Working with

APDL Commands
in WB
Eric Stamper
March, 2013

© 2013 CAE Associates

e-Learning Webinar Series

 If you are a New York or New Jersey resident you will earn continuing
education credit for attending the full webinar, participating in the polls and
completing a survey at the conclusion of the webinar.

 Other e-Learning webinar topics coming up are:

— Basic Customization with ACT
March 26th or 28th

Advanced Postprocessing Techniques in Workbench

April 9th or 11th

Submodeling in ANSYS 14.5

April 30th or May 2nd

 Visit www.caeai.com for details.

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 Combining ANSYS
APDL and
Workbench

© 2013 CAE Associates

Combining ANSYS APDL and Workbench
Setup Mechanical Model

Postprocess Mechanical Model /batch

! ANSYS input file written by Workbench version 11.0
/config,noeldb,0 ! force off not writing results to database
*get,_wallstrt,active,,time,wall
etcon,set ! allow ANSYS to choose best KEYOP's for 180x elements
/com,*********** Nodes for the whole assembly ***********
nblock,3
(1i8,3e20.9e3)
1 3.740157480E+000 0.000000000E+000 2.851055118E-001
2 3.941757521E+000 0.000000000E+000 2.016000408E-001
3 4.025262992E+000 0.000000000E+000 -1.745767762E-017
4 3.941757521E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.016000408E-001
5 3.740157480E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.851055118E-001
6 3.538557440E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.016000408E-001
7 3.455051969E+000 0.000000000E+000 -1.745767762E-017

MAPDL Solver

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Input File Method

 In Mechanical:
— Import geometry into Mechanical.
— Highlight Solution in the Outline.
— Tools > Write ANSYS Input File… and provide a name and directory to write
the file.

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Input File Method

 All finite element data currently defined in Mechanical will be written to the
input file.
— No geometry information is written.
— If not yet meshed, Mechanical will automatically mesh the geometry and then
write the node and element information.
— All loads and boundary condition information is written.
/batch
! ANSYS input file written by Workbench version 11.0
/config,noeldb,0 ! force off not writing results to database
*get,_wallstrt,active,,time,wall
! File used for geometry attach: D:\mike\workbench\workshops_2\flange.agdb
/com,--- Data in consistent BIN units.
/units,BIN
/nopr
/track,-1
/prep7
! Turn off shape checking because checks already performed inside WB mesher.
! See help system for more information.
SHPP,OFF,,NOWARN
/nolist
etcon,set ! allow ANSYS to choose best KEYOP's for 180x elements
/com,*********** Nodes for the whole assembly ***********
nblock,3
(1i8,3e20.9e3)
1 3.740157480E+000 0.000000000E+000 2.851055118E-001
2 3.941757521E+000 0.000000000E+000 2.016000408E-001
3 4.025262992E+000 0.000000000E+000 -1.745767762E-017
4 3.941757521E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.016000408E-001
5 3.740157480E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.851055118E-001
6 3.538557440E+000 0.000000000E+000 -2.016000408E-001
7 3.455051969E+000 0.000000000E+000 -1.745767762E-017

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Input File Method

 In ANSYS:
— File > Read Input from … and select input file.
 Note:
— The input file includes a Solve command, but the solve is only performed if
ANSYS is run in batch.

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Why Combine Interfaces?

 Both interfaces have unique strengths that can be utilized:

— Workbench strengths:
• Bi-directional associativity with CAD programs.
• Better defeaturing tools.
• Advanced meshing methods
• Ease of use.
• Automatic contact detection and creation.

— ANSYS strengths:
• Direct control on element types, individual nodes and elements
• All element types and options.
• Advanced features. (for example fracture mechanics)
• APDL Customization, macros, scripting.

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Using ANSYS Commands in Workbench

 If a feature is unavailable in Workbench, the

user can switch to ANSYS, or stay in
Workbench and use Command Blocks.
 Command Blocks can be inserted in the
Workbench tree.
— Highlight branch to enter Command Block.
— Select Command Block icon on taskbar, or
right-click insert the Command Block.
 Where the Command Block is inserted
determines where it will be used:
— Geometry item  Preprocessor.
— Static Structural  Solution processor.
— Solution  General postprocessor.