how to import solid AND curve geometry from NX?

[potrero]

If I create a model in NX with both solid and line/curve geometry, how can I import both the 1D and 3D entities into FEMAP? It seems that the default import function only brings in the solid geometry, not the lines.

A common use for this would be to do mixed solid (tet) and beam element modeling.

Thanks.

 

[rb1957]

isn't that a bit backwards ... creating a model in NX ? ... isn't FeMap a pre- and post-processor ?? (is where i am ?)

you're importing bulk data in FeMap ... easy enough, i haven't had any problems, though i haven't don't it with the new version; can't think of a reason it'd import only some types of elements ?? have you tried the help desk ??

 

[potrero]

Thanks for the reply.

NX is where a lot of our geometry gets created. So it would be nice not to have to re-create geometry (lines to represent beams) rather than simply importing it.

 

[rb1957]

sorry but isn't it Way easier to create the model in FeMap ? to create a model in NX, you're entering node co-ords, element connectivity, properties, etc all by hand ... that's what i had to do 20+ years ago (before we got a pre-processor).

 

[potrero]

Hmm, I think we're not using the word "model" to mean the same thing. When I say "model", I'm not meaning "Finite Element Model" or "FEM". I actually am just meaning the "source geometry" which will help create the FEM.

Also, it's really gotten a LOT easier to create FEM's in NX. But there are stability issues with doing mixed 1D and 3D element FEM's in NX, that are making me want to try doing FEM creation in FEMAP.

My question is only how to import a mix of line/curve AND 3D solid geometry from NX, into FEMAP, to aid in FEM creation within FEMAP.

Thanks.

 

[BlasMolero]

Dear Potrero,
In fact, if you import in Femap a *.PRT NX model with solid & curve geometry entities you will arrive in Femap with solid parts only, not a track of curve entities, the inside Parasolid translator only write solid parts.

You can re-recreate curve geometry in Femap, or alternativelly do the following trick: the DXF import for NX6 DXF models do not runs OK at least in FEMAP V10.02 (I have not tested yet this option in the new Beta Femap v10.1 RC1), then the trick is to export the full NX model as IGES from "File > Export > Iges". Then you go to FEMAP, import the *.PRT, in Femap under GEOMETRY tree take note of the last entity number, then import the *.IGS and then delete the repeated entities. The trick is that IGES format includes all curves you have in NX, but IGES is a very bad format to export solids, then delete the extra geometry created in Femap and you are done.

Alternatively, if you have license of NX Advanced Simulation you can mesh your model in NX AdvSim, import in FEMAP, import geometry as well using the pevious method, and in FEMAP you can associate Geometry & Mesh using "Modify > Associativity > Automatic".

I hope the above helps to solve your problem.
Best regards,
Blas.