Importing Files

• For files that are not programmatically integrated with Workbench (such as user-supplied input files,
dpn files, and so on), you can replace them using your file system and then open the project again.
These files may not be necessary for the project; in this situation, you can safely ignore the warning
message.

To open an existing project:

1. From the menu bar, select File → Open.

2. Optionally, select a file type from the file selection filter list.

• Workbench Files (*.wbpj, *.wbpz, *.wbjn)

• Project Files (*.wbpj)

• Archive Files (*.wbpz)

• Journal Files (*.wbjn)

• Python Script Files (*.py)

• All Files (*.*)

3. Browse to the file location.

4. Select the file to open.

5. Click Open.

6. If you are opening an archive file (*.wbpz), browse to the location where you would like to extract
the archive to and click Save.

Note:

Ansys recommends saving the project to a local drive rather than a network drive due
to performance reasons.

Importing Files
When working on a Workbench project, you may need to import files such as input files, existing mesh
files, and geometries.

When you edit an imported file, Workbench saves a copy of the file to the project directory, rather than
overwriting the original file. This process ensures that your original files are never compromised.

Importing an archived project adds the data contained in the project to the currently-loaded project.
Systems in the imported project are added to the schematic, along with all the data they contain. The
connections between imported systems are kept, but no connections are made to the systems in the
existing project by the import process.

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Creating, Opening, and Importing Projects and Files

Older archived projects containing Ansoft systems cannot be imported. To import these projects, re-
archive the project from the current version first.

To import files:

1. Select File > Import. There is also a Import option on the Project tab.

2. Optionally, specify a desired file type from the file selection filter list. File types include:

• Workbench Project Archive Files (*.wbpz) • NASTRAN Data File (*.d

• Workbench R10/11 Project (*.wbdb) • LS-DYNA Input File (*.k

• Importable Mechanical File (*.dsdb, *.mechdat) • ABAQUS Input (*.inp)

• Fluent Mesh File (*.msh) • Ansys Amco File (*.acm

• Importable Mesh File (*.cmdb, *.meshdat) • ICEM CFD Project (*.prj

• Engineering Data File (*.xml, *.engd) • BladeGen File (*.bgd)

• Geometry File (*.sat, *.sab, *.ant, *pmdb, *.agdb, *.model, *.exp, *.session, • AQWAWB Database (*.a
*.div, *CATPart, *CATProduct, *.3dxml, *.ipt, *.iam, *.jt)
AUTODYN Save File (*.a
• Mechanical APDL CDB (*.cdb)
• CFX-Pre-Case File (*.cfx
• ICEM CFD Mesh File (*.uns)
• CFX-Solver Input File (*
• Fluent Case File (*.cas)
• CFX-Solver Results File
• NASTRAN Bulk Data File (*.bdf)
• Mechanical Project File
• NASTRAN File (*.nas)
• Mechanical Project Arch

3. Browse to the file location.

4. Select the file to import.

5. Click Open.

All data for the current design point is imported; systems that were up-to-date in the archive are up-
to-date after import and contain any generated results. User files in the imported project are added to
the current project and are renamed if needed to avoid conflicts with existing files.

Parameters from the imported project are added to the parameter set. If the imported project contains
design points, those design points are added to the design point table, using the current parameter
values from the existing project. Retained design point files from the imported project are not added
to the new project. However, if the archived project to be imported contains DX systems, the DX systems
are not imported, although the other systems in the project are imported.

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52 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Importing Legacy Databases

Importing Legacy Databases

Workbench offers several methods to import databases from earlier releases:

• Context Menu Import: Create the appropriate system and cell in the Project Schematic, right-click
the cell, and import the file into the cell from the context menu.

• File Import: From the menu bar, select File → Import, then select the file to import. The proper
systems and cells are created and populated with the data from the imported file. You can also drag-
and-drop one or multiple files from Windows Explorer onto the Project Schematic. These files are
treated as if they were imported.

• Project Import: From the menu bar, select File → Import, then select the project to import. All ne-
cessary systems, cells, and links are established and populated with data from the various files that
made up the earlier release's project.

In each of these cases, you must launch the associated application to use the imported file, which is
typically the same application that was used to edit the file in the earlier release. The imported files are
not undergoing any transformation in this release of Workbench; rather, access to the files is being co-
ordinated through the Project Schematic interface.

Not all products/databases use all of these methods.

DesignXplorer Release 11 (.dxdb) file import is not supported; however, basic parameter import is
supported.

The following table shows which applications can use the three methods described above.

Application Context Menu File Import Project Import

Import
Ansys Workbench, Release 10 or 11 (.wbdb) X
Mechanical (.dsdb) X X
Engineering Data (.eddb) X

(except
convections
and load
histories)
Engineering Data (.xml, .engd) X
Ansys Aqwa, Release 12 only (.aqdb) X X
Autodyn (.ad) X X
Mechanical APDL (.inp, .dat, .cdb, .mac, X
.anf)
DesignModeler (.agdb) X X X
Meshing (.cmdb) X X
Fluent (.msh, .cas, .dat) X
CFX (.cfx, .def, .res) X X
BladeGen (.bdg) X X

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Creating, Opening, and Importing Projects and Files

Additional Mechanical Application Import Details

• Any .dsdb files and .wbdb project files created in Release 11 or earlier containing items that convert
into Mesh or Mechanical systems cannot be imported. To import these files, import them first into a
version between Release 12 and 19.2, save as file in that version, and then import into Release 2024
R1.

• Legacy .dsdb files that contain multiple models are split into multiple files.

• .dsdb files become .mechdb files internally.

• Separate systems are created to correspond to each of the Release 11 environments. Environments
that use the same geometry and model are represented with a link between the Geometry and
Model cells of the systems. Physics environments are typically represented as a link between a
Solution cell of the originating system and the Setup cell of the receiving system. For example, a
thermal condition is represented by a connection between the Solution cell of a thermal system and
the Setup cell of a structural system.

• Information that is transferred from the Release 11 system to the current system includes:

– Model name

– Model state

– Physics type

– Internal IDs for model, mesh, environment, and answer set

– Engineering Data file path

– Material property suppression path

– Solver files directory path

– Solver type

– Geometry preferences

– Parameters

• Legacy .dsdb files that do not contain an environment are imported as Mechanical Model (p. 201)
systems.

• When you import a database that does not include a result file (such as .mechdat files), certain
Mechanical result-based features may be lost. For example, if no result file is available:

– Results do not deform or animate properly.

– A Harmonic Acoustics environment has multiple RPM values selected. The Tabular Data for a result
lists all frequencies in the analysis, not just the frequencies in the selected RPM Set Number.

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 Importing Legacy Databases

Additional Aqwa Import Details

• Only Ansys Aqwa Release 12 databases can be imported. More recent versions are not imported
correctly and may cause functional issues.

• An Aqwa Release 12 database is imported as a standalone Hydrodynamic Diffraction system.

• If the Release 12 database contains multiple analyses, they are converted into multiple Hydrodynamic
Diffraction systems.

• Geometry associated with the legacy database is associated with the Geometry cell of the Hydro-
dynamic Diffraction system and is editable.

Additional Autodyn Import Details

Links are not created when Autodyn files are imported from Release 11.0.

