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Working With Imported Geometry:Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and

Non-Native Applications

How to directly import a CAD model into Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics for analysis

Discussion of the differences in coordinate system orientation for various CAD systems

Use of Autodesk® Inventor® Fusion to import any CAD geometry into Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics

Use of default meshing

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Overview

In industry today, CAD solid geometry models are commonly used to design parts and assemblies.

However, analysis is still mostly done by hand, without the use of a finite element analysis tool that can use this CAD geometry directly.

Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics provides an easy to use tool for these types of analyses from any imported CAD solid model.

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Overview

Finite element analysis multiphysics software packages can provide valuable information about a design: Reducing the weight Trying different design options Estimating fatigue life Determining resonant frequencies Locating regions of high stress, strain, or deflection

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Performing a basic stress analysis

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For a hand analysis of a part, such as the yoke shown, many simplifying assumptions need to be made.

With FEA, such assumptions are eliminated, providing a much more accurate answer.

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Performing a basic stress analysis

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The steps for analyzing a part by hand or in FEA are basically the same:1. Determine the material out of which the part will be made and

use those material properties.2. Determine the magnitude and direction of the load and apply it.3. Determine how the part will be constrained.4. Perform the analysis.

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Finite element analysis

For FEA, the part must also be broken up into small pieces, called “finite elements”, and there are various different shapes of these elements for different purposes.

For solid geometry, the most common shape is brick, which is a six-sided shape resembling a box made out of rods. The other shape is tetrahedral, with four sides.

At the end of each “rod” on the corner of the shape, there is a node.

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Finite element analysis

Loads on the part are applied to the nodes, but most FEA software packages let the user pick a surface, which is easier.

Boundary conditions are a way of constraining the part so it doesn’t “fly away” because of the applied load. There are six degrees of freedom, three

translations and three rotations. If all six degrees of freedom are

constrained, the nodes are said to be “fixed.”

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Notes on CAD models

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Each CAD system defines their “Top”, “Front” and “Right” views differently, based on the X-Y-Z coordinate system. For instance, SolidWorks® defines X-Y plane as “Front” and

Autodesk Inventor defines it as “Top.” Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics follows the naming convention,

so the coordinate systems will be altered.

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

CAD model orientation

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Autodesk® Inventor SolidWorks®

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Notes on CAD models

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Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics works with generic CAD file types, such as IGES and STEP.

Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics works parametrically with Autodesk® Inventor® and AutoCAD®.

However, if you own a third party CAD software and it is installed, it will link with Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics and be available as a CAD model import type, such as: SolidWorks® Pro/Engineer® CATIA®

Also, Autodesk® Inventor® Fusion can open almost any CAD file type, whether or not you own it, making this a powerful tool!

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Working With Imported Geometry Importing Geometry from Autodesk® and Non-Native Applications

Summary

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How to directly import a CAD model into Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics for analysis

Discussion of the differences in coordinate system orientation for various CAD systems

Use of Autodesk® Inventor® Fusion to import any CAD geometry into Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics

Use of default meshing

The video will demonstrate how to import a CAD model into Autodesk® Simulation Multiphysics.

The model will be prepared for analysis up through meshing.