Scribd
Upload
107 views

98 - Understanding Cyclic Symmetry Constraints PDF

Symmetry constraints can significantly reduce model size when the geometry, loads, and constraints are symmetrical. There are two types: mirror and cyclic. Cyclic symmetry applies to models symmetrical about an axis, not necessarily a body of revolution. It requires creating a cut to isolate a single slice. Best practices include ensuring all aspects are symmetrical, that the angular dimension of the slice returns an integer when divided into 360 degrees, and that surfaces map to each other. Not all vibration modes may be captured when using symmetry.

Uploaded by

SameOldHat
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
107 views

98 - Understanding Cyclic Symmetry Constraints PDF

Symmetry constraints can significantly reduce model size when the geometry, loads, and constraints are symmetrical. There are two types: mirror and cyclic. Cyclic symmetry applies to models symmetrical about an axis, not necessarily a body of revolution. It requires creating a cut to isolate a single slice. Best practices include ensuring all aspects are symmetrical, that the angular dimension of the slice returns an integer when divided into 360 degrees, and that surfaces map to each other. Not all vibration modes may be captured when using symmetry.

Uploaded by

SameOldHat
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

StructuralConstraints UnderstandingCyclicSymmetryConstraintsLecture UnderstandingCyclicSymmetryConstraints.

mp3

Understanding Cyclic Symmetry Constraints


You can use symmetry constraints to significantly reduce model size.

Before Cyclic Symmetry

After Cyclic Symmetry LectureNotes Symmetry Constraints When the loads, constraints, and geometry of a model are symmetrical, you can take advantage of symmetry to analyze a portion of the model instead of the entire model. Symmetric constraints work by preventing the model from deforming through the plane(s) of symmetry. There are two types of symmetry constraints that can be

created in Mechanica: Mirror and Cyclic. We will focus on Cyclic symmetry in this topic. Cyclic symmetry is applied to models that are symmetrical about an axis. This is different from axisymmetric models in that the model does not have to be a body of revolution. The model can have patterns of features that are repeated at the same interval about an axis. Using cyclic symmetry requires that the user create a cut feature that reduces the model to a single slice. Best Practices

It should be noted that symmetry can only be used when the model, loads, and constraints are symmetrical. If only the model is symmetrical, then the results generated will not be correct, or may be correct for stress but not displacement, or vice versa. The symmetry requirement for loads and constraints is often overlooked. In cyclic symmetry, the angular dimension of the slice being used must return an integer when 360 degrees is divided by the dimension. Therefore dimensions such as 15, 18, 30, 45, 60 are all valid. In addition, the surfaces selected for cyclic symmetry must map to one another. Finally, users should note that when taking advantage of symmetry in models, a modal analysis or buckling analysis will only report the modes that are symmetrical. As such, not all modes may be captured. For such analyses it is recommended to not use symmetry.

UnderstandingCyclicSymmetryConstraintsDemonstration UnderstandingCyclicSymmetryConstraints_demo.mp4 UnderstandingCyclicSymmetryConstraintsProcedure

Procedure: Understanding Cyclic Symmetry Constraints


Scenario
Create a cyclic symmetry constraint. CreateCycSymCons impeller.prt

Task 1. Resume a cut feature and open the Mechanica application.


1. From the main menu, click Edit > Resume > Resume All. This operation resumed a cut feature that removes all of the geometry in the model except for the piece to which you are going to apply the cyclic

symmetry constraint.

2. Click Applications > Mechanica.

Task 2. Create a cyclic symmetry constraint.


1. Click Symmetry Constraint from the Mechanica toolbar.

2. Select Cyclic from the Type drop-down menu. 3. Query select the hidden surface on the far side of the slice as the first reference as shown.

4. Right-click anywhere in the display area and select Second Side. 5. Select the surface on the near side of the slice as the second reference as shown.

6. The dialog box should now appear as shown. Click OK to complete the symmetry constraint.

7. The models should now appear with the Cyclic Symmetry icon as shown.

Task 3. Save the model and erase it from memory.


1. Return to the Standard Pro/ENGINEER mode by clicking Applications > Standard. 2. Click Save from the main toolbar and click OK to save the model. 3. From the main menu, click File > Close Window. 4. Click File > Erase > Not Displayed > OK to erase the model from memory. This completes the procedure.

You might also like