the XDB file from the MD Nastran job run to the SimXpert database.
2. For File path select the file flux_convection.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. For Attach Options specify Results.
5. Click OK.
6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Left.
7. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
Create Fringe Plot for Temperature Results

To generate a fringe plot:
1. From the Results toolbox select Fringe.
2. Under the Plot Data tab Fringe has been selected for Plot type.
3. For Result Cases select SC1: Non-linear: 100% of Load.
4. For Result type select Temperatures.
5. Select Update.
6 Geometry
1. In the View menu, select Model Views, then select Isometric View.
2. In the View menu, select Display, then select Fill.
Thermal Analysis for Flux Load, Free Convection, and
Radiation
Steady State Heat Transfer Analysis
Time Required
Problem Description
A beam structure will be used to demonstrate the heat flow by heat flux, free convection, and ambient
radiation. The analysis is to be performed using steady state heat transfer analysis with SimXpert. The
analysis focuses on the temperature of the beam structure.

• Import an MD Nastran Bulk Data file.
• Set up simulation conditions for a steady state heat transfer analysis.
• Create a fringe plot for temperature results.
2 Geometry
Startup SimXpert and Import the BDF File

To enter the Thermal Workspace, set UI as Action/Object , and set Units as
English:
1. Startup SimXpert and select Thermal as the workspace from the startup panel.
• Length: “ft”.
• Mass: “lb”.
• Time: “h”.
• Click OK.
To import the MD Nastran .bdf file:

1. In the Main Menu click File, click Import, then click Nastran.
select the file hex_bdf.bdf
3. Click Open.
CHAPTER 3
4. Under the View menu select Model Views, then click Left view.
5. Under the View menu select Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
6. Then, in the View Manipulation toolbar select Screen Zoom. Hold the mouse arrow over the
model, and move the mouse while left clicking to reduce the size of the image as needed.
4 Geometry

The model will have 1) an applied heat flux load, 2) a free convection boundary condition, and 3) ambient
radiation. Also, the initialization temperature is to be specified under the Analysis pick in the Model
Browser Tree.
To apply a thermal heat flux:

1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Normal Flux.
2. For Heat Flux enter 2.
2. On the Create Normal Flux pick panel select Nodes.
3. Set the picking to Rectangular Window using this choice in the Pick Filters toolbar.
4. Select the bottom row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
5. Click Done, then click Exit.

CHAPTER 5
To create radiation:
1. From the Workspace select LBC: LBC / Thermal BC / Rad to Space.
2. For Ambient Temperature enter 490.
3. For View Factor enter 1.
4. For Absorptivity enter 0.3.
5. For Emissivity enter 0.5.
7. On the Create Rad to Space pick panel select Nodes.
8. Select the top row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
9. Drag two other rectangles around nodes, one around the left vertical edge and the other around
the right vertical edge.
6 Geometry
To create convection on the top:

3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.006.
6. Select the top row of nodes by dragging a rectangle around them.
To create convection on the sides:

CHAPTER 7

3. For Convection Coefficient enter 0.012.
6. Drag two rectangles around nodes, one around the left vertical edge and the other around the right
vertical edge.
Create an LBC Set

1. From the Workspace select LBC Set: LBC Set.
2. For Name enter Case_1.
4. Select the four (4) LBCs in the Model Browser tree. Do this using the Shift key.
6. Click OK.
Setup Simulation Conditions for a Steady State Analysis

which an MD Nastran run can provide the simulation results.
To specify the steady state analysis solution parameters for setup of job:
1. From the Model Browser tree expand Analysis.
2. Right-click on Nastran Jobs, then click on Create New Job.
3. On the Job Properties form enter heat_flux_conv_rad for Job Name.
4. On the Solution Type drop down menu select Steady State Heat Transfer (SOL153).
8 Geometry
To specify the General Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on General Parameters.
3. On the General Solution Parameters form enter the following value.
Default Init Temperature 0.0
4. Click OK.
To specify the Radiation Parameters:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Radiation Parameters.
3. On the Radiation Parameters form enter the following values.
Absolute Temperature Scale 0.0

Stefan-Boltzmann Constant 1.714e-9
1. Click OK.
To specify output requests:

2. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Output Requests.
4. On the Define Output Request form, right-click on Output Requests.
5. Select Add Temperature.
6. On the Define Output Request form click Close.
To specify the values for the nonlinear parameters:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Subcase Parameters.
3. Use the default values for the Static Nonlinear Iterations parameters.
4. Click OK.
To set Output File:

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on Output File.
CHAPTER 9
3. On the Output File Properties form check the Print box under Text Output.
5. Click OK to close the Output File Properties form.

