Idealizations OtherTechniquesforSimplifyingModelsLecture

Other Techniques for Simplifying Models

In addition to 2D model types and other idealizations there are additional way of simplifying for analysis.

Analysis of Conceptual Parts Suppression o By layer item o Family Table o Feature by feature (a la carte) Cut Features Conceptual Parts Simplified Representations Mirror/Cyclical symmetry constraints

Cut feature for Mirror symmetry constraint

Simplified Representation LectureNotes Other Techniques for Simplifying Models In addition to 2D model types (Plane Stress, Plane Strain, and Axisymmetric models) and other idealizations (shells, beams, springs, and masses), there are other methods that can be employed to simplify Pro/ENGINEER models for analysis. These methods include:

Suppression: Suppression enables you to remove features from the model that aren't important to the analysis by removing them from the regeneration sequence. Unlike deleting the features, the suppressed features can be placed back in regeneration sequence by resuming them; a deleted feature would need to be recreated. Suppression can be done by selecting features by using a layer, creating a family table instance with features selectively suppressed, or feature by feature (a la carte). Cut features: Cut features can be used to remove areas impertinent to the analysis, or to trim away portions of a model in preparation for symmetrical constraints (either mirror or cyclical symmetry constraints). Conceptual models: By definition, a conceptual part contains just the basic details of a design. As long as the most important aspects for the analysis are included in the conceptual design, an analysis of this type of design can be useful. Since a conceptual design is usually simple, analyses will run quicker on these types of models as opposed to the fully designed model. Additionally, results from the analyses can be used to help guide the further development of the design. Simplified Representations: Simplified Representations can be of help in simplifying a model by enabling the creation of a representation of the model that is simpler than the original but still preserves the original model in an unaltered state. Simplified Representations do this by enabling the removal of non-salient design entities (Include versus Exclude) without having to worry about the impact of parent/child relationships. The bottom figure shows a bicycle model in one of its simplified representations. The simplified representation enables the retention of components germane to an analysis of the frame, seat, and handlebar assembly, while removing other components not necessary to the analysis. Aligning close parts: You may want to try aligning edges or surfaces on a model that are close together when you can use engineering knowledge

to make the assumption that doing so will not greatly impact the overall analysis. Doing so enables for the creation of a simpler mesh for the analysis model because the separate elements do not need to be created on either side of the entities. Instead, geometric elements can cross over the area that would otherwise be a discontinuity if the entities were not aligned. Mirror and Cyclical constraints: Mirror and Cyclical constraints can be used to reduce the overall number of elements required to complete an analysis. You can use cut features to reduce the model to its symmetric sections as long as the model has geometric symmetry and all loads and constraints are symmetric. The upper-right figure shows a bicycle seat that has had a cut feature applied to it in preparation for a mirror symmetry constraint. In this case, the analysis should require about half as many elements as the original model and should require about half of the computation resources for an analysis.