Additional CFX Import Details

• If CFX files are included in the .wbdb project, they appear in the Files pane, but system or links as-
sociated with these files are not created. To create a CFX system and import the selected file, select
Import to Schematic from the Files pane. This creates a CFX system and imports the selected file.

• You can import CFX-Solver .bak files or full .trn files into the Project Schematic so that you can
postprocess results for debugging when a run fails. You may find it useful to use full .trn files as a
backup mechanism because all timesteps are retained, instead of just the most recent ones, and it
is easier to postprocess multiple timesteps.

Additional DesignModeler Import Details

• DesignModeler files (.agdb) can be imported through context menu import.

• .agdb and .modeldv files can be imported by selecting File → Import.

• Links with other cells are automatically generated when .agdb files that are present in the Release
11.0 .wbdb project are imported into the appropriate system (Mechanical Model or other appropriate
system).

• Parameters contained in the .agdb file are not immediately published to the Project Schematic
interface. They are published when the DesignModeler application is opened.

• CAD files that were imported into the .agdb are not immediately registered in the Files pane of the
Project Schematic. Registration of these files occurs when the DesignModeler application is opened.

Additional Meshing Import Details

• .cmdb files from Release 10 that contain CFX-Mesh data are not supported. To import these files,
import them first into Release 11, save as a Release 11 file, and then import into Release 2024 R1.

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Creating, Opening, and Importing Projects and Files

• Links with other cells are automatically generated when .cmdb files that are present in the Release
11.0 .wbdb project are imported into the appropriate system (Mechanical model or other appropriate
system).

• CFX-Mesh files (.gtm, .cfx) can be imported via context menu import from the Mesh cell of a Mesh
system.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic
In the Project tab, you take systems from the Toolbox and add them to the Project Schematic. Projects
can vary in complexity, from a single system representing all the necessary steps for a desired analysis,
to a complex set of connected (linked) systems representing coupled analyses or variations in modeling
approaches.

Note:

We recommend that a project contain only systems that are relevant to a specific analysis
or coupled analysis with a well-defined focus. Adding systems for multiple unrelated analyses
to the same project can have an adverse effect on performance and cause corruption with
portions of the project.

Most analysis systems are defined by three primary attributes: physics type, analysis type, and solver
type. Workbench uses these attributes to determine valid data transfer and system replacement possib-
ilities. For more information on the types of systems, see Working Through a System (p. 69).

Related topics:
System Placement
Adding a System by Double-Clicking
Adding a System using Drag-and-Drop
Adding a System using the Context Menu
Adding Multiple Independent Systems
Creating Connected Systems

System Placement
Systems are added from left-to-right, and from top-to-bottom. All data transfer occurs from left (upstream)
to right (downstream); you cannot transfer data from right to left.

When placing or moving systems, it is important that you place receiving systems to the right of
sending systems. All processing of data (such as updates) also occurs in the same direction, from left-
to-right and top-to-bottom.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic

Adding a System by Double-Clicking

The simplest way to add a new system to the Project Schematic is to double-click the system in the
Toolbox.

The system is placed in a new row in the Project Schematic, below any existing systems.

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are reading the
PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the online help. The interface
shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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58 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Adding a System using Drag-and-Drop

Adding a System using Drag-and-Drop

You can add a system to the Project Schematic by dragging it from the Toolbox and dropping it in
the desired location. This method provides a preview of possible target locations, allowing you to choose
the best location for that system.

To add a system using drag-and-drop:

1. In the Toolbox, click the required system.

2. Holding down the mouse button, drag the system over to the Project Schematic.

3. Hover the mouse over the green drop targets to see the result of dropping the system in that
location.

The drop target turns red when the mouse is over the target. In cases where the new system can
be linked to one or more existing systems, drop targets are also shown on the eligible cells of the
existing systems.

4. Release the mouse button to place the system onto the drop target.

Note:

When you attempt to add an invalid system (for example, if the mesh type is not compatible
with the system you are attempting to add), the drop target preview will be visible, but the
system is not added when you release the mouse. Details are written to the Messages
pane (p. 462).

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are reading the
PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the online help. The interface
shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic

Adding a System using the Context Menu

The context menu includes a list of available systems, divided into categories. From this list, you can
browse and select a system to add to the Project Schematic.

The available systems in this list reflect your Toolbox configuration (p. 27).

To add a system using the context menu:

1. Right-click the white space in the Project Schematic.

2. From the context menu, select New category Systems → system name.

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 Adding Multiple Independent Systems

Adding Multiple Independent Systems

Independent systems are systems on the Project Schematic that are not connected to other systems
by data links. Multiple independent systems can be used to keep the analyses for related but separate
components within the same project (for example, two parts of the same vehicle). You may also want
to create independent systems if you are analyzing the same model but using different solvers to
compare the results, or are using different editors on independent yet related data (for example, you
are using Mechanical APDL on an independent input file, and using Mechanical on a geometry file that
has related origins to the input file of the Mechanical APDL system).

You can create a new independent system using either of the following methods:

• Double-click the desired system (p. 58).

The new system is created on the Project Schematic below an existing system and is not linked to
any existing system.

• Drag-and-drop the desired system (p. 59).

When you drag the system from the Toolbox and move it over the Project Schematic, a preview of
all possible drop targets is shown. Drop the system on a target that displays the message Create
standalone system.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic

Creating Connected Systems

Connected systems are systems on the Project Schematic that are connected together by data links
so data can be shared and/or transferred between the two systems. You can use connected systems
for sequential physics coupling (for example, thermal-stress) or for sequential simulation steps, such as
a pre-stress modal (stress analysis followed by modal), mode-superposition (modal followed by harmonic),
and so on. You can either create connections between existing systems or create a new system that is
connected to an existing system.

Link Types
Links connecting systems represent data sharing or data transfer between the systems. The following
table provides descriptions of links used in the Project Schematic.

Link Image Description

Name
Shared Data is shared between systems.
data

Data Data is transferred from an upstream system

transfer to a downstream system.

Input A system is consuming input parameters.

parameters These links connect systems to the Paramet-
er Set bar.

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 Creating Connected Systems

Link Image Description

Name
Output A system is providing output parameters.
parameters These links connect systems to the Paramet-
er Set bar.

Design A Design Exploration system is connected

Exploration to project parameters. These links connect
system Design Exploration systems to the Paramet-
er Set bar.

Design N/A Design point data is transferred from a

point Design Exploration component to a Design
data Exploration Direct Optimization system. For
more information, see Transferring Design
Point Data for Direct Optimization in the
DesignXplorer User's Guide.

System Highlighting
To trace how data is shared and/or transferred between systems, click a system cell. The shared data
and data transfer links connected from this cell to upstream and downstream systems are highlighted,
allowing you to easily see how the data in this cell is connected to other systems in the project.

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are reading
the PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the online help. The
interface shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic

Connecting Two Existing Systems

You can connect systems on the Project Schematic by linking one or more component cells (for
example, a Geometry cell and/or an Engineering Data cell) from one system to eligible cells in an-
other system.

To connect two existing systems:

1. To preview possible drop targets, drag a cell from the source system and hold it over cells in the
target system.

2. Drop the system on the target best suited to your engineering goals.

Data transfer links are displayed between the connected cells.