1. In the Model Browser tree, right-click on heat_flux_conv_rad - (Steady State Heat Transfer
(SOL 153)).
2. Click on Run, specifying the File name heat_flux_conv_rad.
3. Click Save.

We will attach the XDB file from the Nastran job run to the SimXpert database.
2. For File path select the file heat_flux_conv_rad.xdb.
3. Click Open.
4. For Attach Options specify Results.
5. Click OK.
6. From the View menu click Model Views, then click Left.
1. From the View menu click Display, then click Fill to fit the model into the model window.
Create Fringe Plot for Temperature Results

To generate a fringe plot:
1. From the Results toolbox select Fringe.
2. Under the Plot Data tab Fringe has been selected for Plot type.
3. For Result Cases select SC1: Non-linear: 100% of Load.
4. For Result type select Temperatures.
5. Select Update.
10 Geometry
6. In the View menu, select Model Views, then select Isometric.

7. In the View menu, select Display, then select Fill.
CHAPTER 11
12 Geometry
Introduction to the Enterprise Tab
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
Explore the Enterprise tab of the Model Browser.

• Create a Project
• Create a Design Variant
• Associate an MD Nastran Model to the Design Variant
• Open the model, then view it in SimXpert
Create a Project object.

1. Click the Enterprise tab.
2. Right click in the Browser background, and select Create Project.
3. Click OK. The Project object named MyProject has been created.
4. To display the names of types of objects, as they are created, right-click in the Enterprise Objects
bar, and select Type.
A tree has been created. The object named MyProject will contain references to the original model
and all its revisions.
Create a container item for revision information.

1. Right click on the object named MyProject, and select Create / Root Item.
CHAPTER 3
2. Click OK.
An Enterprise object of the type Item, named Top Assembly, has been created. It is the container
(set) for all the tree objects that will be created below it (Design Variants and the original model
with all its revisions). The icon for this object is three gears. They represent the Design Variant
objects that will be below it in the tree.
Create a container for model revisions (Design Variants).

1. Design Variants are containers (sets) for the finite element models. Right click on the Enterprise
Item object named Top Assembly, and select Create / Design Variant.
2. For the revision ID use the default of v1 (version 1).

CHAPTER 5
An Enterprise object of the type Design Variant, named Top Assembly, v1 has been created. It is
the container (set) for all the tree objects that will be created below it (models - original model
and all its revisions). A Design Variant references all the data associated with a single revision of
a part or assembly. This gear icon is used to designate Design Variants.
Create a reference to a single, specific representation of a model revision

(Design Variant)
1. Right click on the Enterprise Design Variant object named Top Assembly, v1 , and select Create
/ Model.
2. For Model Type, select Nastran Mesh. This will become an identifying label in the Model
Browser.
3. Click the folder icon to the right of Filename, browse to <SimXpert installation
directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file hood.nas.
The paper clip icon indicates that the MD Nastran file has been attached.
4. Click the Model tab. Notice that the Browser tree is not populated. No model is open yet in
SimXpert. For SimXpert to be able to use the MD Nastran data, the file must be loaded into the
memory.

6. Right click on the Enterprise NastranMeshModel object named MyModel, v1 , and select File /
Open.
CHAPTER 7
The MD Nastran file has been loaded into memory and SimXpert can access the file contents.
This is indicated by the green check-mark next to the paper clip icon.
7. Click the Model tab. The Model Browser tree is now populated.
8. Notice, that the name of the loaded MD Nastran file, hood.nas, is displayed as part of the Part
name.
Enterprise Tab - Single File
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
Track changes in a model using the Enterprise tab of the Model Browser.

