Ansys Connection
Ansys Connection
Ansys Connection
ANSYS, Inc.
Southpointe
275 Technology Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317
[email protected]
http://www.ansys.com
(T) 724-746-3304
(F) 724-514-9494
Release 12.1
November 2009
ANSYS, Inc. is
certified to ISO
9001:2008.
Disclaimer Notice
THIS ANSYS SOFTWARE PRODUCT AND PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION INCLUDE TRADE SECRETS AND ARE CONFIDENTIAL
AND PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS OF ANSYS, INC., ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR LICENSORS. The software products and documentation are furnished by ANSYS, Inc., its subsidiaries, or affiliates under a software license agreement that contains provisions concerning non-disclosure, copying, length and nature of use, compliance with exporting laws, warranties,
disclaimers, limitations of liability, and remedies, and other provisions. The software products and documentation may
be used, disclosed, transferred, or copied only in accordance with the terms and conditions of that software license
agreement.
ANSYS, Inc. is certified to ISO 9001:2008.
Third-Party Software
See the legal information in the product help files for the complete Legal Notice for ANSYS proprietary software and
third-party software. If you are unable to access the Legal Notice, please contact ANSYS, Inc.
Published in the U.S.A.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Connection Functionality ........................................................................................ 1
1.1. Software Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.2. Importing Multiple Files (Create ANSYS Database) ............................................................................. 2
1.3. Getting Started: Import a CAD File ..................................................................................................... 3
2. Importing Parts and Models ................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. CATIA V4 ........................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. CATIA V5 ........................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3. Parasolid .......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1. Importing a Parasolid File ......................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2. Parasolid Specific Attributes ..................................................................................................... 8
2.4. Pro/ENGINEER .................................................................................................................................. 9
2.5. SAT ................................................................................................................................................. 10
2.6. NX .................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.6.1. Additional Output Files from NX Conversions .......................................................................... 13
2.6.2. Environment Variables for NX ................................................................................................. 13
3. Starting ANSYS from Pro/ENGINEER and NX ........................................................................................ 15
3.1. Launching from Pro/ENGINEER ........................................................................................................ 15
3.1.1. UNIX System Configuration for Connection Functionality for Pro/ENGINEER ............................ 15
3.1.2. Windows System Configuration for Connection Functionality for Pro/ENGINEER ...................... 16
3.1.3. Launching ANSYS from Pro/ENGINEER .................................................................................... 16
3.1.4. Modifying ANSYS Settings from Pro/ENGINEER ....................................................................... 17
3.1.4.1. The ANSYS Configuration Settings ................................................................................. 18
3.1.4.2. Search Rules for the config.anscon Configuration File ..................................................... 18
3.1.5. Troubleshooting Connection Problems ................................................................................... 18
3.2. Launching from NX (UNIX Only) ...................................................................................................... 19
3.2.1. Configuring NX ...................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.1.1. Running NX ................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.2. Modifying ANSYS Settings from NX ........................................................................................ 20
3.2.2.1. Using the ANSYS Configuration Editor ............................................................................ 21
3.2.2.1.1. Modifying an ANSYS Setting ................................................................................. 21
4. Importing a NX Part Tutorial ................................................................................................................. 23
A. Setting ANSYS Configuration Parameters ................................................................................................. 25
B. Troubleshooting ANSYS Connection Issues .............................................................................................. 27
B.1. General Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 27
B.2. License Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 27
B.3. Shared Library Problems ................................................................................................................. 28
B.4. Configuration Errors for Pro/ENGINEER and NX Users ....................................................................... 28
B.5. Troubleshooting Part Import ........................................................................................................... 28
B.5.1. Problems Specific to the Connection for Parasolid ................................................................... 29
B.5.2. Problems Specific to the Connection for Pro/ENGINEER ........................................................... 30
B.5.3. Problems Specific to the Connection for SAT ........................................................................... 30
B.5.4. Problems Specific to the Connection for NX ............................................................................ 31
Index .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
List of Figures
1.1. File Import Menus ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. ANSYS Connection for CATIA Dialog ........................................................................................................ 5
2.2. ANSYS Connection for CATIA Version 5 Dialog ......................................................................................... 6
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iii
List of Tables
1.1. CAD Package and Recommended Connection Functionality .................................................................... 1
3.1. ANSYS Default Configuration Settings ................................................................................................... 17
3.2. ANSYS Configuration Settings ............................................................................................................... 20
iv
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CATIA V5 R19
CATIA V4.x or lower (separate geometry interface licenses must be used for CATIA V5 and CATIA V4)
Parasolid 21 or lower
SAT/ACIS 20 or lower
Note
The connection functionality generally supports prior releases of CAD files (such as ACIS 12.0);
however, due to changes in the CATIA product, support is not available between CATIA 5.x and
prior CATIA releases.