Creating a New Connecting System

When you create a new system that is connected to an existing system, Workbench generates data
shares and/or data transfers between the systems to achieve a compound analysis. In this case, the
two systems are then interdependent.

The new system can be created either upstream (the new system provides inputs to the existing
system) or downstream (the new system receives inputs from the new system) of the existing system.
The system receiving input is also called the dependent system. To create a new connected system,
you can either a drag-and-drop the new system or use the Transfer Data context-menu option.

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 Creating Connected Systems

Connecting a New System Using Drag-and-Drop

You can use drag-and-drop functionality to create a new dependent system.

To drag-and-drop a new connected system:

1. Drag a system from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic.

2. Move the new system over cells in the existing system to preview available drop targets.

3. Drop the system on the desired target.

The new system is created downstream on the Project Schematic.

The following animation demonstrates the various drop targets and their results. For example, se-
lecting the Geometry cell as the drop target results in a second system that shares the Engineering
Data and Geometry data. Selecting the Model cell as the drop target results in a second system
that shares the Engineering Data, Geometry and Model data. The preview for each drop target in-
dicates how the new system will be connected to the existing one.

If you select the Solution cell as the drop target, the preview displays the text Share A2:A4
Transfer A6, meaning that the data for cells A2, A3, and A4 (Engineering Data, Geometry, and
Model in the following animation) would be shared, and data from cell A6 (in this case, Solution)
would be transferred as input to the new system. It is important to review each potential drop
target carefully to ensure that you select the target that best suits your needs. Note that in addition
to the red, linked drop targets, you can also preview the green independent drop targets.

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are reading
the PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the online help.
The interface shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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Adding Systems to the Project Schematic

Connecting a New System Using Transfer Data

The Transfer Data options available in the context menu allow you to select a cell in an existing
system and create a new system either upstream or downstream of that system.

To transfer data to a new connected system:

1. Right-click the target cell in the existing system.

2. Select from the following options:

• To create the new system upstream of the existing system (so the existing system is depend-
ent), select Transfer Data from New from the context menu. Select your new system from
a list of all possible analysis types that can provide data to the existing cell.

• To create the new system downstream of the existing system (so the new system is depend-
ent), select Transfer Data to New from the context menu. Select your new system from a
list of all possible analysis types that can accept data from the existing cell.

When using either of the Transfer Data options, all possible cells are shared, up to the position of
the selected cell.

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are reading
the PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the online help.
The interface shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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66 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 Creating Connected Systems

Deleting Links
In most cases, you can delete links by right-clicking the link and selecting Delete from the context
menu. The data associated with the cell in the upstream system is copied to the downstream system
so the cells can be edited independently.

In some cases (for example, links between two mechanical model cells), you cannot delete shared
data links. In these cases, the linked cells in the downstream system have a gray background (as
shown in the following image).

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 Release 2024 R1 - © ANSYS, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
68 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Working Through a System
Workbench provides you with a straightforward workflow for creating and working through a system.
First, you select a system from the Toolbox and add it to the Project Schematic (see Adding Systems
to the Project Schematic (p. 57)). Then you work through the cells in the system, generally from top-
to-bottom, until you have completed all the required steps for your analysis.

In most cases, data flows from top-to-bottom through the system, as well. For example, in a Mechanical
system, the geometry must be defined before you can define the model; the Model cell uses the geo-
metry defined in the Geometry cell as its input.

Because the workflows for different types of analyses differ to some degree, we have included two
typical examples of working with analysis systems: one for a mechanical analysis and one for a fluid
flow analysis.

Related topics:
Understanding Data Flow
Defining your Simulation Geometry
Basic Mechanical Analysis Workflow
Basic Fluid Flow Analysis Workflow
Analysis Systems
Component Systems
Custom Systems
Design Exploration
Submitting Solutions
Opening Mechanical without a License (Read-Only Mode)

Understanding Data Flow

To complete your analysis, you work downward through each cell in order. In general, data flows
downstream (from top-to-bottom within systems and from left-to-right across systems). Output data
from upstream component cells is provided as the input data for downstream cells. Output data from
certain types of cells in one system can also be transferred and/or shared with cells in another system.

The following example shows two systems in the Project Schematic, a Fluid Flow (Fluent) system
(system A) and a Static Structural system (system B).

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Working Through a System

The geometry from the Geometry cell in system A becomes the input for the Mesh cell of system A.
The mesh generated in the Mesh cell of system A, in turn, becomes input to the downstream Setup
cell of system A, and so on.

Data also flows between system A and system B. These two systems share the same geometry, as indic-
ated by the blue link with the square terminator between the Geometry cell in system A and the
Geometry cell in system B.

Solution data from System A is provided to the Setup cell of system B, as indicated by the fuchsia
connector with the round terminator.

At a glance, you can see the data relationship between the two types of analysis systems.

Defining your Simulation Geometry

All analysis systems and several component systems begin with a geometry-definition step. You can
define the geometry differently depending on the type of simulation you are running. In most cases,
you use the Geometry cell. With the Geometry cell, you can:

• Create a geometry in DesignModeler or SpaceClaim.

• Import an existing geometry:

– From neutral formats such as IGES, STEP, Parasolid, and ACIS.

– From CAD files.

– From a CAD session running on the same machine.

– From ECAD files.

For Fluid Flow simulations, you can also start with an imported mesh or case file; see Basic Fluid Flow
Analysis, Starting from an Imported Mesh (p. 75) for details.

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 Defining your Simulation Geometry

To specify the geometry using the context menu:

1. Right-click the Geometry cell.

2. Select New DesignModeler Geometry or New SpaceClaim Geometry to launch those respective
programs and create a new model or select Import Geometry and browse to an existing CAD
model.

Alternatively, you can also launch Workbench directly from some CAD systems. When doing so, Work-
bench starts with a Geometry system in place and the CAD file already attached.

After you have attached or imported your geometry, the state appears as Up to Date (p. 465), and the
icon indicates the type of file imported. Geometry types include:

ACIS (.sat)

ANSYS Neutral File (.anf)

Autodesk Inventor (.ipt, .iam)

BladeGen (.bgd)

CATIA v4 (.model, .dlv)

CATIA v5 (.CATPart, .CATProduct)

Creo Elements/Direct Modeling (.pkg, .bdl, .ses, .sda, .sdp, .sdac, .sdpc)

Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/ENGINEER) (.prt, .asm)

DesignModeler (.agdb)

IGES (.iges, .igs)

JT Open (.jt)

Monte Carlo N-Particle (.mcnp)

NX (.prt)

Parasolid (.x_t, .xmt_txt, .x_b, .xmt_bin)

Solid Edge (.par, .asm, .psm, .pwd)

SOLIDWORKS (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM)

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Working Through a System

SpaceClaim (.scdoc)
STEP (.stp, .step)

Stereolithography (.stl).

No file imported.

If you do not need to make any additional changes to your geometry, you can continue working through
the analysis as described in the next sections.

If your geometry must be modified before continuing with your analysis, you can edit the geometry in
DesignModeler or SpaceClaim. After modifying the geometry, the icon in the Geometry cell changes
to the icon of the application you used to make those modifications. For a file imported and then
modified in DesignModeler, you can open the file in DesignModeler, and the DesignModeler model
tree indicates the original source of the geometry.

