FEA Analysis
Workflow
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Complete FEA
MSC Apex is a complete CAE platform, for the build, analysis and result exploration of FEA models. It is licensed
as two separate products;
• MSC Apex Modeler – Model Build and Results Post-Processing.
• MSC Apex Structures – Solution of the FEA Model.
If the MSC Apex Structures license is available, full analysis can be invoked from the Model Browser (‘Right
Click’ on selected structure to invoke analysis process).
Multiple Environment Types (solution types) are available;
• Linear Static (strength and stiffness),
• Normal Modes (modal frequencies),
• Dynamic (response to time-dependent loads) and
• Buckling (structural instability).
The following steps are run through to develop the full structural
response;
1. Analysis Readiness (determine if any flaws within the model build)
2. Generate Simulation Scenario (set analysis parameters)
3. Run the Analysis (solve mathematical model)
4. Post-Process (result exploration)
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Overview – Analysis Readiness
Analysis Readiness checks whether the model can be solved
in its current state.
Offenses within the AR Panel are highlighted as;
• Warnings (an issue is highlighted, but the analysis can proceed)
• Critical (an issue has been found which needs to be corrected)
The model categories which are assessed include;
• Mesh (Invalid element quality, unmeshed geometry etc)
• Materials (Missing material requirement, i.e. density for dynamic
analysis)
• Environment (Missing constraints/loading, unattached loading etc)
• Attributes (Missing property assignment, invalid ply etc)
• Connections (Unattached connector, empty glue patch etc)
• Simulation (Missing simulation parameter, missing system damping
etc)
Once highlighted, the relevant course for correction is
proposed including;
• Message boxes explaining the correction, and
• Direct links to the appropriate forms to make the correction
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Simulation Scenario
A Simulation Scenario is defined to specify discrete analysis
parameters, output requests and active loads/constraints.
The following criteria can be specified from the Model
Browser;
• Model Representation – which model configuration to run?
• Loads & Constraints – which global L&Cs are used?
• Simulation Settings – specific to Environment (Solution) Type, e.g.
Part Reduction/Mechanism Check for Static analysis, or the number
of modes extracted for Normal Modes and/or Buckling analysis.
• Simulation Status – shows solution process, duration and outcomes.
• Scenario Export Settings – what data is written for external analysis?
• Output Requests – which results data will be available?
• Events – multiple events can be generated, with local control of both
the loading and constraint definition for each event.
The Simulation Scenario Status is signified for each analysis,
highlighting the current run state, or any potential simulation
failures.
- Not Run - Completed Successfully
- Not Run (Analysis Readiness Warnings) - Completed Unsuccessfully
- Running
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Run the Analysis
Once the model has been checked using 1) Analysis Readiness, and a 2) Simulation Scenario generated, the
analysis can be run using the embedded MSC Apex Structures solver
• The Simulation Status Bar is displayed throughout the solution, showing
percentage completion, and giving the option of terminating early, if required.
• Simulation Status Messages and Durations of each solver process are echoed
to the Model Browser (and displayed in the bottom left-hand corner of the
workspace as the analysis is solving).
If ‘Mechanism Check’ is enabled within Simulation Settings, any
mechanism (insufficient constraint definition or unconnected region)
within the model will be highlighted;
• through a warning message, and
• ‘Rigid Body’ output directions which can be seen during post-processing.
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Post-Process
Once solved, there are numerous methods for exploring model
response, including;
• Deformed Shape (scaled by True or Relative displacement)
• Fringe (with associated Element Fill, Data and Visualisation controls)
• Vector (with associated Data and Visualisation controls)
All these methods can be further enhanced using the Animation Controller, Plot
Title, Hot Spot Display and Data Table
The Result Browser can be used specify general results based on;
• The relevant Scenario and Event
• The portion of the model (individual parts can be ‘Set As Plot Target’)
• Result quantities, based on Scenario Output Requests
The Probe tools can be used to;
• Display numerical values at discrete locations and along a drawn path
• Write filtered and sorted values to the Data Table
• Export CSV format data for external analysis
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