Table 1.1 provides a list of CAD packages, their file type, and the recommended connection functionality to
use when importing files.
File Type
.model or .dlv
CATIA
CATIA 5.x
.CATPart or
.CATProduct
CATIA Version 5
Pro/ENGINEER
.prt
Pro/ENGINEER
NX
.prt
NX
Parasolid
.x_t or .xmt_txt
Parasolid
Solid Edge
.x_t or .xmt_txt
Parasolid
SolidWorks
.x_t
Parasolid
NX
.x_t or .xmt_txt
Parasolid
AutoCAD
.sat
SAT
Mechanical Desktop
.sat
SAT
SAT ACIS
.sat
SAT
Solid Designer
.sat
SAT
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Note
You must be working in a UNIX environment to launch ANSYS directly from NX. ANSYS will not
automatically launch from any Windows platform.
The following connection functionality overview topics are available:
1.1. Software Requirements
1.2. Importing Multiple Files (Create ANSYS Database)
1.3. Getting Started: Import a CAD File
Before starting any connection task, ANSYS 12.1 must be installed and configured on the target system.
As applicable, Pro/ENGINEER must be installed on your machine for proper connection operation.
For SAT, Parasolid, and CATIA v4, the connection functionality does not require any additional CAD
product licenses.
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Note
You cannot enter multiple files with an individual command; you must use a separate command
line for each file. For example:
/INPUT part1.anf
/INPUT part2.anf
/INPUT part3.anf
ANSYS displays the following message after you import the second file (and any subsequent files):
You have already entered the input file utility (AUX15)
part2.anf
part1.anf
part2.anf
Lines
Lines
Areas
Areas
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2
When you put both into a new ANSYS database, the object numbers are automatically updated like this:
Lines
Areas
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
This combination scheme can produce some object number gaps in the new database.
At least one connection. If you have any questions about a connection's availability on your system,
talk to your system administrator or refer to the appropriate installation guide.
2.
Start ANSYS.
3.
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4.
Import procedures specific to a CAD package are covered in the Importing Parts and Models section of this
document.
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2.1. CATIA V4
The connection for CATIA supports models created with CATIA Version 4.x or lower. If you are using CATIA
Version 5, see CATIA V5.
Before you start ANSYS, the file (.model or .dlv) you wish to import must exist on your machine or on a
known network location.
You can use the ANSYS GUI or the ~CATIAIN command to initiate the import.
Select File> Import> CATIA from the menus. The ANSYS Connection for CATIA dialog box appears,
as shown in the figure below.
2.
Choose the appropriate file. If necessary, select the Import blanked bodies check box to allow suppressed CATIA data to be imported.
3.
Click OK.
Once the geometry is imported, follow standard ANSYS analysis procedures; the Basic Analysis Guide has
many examples. If your imported model contains multiple volumes, Boolean operators are available to further
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Note
Only surface and volume models are imported. Wireframe models are not supported and will be
filtered out.
2.2. CATIA V5
The connection for CATIA Version 5 can import model part or assembly files created with CATIA V5 R19.
Supported geometry files have the .CATPart or .CATProduct file extension.
Before starting ANSYS, the file (.CATPart or .CATProduct) you wish to import must exist on your machine
or on a known network location. You can use the ANSYS GUI or the ~CAT5IN command to import the file.
Select File> Import> CATIA 5. The ANSYS Connection for CATIA Version 5 Import dialog box appears,
as shown in the figure below.
2.
Click the Browse button and navigate to the appropriate directory location of the part.
3.
4.
Select Allow model defeaturing option to store the model in the solid database format so that it
can be defeatured following import. If this option is not checked, the model is stored in a neutral
database format, that restricts defeaturing following import. This is the default setting.
Select the Geometry type drop-down menu to filter the type of geometry contained in the CATIA
version 5 file. Selections include:
5.
All - Import all entities; use this option when the file contains multiple entity types.
Note
Only surface and volume models are imported. Wireframe models are not supported and will be
filtered out.
If your imported model contains multiple volumes, Boolean operators are available to further
process your geometry (see Sculpting Your Model with Boolean Operations in the Modeling and
Meshing Guide for more information).
Note
If you specify defeaturing (FMT = 1), this command should be the last line of any script or file
input.