After the geometry is defined, you can share it with other systems. See Data Sharing and Data Transfer
for more information on sharing geometry systems.

For detailed CAD-related information specific to the Ansys DesignModeler application and Workbench,
see CAD Integration.

Basic Mechanical Analysis Workflow

After introducing a new Mechanical analysis system to the Project Schematic and assigning an appro-
priate name, the focus is typically directed to the Geometry cell, because this is usually the first cell in
the system that requires user input. You can edit or define material models in the Engineering Data
cell, but this example assumes that the default materials are sufficient.

Important:

You are not required to define a geometry. You can open Mechanical without an attached
geometry. You can simply skip the step of specifying a geometry and open Mechanical. This
can be done to create a template for use with multiple geometries. Moreover, you are not
required to define an analysis system. You can begin your simulation with a Mechanical

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 Basic Fluid Flow Analysis Workflow

Model system and build the simulation as desired until you wish to add a geometry as well
as specify an analysis type. This flexibility can be beneficial.

You typically work through the system from top to bottom. Use the context menus for each cell to view
and select operations that can be performed for that cell.

1. Import or create a geometry:

• To import an existing geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry.
From the context menu, select a previously used geometry, an active CAD model, or browse to
a desired folder location.

• To create a new geometry, select New DesignModeler Geometry or New SpaceClaim Geometry,
as appropriate.

2. To define all loads and boundary conditions, right-click the Setup cell and select Edit.

Mechanical opens. Set up your analysis using the application's tools and features.

3. Typically, you solve your analysis from within Mechanical, however, you can right-click the Solution
cell and select Update. The results appear automatically.

For more information on setting up and running specific Mechanical analyses, see Analysis Sys-
tems (p. 76).

Basic Fluid Flow Analysis Workflow

After introducing a new Fluid Flow analysis system to the project schematic and assigning it an appro-
priate name, the focus is typically directed to the Geometry cell, because this is usually the first cell in
the system that requires user input. An example of both a CFX and a Fluent fluid flow system is shown
below.

You typically work through the system from top to bottom. Use the context menus for each cell to view
and select operations that can be performed for that cell. For fluid flow systems, the process is somewhat

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Working Through a System

flexible; you can start from geometry, from an existing mesh, or from an existing case file; each is de-
scribed in the following sections.

Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from Geometry

Typically, you start working through the system at the Geometry cell.

1. To launch a geometry program and create a new model, right-click the Geometry cell and select
New DesignModeler Geometry or New SpaceClaim Geometry from the context menu or select
Import Geometry and browse to an existing CAD model.

For details, see Defining your Simulation Geometry (p. 70).

2. After your geometry is defined and the Geometry cell shows the green check mark indicating
that the cell is up to date, you can proceed to the Mesh cell. To launch the meshing application,
double-click the Mesh cell or right-click the cell and select Edit from the context menu.

To generate a default mesh, right-click the Mesh cell and selected Update. This generates the
mesh in the background without launching the meshing application.

When this step has successfully completed, the Mesh cell displays a green check mark, indicating
an up-to-date state.

3. To load the physics pre-processor, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the cell and select
Edit from the context menu.

If you are working a Fluid Flow (Polyflow) system, the editor is the Fluent application. If you are
working with a Fluid Flow (Ansys CFX) system, the editor is CFX-Pre.

When you have successfully defined your physics, the Setup cell displays a green check mark,
indicating an up-to-date state.

4. To open the associated Solution cell editor, double-click the Solution cell or right-click the cell
and select Edit from the context menu.

to run the solution in the background, right-click the Solution cell and select Update from the
context menu.

If you are working a Fluid Flow (Polyflow) system, the associated editor is the Fluent application.
If you are working with a Fluid Flow (Ansys CFX) system, the associated editor is the CFX-Solver
Manager.

When the solution is complete, the Solution cell displays a green check mark, indicating an up-
to-date state.

5. You can now post-process the resulting solution. To open the resulting solution in Ansys CFD-
Post, double-click the Results cell or right-click the cell and select Edit from the context menu.

Once the process has been completed, all cells in the system should display a green check mark, in-
dicating an up-to-date state.

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 Basic Fluid Flow Analysis Workflow

Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from an Imported Mesh

You can bypass the Geometry cell and start the simulation process by importing a mesh.

1. To import your mesh file, right-click the Mesh cell and select Import Mesh File from the context
menu.

2. In the Open dialog, browse to find your mesh file and click Open.

The process for CFX and Fluent differs only in the types of files that are supported (as shown by
the options shown in the Files of Type drop-down list).

After selecting Open, the Mesh cell changes to Imported Mesh and shows a green check mark,
to indicate an up-to-date state. The Geometry cell (which must be unused for the Import Mesh
File option to be shown in the Mesh cell context menu) is deleted from the system (examples
shown below for both a CFX and a Fluent-based Fluid Flow system).

3. To load the physics pre-processor, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the cell and select
Edit from the context menu.

4. From this point, follow the procedure described in Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from Geo-
metry (p. 74).

Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from an Imported Case File: Fluid Flow
(Ansys CFX) System
You can bypass the Geometry cell and the Mesh cell and begin the simulation process by importing
a case file. The process differs slightly for CFX and Fluent-based systems.

1. Right-click the Setup cell and select Import Case → Browse.

2. In the Open dialog, browse to find your case file and click Open.

3. If the Geometry and Mesh cells are unused (empty), then the unused cells are automatically
deleted.

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Working Through a System

If either cell has an incoming or outgoing connection, then it is considered used, and is not de-
leted.

Because CFX supports multiple meshes imported into a single setup cell, if either of the Geometry
or Mesh cells contains data, neither cell is deleted. As a result, both the Mesh generated in the
Mesh cell and the mesh imported from the case file is combined in CFX-Pre.

4. Once the import is complete, to start CFX-Pre, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the cell
and select Edit from the context menu.

5. From this point, follow the procedure described in Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from Geo-
metry (p. 74).

Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from an Imported Case File: Fluid Flow
(Polyflow) System
You can bypass the Geometry cell and the Mesh cell and begin the simulation process by importing
a case file. The process differs slightly for CFX and Fluent-based systems.

1. To import a case file, right-click the Setup cell and select Import Polyflow Case from the context
menu.

2. Select a case file either from the list of recently used case files or select Browse….

3. A warning dialog informs you that completing this action deletes the Geometry and Mesh cells
and any associated data. Click OK.

The Geometry and Mesh cells are deleted from the system. Any existing connections to the
Geometry and Mesh cells are also deleted.

4. From this point, follow the procedure described in Basic Fluid Flow Analysis, Starting from Geo-
metry (p. 74).

Analysis Systems
Analysis systems include all the necessary component cells already defined and ready to be populated.
For example, a static structural analysis system includes all the cells needed for the analysis, Engineering
Data through Results.

Some analysis types offer different solvers, noted in parentheses. The features available can differ from
one solver to another.

