About Duplicating Finite Element Models

You can duplicate or reuse the finite element model representation.

Using an existing FEM representation allows you to copy or reuse the work completed on an existing finite element model. You can copy the FEM from a part or subassembly to another in the same assembly. Copying the FEM allows you to modify it for the new mesh part without changing the original one. Reusing the FEM creates a link to the original mesh part such that both remain identical.

The default behavior is to duplicate (copy) all part and subassembly FEM representations. You can also remove the duplication and reuse the original FEM instead. Duplicating a finite element model also duplicates all linked FEM representations and any publications. When you switch to the Structural Model Creation app by activating the FEM, the activated FEM is selected by default and duplicated from the Duplicate FEM command.

You can duplicate or reuse the finite element model representation for one assembly for a new revision of that assembly.

When you create a new revision or branch an assembly to create multiple products, you can duplicate the FEM from the original assembly. You can pick a model that is open in your 3DX session or search for the model if it is not already open. Review the entries to make certain the duplication matches your model intent, then create the duplicate model.

Duplicating the FEM allows you to quickly create a new product version. Duplication ensures the same mesh specifications and groups so that you do not need to recreate them. Once the duplicate is created and validated, you can update the meshes to account for the product changes.

Duplication from another model requires duplication of the entire assembly. To create a duplicate, the original (source) and new (target) assemblies must be virtually identical. For example, different identifiers for the product structure or missing parts between the two models prevent duplication. Preventing duplication when the models do not match avoids the high probability of errors and wasted effort if the source and target do not match.