Importing and exporting universal bolt connections with xMCF

Using extended master connection files (xMCF), you can import and export universal bolt connections from the FEM or assembly FEM file.

xMCF format

The extended master connection file (xMCF) format is the standard file format used in industry to describe all of the connection and joint information needed for large, complex structures such as automobiles. Using xMCF files, you can more easily exchange connection and assembly information between design, manufacturing, and finite element analysis applications.

The following is a short xMCF file as exported by the software. It contains one connection group and one bolt connection. Following the sample xMCF file is a table that briefly describes the main elements of the XML file and the type of information you can expect to see imported to and exported from the software. For the complete xMCF standard and XML file format, see

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no" ?><xmcf xmlns:xsi=" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="xmcf_3_0_0.xsd">  <!-- $==============================================================================         $     Exported by Simcenter 3D        $              $     Created at    : mm-dd-yyyy   hh:ss        $     From Document : <<directory path to FEM file>>        $     User          : m        $              $     Units         :        $                   : Length :  MilliMeter        $                   : Mass :    Ton        $                   : Time :    Second        $                   : Angle :   Degrees        $                   : Torque :  NewtonMeter        $              $     xMCF version  : 3.0.0        $============================================================================== -->  <version>3.0.0</version>  <units angle="deg" force="N" length="mm" mass="t" time="s" torque="Nm"/>  <date>mm-dd-yyyy</date>  <connection_group id="1">    <connected_to>      <assy index="1">        <part pid="53103"/>        <part pid="53104"/>      </assy>    </connected_to>    <connection_list>      <connection_0d label="Bolt Connection">        <loc>-3.810000 107.673985 -7.057326</loc>        <threaded_connection diameter="10.000000" head_diameter="12.000000" length="21.590001">          <normal_direction x="21.590001" y="-0.000000" z="-0.000000"/>          <bolt>            <nut diameter="12.000000"/>          </bolt>        </threaded_connection>      </connection_0d>    </connection_list>  </connection_group></xmcf>

Note:

After importing a universal connection, you must edit the connection and assign a material property before you can realize (mesh) the connection.

When you import and export data that is not supported, a message is written to the Information window.

Elements and attributes	Description
	Lists the connected parts and all of the universal connections that join them. Each group is labeled using a unique numeric identifier (id).
For each , contains a part or assembly index and property ID (PID) to identify the mesh or assembly components that are connected by the bolt.
	Defines the flanges for the connection.
	Defines a structure consisting of two or more elements. All elements nested under an element represent the same flange.
	For each , lists each bolt connection as a element.
The element contains a nested list of data for each bolt connection, such as the name (label), diameter, and location. This information also populates the Bolt Connection dialog box.
label	Defines the connection name, which appears in the Simulation Navigator and in the Bolt Connection dialog box.
	Lists the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of the Master Point of each bolt from the Locations List on the Locations page. For more information about master point, see Bolt Connection dialog box (universal connections).When you export connections from an assembly FEM, the coordinates are exported as follows:When the assembly FEM is the displayed part and the work part, the absolute (global) coordinate system of the assembly FEM is used to export the coordinates.When the subassembly FEM or component FEM is the displayed part and the work part, the local coordinate system of the subassembly FEM or component FEM is used to export the coordinates.
	Defines the shank diameter, length, and head diameter for each bolt, which appear in the Locations List on the Locations page.
	Defines the orientation of each bolt axis from head to nut, with the X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of as the origin.
	Defines the element as a bolt only.
	Specifies the diameter of the nut, which is equal to the head diameter.

Note:

Finite element data () and application-specific data () are not supported when importing and exporting universal bolt connections.

Importing and exporting universal bolt connections with xMCF, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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