4.3.4. CAD Interface Terminology

The CAD interfaces can be run in either plug-in mode or in reader mode.

  • Attaching geometry in plug-in mode: requires that the CAD system be running.

  • Attaching geometry in reader mode: does not require that the CAD system be running.

Additional Geometry Import Procedures

The following table describes additional options for specifying and importing geometry into the application based on certain conditions.

ProcedureConditionProcedural Steps
Specifying geometry options.Optional task that can be done before attaching geometry.

  1. In an analysis system schematic, perform either of the following:

    • Right-click the Geometry cell and choose Properties

      OR

    • Select the Geometry cell for your analysis and select View > Properties.

  2. Specify Geometry properties as desired.

Attaching SpaceClaim geometry and/or mesh to the Mechanical application.You have created and generated a geometry and/or mesh in SpaceClaim.Double-click the Model cell. Mechanical opens and displays the geometry and/or mesh.
SpaceClaim is not running. Your geometry and/or mesh is stored in an .scdoc file.

  1. Select the Geometry cell in an analysis system schematic.

  2. Browse to the .scdoc file by right-clicking the Geometry cell and selecting Import Geometry > Browse.

  3. Double-click the Model cell. Mechanical opens and displays the geometry and/or mesh.

Attaching DesignModeler geometry to the Mechanical application.You have created and generated a geometry in DesignModeler.Double-click the Model cell. Mechanical opens and displays the geometry.
DesignModeler is not running. Your geometry is stored in an .agdb file.

  1. Select the Geometry cell in an analysis system schematic.

  2. Browse to the .agdb file by right-clicking the Geometry cell and selecting Import Geometry > Browse.

  3. Double-click the Model cell. Mechanical opens and displays the geometry.

Attaching CAD geometry to the Mechanical application.CAD system is running.

  1. Select the Geometry cell in an analysis system schematic.

  2. Right-click the Geometry cell listed to select geometry for import.

  3. If required, set geometry options for import into the Mechanical application by highlighting the Geometry cell and choosing settings under Preferences in the Properties Panel.

  4. Double-click the Model cell in the same analysis system schematic. The Mechanical application opens and displays the geometry.

CAD system is not running. Geometry is stored in a native CAD system file, or in a CAD "neutral" file such as Parasolid or IGES.

  1. Select the Geometry cell in an analysis system schematic.

  2. Browse to the CAD file by right-clicking on the Geometry cell and selecting Import Geometry.

  3. Double-click the Model cell in the Project Schematic. The Mechanical application opens and displays the geometry.

Open Mechanical without a geometry.Specify the type of analysis you wish to perform.Double-click the Model cell or right-click the cell and select Edit. Mechanical opens without a geometry. You can attach a geometry from within Mechanical as desired.