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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.