2.3. Parasolid
2.3.1. Importing a Parasolid File
Before you start ANSYS, the Parasolid file (.x_t or .xmt_txt) you wish to import must exist on your machine
or on a known network location. You can use the ANSYS GUI or the ~PARAIN command to import the file.
Select File> Import> PARA. The ANSYS Connection for Parasolid dialog box appears, as shown in
the figure below.
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3.
Select the desired Parasolid file. In addition to the file name, file location and file type options, modify
the following values as necessary.
Allow Defeaturing - Check this box to store the model in the solid database format so it can be
defeatured after import. If this is not checked, the model is stored in neutral database format, which
restricts defeaturing after import (default).
Allow Scaling - Check this box to permit scaling of the model (if warranted by the model size).
Please see the
All Entities - Import all entities; use this option when the file contains multiple entity types.
Note
If your imported model contains multiple volumes, Boolean operators are available to further
process your geometry (see Sculpting Your Model with Boolean Operations in the Modeling and
Meshing Guide for more information).
Troubleshooting
For general troubleshooting information, please see Troubleshooting Connection Issues, or examine Problems
Specific to the Connection for Parasolid for specific issues. In addition, please refer to the Parasolid Specific
Attributes section for additional information about specific considerations associated with importing Parasolid files.
Scaling
When a Parasolid model is created, the measurement unit information is always represented by meters regardless of the units used to create the model. However, when the CAD package writes out the file, the
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Assemblies
You can directly import Parasolid assemblies into ANSYS using the connection for Parasolid. After you import
an assembly, you will have as many volumes in ANSYS as you had parts in the assembly. You must then do
the following to build a contiguous model:
1.
2.
Glue dissimilar meshes together by generating constraint equations at the interfaces using the CEINTF
command. You should only use this method for models with small deflection.
3.
Define bonded contact elements such as CONTA171 to glue dissimilar meshes together.
2.4. Pro/ENGINEER
Before you start ANSYS, the Pro/ENGINEER part file (*.prt*) or assembly file (*.asm*) must exist on your
machine or on a known network location. In addition, the file must have been created in Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire 2 or 3 or an earlier version.
You can use the ANSYS GUI or the ~PROEIN command to import the file.
Note
When importing Pro/ENGINEER parts and assemblies, the connection for Pro/ENGINEER will always
import the version with the highest number (.asm.N) extension, if a number is the final extension.
Select File> Import> Pro/E. The ANSYS Connection for PRO/E dialog box is displayed, as shown in
the figure below.
2.
Select the desired Pro/ENGINEER file. As necessary, modify the values of the following dialog box options:
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Pro/E Command - Specify the command that launches Pro/ENGINEER on your system. This field
defaults to the value specified during the installation process or using the ANS_ADMIN utility. If
no command was specified, the default is proe1. The Pro/ENGINEER command name is set by the
ANSYS_PROE_CMD environment variable.
Note
If you are a UNIX user, do not use an alias to run the Pro/ENGINEER executable. The path
to the executable should be already set if the Pro/ENGINEER installation path has been
defined for the PATH environment setting.
3.
Allow Defeaturing - Check this box to store the model in the solid database format so it can be
defeatured after import. If this is not checked, the model in stored in neutral database format,
which restricts defeaturing after import (default).
Click OK.
Remember that the geometry is always imported to ANSYS using the default ANSYS coordinate system
(CSYS,0), Global Cartesian.
Troubleshooting
For general troubleshooting information, please see Appendix B, Troubleshooting Connection Issues, or
Problems Specific to the Connection for Pro/ENGINEER for specific issues.
2.5. SAT
The connection products support the import of multiple .anf files for the creation of a single ANSYS
database. You can import ACIS-based .SAT files that make up an assembly, save them as .anf files, and
then compile them into one database. See Importing Multiple Files (Create ANSYS Database) (p. 2) for more
information on working with multiple .anf files.
You can import .SAT files using the GUI or by using the ~SATIN command.
10
Select File> Import> SAT. The ANSYS Connection for SAT dialog box appears, as shown below.
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2.6. NX
2.
3.
Select the desired SAT file. In addition to the file name, location and type options, modify the following
values as necessary.
Allow Defeaturing - Select this button to store the model in the solid database format so that it
can be defeatured after import. The default is to store the model in neutral database format, which
restricts defeaturing after import.
All - Import all entities; use this when the file contains multiple entity types.
Click OK.
