Introduction

Meshparts is a software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of mechanical structures or assemblies.

These are main types of FEA supported:

  • Statical analysis (deformations, stresses)
  • Dynamical analysis (eigenvalues, frequency response, time response)
  • Bolts assessments (VDI 2230)
  • Submodeling

Here are some examples of mechanical structures you can simulate with Meshparts:

  • Machine tools
  • Presses
  • Gear boxes
  • Milling and turning spindles
  • Bolted connections
  • Ball screws, bearings, linear guides

The two most interesting features of Meshparts are:

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The CAD Twin

A CAD Twin is a FE model that has the same assembly and file structure as a corresponding CAD model.

So a CAD Twin is a FE assembly derived from a CAD assembly.

A CAD Twin shows the same hierarchical assembly structure as its corresponding CAD model:

  • For every CAD assembly or sub-assembly there exists an equivalent FE assembly or sub-assembly
  • For every CAD part there exists an equivalent FE part
  • FE assemblies only contain assembly relevant data (e.g. connections and boundary conditions) and pointers to contained parts and sub-assemblies
  • An FE part contains all geometrical and physical data needed to define it from the FE model point of view

The CAD Twin has the following advantages for the FE modeling process:

  • Large assemblies are easy to handle. In fact, the modeling effort does not depend on the size of the assembly, as long the assembly is well structured
  • FE parts and sub-assemblies can be re-used in new assemblies

The FE model library

The FE model library is collection of FE models of frequently used mechanical components such as.

  • Bearings
  • Ball screws
  • Linear guides
  • Servo drives
  • Gear boxes
  • Couplings
  • Belts systems
  • Bolts

The FE model library eliminates the modeling effort for purchased parts.

Furthermore, the FE model library reduces the risk of modeling errors significantly.

GUI terminology

When working with Meshparts, some specific terminology is used

  • Explorer tree: Shows the content of your computer drives and of the Online library of FE models
  • Model tree: Shows the hierarchical assembly structure of a model
  • 3D area: Shows a 3D representation of your model
  • Details area: Show context dependent informations. The context is set by selecting one or more elements in the model tree, 3D area or explorer tree
  • Details frame: Colapsable rectangular area inside the details area
  • Results legend: Interactive frame, which is diplayed inside the 3D area, when results visualization is active

These elements are depicted below.

GUI terminology

3D mouse and key bindings

  • Middle mouse button (press & drag): Rotate camera arround the model
  • Mouse wheel: Zoom in and out
  • Middle mouse button (press & drag) + CTRL key (pressed): Pan the camera to the left/right and up/down
  • Left mouse button (click): Select geometry items according to current selection filter
  • Left mouse button (press & drag): Temporary translate parts on the first assembly level (F5 restores the original position)
  • Left mouse button (press & drag) + Shift key (pressed): Temporary translate parts on the last assembly level (F5 restores the original position)
  • Right mouse button (click): Show context menu
  • Number key 1: Activate the parts selection filter (all other selections filters are deactivated)
  • Number key 3: Activate the nodal sets selection filter (all other selections filters are deactivated)
  • Number key 4: Activate the surfaces selection filter (all other selections filters are deactivated)
  • Right mouse button (press & drag) + CTRL key (pressed): Temporary rotate parts on the first assembly level (F5 restores the original position)
  • Right mouse button (press & drag) + CTRL + SHIFT key (pressed): Temporary rotate parts on the last assembly level (F5 restores the original position)
  • F5: Restores the original position of parts

The rotate/zoom actions described above are based on the current mouse position relative to the model.
Also, consider following two points, when rotating or zooming the model:

  • If the rotate/zoom operation begins with the mouse positioned over the model, the model point under the mouse will remain fixed.
  • If the rotate/zoom operation begins with the mouse positioned beside the model, the center of the model will remain fixed.