The following analysis systems are available:

Ansys Electronics Systems
Ansys Motion
Coupled Field Harmonic
Coupled Field Modal
Coupled Field Static
Coupled Field Transient

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 Analysis Systems

Eigenvalue Buckling
Electric
Explicit Dynamics
Fluid Flow - Icing (CFX)
Fluid Flow - Icing (FENSAP)
Fluid Flow - Icing (Fluent)
Fluid Flow (CFX)
Fluid Flow (Fluent)
Fluid Flow (Fluent with Fluent Meshing)
Fluid Flow (Polyflow)
Harmonic Acoustics
Harmonic Response
Hydrodynamic Diffraction
Hydrodynamic Response
LS-DYNA
LS-DYNA Restart
Magnetostatic
Modal Acoustics
Modal
Random Vibration
Response Spectrum
Rigid Dynamics
Speos
Static Acoustics
Static Structural
Steady-State Thermal
Structural Optimization
Substructure Generation
Thermal-Electric
Throughflow and Throughflow (BladeGen)
Transient Structural
Transient Thermal
Turbomachinery Fluid Flow

Ansys Electronics Systems

When Workbench and Ansys Electronics are integrated, analysis systems are made available for the
following products:

• Circuit

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Working Through a System

• HFSS

• HFSS 3D Layout

• Maxwell

• Q3D Extractor

• RMxprt

• Twin Builder

For more detailed information, see the Ansys Workbench Integration section in the Electronics Desktop
documentation.

Ansys Motion
The Ansys Motion system performs Multibody Dynamic (MBD) Analysis, a means of analyzing the
dynamic behavior of a system of interconnected bodies.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Ansys Motion solver to compute the solution.

The system is an Ansys ACT app and is not automatically visible in the toolbox until it is installed. For
installation instructions, see Adding Motion Analysis.

To work through a Ansys Motion system:

1. To add a Ansys Motion analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To view the geometry, right-click the Model cell and select Edit from the context menu or double-
click the Model cell.

Alternatively, you can complete this step using the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

For information on standard Mechanical features, see Using Standard Mechanical Features. For
Ansys Motion specific features, see Define Motion Specific Features.

5. To connect the Ansys Motion system to a Harmonic Acoustics system:

a. Drag the Harmonic Acoustics system from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic.

b. Drag the Solution cell of the Ansys Motion system onto the Setup cell of the Harmonic
Acoustics system.

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 Analysis Systems

Coupled Field Harmonic

The Coupled Field Harmonic system determines the steady-state response of a structure and the
surrounding fluid medium to loads and excitations that vary sinusoidally (harmonically) with time.
The system supports 2D coupled, structural acoustic, and structural electric physics.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Coupled Field Harmonic system:

1. To add a Coupled Field Harmonic analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the
Project Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. Both the
Structural and Electric properties, as illustrated below, are read-only properties that are always
active. The Acoustics property is also read-only and is off by default.

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Working Through a System

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

5. To import the model, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the Setup cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

7. To link one Coupled Field Harmonic analysis with another one:

a. Drag a second Coupled Field Harmonic system from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic
or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

b. Drag the Solution cell of the first system to the Setup cell of the second system.

The following Show-Me animation is presented as an animated GIF in the online help. If you are
reading the PDF version of the help and want to see the animated GIF, access this section in the
online help. The interface shown may differ slightly from that in your installed product.

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 Analysis Systems

Coupled Field Modal

The Coupled Field Modal system models a structure and the surrounding the fluid medium to de-
termine frequencies and standing wave patterns within a structure. The system supports 2D coupled,
structural acoustics, and structural electric physics.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Coupled Field Modal system:

1. To add a Coupled Field Modal analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. Both the
Structural, Acoustics, and Electric properties, as illustrated below, are read-only properties that
are always active. The Acoustics property is also read-only and is off by default.

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

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Working Through a System

5. To import the model, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the Setup cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

Coupled Field Static

The Coupled Field Static system determines the displacements, stresses, strains, and forces caused
by loads that do not induce significant inertia and damping effects. Steady loading and response
conditions are assumed. The loads and the responses are assumed to vary slowly with respect to
time. The system supports 2D coupled, structural thermal, structural acoustics, and structural electric
physics.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Coupled Field Static system:

1. To add a Coupled Field Static analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. Both the
Structural and Thermal properties, as illustrated below, are read-only properties that are always
active. The Acoustics and Electric properties are also read-only and are off by default.

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 Analysis Systems

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

5. To import the model, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the Setup cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

Coupled Field Transient

The Coupled Field Transient system determines the time-varying displacements, strains, stresses,
and forces as they respond to any transient loads. The system supports 2D coupled, structural
acoustics, structural thermal, and structural electric physics.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Coupled Field Transient system:

1. To add a Coupled Field Transient analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the
Project Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

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Working Through a System

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. Both the
Structural and Thermal properties, as illustrated below, are read-only properties that are always
active. The Acoustics and Electric properties are also read-only and off by default.

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

5. To import the model, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the Setup cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

Eigenvalue Buckling
The Eigenvalue Buckling system predicts the theoretical buckling strength of an ideal elastic structure.
This method corresponds to the textbook approach of elastic buckling analysis; for instance, an Eigen-

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 Analysis Systems

value Buckling analysis of a column matches the classical Euler solution. However, imperfections and
nonlinearities prevent most real-world structures from achieving their theoretical elastic buckling
strength. The Eigenvalue Buckling analysis often yields quick but non-conservative results.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Ansys or the Samcef solver to compute the
solution.

An Eigenvalue Buckling analysis must follow a prestressed static structural analysis. Follow the instruc-
tions in Static Structural (p. 101) to build a prestressed Static Structural system, and then complete
the following instructions to build and link an Eigenvalue Buckling system.

To work through an Eigenvalue Buckling system:

1. From the Static Structural system, right-click the Solution cell and select Transfer Data to New
→ Eigenvalue Buckling.

A new Eigenvalue Buckling system is created, with the Engineering Data, Geometry, Model,
and Setup cells linked from the static structural system.

2. To open the Mechanical application, from the Eigenvalue Buckling system, right-click the Setup
cell and select Edit from the context menu or double-click the Setup cell.

3. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Eigenvalue Buckling Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conduct-
ing this analysis.

4. On the Project tab toolbar, click Update Project.

Electric
The Electric system supports steady-state electric conduction. Primarily, this analysis type is used to
determine the electric potential in a conducting body created by the external application of voltage
or current loads. From the solution, other results items are computed such as conduction currents,
electric field, and joule heating.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Ansys solver to compute the solution.

To work through an Electric system:

1. To add an Electric analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic
or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To open the Mechanical application, right-click the Setup cell and select Edit from the context
menu or double-click the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

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Working Through a System

See Electric Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting this
analysis.

Explicit Dynamics
The Explicit Dynamics system can perform a variety of engineering simulations, including the mod-
eling of nonlinear dynamic behavior of solids, fluids, gases and their interaction.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Mechanical.

To work through an Explicit Dynamics system:

1. To add an Explicit Dynamics analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To open the Mechanical application, right-click the Setup cell and select Edit from the context
menu or double-click the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See the Explicit Dynamics Analysis Guide for more information on conducting this analysis.

Fluid Flow - Icing (CFX)

The Fluid Flow - Icing (CFX) system performs a complete Icing analysis. It contains cells to connect
to a Ansys CFX component system and run airflow with the CFX solver, set up and run droplets with
the DROP3D solver, set up and run icing with the ICE3D solver, displace the grid due to ice accretion,
and visualize the results in CFD-Post or Viewmerical.