Note
If your imported model contains multiple volumes, Boolean operators are available to further
process your geometry (see Sculpting Your Model with Boolean Operations in the Modeling and
Meshing Guide for more information).
Troubleshooting
For general troubleshooting information, please see Troubleshooting Connection Issues, or examine Problems
Specific to the Connection for SAT for specific issues.
2.6. NX
These procedures assume that you are running NX 6.0 or 4.0 and ANSYS 12.1. In addition, the part file you
want to import must be created using NX.
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Select File> Import> UG. The ANSYS Connection for UG dialog box appears, as shown below.
2.
3.
Select the desired UG file. In addition to the file name, file location and file type options, you can
modify the following values as necessary.
Use selected layers only - Import specific layers of the NX part by checking the Use selected
layers only button and by entering the layer numbers to be imported in the field beside it. You
can specify one layer (for example, 5) or a range of layers (for example, 7-20). The default is to import
all layers (1-256).
Allow Defeaturing - Select this button to store the model in the solid database format so that it
can be defeatured after import. The default is to store the model in neutral database format, which
restricts defeaturing after import.
All - Import all entities; use this when the file contains multiple entity types.
Press OK.
Troubleshooting
For general troubleshooting information, please see Troubleshooting Connection Issues, or examine Problems
Specific to the Connection for NX for specific issues.
12
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partname.tbl
partname.attr
The partname.tbl file is the NX-to-ANSYS correspondence table file, which relates NX item names to
ANSYS IDs and types.
Here is a sample NX-to-ANSYS correspondence table file:
!
! *** UNIGRAPHICS-TO-ANSYS CORRESPONDENCE TABLE FILE ***
.
.
.
!
Part
: square_cube
!
Units
: Inches
!
Selected Layers
: 1-256
!
Geometry Type
: Solids Only
!
!
Translator Working Tolerance: 5.0000000E-004
!
Part system Tolerance (ref):
1.0000000E-003
!
!Object Name
ANSYS Type
NS_SIDE_FACE
AREA
NS_PEG_FACE
AREA
ANSYS ID
4
15
The NX attribute name appears in the first column, the ANSYS entity type appears in the second, and the
ANSYS ID appears in the third.
The partname.attr file is the NX-to-ANSYS attribute file, which lists the object attributes that are applied
in NX and that are for use in ANSYS. These attributes may be used to add mesh control information, load
and boundary condition information, or material or element property information.
Here is a sample NX-to-ANSYS attribute file:
!
! *** UNIGRAPHICS-TO-ANSYS ATTRIBUTE FILE ***
.
.
.
!
!
Part
: square_cube
!
Units
: Inches
!
Selected Layers
: 1-256
!
Geometry Type
: Solids Only
!
!
Translator Working Tolerance: 5.0000000E-004
!
Part system Tolerance (ref):
1.0000000E-003
!
!Object Name
Keyword
RMsquare_cube.prt R000000b4000
EDGE_4
RMsquare_cube.prt R000000ac000
FACE_3
NS_PEG_FACE
PEG_FACE
Value
(str) bottom edge
(str) face3456
(real) 1258.0000
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13
Note
Both of the following variables must be set to import a part. Check to see what variables have
been set for your platform, and if necessary, set these variables as indicated below.
UGII_BASE_DIR
Sets the location of the NX files; set by the NX installation. A typical value for this variable is
/usr/ugs030.
UGII_ROOT_DIR
Sets the location of the NX executable; set by the NX installation. A typical value for this variable is
/usr/ugs030/bin.
The next variable is not defined by the NX installation script. It can only be set in a .cshrc file or at command
level before running NX:
UGII_VENDOR_DIR
Defines the ANSYS menu for NX.
setenv UGII_VENDOR_DIR /ansys_inc/v121/ansys/ac4/bin/ug50/<platform>
If directory names on your platform contain uppercase characters, you must set the following environment
variable:
UGII_OPTION
Sets the case of characters in directory names on the current system. Possible options are MIXED, LOWER
or UPPER. We recommend the following setting:
setenv UGII_OPTION MIXED
14
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Make sure that the ANSYS121_DIR environment variable is set. If it is not set in your .cshrc or
.profile file, set it from the UNIX command prompt. Please see the examples shown below. These
examples assume that ANSYS 12.1 is installed in the default installation directory.
For users running the C shell (csh), set the environment variable as:
setenv ANSYS121_DIR /ansys_inc/v121/ansys
For users running the Korn (ksh) or Borne (sh) shell, set the environment variable as:
ANSYS121_DIR=/ansys_inc/v121/ansys
export ANSYS121_DIR
2.
