Learning Forum

[Kevin Gnanaraj]

Hi,

I'm trying to import STP files composed of surfaces generated in OpenVSP. I want to use shell elements to simulate a hollow beam for the wing, but when I import it, it says no valid bodies found in DesignModeller when I click generate. How do I import surface geometry into ANSYS Mechanical?

 

On a related note, what does generate actually do? Is there an equivalent function in SpaceClaim? I have been importing ParaSolids after feeding the STP files through SolidWorks to make them solid bodies till now, and the generate button in DesignModeller was able to create geometry to carry out FEM on that way, but as I mentioned, I want to start using shell elements.

[Tasos Zacharakis]

Hello Kevin,

Regarding your first question, please search for shell elements and Design Modeler on Youtube. You will find very similar examples to your case.

Regarding your second question, there is a detailed video regarding shell elements in Analyzing Thin Structures Efficiently - Lesson 2 - ANSYS Innovation Courses, in which the example is demonstrated on Spaceclaim. Make sure to download the accompanied geometry and archived files for a better learning experience.

These will provide you all the tools that you need.

Thank you,

Tasos

 

 

 

 

[Kevin Gnanaraj]

Thank you Tasos, that was helpful.

I found an alternative solution as well, where I imported a trimmed STP file from OpenVSP and set thickness in Space Claim to create thin structures.