System description files

Some information can be extracted from 3D CAD components and written in dedicated files from 3D CAD software products. This allows 3D CAD data exchange and interoperability between design and simulation applications.

These files can be used with 3D CAD models or they can contain enough information to create a 3D view.

The description of 3D CAD components that is contained in the files is used in CAD Import to automatically perform the primitive associations and connections between primitives. The following files are supported in CAD Import:

PLMXML

Representing a variety of product data both explicitly and via references, PLMXML provides a lightweight, flexible mechanism for transporting high-content product data. The schemas are the basis of a rich interoperability pipeline connecting Siemens PLM products and third party adopter applications.

PLMXML is supported by many applications as an export/import format and primarily used in pair with JT format.

Most commonly, a PLMXML file is a regular text file which contains source code in accordance with a PLMXML schema. It provides a comprehensive structured representation of a product in a PLM framework, with a complete breakdown by assemblies, parts, materials, etc., that can be visualized, used as a data source for BOM (Bill of Materials), or transferred into a CAD/CAM system for final design adjustment and manufacturing.

PLMXML can be used for multi-body applications since it can contain information on mechanisms and kinematics when exported from NX Mechatronics Concept Designer, NX Animation Designer, or Simcenter 3D Motion. In this case, the system description is part of the PLMXML and it is then possible to retrieve the data to define the model in CAD Import and then in Simcenter Amesim.

The following table shows the joints that are supported:

Simcenter 3D Motion	NX Mechatronics Concept Designer	NX Animation Designer	Simcenter Amesim / CAD Import
Fixed	Fixed joint	Fixed joint	Ground
Revolute joint	Hinge joint	Revolute	Pivot junction
Slider	Sliding joint	Slider joint	Prismatic junction
Cylindrical	Cylindrical joint	Cylindrical joint	Sliding pivot junction
Spherical	Ball joint	Spherical joint	Spherical junction
Planar	Planar joint	Planar joint	Planar junction
Revolute joint + driver	Hinge joint + control	Revolute + motor	Piloted pivot junction
Slider + driver	Sliding joint + control	Slider joint + motor	Piloted prismatic junction
Cylindrical + driver	Cylindrical joint + control	Cylindrical joint + motor	Piloted sliding pivot junction

Note

Separately, system simulations and 3D simulations each provide value to virtual commissioning. System simulation is most valuable for PLC programming and hardware, but it is limited because of its lack of available 3D models for spatial validation. As a counterpoint, 3D modeling is not able to offer the complex options necessary for PLC testing but is more impactful for spatial and ergonomic planning.

Figure 169: Example of loading a PLMXML file

PCF

A Piping Component File (PCF) is a simple, text-based, English language style file that supports the transfer of pipeline content and configuration information between a 3D piping design system and Isogen, the leading system for the production of piping isometrics.

Despite the simplicity and compact nature of its syntax, the PCF is capable of handling virtually all configurations encountered during the modeling of piping systems.

The following table shows the supported components:

PCF	Simcenter Amesim / CAD Import
Pipe	Pipe
Bend	Bend
Elbow	Bend
Tee	T-junction
Reducer	Convergent/Divergent

The component geometries are computed from two component attributes defined in the PCF file:

• Coordinates

The coordinates are mainly used to compute the position, the orientation, and the length of the components. Components have two types of coordinate data:

External keypoints: points where the component connects to other components of the pipeline or where the pipeline terminates – vents, drains, offline instruments, blank flanges, or caps. In addition to the X, Y, Z coordinates, the nominal size is also provided. It allows you to retrieve the external diameter and the wall thickness based on the material data.

Internal keypoints: points needed to completely define the geometry of the component, such as the center point of a bend.

• Materials

The material-related information of the component. Each component in the PCF is linked to an associated material entry, which is located at the end of the file. The material data can contain attributes that are shared by all the components with the same material link. Usually the material is defined by standardized pipe size charts. It includes essential information such as the outside diameter, wall thickness (expressed in schedule numbers), and inside diameter of the pipe for different nominal pipe sizes. The available standards in our database are: ASME B36.10, ASME B36.19, DIN 2460 Butt weld, DIN 2460 Butt weld seamless pipe, DIN 2460 Cut or groove pipe, DIN 2470, JIS 3459. Regardless of schedule number, pipes with a particular nominal size all have the same outside diameter. As the schedule number increases, the wall thickness also increases. When you import a PCF file, an intermediate interface provides you with a list of materials and their associated information extracted from the file. You can check if the pipe sizes are correctly computed and edit them if necessary. Figure 170: Material definition list

Note When a component has no item code specified, by default it is excluded from the material list. Then the nominal size is used as the internal diameter. Depending on the NPS or the DN, the lists of standards and schedules are filtered to provide only those that are in agreement.