If you are running any ANSYS product other than ANSYS Multiphysics, you must set the ANSYS121_PRODUCT variable. Please refer to the Product Variable Table in the ANSYS, Inc. Licensing
Guide for a list of all available product variables. The following example illustrates how to set the
variable if your default product is ANSYS Structural:
For users running the C shell (csh), set the environment variable as:
setenv ANSYS121_PRODUCT STRUCT
For users running the Korn (ksh) or Borne (sh) shell, set the environment variable as:
ANSYS121_PRODUCT=STRUCT
export ANSYS121_PRODUCT
3.
If you are using the Connection for Pro/ENGINEER on a Linux machine, you will need to set the following
environment variable in order to export your model to Pro/ENGINEER (this environment variable is not
needed to import a Pro/ENGINEER model):
LD_LIBRARY_PATH -- Set this environment variable to /ansys_inc/v121/ansys/syslib/linia32.
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15
Verify that a copy of config.anscon is residing on the local machine. The default directory path
for the file is:
/ansys_inc/v121/ansys/ac4/data/config.anscon
If you wish to modify this file, first copy it to your working directory.
Note
The ANSCON_CONFIG_DIR environment variable is not used by the connection for
Pro/ENGINEER.
5.
If you update Pro/ENGINEER after installing the connection for Pro/ENGINEER, the process may remove
the protk.dat file from the /<ProE_install_dir>/<proe_platform>/text/usascii/
or the <ProE_install_dir>/<proe_platform>/text directory. If you launch ANSYS from
Pro/ENGINEER, be sure that there is a copy of protk.dat in the usascii directory. If the protk.dat
file does not exist, consult with your system administrator , or refer to the ANSYS, Inc. UNIX/Linux Installation Guide.
Choose File> Open from the Pro/ENGINEER Menu Manager. The File Open dialog box appears.
2.
Select the part you wish to open from the appropriate folder.
3.
4.
Select ANSYS Geom from the ANSYS 12.1 menu, as shown in the figure below. The Pro/E part is converted into an ANSYS model database. If you encounter difficulties or the model does not display,
please refer to the Troubleshooting an Imported File section listed below.
16
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Note
On Windows, you may see the following message: INSTALL_SIGNAL_HANDLER: Failed to
Install: Invalid argument. If so, ignore the message and continue.
5.
Analyze the part with ANSYS. If you have any questions about running an ANSYS analysis, see the Basic
Analysis Guide.
6.
If the model does not appear in the ANSYS window, select Plot> Areas or Plot> Lines to display the
model.
Note for Windows Users: An additional window may open when the connection to ANSYS is launched.
The window title bar contains the full path to the connection executable; the executable is named
ac4pro.exe. After the message Releasing Connection license... appears in the window, close the
window. These messages are caused by Pro/ENGINEER and have no impact on your process.
If the ANSYS options do not appear, the protk.dat file may not be properly installed. Based upon
your platform, please refer to UNIX System Configuration for Connection Functionality for Pro/ENGINEER (p. 15) or Windows System Configuration for Connection Functionality for Pro/ENGINEER (p. 16) for
additional information about installing the protk.dat file.
The table shown below summaries the default settings for the config.anscon file. For additional information, please refer to Appendix A (p. 25).
Default Value
Description
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17
Default Value
Description
ANSYS_GRAPHIC_DEVICE
UNIX: x11-stat
Windows: win32
ANSYS_NEUTRAL_FORMAT
YES
ANSYS_PRODUCT_NAME
ANSYS
ANSYS_SOLVER
Sparse
ANSYS_SELECTED_LAYERS
1-256
ANSYS_GEOMETRY_TYPE
Solids Only
Additional References
For additional information, please refer to the following:
1.
2.
3.
If you do not own ANSYS Mechanical, set this value to the default product for your machine. See the
ANSYS, Inc. Licensing Guide for the complete list of ANSYS product names.
4.
This setting is included only to maintain compatibility with the config.anscon file for the connection
for NX. It is not supported by Pro/ENGINEER and it is ignored by ANSYS.
2.
Home directory.
3.
/ansys_inc/v121/ac4/data (if ANSYS 12.1 was installed in any location other than its default,
the //ansys_inc/v121 portion of the path should be changed to that location).
18
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3.2.1. Configuring NX
ANSYS does not load when you select the ANSYS_GEOM button.
This generally happens if you forgot to set the ANSYS121_DIR environment variable as mentioned
earlier in the Launching from Pro/ENGINEER section. Reset this variable and try again.
