Page 31 - Finite Element Modeling and Simulations with ANSYS Workbench

16 Finite Element Modeling and Simulation with ANSYS Workbench

FIGURE 1.10
Defining linked analysis systems in the project schematic: (a) dropping the second (subsequent) system onto
the Model cell of the first system to share data at the model and above levels; (b) two systems that are linked.

1.3.4 Working with Cells
Cells are components that make up an analysis system. You may launch an application by
double-clicking a cell. To initiate an action other than the default action, right-click on a
cell to view its context menu options. The following list comprises the types of cells avail-
able in ANSYS Workbench and their intended functions:

Engineering Data: Define or edit material models to be used in an analysis.
Geometry: Create, import, or edit the geometry model used for analysis.
Model/Mesh: Assign material, define coordinate system, and generate mesh for the
model.
Setup: Apply loads, boundary conditions, and configure the analysis settings.
Solution: Access the model solution or share solution data with other downstream
systems.
Results: Indicate the results availability and status (also referred to as postprocessing).

As the data flows through a system, a cell’s state can quickly change. ANSYS Workbench
provides a state indicator icon placed on the right side of the cell. Table 1.2 describes the
indicator icons and the various cell states available in ANSYS Workbench. For more infor-
mation, please refer to ANSYS Workbench user’s guide [2].

1.3.5 The Menu Bar

The menu bar is the horizontal bar anchored at the top of the Workbench user interface. It
provides access to the following functions:

File Menu: Create a new project, open an existing project, save the current project,
and so on.
View Menu: Control the window/workspace layout, customize the toolbox, and so on.
Tools Menu: Update the project and set the license preferences and other user options.
Units Menu: Select the unit system and specify unit display options.
Help Menu: Get help for ANSYS Workbench.