• Understand basic capabilities of the Enterprise tab of the model browser
• Learn how to compare models
• Learn how to publish and retreive data from SimManager

2. Select Tools > Options
3. Under Input/Output branch, highlight Nastran.Structures.
4. Uncheck Reduce Parts.
5. Click OK.

1. In the Model Browser, click the Enterprise Tab.

1. Right click on the object named MyProject, and select Create / Design Variant.
2. Enter Door for Name.
3. Click OK.
An Enterprise object of the type Design Variant, named Door, v1 has been created. It is the
container (set) for all the tree objects that will be created below it (models - original model and
all its revisions). A Design Variant references all the data associated with a single revision of a
part or assembly. This gear icon is used to designate Design Variants.

(Design Variant)
1. Right click on the Enterprise Design Variant object named Door, v1 , and select Create / Model.
2. For Model Type, select Nastran Mesh. This will become an identifying label in the Browser tree.
3. Click the folder icon to the right of Filename, browse to <SimXpert installation
directory>/help/PartFiles, and select the file frontdoor.nas.
4. Click Open.
5. Click OK.
The paper clip icon in the model browser indicates that the MD Nastran file has been attached.
6. Click the Model tab. Notice that the Browser tree is not populated. No model is open yet in
SimXpert. For SimXpert to be able to use the MD Nastran data, the file must be loaded into the
memory.
8. Right click on the Enterprise NastranMeshModel object named frontdoor.nas, v1, and select File
/ Open.
The MD Nastran file has been loaded into memory and SimXpert can access the file contents. This
is indicated by the green check-mark on the paper clip icon.

(Design Variant)
1. Click the Model tab.
The Browser tree is now populated. Also, a graphic representation of the model is displayed in
the graphics window.
2. If necessary, expand frontdoor.nas, v1 and Property in the Model Browser.
3. Double click on property P44 in the Model Browser and change the Name to Window.
4. Change the Part Thickness to 0.75.
5. Click OK.
6. Orient the model to the Right view.
7. Click the Meshing tab and select On Mesh from the Automesh group.
8. Click Elements text box.
CHAPTER 3
9. Drag the mouse to enclose a region of elements in the bottom left region of the door.
10. Enter 15 for Element Size.
11. Change Seed Type to Existing Boundary.
12. Click in Add to part text box and select Part PSHELL_10000046_frontdoor.nas (Driver Door)
in the model browser.
13. Click OK.
15. Right click in the Model Browser and select Refresh Tree.
16. Right click frontdoor.nas, v1 and select File > Save All.
17. Set both to Auto-Revision.
18. Click OK.
Verify design revision by expanding Design Variant Door, v2 and verifying a new, incremented
filename frontdoor.nas, v2.
Compare the Models in SimXpert

1. Click on frontdoor.nas, v1 and control-click on frontdoor.nas, v2.
2. Right click and select Tools > Model Compare.
3. Click OK.
4. Click on the Model tab.
5. If necessary, expand <compare> to see the 3 enterprise sets: frontdoor.nas, v1, frontdoor.nas,
v2 , and <common>.
Items in <common> are common to both models. The screen display is color-coded. Green items
are exclusive to frontdoor.nas, v1. Red items are exclusive to frontdoor.nas, v2. Blue items are
common to both models.
Publish to SimManager
1. Log on to SimManager by selecting File > SimManager > Logon.
2. Logon with the user name and password and click OK.
3. To create a project, select Tools > SimXpert Enterprise Manager > Project Configuration.
4. Click Create Project.
5. Enter MyProject for Project Name and Short Name.
6. Enter Car door assembly for Project Description.
7. Click OK.
8. Click OK.
9. Click OK.
10. Click on the Enterprise Tab.
11. Right-click on MyProject and select File > Publish.

12. Enter My first assembly for Notes.
13. Click OK.
Notice that the Message region indicates if the publication is successful.
Verify Successful Publication

1. Select File > SimManager > Web Client.
2. Log in to SimManager.
3. Pull down Project View for tree.
4. Notice the project MyProject.
5. To retrieve publication, open a new SimXpert database by selecting File > New.
6. Click No to save the changes.
7. Right click in the Model Browser and select Retrieve.
8. Enter MyProject for Retrieve Project Name.
9. Click OK.
10. Expand all items in the tree.
11. Right click on frontdoor.nas, v2 and select File > Open.
The model appears with the modifications done in this workshop.
Enterprise Tab - File Management
Model Browser
Time Required
Problem Description
Using the Enterprise tab, manage and view files associated with a model.

