CAD Import

Introduction

Although 3D CAD tools focus mainly on geometric modeling, they are not usually set up for simulation purposes. Incorporating the global system behavioral within a 3D design environment is difficult. The CAD Import utility bridges the gap between geometric modeling and model-based system modeling, by combining the power of Simcenter Amesim with CAD.

Both domains have independent experts for the applied software. Generated data is normally shared manually between them over agreed-upon fixed interfaces. Automating this time-consuming and error-prone repetitive procedure is a step towards improving the product development process.

CAD Import capabilities:

CAD import — CAD Import is a Simcenter Amesim-integrated CAD viewer used for creating, importing, and analyzing 3D CAD files without relying on the original CAD software application. CAD Import uses Siemens Parasolid component software for its geometric modeling kernel and built-in translation tools to import and export common CAD files in Simcenter Amesim. Supported formats include Parasolid and STEP. Standard exchange formats such as STEP allow importing native formats from other CAD software.

CAD modeling — CAD Import has tools for modifying geometry: fill hole, split body, and Boolean operations. New geometry can be created quickly and easily using simple tools. A library of parametric shapes is included, and geometry can also be created from a sketch profile.

CAD measurements — CAD Import contains measurement analysis tools. All kinds of measurements can be displayed on the 3D view and saved as a CAD Import project.

System model generation — CAD Import provides advanced features to convert a 3D CAD model into a Simcenter Amesim model. In a few steps the system model is generated in the Simcenter Amesim environment and is ready to use for analysis.

CAD Import can be integrated into the system-modeling workflow in two ways:

• Used to get specific measures to set component parameters of an existing model (3D CAD geometry → 1D model parametrization).
• Used to generate a model with automatic parameter setting of components (3D CAD geometry → 1D model sketch generation).

Types of user

Traditionally, using a CAD model for reviewing engineering data required a CAD design engineer to operate the CAD model and validate the data being viewed. CAD Import is easy enough to be used by system engineers with little or no CAD experience — it provides a simplified layout with a reduced set of menu items and icons, ideal for system simulation engineers.

Type of application

CAD Import is independent from the application domain — it is designed to work across the range of Simcenter Amesim application domains rather than being tied to a specific physical discipline.