Complete Course on Preprocessing using ANSA

Explore the ANSA graphical user interface to master the menu bar, toolbars, and search engine, and use batch mesh, compare, and deck modules to build and verify FE models.

Learn to interact with ANSA models by manipulating views, rotating, panning, and zooming using keyboard and mouse shortcuts. Use F9 to fit the view and F1–F6 for standard orientations.

Learn to import CAD and mesh data into the ANSA environment using open, merge, and auto options, manage multiple files, and handle step vs igs formats.

Learn to import and export solver decks in ANSA, switch user profiles for Abaqus, Nastran, and LS-DYNA, and manage materials and warnings across .inp, .bdf, and .key formats.

Explore ANSA view modes to visualize a full FE model with entity-based and PID representations, ensure consistent orientation, color components by material, and adjust detail via presentation parameters.

Explore how to select ANSA entities using rectangle, ellipse, circle, and polygon selection modes, plus feature, PID, MID, macro regions, and part-based selections for precise preprocessing.

Learn to manage visibility of CAD and FE in ANSA, switch between geometry and mesh views, and control cross hatch, perimeter grid, hot points, and cons visibility.

Learn how to use ANSA's focus group to hide, isolate, and reveal components with Or, And, Not, and invert functions, using PID or entity selection and neighbor options.

Learn to measure distance, angle, diameter, and more in ANSA using the measure function, including shortcuts, selection modes, and options for nodes, edges, shells, and centers of gravity.

Explore topology in the ANSA preprocessor, identifying single, double, and triple connections to ensure proper load transfer and a proper mesh.

Learn how to use tolerance settings in ANSA topology to control edge merging. Understand how tolerance mode and distance determine when edges are combined.

Geometry cleanup removes errors in CAD data to produce accurate mid-surfaces, ensuring node-to-node connectivity and reliable load transfer, while comparing native versus neutral formats and data-loss risks.

Perform geometry cleanup in ANSA by correcting surface orientation with the orient function, removing duplicate and triple con, and creating or stitching new surfaces with Coons or fitted methods.

Resolve CAD geometry issues in geometry cleanup example 2.iges by correcting surface orientation, deleting duplicate surfaces, and rebuilding missing areas with Coons or fitted methods.

Resolve uncheck regions in geometry cleanup with ANSA, locate faults using relative, wireframe, and double con views, then fix surfaces via delete, paste, topo module, cut, and Coons surface creation.

Import the geometry cleanup example 04.igs file, then inspect and repair surfaces in the topo module by fixing duplicates, missing patches, and misaligned edges using patching, cutting, and projecting.

Open the topo module and points tab to create points via direct X, Y, Z input or on an existing line, and import CSV data for multiple points.

Create points at the center of gravity using edges, circles, and spheres in ANSA. Learn to use COG options, centroid versus center of geometry, and auto hole selection.

Create curves in the topo module using the curves toolbar to draw lines, circles, and ellipses, importing coordinates and using relative points to place them in 2D and 3D space.

Define a plane with three points using the plane option to create a surface, then snap points with left or right clicks and set a shell property with thickness 2.

Explore property (PID) creation options in ANSA, including auto create, auto create once, use current, always ask, and use existing, and learn how current PID affects surface assignment.

Explore 2d meshing in ANSA, focusing on mid surface extraction and when to apply surface-based discretization for sheet metal and plastic parts, reducing elements while capturing thickness.

Extract the mid surface of a constant-thickness component using the Topo offset, set offset to half the thickness, and verify with a 10 mm mesh.

Use the skin function in ANSA to extract the mid surface of constant-thickness components efficiently, using visible/selected targets, batch processing, geometry-based offsets, and optional deletion of original faces.

Master mid-surface extraction in ANSA using the skin function, geometry options, treating chamfers, and offset strategies to manage variable thickness and extend surfaces.

Explore 2D element shapes in ANSA preprocessing: quad and triangular elements, including first-order linear and second-order parabolic types, node placement, accuracy, stiffness, and when to prefer quads in critical regions.

Learn to use the length function in ANSA to control 2D surface meshing, adjust perimeter and macro resolutions, and set permanent perimeter lengths for consistent element sizing.

Explore ANSA quality criteria and mesh parameters to set aspect ratio, skewness, jacobian, and element lengths for shells and solids, including quad vs tri and first vs second order.

Explore seven meshing algorithms in ANSA—free, map, spot mesh, advanced front, CFD, STL, and gradual—and learn when each yields optimal mesh quality.

Discover how the best option in ANSA tests multiple meshing algorithms to deliver the best quality mesh, and use the reconstruct function to further improve it.

Explore washer meshing guidelines around holes in ANSA, including zone cuts, washer sizes from 1.5 to 2 times hole diameter, and achieving even quad-element meshes.

Explore ANSA fillet meshing guidelines, ensuring at least two quad layers (three preferred), avoiding triangular transitions on constant radii, and using map mesh techniques for quality fillet meshes.

Apply general Tria guidelines to minimize touching and avoid washers or constant-radius fillets, and use numbers, map meshing, paste, split, and reconstruct for a mesh with the minimum Tria elements.

Master cut, join, and release to control mesh flow and refine element size and aspect ratio on CAD geometry, including parametric versus plane cuts and reconstruction.

Learn the manual paste command in ANSA to merge nodes and control mesh flow using node path, node sets, and COG positions.

Learn to use the split command to improve mesh flow for triangular shell elements by splitting edges, moving triangles, and merging elements with join, swap, and opposite path techniques.