To display this system in the Toolbox, install the FENSAPICE-WB extension located in the [Install-
Directory]\ANSYS Inc\v241\fensapice\workbench folder, then load it using the Extension
Manager.

For more details, see Creating CFX/Fluent-based Icing Systems in the Ansys FENSAP-ICE in Ansys
Workbench User's Guide.

Fluid Flow - Icing (FENSAP)

The Fluid Flow - Icing (FENSAP) system performs a complete Icing analysis. It contains cells to set
up and run airflow with the FENSAP solver, set up and run droplets with DROP3D solver, set up and
run icing with ICE3D solver, displace the grid due to ice accretion, and visualize the results in CFD-
Post or Viewmerical.

To display this system in the Toolbox, install the FENSAPICE-WB extension located in the [Install-
Directory]\ANSYS Inc\v241\fensapice\workbench folder, then load it using the Extension
Manager.

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 Analysis Systems

For more details, see Creating FENSAP-ICE Based Systems in the Ansys FENSAP-ICE in Ansys Workbench
User's Guide.

Fluid Flow - Icing (Fluent)

The Fluid Flow - Icing (Fluent) system performs a complete Icing analysis. It contains cells to connect
to a Ansys Fluent component system and run airflow with the Fluent solver, set up and run droplets
with the DROP3D solver, set up and run icing with the ICE3D solver, displace the grid due to ice ac-
cretion, and visualize the results in CFD-Post or Viewmerical.

To display this system in the Toolbox, install the FENSAPICE-WB extension located in the [Install-
Directory]\ANSYS Inc\v241\fensapice\workbench folder, then load it using the Extension
Manager.

For more details, see Creating CFX/Fluent-based Icing Systems in the Ansys FENSAP-ICE in Ansys
Workbench User's Guide.

Fluid Flow (CFX)

The Fluid Flow (CFX) system performs fluid-flow analysis of incompressible and compressible fluid
flow and heat transfer in complex geometries.

This system is also used as part of the FSI: Fluid Flow (Ansys CFX) > Static Structural (p. 230) custom
system.

This analysis is configured in Ansys CFX.

For detailed information on working with Ansys CFX, see Ansys CFX in Ansys Workbench.

To work through a Fluid Flow (CFX) system:

1. To add a Fluid Flow (CFX) analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select one of the following options from
the context menu:

• New SpaceClaim Geometry

• New DesignModeler Geometry

• Import Geometry

3. To create a mesh, right-click the Mesh cell and select Edit from the context menu.

4. Right-click the Setup cell and select one of the following options from the context menu:

• To specify the Ansys CFX physics definitions in CFX-Pre, select Edit.

• To import a previously saved case file, select Import Case → Browse.

5. Right-click the Solutions cell and select one of the following options from the context menu:

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• To start the solver immediately, select Update.

• To set the solver execution controls in CFX-Solver Manager select Edit.

• To import an existing CFX-Solver Results file, select Import Solution → Browse.

6. To analyze the results of the calculations in CFD-Post, right-click the Results cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

Note:

If you import a CFX-Solver Input File into a CFX Setup cell and the reload file format is not
a CFX-Solver Input File (for example, a DEF file) and the Reload Options were not defined
or did not contain a replacetype option, you may need to modify the definition of the
Mesh Reload Options.

If a definition file contains a mesh from a GTM file and is imported into a Setup cell, the
original mesh type is automatically changed to CFX-Solver Input file. If the remeshing process
is not explicitly told to import the GTM file as a GTM file, the remeshing process assumes
that the mesh is also a CFX-Solver Input file, rather than a GTM file.

This fails when the remeshing process runs. This is a limitation and must be modified by
hand. To do this, add a line similar to the following to the DEF file:
Mesh Reload Options = "replacetype=GTM,notransform=false"

See Remeshing Tab in the CFX-Pre User's Guide for details.

Resuming a Failed Run

If your CFX run fails and a backup file is available, you can resume a run from the latest standard
or essential backup, or equivalent transient results file. This capability is especially useful for cases
with very long runtimes to avoid restarting from initial conditions or, if the solver failed due to an
error, reviewing backed up results to diagnose and correct the issue.

To take advantage of this capability, follow these steps when starting your run:

1. Import a case file or begin with an existing CFX setup definition.

2. Open Setup and define backups:

a. From the menu bar, select Insert → Solver → Output Control.

b. Switch to the Backup tab.

For more information on output controls and the Backup tab in CFX-Pre, see Output
Control.

c. Define your backup settings.

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 Analysis Systems

Note that only Essential or Standard backup files provide sufficient data for a clean restart.
Additional backup files using the Smallest or Selected Variables option can be included,
but are not available for restarting a solution.

d. Close CFX-Pre.

3. In the Workbench Project Schematic, update the system (p. 250) to start the solution.

4. If the solver fails to write a results file, right-click the Solution cell and select Resume Solution
from Backup from the context menu to resume the solution or Copy Backup to New Solution
to review the results in CFD-Post or keep the backup to use as initial conditions.

• If you selected Resume Solution from Backup, the update continues from the last
completed backup.

• If you selected Copy Backup to New Solution, a new CFX system with only a Solution
cell and a new Results cell is created in the Project Schematic. You can review the
results from this system to determine the status of the solution at the last completed
backup point. From there, you can choose to resume the original interrupted run or
you can choose to revise your original case as necessary.

Note:

The solution is restarted directly from the backup file and includes any modifications
made through the Command Editor. Also, if the setup is modified, Resume Solution
from Backup is not available. To modify the setup and restart from a backup, first
copy the backup to a new solution using Copy Backup to New Solution and link
this backup solution to your solution cell to use it as an initial guess.

Fluid Flow (Fluent)

The Fluid Flow (Fluent) system performs fluid-flow analysis of incompressible and compressible fluid
flow and heat transfer in complex geometries.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Fluent.

You can use a Fluent fluid flow analysis system to apply a computational mesh to a geometry within
Workbench, then use Fluent to define pertinent mathematical models (for example, low-speed, high-
speed, laminar, turbulent, and so on), select materials, define boundary conditions, and specify solution
controls that best represent the problem to be solved. Fluent solves the mathematical equations, and
the results of the simulation can be displayed in CFD-Post for further analysis (for example, contours,
vectors, and so on).

For detailed information on working with Fluent, see the Fluent User's Guide, the Fluent in Workbench
User's Guide, and the other online documentation available under the Help menu within Fluent.

To work through a Fluid Flow (Fluent) system:

1. To add a Fluid Flow (Fluent) analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

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2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select one of the following options from
the context menu:

• New SpaceClaim Geometry

• New DesignModeler Geometry

• Import Geometry

3. To create a mesh, right-click the Mesh cell and select Edit from the context menu.

4. Right-click the Setup cell and select one of the following options from the context menu:

• To specify the Fluent settings, select Edit.

• To import a previously saved Fluent case file, select Import Fluent Case.

• To import previously saved Fluent case and data files, select Import Fluent Case And Data.

5. To analyze the results of the calculations in CFD-Post, right-click the Results cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

Fluid Flow (Fluent with Fluent Meshing)

The Fluid Flow (Fluent with Fluent Meshing) system performs fluid-flow analysis of incompressible
and compressible fluid flow and heat transfer in complex geometries.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Fluent.