• Create a Project
• Create a Design Variant
• Create a Model Object
• Associate files with the Model using a Report Object
• View animation
Enterprise Project Managing Files


1. In the Model Browser, click the Enterprise Tab.
4. Right click in the column heading region and select Type.
5. Right click in the column heading region and select Description.

1. Right click on the object named MyProject, and select Create > Design Variant.
2. Enter 5x2 plate for Name.
3. Click OK.
An Enterprise object of the type Design Variant, named 5x2 plate has been created. It is the
container (set) for all the tree objects that will be created below it (models - original model and
all its revisions). A Design Variant references all the data associated with a single revision of a
part or assembly. This gear icon is used to designate Design Variants.
Create a Model Object.

1. Expand Item 5x2 plate and select Create > Model.
2. Pull down Model Type to NastranInputDeck.
3. Click on the folder icon.
4. Browse to and select the file plate.bdf.
5. Click Open.
6. Click OK.
Create a Report Object.

1. Right click Item 5x2 plate and select Create > Report.
2. Enter Initial Report for Name.
3. Enter PowerPoint Overview for Description.
5. Browse to and select the file Initial report.ppt.
6. Click Open.
7. Click OK.
8. Right click Initial Report and select File > Open.
9. Browse the PowerPoint file, then close it.
Associate and View an Animation with the Model.

1. Right click Item 5x2 plate and select Create > Report.
2. Enter Modal Transient Animation for Name.
3. Enter mpeg file for description.
5. Browse to and select the file Modal Transient Animation.mpeg.
6. Click Open.
7. Click OK.
8. Right click Modal Transient Animation and select File > Open.
9. View the captured animation then close the viewer.

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CHAPTER 1

Example Problems By Workspace

Estimated Level of Difficulty

In this example you will:

Startup SimXpert, and Define Materials and Properties

To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as

To import a Parasolid solid:

To create an Isotropic Material:

To create an element Property set:

Create 3D Mesh for Parasolid Solid

Create Constraints and Loads

To create the constraints:

5. For Entities click the Pick... icon.

To create the pressure load:

5. For Entities click the Pick... icon.

To create the concentrated (point) load:

4. For Entities click the Pick... icon.

Create Two LBC Sets

To create the first load set:

To create the second load set:

1. Select the LBC Set icon in the LBC Set box.

Setup Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify the static analysis solution parameters for Setup Job:

To specify Solver Control parameter values:

2. For Name (Title) enter Fix_Press.

To run an MD Nastran linear static analysis:

Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To attach an MD Nastran XDB result file:

To plot the deformation result for Fix+Press:

To plot a stress fringe result for Fix+Force:

This is the end of this example.

Estimated Level of Difficulty

In this example you will:

Startup SimXpert and Define Materials and Properties

To enter the Structures workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set units as

To Import a Parasolid Surface:

To create an isotropic Material:

To create an element Property:

11. Click the Advanced button.

To link the material and element property to the geometric surface:

Create 2D Mesh for Parasolid Surface

Create Constraints and loads

To create the constraints:

1. Select the LBCs tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.

To create the distributed load:

Set-up Simulation Conditions for a Linear Static Analysis

To specify solver control parameter values:

9. For Text Output click Print.

To create a load case:

To specify output request:

To run an MD Nastran analysis:

Create Stress and Deformation Plots

To attach a MD Nastran XDB result file:

To plot a fringe result:

To plot a deformation result on the fringe result:

This is the end of this example.

Estimated Level of Difficulty

In this example you will:

Startup SimXpert and Create Finite Elements

To enter the Structures Workspace, set UI as Action/Object, and set Units as

Create a Geometric Curve

2. Select the Geometry tab at the top of the Tool Ribbon.

To Create the Isotropic Material:

To create the 1D Property: