Importing finite element data

Use the File→Import→Simulation command to import finite element model data created in other simulation software applications into Pre/Post. When you import the data, the software creates FEM and Simulation files of a corresponding solution type.

The imported data can include:

• Elements

• Material properties

• Physical properties

• Coordinate system definitions

• Boundary conditions

• Contact parameters

• Solution attributes

During the import process, the software generates a new FEM file and a new Simulation file. The import process does not associate the data to a part file. Different import options are available when you import files into different solver types.

Importing results handled through a separate process

The File→Import→Simulation command does not import results data. You can import results data into your current Simulation file through either the Simulation Navigator or the Post Processing Navigator. See Importing results and Import results through the Post Processing Navigator for more information.

Optimization of common element attributes on import

When you import a solver input file in Pre/Post, common element attributes for a given mesh are combined and imported as mesh-associated data. Unique element attributes are imported as element-associated data.

For example, if you import a mesh of 100 shell elements, in which 90 have the same material orientation vector defined, that common material orientation vector is imported as a mesh attribute and stored as mesh-associated data. The 10 remaining material orientation vectors are imported as element attributes and stored as element-associated data. The import process performs this optimization for each element attribute type (shell element thickness, mass, spring stiffness, material orientation vector, or beam section orientation) for each mesh.

Appending a solver input file into a FEM or Simulation file

For all solvers supported in Pre/Post, you can use the Append command to import a solver input data file into an existing FEM or Simulation file and append the solver data to the existing data. For more information, see Appending a solver input file.

Supported solver versions for import

File created in	Version	Imported into solver type	Additional information
Simcenter Nastran	12 or earlier	Simcenter Nastran	Importing Nastran data
MSC Nastran	Version 2017.0 or earlier	MSC Nastran	Importing Nastran data
Abaqus	Version 2020 or earlierVersion 2020 for .odb database files (only nodes, elements, coordinate systems, element and node sets, and element face and surface sets)	Abaqus	Abaqus keywords supported for import and export
ANSYS	Version 17.0 or earlier	ANSYS	ANSYS commands supported for import and export
LS-DYNA	9.1.0	LS-DYNA	n/a
Samcef	17.2 (build 17.1-03)	Samcef	Import a finite element model (Simcenter Samcef)
NX I-deas (Universal file)	NX I-deas 6m1 Universal file specification	I-deas Unv	n/a
LMS Virtual.Lab		Simcenter Nastran or Simcenter 3D Acoustics BEM	Import LMS Virtual.Lab acoustic or vibro-acoustic models
NX I-deas TMG or NX I-deas ESC	I-deas 11, 12, 13, NX I-deas 5, NX I-deas 6, NX I-deas 6m1	Simcenter 3DThermal/Flow, Simcenter 3D Electronic Systems Cooling, or Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal	Importing thermal and flow analysis data
TSS primitives	Version 11.01	Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal	Supported features for importing radiation models
ESARAD primitives	Version 6.8	Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal	Supported features for importing radiation models
Thermica primitives	Version 3.2	Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal	Supported features for importing radiation models

Where do I find it?

In the Pre/Post and Gateway applications, with a part file, FEM file, or Simulation file active, choose File→Import→Simulation.

How do I

Import finite element model data

Learn more

Importing loads as spatial fields

Importing Simcenter Testlab data

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

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Importing finite element data, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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