You can use a Fluent fluid flow analysis system to apply a computational mesh to a geometry using
Fluent’s Watertight Meshing workflow, then use Fluent to define pertinent mathematical models (for
example, low-speed, high-speed, laminar, turbulent, and so on), select materials, define boundary
conditions, and specify solution controls that best represent the problem to be solved. Fluent solves
the mathematical equations, and the results of the simulation can be displayed in CFD-Post for further
analysis (for example, contours, vectors, and so on).

For detailed information on working with Fluent, see the Fluent User's Guide, the Fluent in Workbench
User's Guide, and the other online documentation available under the Help menu within Fluent.

To work through a Fluid Flow (Fluent with Fluent Meshing) system:

1. To add a Fluid Flow (Fluent with Fluent Meshing) analysis system, drag the system from the
Toolbox to the Project Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select one of the following options from
the context menu:

• New SpaceClaim Geometry

• New DesignModeler Geometry

• Import Geometry

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3. To create a mesh, right-click the Mesh cell and select Edit from the context menu.

4. Right-click the Setup cell and select one of the following options from the context menu:

• To specify the Fluent settings, select Edit.

• To import a previously saved Fluent case file, select Import Fluent Case.

• To import previously saved Fluent case and data files, select Import Fluent Case And Data.

5. To analyze the results of the calculations in CFD-Post, right-click the Results cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

Fluid Flow (Polyflow)

The Fluid Flow (Polyflow) systems analyze fluid flows with free surfaces, complex rheology (including
non-Newtonian behavior with viscoelasticity), heat transfer, and chemical reactions.

This analysis is configured in Ansys Polyflow.

There are three Polyflow fluid flow analysis systems available in Workbench:

• The Fluid Flow (Polyflow) system provides the full simulation capabilities of Polyflow.

• The Fluid Flow - Blow Molding (Polyflow) system provides only the application-specific capabilities
of Polyflow that are suited to blow-molding simulations.

• The Fluid Flow - Extrusion (Polyflow) system provides only the application-specific capabilities
of Polyflow that are suited to extrusion simulations.

Use a Polyflow, Blow Molding (Polyflow), or Extrusion (Polyflow) fluid flow analysis system to apply a
computational mesh to a geometry within Workbench, then use Polydata to define pertinent math-
ematical models (for example, Generalized Newtonian, Viscoelastic, and so on), select materials, define
boundary conditions, and specify solution controls that best represent the problem to be solved.
Polyflow solves the mathematical equations, and the results of the simulation can be displayed in
CFD-Post for further analysis (for example, contours, vectors, and so on).

For detailed information on working with Polyflow, see the online help in Polyflow, the Polyflow User's
Guide, and the Polyflow in Workbench User's Guide.

SpaceClaim Meshing
SpaceClaim mesh transfer to the Mesh cell of the Fluid Flow systems (Fluent, CFX, and Polyflow)
now uses a .uns file to handle the import.

The recommended method of transferring SpaceClaim meshing is to connect a Geometry component

system to the Setup cell of either a Fluent, CFX, or Polyflow component system, instead of using
the Fluid Flow system.

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If you choose to use the Fluid Flow system, enable meshing in SpaceClaim then display the Properties
pane for the Fluid Flow system Mesh cell. Control the import using the mesh conversion options.

Harmonic Acoustics
The Harmonic Acoustics system determines the steady-state response of a structure and the sur-
rounding fluid medium to loads and excitations that vary sinusoidally (harmonically) with time.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Harmonic Acoustics system:

1. To add a Harmonic Acoustics analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

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 Analysis Systems

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. The
Acoustics property, as illustrated below, is a read-only property that is always active.

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

5. To import the model, double-click the Setup cell or right-click the Setup cell and select Edit
from the context menu.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Harmonic Acoustics Analysis in the Mechanical Acoustic Analysis Guide for more information
on conducting this analysis.

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Harmonic Response
The Harmonic Response system determines the steady-state response of a linear structure to loads
and excitations that vary sinusoidally (harmonically) with time.

Use this system to verify whether or not your designs successfully overcome resonance, fatigue, and
other harmful effects of forced vibrations. This analysis technique calculates only the steady-state,
forced vibrations of a structure, typically at a number of discrete points within a range of frequencies.
The transient vibrations, which occur at the beginning of the excitation, are not accounted for in a
harmonic response analysis.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Ansys solver to compute the solution.

To work through a Harmonic Response system:

1. To add a Harmonic Response analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To view the geometry, right-click the Model cell and select Edit from the context menu or double-
click the Model cell.

Alternatively, you can complete this step using the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

A mode-superposition harmonic analysis automatically runs the modal portion of the solution
and cannot transfer data from a separate modal system in the Project Schematic.

See Harmonic Response Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting
this analysis.

Hydrodynamic Diffraction
The Hydrodynamic Diffraction system calculates wave forces and structure motions in regular or
irregular waves.

Use this system to apply a computational mesh to a geometry within the Aqwa application and produce
a solution.

This analysis is configured in DesignModeler and solved in Ansys Aqwa.

Optionally, you can connect a Hydrodynamic Diffraction system Solution cell to a Static Structural
system (p. 101) Setup cell and transfer the data to the Static Structural system.

You can also import a previously saved Aqwa .aqdb file (p. 53) and navigate to the database file.

For detailed information on working with Aqwa in Workbench, see the Aqwa User's Manual.

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1. To add a Hydrodynamic Diffraction analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the
Project Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu or select New Geometry from the context menu to create it in DesignModeler.

3. To specify the Aqwa settings, right-click the Setup cell and select Edit from the context menu.

4. In the Aqwa application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and features.

5. To start the solution, in the Aqwa application select Solve, or right-click the Solution cell and
select Update from the context menu.

Hydrodynamic Response
The Hydrodynamic Response system calculates wave forces and structure motions in regular or ir-
regular waves.

Use this system to apply ocean environment forces (wind, wave, current) to a structure.

This analysis is configured in DesignModeler and solved in Ansys Aqwa.

You can also import a previously saved Aqwa .aqdb file (p. 53) and navigate to the database file.

For detailed information on working with Aqwa in Workbench, see the Aqwa User's Manual.

1. To add a Hydrodynamic Diffraction analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the
Project Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu or select New Geometry from the context menu to create it in DesignModeler.

3. To add a Hydrodynamic Response analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox onto the
system added in step 1, sharing the Geometry, Model, and Solution cells.

4. To specify the Aqwa settings, right-click the Hydrodynamic Response system Setup cell and
select Edit from the context menu.

5. In the Aqwa application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and features.

6. To start the solution, in the Aqwa application select Solve, or right-click the Solution cell and
select Update from the context menu.

LS-DYNA
LS-DYNA is a general-purpose finite element program capable of simulating complex real world
problems. It is used by the automobile, aerospace, construction, military, manufacturing, and bioen-
gineering industries. The LS-DYNA solver is optimized for shared and distributed memory Unix, Linux,
and Windows based platforms. The code's origins lie in highly nonlinear, transient dynamic finite
element analysis using explicit time integration. The LS-DYNA system takes the power of the LS-DYNA
solver and wraps it up into the familiar and easy to use environment of Ansys Workbench and Ansys
Mechanical.