Note
While you can import NX parts into ANSYS on a Windows workstation, you cannot launch ANSYS
from NX on a Windows workstation. You can only launch ANSYS from NX on certain UNIX platforms
(see Software Requirements (p. 2)).
3.2.1. Configuring NX
Verify and complete the configuration actions listed below.
1.
Set the ANSYS121 _DIR environment variable. If this variable is not set in the .cshrc or .profile
file, then set it at the UNIX command prompt. Examine the examples shown below. All sample paths
use the default installation location of ANSYS 12.1 (/ansys_inc/v121/ansys).
For users running the C shell (csh), set the environment variable as:
setenv ANSYS121_DIR /ansys_inc/v121/ansys
For users running the Korn (ksh) or Borne (sh) shell, set the environment variable as:
ANSYS121_DIR=/ansys_inc/v121/ansys
export ANSYS121_DIR
2.
Verify that UGII_VENDOR_DIR is in your .cshrc file. This variable defines the ANSYS menu for NX.
Add the following line to your .cshrc:
setenv UGII_VENDOR_DIR /ansys_inc/v121/ansys/ac4/bin/ug50/platform
3.
Verify that a copy of config.anscon is located on your machine. The default path name to this file
on UNIX systems is /ansys_inc/v121/ansys/ac4/data/config.anscon.
You can also use the ANSCON_CONFIG_DIR environment variable to define the location of the config.anscon file for a user or for a set of users.
3.2.1.1. Running NX
1.
2.
For UG NX 3.0, select Applications> ANSYS from the menu bar to add the ANSYS drop-down
menu.
For UG NX 4.0, select Start> All Applications> ANSYS to add the ANSYS drop-down menu.
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3.
Select Start ANSYS from the menu. After you select Start ANSYS, the NX window closes temporarily,
and the geometry transfer begins. Once the transfer is complete, the ANSYS menus and Graphics
window displays.
4.
Select Plot> Volumes. ANSYS displays the part model in the Graphics window. (If the model does not
contain volumes, use one of the other options from the Plot menu to display the model.)
5.
Perform an ANSYS analysis. If you have any questions about running an ANSYS analysis, see the Basic
Analysis Guide.
6.
7.
2.
Working directory.
3.
Home directory.
4.
The ANSYS 12.1 product directory as defined by the ANSYS121_DIR environment variable.
ANSYS stops searching as soon as the config.anscon file is found. If the config.anscon file from the
ANSYS product directory is used, the file is copied to the working directory when you press the Save button
from the ANSYS Configuration.
The table shown below provides a list of the ANSYS configuration variables, their default values, and a brief
description of each setting.
Default Value
Description
ANSYS_CMD
ANSYS_GRAPHIC_DEVICE
UNIX x11-stat
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Notes
Keyword
Default Value
Description
ANSYS_MEMORY_SIZE
1024
ANSYS_SOLVER
Sparse
ANSYS_SELECTED_LAYERS
1-256
ANSYS_ENTITY_TYPE
Solids Only
ANSYS_NEUTRAL_FORMAT Yes
ANSYS_PRODUCT_NAME
ANSYS
Additional References
1.
Pro/ENGINEER cannot process UNC paths. Always use drive letters rather than UNC paths in the
Pro/ENGINEER configuration files.
2.
3.
4.
See ~UGIN.
5.
See the Product Variable Table in the ANSYS, Inc. Licensing Guide for the complete list of ANSYS product
names.
Display the ANSYS Connection For UG Configuration window. This window is the configuration editor.
2.
Select the Keyword you wish to modify and then click OK. You may also select a Keyword by doubleclicking its value in the list. The Change Key Value dialog box appears displaying the selected keyword.
Depending on the keyword, the value may be changed through an edit field or an option button from
this dialog box.
3.
4.
Notes
The Reset button resets the settings with the values read in from the configuration file.
The Close button closes the ANSYS Configuration editor.
Select a keyword and click OK or double-click a keyword. A dialog box related to the keyword appears.
In this case, the dialog box named Change Key Value.
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21
Select the option button to display the available values for the ANSYS_GRAPHIC_DEVICE keyword.
The figure shown below illustrates the values.
3.
Select 3d and the click OK. The new value appears in the ANSYS Configuration dialog box.
4.
5.
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1.
Start ANSYS in graphics mode. Type the following at the command level:
ansys121 -g
Before you import a file into ANSYS, it is important that you begin with an empty database. If you have
already run an analysis, be sure to clear the database by invoking the /CLEAR command (File> Clear
& Start New) before beginning the file import process.
