Associative workflow

The following steps define the general workflow for creating an assembly FEM associated with an existing CAD assembly.

Step	Summary	Detailed help topic
1. Create or obtain component FEMs.	Component FEMs are typically (but not necessarily) associated with the individual CAD components that make up the CAD assembly.
2. In Pre/Post, create an assembly FEM.	In the New Assembly FEM dialog box, be sure to select Map to part and choose the CAD assembly part.	Create an assembly FEM file
3. Map CAD components to FEMs.	If necessary, load the CAD assembly.Map each CAD component to an existing FEM file.If a CAD component has no corresponding component FEM, you can map the component to a new FEM file.	Map an assembly component to an existing FEM fileMap an assembly component to a new FEM fileMap assembly components to existing FEM files automatically
4. Connect component FEMs.	Using 1D Connections or the available manual meshing tools, connect the component FEMs to define the system model.	Connecting component FEMs
5. Refine the assembly FEM.	You can continue to refine your assembly FEM as needed. For example, you can:Replace component FEMs with alternative geometry or mesh representations.Override component FEM properties to define unique physical and material properties for the system analysis.Update the assembly FEM to reflect changes in the CAD assembly configuration or associated CAD component geometry.Ignore CAD components that are not needed for the analysis.Control component FEM loading to manage system resources.As needed, reposition the component FEMs.	Replace component FEMsOverride component FEM propertiesAssembly FEM updatesIgnore CAD component mappingManage component FEM loadingPositioning component and subassembly FEMs within an assembly FEMPosition a component or subassembly FEM using coordinate systems within an assembly FEM
6. Resolve label conflicts.	Following any change to the assembly FEM structure or its component FEMs, check for conflicting node, element, or coordinate system labels. Apply offsets to resolve any conflicts.	Resolve label conflicts in your assembly FEM files
7. Create a Simulation file based on your assembly FEM.	In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the assembly FEM node and choose New Simulation. You apply loads and boundary conditions, define your solution, and solve the model as in any other Simulation file.
(Optional) Import simulation entities from component FEM simulations.	If there are simulations defined for component FEMs or subassembly FEMs, you can import selected loads, constraints, and so on from the component's simulation into the assembly FEMs simulation.For more information, see Importing simulation entities.	Import simulation entities

How do I

Map assembly components to existing FEM files automatically

Map an assembly component to an existing FEM file

Map an assembly component to a new FEM file

Position a component or subassembly FEM using coordinate systems within an assembly FEM

Replace component FEMs

Manage component FEM loading

Ignore CAD component mapping

Remove component FEMs

Override component FEM properties

Learn more

Mapping CAD components to FEMs

Positioning component and subassembly FEMs within an assembly FEM

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Associative workflow, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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