We are starting our 2024 series with new features after taking a pause from other topics. It makes more sense to cover the feature updates in the first quarter of the year, so audiences are aware of new functionalities as soon as the release is available for usage. We begin with the 3DExperience platform and later move to standalone products.

Note: The updates include features introduced from 2023x FD01 onwards.

Geometry Preparation Enhancements:

The updates are related to the simulation model prep app of the structural model creation role.

Mid Surface Extraction Updates: (2023xFD01)The tool can handle complex geometries more efficiently. The surface quality as well as ribs extraction works well on more complex geometries. An option has been added to get a single result with trimmed pieces in case of Non-Manifold geometry. The meshing becomes easier if the trim pieces are embedded in the main geometry as the user does not need to worry about mesh connectivity of difference pieces.                                                                             

Missing Area Visualization has been introduced that allows user to see the partial results in case of mid surfacing failure. The user can repeat the mid surfacing extraction with updated parameters instead of fixing the broken surfaces.

Automated FEM Enhancements:

The following four updates are attributed to the automated batch mesh enhancements of the simulation model build engineer role.

Automated FEM and Model Set Up: (2023xFD01) Most of the common geometry parameters have been introduced as the inputs for defeature in the mid surface quad mesh and tetrahedron mesh procedure. The user can now introduce defeaturing on the fly during automated batch meshing.                                

Thickness from Mid Surface: (2023xFD01) While defining section properties of mid surface with variable thickness, user had to derive thickness from underlying solid body. The mid surface option also stores the thickness and offset information and it can be used as input instead of solid body. This method is faster in the case of complex solids.                                                                                                   

Hex Meshing Procedure: (2023xFD03) The hex meshing procedure has been introduced to perform partitioning and subsequent hex meshing. Please note that this procedure may fail if the underlying geometry is complex enough for automatic partitioning.                                                                               

Mirror FEM’s for planar symmetry: (2024xGA) In the user driven methods, an option was added to create mirror FEM’s for parts to be treated as symmetric in the assembly. This option works for only FEM per part which is Assembly of Meshes (AOM). The mirrored FEM has no associated geometry so all downstream procedures should be done using groups.                                                                                  

Meshing Enhancements:

The meshing features discussed so far are only applicable to the automated meshing through the rules or procedures approach. Here we discuss the meshing updates in general available in the meshing application available within the structural model creation application.

Quad Mesh Curvature Control: (2023xFD01) User can parametrically constrain the mesh based on radius of curvature. The parameter called curvature ratio varies between zero and one. The zero implies never constraining edges and one implies constraining all the edges.                                               

Partition Hex Mesh Update: (2023xFD03) An already existing partition hex mesh can now be updated by editing its 2D source mesh. Use the hex mesh edit tool in the mesh edit section and select the solid. The application captures the source mesh and offers a bunch of 2D mesh editing tools to change the course mesh.                                                                                                                                                             

Model Set Up and Model Check Enhancements:

This section discusses the updates in contributing shapes and contributing FEM Reps management.

Multi-Level FEM Management: (2023xFD01) A FEM tree is added in the contributing FEM window to allow review at all levels of the assembly below the UI active FEM. It would ease the user’s job in dealing with multiple FEM’s of large assemblies model.                                                                                         

Interference Check Update: (2023xFD02) In case of multiple instances of the same part, interference results are now available on all the meshes of the instantiated part. In previous versions, each instance required an individual penetration check operation.                                                                                 

Interference checker by zone: (2023xFD04) In Assembly of Meshes (AoM) models, if there are interference at different locations, each interference or penetration pair is associated to zone. Zone managers have been introduced to check and fix interference at multiple locations from a single window as well as to define groups of participating nodes.                                                                                                

Composites Modeling Enhancements:

There is a dedicated composites design workbench in the 3DExperience platform as well. However, a lot about ply definitions can be addressed in Structural Model Creation application.   

Composite Definition by Ply: (2023xFD01) Plies can now be added manually in the composite shell section to address any change in design without making a change in design itself. The cells or grids defined in composite design workbench can be used in ply definition. This is done through a ply assignment feature in the composite shell section.                                                                                    

Grid Symmetry: (2024xGA) A new command has been proposed in the Simulation Model Prep app to define symmetry of lay-ups. It saves time by avoiding grid definition on symmetric geometry.       

Structural Model Creation Enhancements:

The updates in this section are mostly in properties and connection sections. The meshing updates have already been discussed.

Cohesive Property: (2023xFD01) The cohesive section property is now supported in 3DExperience to accommodate damage associated with delamination phenomenon. The mechanical behavior includes the classical “traction-separation” method defined in materials.                                                                   

Rebars and Embedded Elements: (2023xFD03) The rebars have been introduced to support tire modeling workflows. Rebars is an easier reinforcement approach as the rebars do not require explicit geometry modeling. The embedded elements approach has also been introduced to make use of geometry as reinforcements.                                                                                                                                  

Beam Sections with Offset: (2023xFD04) The beams with standard library based cross sections such as I-beams and L-beams can now have offsets defined in both directions. The general beam section now supports location of user defined shear center.                                                                             

Multiphysics Degree of Freedoms: (2023xFD01) The connections such as ties and couplings now support additional degree of freedoms from thermal and electrical domains. These enhancements have been made to address advanced battery workflows now available in both standalone Abaqus as well as in 3DX.

Virtual Bolt Updates: (2023xFD01) The feature now supports noncircular holes for 2D and non-cylindrical holes for 3D. The additional shapes include square and oblong.                                                   

Rule Based Connections: (2023xFD03) The AoM models now support rules for connections. Earlier only the MoA models were supported. Point fastener connection rules can be used to define fasteners for variable plate thicknesses where the plates are modeled using shells with section properties derived from solid. The rule is inbuilt, and it defined variable fastener diameters based on thickness at various points.                                                                                                                

Point Fasteners for folds: (2023xFD03) This update would help to define fasteners for parts that have a 180 degrees fold. A single fastener definition can accommodate two layers from one support to other in case one of the supports is folded.                                                                                        

Cohesive Fasteners: (2023xFD03) The cohesive property has been introduced that can be applied to a physical geometry with a mesh. However, in many cases cohesive materials such as adhesives do not need physical modeling. To avoid extra steps of creating mesh and tie constraints, the fasteners now support cohesive elements. It’s an easy cohesive workflow that only requires cohesive material definition. The zero thickness cohesive elements and ties are created automatically.