Do not neglect this step - if the current database is not empty, the database may become corrupted
once you import the NX part.
2.
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23
3.
Select the part file that you wish to import. Only NX parts can be transferred, and only one part may
be selected at a time.
4.
If you want to import a subset of layers, check the Use Selected Layers Only box and then enter the
layer number(s) in the Select Layers field. You can specify a single layer (for example, 5) or a range
of layers (for example, 5-20). If the button is not checked, all layers (1-256) are imported by default.
5.
If you plan to defeature the part after import, select the Allow Defeaturing box. By default, the part
is imported in a neutral database format that restricts defeaturing.
6.
Select the Geometry Type option button to display a list of entities that could be imported: Solids
Only, Surfaces Only (known as sheets in NX), Wireframe Only, or All Entities.
7.
Click OK when your selections and settings are complete. ANSYS processes the file and displays a plot
of the hinge, as illustrated in the figure below.
8.
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Perform the necessary steps to complete an ANSYS analysis. See the Basic Analysis Guide if you have
questions about an ANSYS analysis.
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of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
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27
If you receive errors, examine the filename.log file created by ANSYS. It is located in the current
working directory and may contain clues to the source of the error.
If a part name fails to be read into ANSYS. Be sure that the part name begins with an alphanumeric
(required). If your part name begins with a special character, you must rename it before importing. For
example, a NX user can rename the part name _123hinge.prt to be 123hinge.prt, or
x123hinge.prt.
Models that have undergone multiple conversions from other CAD packages may cause difficulties
when transferring into ANSYS.
If your CAD package has a "defeature" option, use the utility before importing the part to ANSYS. This
allows you to avoid analyzing a model with small features that are irrelevant in an ANSYS study. Parts
that have sharp vertices or areas that have lines that touch may experience problems in tessellation
and meshing.
If the model fails to mesh, you can repair, simplify, or reimport the model.
Choose Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Check Geom> Show Degeneracy for a list of
possible problem areas in your model. To use this commands, the part must be imported with the
Allow Defeaturing option selected.
Repair portions of the model by choosing Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Update Geom
to update nodes. To use this command, the part must be imported with the Allow Defeaturing
option selected.
Be sure to use ANSYS elements that are designed to model irregular meshes. These elements are
particularly well-suited for using with imported parts:
SOLID87
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SOLID92
SOLID98
SOLID122
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PLANE35
PLANE183
If the mesh still fails, try the ANFO command. Enter the following commands in the ANSYS Input window:
/AUX15
ANFO, PROJ, ALTER
/INP, partfile, anf
Replace partfile with the name of a CAD part file. This sequence of commands restarts the analysis
in the working directory and can only be used to create ANSYS neutral files.
Caution
Running ANFO can take a very long time. It can take hours to rerun even a very small model.
Consider running this process overnight. ANFO will be able to import and create areas and volumes
for some files that failed in earlier attempts.
Cannot project lines onto surface
Areas and volumes are not being properly imported into ANSYS. To fix this problem, clear the ANSYS
database and run the ANFO command as described in the previous paragraph.
Note
The filename.ans_log file is only generated when the part is saved in neutral database
format.
Failed to process.
May indicate a corrupt Parasolid file. This can be caused by sending a Parasolid file via e-mail, or by
trying to import a binary file. The safest way to transfer a Parasolid file is to use FTP and transfer the file
using binary mode; be certain to save the file in ASCII format (not binary).
Failed to process.
Schema keys are missing. Check the installation. Schema keys should be found in /ansys_inc/v121/ansys/ac4/schema (UNIX) or in <drive>:\Program Files\Ansys Inc\V121\ANSYS\ac4\schema (Windows). On Windows machines, the P_SCHEMA environment variable must be
set to <drive>:\Program Files\Ansys Inc\V121\ANSYS\ac4\schema.
***Warning: ANSYS environment variables: ANSYS121_DIR and/or ANSYS121_SYSDIR are not set.
***ERROR: connection for Parasolid directory structure is not set. Unable to find the Connection executable.
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of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
2.
where filename.aaa is the name of the file you are working with
The following problem may occur on UNIX systems: The software may not come up if the required shared
library (ansys_inc/ansys121/lib/<platform>/libac4.so) is not present or if the path names
listed in this file are incorrect. Check for proper installation (see the ANSYS, Inc. UNIX/Linux Installation Guide
) and reinstall the software.