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Working Through a System

See the LS-DYNA User's Guide for more information on conducting this analysis.

LS-DYNA Restart
The LS-DYNA Restart system allows you to restart an LS-DYNA analysis. Restarting means performing
an analysis which continues from a previous analysis. A restart can begin from either the conclusion
of or the middle of a prior analysis.

For detailed steps on using this system, see Restarting an LS-DYNA Analysis in the LS-DYNA User's
Guide.

Magnetostatic
The Magnetostatic system performs 3D static magnetic field analysis. You can model various physical
regions including iron, air, permanent magnets, and conductors.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Ansys solver to compute the solution.

To work through a Magnetostatic system:

1. To add an Magnetostatic analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To view the geometry, right-click the Model cell and select Edit from the context menu, or
double-click the Model cell.

Alternatively, you can complete this step using the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Magnetostatic Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting
this analysis.

Modal Acoustics
The Modal Acoustics system models a structure and the surrounding the fluid medium to determine
frequencies and standing wave patterns within a structure.

This system is configured in Ansys Mechanical, using the Mechanical APDL solver to compute the
solution.

To work through a Modal Acoustics system:

1. To add a Modal Acoustics analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

Once the analysis type is selected, the following prompt displays.

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 Analysis Systems

This prompt informs you that you can automatically create a Physics Region (object) in the
downstream Mechanical system by selecting physics types in the Setup cell properties. The
Acoustics property, as illustrated below, is a read-only property that is always active.

2. To ensure the prompt is not displayed again, select the Do not show me this again check box.

3. To close the prompt, click OK.

4. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

5. To open the Mechanical application, right-click the Setup cell and select Edit from the context
menu or double-click the Setup cell.

6. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Modal Acoustics Analysis in the Mechanical Acoustic Analysis Guide for more information on
conducting this analysis.

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Modal
The Modal system determines the vibration characteristics (natural frequencies and corresponding
mode shapes) of a structure or a machine component. It can serve as a starting point for other types
of analyses by detecting unconstrained bodies in a contact analysis or by indicating the necessary
time-step size for a transient analysis, for example. In addition, the modal-analysis results may be
used in a downstream dynamic simulation employing mode-superposition methods, such as a har-
monic response analysis, a random vibration analysis, or a spectrum analysis. The natural frequencies
and mode shapes are important parameters in the design of a structure for dynamic loading conditions.

This analysis is configured in the Mechanical application, which uses either the Ansys, ABAQUS, or
Samcef solver to compute the solution, depending on which system you selected.

To work through a Modal system:

1. To add a Modal analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project Schematic
or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To view the geometry, right-click the Model cell and select Edit from the context menu or double-
click the Model cell.

Alternatively, you can complete this step using the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Modal Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting this ana-
lysis.

Random Vibration
The Random Vibration system determines the response of structures to vibration loads that are
random in nature. The loads on a structural system may not always be known or quantifiable with
certainty. Sensitive electronic equipment mounted in an automobile, for example, may experience
slightly-different conditions each day, due to changes in engine vibration or pavement roughness,
even if the same road is traveled. Since the input loads are described using statistical quantities, the
outputs are said to be non-deterministic, meaning that the results can be known only within a certain
probability.

This analysis is configured in the Mechanical application, which uses either the Ansys solver to compute
the solution.

A Random Vibration analysis must follow a Modal analysis that extracts the natural frequencies and
mode shape. Follow the instructions in Modal (p. 98) to build a Modal analysis system and then
complete the following instructions to build and link a Random Vibration system.

Alternatively, you can select the Random Vibration (p. 232) custom system. This option creates a Random
Vibration system template that includes both the Modal analysis and Random Vibration analysis system
templates with the links pre-defined.

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 Analysis Systems

To work through a Random Vibration system:

1. From the Modal analysis system, right-click the Solution cell and select Transfer Data to New
→ Random Vibration.

Workbench creates a new Random Vibration system. The Engineering Data, Geometry, and
Model cells are linked, and the Modal system Solution cell is linked to the Random Vibration
system Setup cell.

2. To open the Mechanical application, right-click the Setup cell in the Random Vibration system
and select Edit, or double-click the Setup cell.

3. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Random Vibration Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting
this analysis.

4. On the Project tab toolbar, click Update Project.

Response Spectrum
The Response Spectrum system calculates the maximum response for a given excitation based upon
the input response spectrum and the method used to combine the modal responses. The combination
methods available are the Square Root of the Sum of the Squares (SRSS), the Complete Quadratic
Combination (CQC) and the Rosenblueth’s Double Sum Combination (ROSE). A response spectrum
analysis has similarities to a random vibration analysis. However, unlike a random vibration analysis,
responses from a response spectrum analysis are deterministic maxima.

This analysis is configured in the Mechanical application, which uses either the Ansys solver to compute
the solution.

A Response Spectrum analysis must follow a Modal analysis that extracts the natural frequencies and
mode shape. Follow the instructions in Modal (p. 98) to build a Modal analysis system and then
complete the following instructions to build and link a Response Spectrum system.

To work through a Response Spectrum system:

1. From the Modal analysis system, right-click the Solution cell and select Transfer Data to New
→ Response Spectrum.

Workbench creates a new Response Spectrum system. The Engineering Data, Geometry, and
Model cells are linked, and the Modal system Solution cell is linked to the Response Spectrum
system Setup cell.

2. To open the Mechanical application, right-click the Setup cell in the Response Spectrum system
and select Edit or double-click the Setup cell.

3. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Response Spectrum Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting
this analysis.

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Working Through a System

4. On the Project tab toolbar, click Update Project.

Rigid Dynamics
The Rigid Dynamics system determines the dynamic response of an assembly of rigid bodies linked
by joints and springs. You can use this type of analysis to study the kinematics of a robot arm or a
crankshaft system, for example.

This analysis is configured in the Mechanical application, which uses the Ansys Rigid Dynamics solver
to compute the solution.

To work through a Rigid Dynamics system:

1. To add a Rigid Dynamics analysis system, drag the system from the Toolbox to the Project
Schematic or double-click the system in the Toolbox.

2. To load the geometry, right-click the Geometry cell and select Import Geometry from the
context menu.

3. To view the geometry, right-click the Model cell and select Edit from the context menu or double-
click the Model cell.

Alternatively, you can complete this step using the Setup cell.

4. In the Mechanical application window, complete your analysis using the application's tools and
features.

See Rigid Dynamics Analysis in the Mechanical User's Guide for more information on conducting
this analysis.

Speos
The Speos system lets you design and optimize light and systems.

For more detailed information, see Creating a Speos system in Ansys Workbench in the Speos User's
Guide.

Static Acoustics
The Static Acoustics system determines displacements, stresses, strains, and forces in your structure
or structural components that are caused by loads that do not induce significant inertia and damping
effects. Steady loading and response conditions are assumed. The loads and the structure's response
are assumed to vary slowly with respect to time.

it is used as a pre-stress environment for future downstream Modal Acoustics or Harmonic Acoustics
analyses.

This analysis is configured in the Mechanical application, which uses the Mechanical APDL solver to
compute the solution.

To work through a Static Acoustics system:

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