Assess element quality to improve finite element analysis accuracy and reduce solution time by examining metrics such as aspect ratio, skewness, jacobian, warpage, and angle measures.

Explore how aspect ratio, defined as the maximum length divided by the minimum length, grows with stretching and increases stiffness, affecting displacement, stress, and convergence.

Evaluate warpage as out-of-plane deviation for quad elements only, needing four nodes. Compute the warpage as the angle between normals of diagonal planes, aiming for zero and under 15 degrees.

Assess skewness, the angular measure of element quality, defined as 90 minus theta minimum. Measure it for triangular and quad elements to keep values under 60 degrees.

Use the Jacobian to assess mesh quality for quad and tria elements, with quad values above 0.6 (ideal 1) and first-order tria at 1, plus length and angle guidelines.

Compute tet collapse as the minimum height to opposite faces divided by the square root of the opposite face area, then divide by 1.24 to assess tetrahedral quality.

Compute volumetric skew by fitting an ideal equilateral tetrahedron and comparing volumes; skew = (ideal minus actual)/ideal, ideal zero and acceptance below 0.7; assess stretch with radius and max length.

Explore 2d meshing workflows from geometry cleanup to element quality assessment using an example bolt and washer setup, with steps on measuring features, washers, zone cut, and quality checks.

Learn 2d meshing in ansa with washer and bolt hole sizing, zone cuts, and quality control through target length and mesh refinement for accurate fillets and flow.

Explore 3D meshing in ANSA by creating unstructured and structured volume meshes. Learn how closed volumes enable tetra and hex mesh generation via the volume mesh module.

Explore four 3d element shapes in ANSA—hexa, tetra, penta (prism), and pyramid—covering linear and parabolic versions, node counts, and tradeoffs in accuracy, stiffness, and mesh time.

Define closed volumes in ANSA to enable 3D unstructured meshing, using manual or auto detect. Verify volume integrity by checking single con or triple con, and prepare the FE mesh.

Explore ANSA’s unstructured meshing algorithms—including tetra rapid, tetra FEM, tetra CFD, hexa interior, and hexa poly—and how 2D mesh quality shapes 3D results for structural applications.

Explore tetra FEM in ANSA by selecting the volume, configuring growth rate and maximum length, applying NASTRAN aspect ratio five, and ensuring uniform 3d element size.

Explore tetra FEM and hexa interior meshing in ANSA. Adjust growth rate and maximum length, enable pyramid creation, and examine transition regions with quad and shell meshes.

Preprocess a crankshaft CAD in ANSA by setting quality and mesh parameters, generate a 2d mesh, then create a tetrahedral volume and refine fillets for a robust tetra FEM.

Translate creates a structured mesh from faces, shells, or solids by translating elements along a direction, with distance, steps, and biasing options like linear, exponential, or bell curve.

Use the sweep command to create 3D elements along curved regions where translate fails, by sweeping a 2D element along a guideline and selecting the middle curve and element length.

Learn how to create a 3d element from a 2d element using the offset command in ANSA, adjusting distance and layers, and handling surface normal orientation to ensure correct meshing.

Learn to use the revolute command to rotate 2D elements or faces about a defined axis, selecting axis points or existing axes, and setting the angle and steps.

Learn how to generate a 3D mesh using the map command in ANSA by selecting a master surface, a slave surface, and a connecting round, adjusting steps and part type.

Master the extrude command to generate a 3D mesh by selecting source faces, applying target rules such as guidelines, offset, translate, or revolute, and redistributing layers for proper meshing.

Plan and execute a 3D structure mesh from a PRT file. Map cuts, topo model, and quality parameters to build a connected, high-quality hexa mesh.

Open the component file, prune and isolate regions, then define volumes and apply tetra mesh while enforcing quality through refinement and mapping.

Explore assembly and connection concepts, learn to create and modify connections between components, and apply point, line, and surface connection types with defined positions and sizes.

Master creating spot weld connections in ANSA by defining component connections, using manual connections and the connection manager, and selecting an IF representation with diameter and placement adjustments.

Learn to join large components with multiple spot welds in ANSA, control spacing and margin between welds, convert lines to weld entities, and manage connections with the connection manager.

Learn how to create a gumdrop connection between two components, assign diameter and mass, and view how localized mass affects the total system mass using the connection manager.

Learn how ANSA creates automatic bolt connections between two components, defining diameter and length, drilling holes, and adjusting representation styles for secure assembly.

Explore four approaches to model a bolt connection in ANSA, from rigid and beam representations to inner-outer ring coupling, using arbitrary, distributive, and kinematic constraints for accurate or efficient simulations.

Explore unbroken connection drops for a robot-guided remote scanner. Set up drop scan, define route and land, then adjust length, width, and patterns with manufacturing input.

Define a rivet connection by selecting the connection point, specify a six millimeter diameter, set the direction, realize the connection, and obtain node-to-node connectivity with a stable mesh.

Learn how to create a radio connection in ANSA by defining points, choosing the right link, and setting height and steps, then apply RTD material properties.

Learn to use ANSA's transform functions to translate and copy a component between locations, choosing move or copy, setting distance or picking points, and applying symmetry for repeated assemblies.

Explore symmetry and rotate functions in Ansa by defining a symmetry plane with three points, duplicating components, and rotating around a defined axis to create multiple instances.

Learn to use the transport function to reposition components by matching corresponding points, and apply the scale function to resize assemblies about a chosen center or point.