The following problems may occur on Windows systems: A sys error may be displayed if the executable
is in the wrong directory or if the required shared libraries are missing. Check for proper installation (see
the ANSYS, Inc. Windows Installation Guide) and reinstall the software.
***Warning: ANSYS environment variables: ANSYS121_DIR and/or ANSYS121_SYSDIR are not set.
***ERROR: connection for SAT directory structure is not set. Unable to find the Connection executable.
Either the ANSYS121_DIR or the ANSYS121_SYSDIR variable needs to be set. See the ANSYS, Inc. Installation Guide for your platform for information about these configuration variables.
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32
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of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Index
troubleshooting, 27
converting a CAD part, 16
Symbols
D
database file
clearing, 23
defeaturing, 23
.sat files, 10
A
ACIS geometry file, 10
ACIS-based CAD files
importing, 10
ANSCon Config option, 16
ANSCON_CONFIG_DIR, 13
ANSCON_CONFIG_DIR environment variable, 20
ANSYS
configuration settings, 18
launching from NX, 19
launching from Pro/ENGINEER, 16
quitting, 16, 19
starting from NX, 23
ANSYS connection, 1
ANSYS Geom option, 16
ANSYS_GRAPHIC_KEYWORD environment variable, 21
ANSYS_PROE_CMD environment variable, 30
.asm files, 9
C
CAD connection functionality
supported systems for, 2
CAD packages, 1
CAD parts, 1
CATIA, 5
CATIA version 5, 6
importing, 3, 23
Parasolid, 7
Pro/ENGINEER, 9
~CAT5IN command, 6
CATIA
importing parts created in, 5
~CATIAIN command, 5
combining .anf files, 2
config.anscon file, 18
Configuration Editor, 16
configuration files
troubleshooting, 28
configuration settings
ignored, 18
modifying from NX, 20
modifying from Pro/ENGINEER, 17
updating from NX, 21
configure option, 19
connection
E
editing configuration settings, 21
entities
Parasolid, 7
environment variables
ANSCON_CONFIG_DIR, 13, 20
modifying from NX, 21
set by ANSYS, 15
UGII_BASE_DIR, 13
UGII_OPTION, 13, 31
UGII_VENDOR_DIR, 13
F
files
combining .anf , 2
config.anscon, 18
.dlv, 5
.model, 5
protk.dat, 1516
.prt, 9, 11
.CATPart, 6, 10
G
Geometry Interface
see ANSYS connection, 1
H
hardware requirements, 2
I
import commands
~CAT5IN, 6
~CATIAIN, 5
~PARAIN, 7
~PROEIN, 9
~SATIN, 10
~UGIN, 11
importing, 1
.sat files, 10
ACIS-based CAD files, 10
CAD parts, 3
CATIA parts, 5
CATIA version 5 parts, 6
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33
Index
NX parts, 11, 23
Parasolid assemblies, 8
Parasolid parts, 7
Pro/ENGINEER parts, 9
importing parts
Parasolid, 7
Pro/ENGINEER, 9
/INPUT command, 2
installation prerequisites, 2
L
launch troubleshooting, 27
license troubleshooting, 27
M
measurement units in Parasolid files, 8
multiple .anf files, 2
N
NX
files created during file import, 13
importing files from, 11
launching ANSYS from, 19
modifying ANSYS configuration settings from, 20
troubleshooting file import, 31
P
P_SCHEMA environment variable, 29
~PARAIN command, 7
Parasolid
importing parts, 7
troubleshooting file import, 29
Parasolid files
importing, 7
scaling models, 8
parts
CATIA, 5
CATIA Version 5, 6
importing, 3
importing Parasolid, 7
NX, 11
opening in NX, 19
plotting volumes of, 16, 19
SAT, 10
troubleshooting import, 28
path environment variable, 30
plotting volumes in ANSYS, 16, 19
prerequisites for installation, 2
Pro/ENGINEER
importing models from, 9
launching ANSYS from, 16
34
S
SAT files
troubleshooting import, 30
~SATIN command, 10
scaling models
in Parasolid imports, 8
shared libraries
troubleshooting, 28
Start Ansys option, 19
starting ANSYS
from NX, 23
system requirements, 2
systems, 2
T
troubleshooting, 27
configuration files, 28
licenses, 27
NX file import, 31
Parasolid file import, 29
part import, 28
SAT file import, 30
U
UGII_BASE_DIR, 13
UGII_OPTION, 13, 31
UGII_VENDOR_DIR, 13
~UGIN, 11
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of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.