Importing Simulation Visualization Data

You can import data for a simulation performed outside of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform into Physics Results Explorer for high-performance visualization.

Before you begin:
  • You must have the appropriate role to import simulation visualization data.
  • Verify that the model or results to be imported are of the permitted file types:
    • SIM document (.sim, .SMASIM, .SMAManifest)
    • Abaqus® results document (.odb)
    • Abaqus model document (.inp)
    • Nastran results document (.op2)
    • Nastran model document (.bdf, .dat, or .nas)
See Also
About the Import Process
Import Support for Abaqus Features
Viewing Import Diagnostics
  1. From the Setup section of the action bar, click Import Results .

    Tip: You can also drag a file directly from Windows Explorer to the work area.

    The Import Results dialog box appears.
  2. From Source, select the search method to find your document:
    OptionDescription
    From file From a file system, select a model or results document.
    From common space From a common collaborative space, select a model or results document.
  3. From the File path options, click Select Results File and specify the model or results file you want to import.
  4. From the Units options, change the units associated with the imported data.

    You can specify units for mass, time, length, and temperature. (The default unit system is MKS.) When the simulation results are imported, the app converts the displayed values according to the display units specified for your session.

    Note: Specifying Units along with the global unit system options in Me > Preferences ensures that imported results are displayed with the appropriate scaling.

  5. If you are importing SIM documents, Abaqus documents, or Nastran model documents, select the analysis Case to which you want to add data. If this is the first time you are importing files into this simulation document, choose External Case 1.

    You can select a case from the list to replace its contents with the data in the file you import. Alternatively, you can create a new case and add your imported file to it.

  6. If you are importing Nastran results documents (.op2), do the following:
    1. Determine whether or not you want to create a new analysis case:

      Option Description
      Existing analysis case

      Imports the selected .op2 file and concatenates it with the current content of the selected analysis case.

      Use this option when the .op2 file contains results data only.
      Create new analysis case

      Imports the selected .op2 file separately in a new analysis case.

      Use this option when the .op2 file contains both model data and results data.

      Note: Importing .op2 files is supported only on SOL101 or SOL103.

    2. If you selected an existing analysis case, specify if you want to Merge the files.
      The selected .op2 file is imported and concatenated in the existing analysis case.
  7. If you are creating a new analysis case, select Server or Local results storage options. For more information, see About Results Management.
  8. Optional: Specify the orientation for the model you are importing.

    You can orient your imported model so that the "up" direction aligns with the X-, Y-, or Z-axis. The default selection, Z, is the appropriate choice for models produced by input (.inp) files generated in the Structural Validation app or in one of the Physics Simulation apps. Although, you can select Y when you import models from Abaqus analyses. See Orientations for Imported Abaqus Results.

    Select Invert to change the direction of the coordinate value. For example, if Y is used, the Invert option changes the positive "up" direction (0, 1, 0) to the negative "down" direction (0,-1,0).

  9. Click OK.

Physics Results Explorer displays the selected model or results data. If you have a hybrid simulation (native and orphan simulations in the same simulation object), both models are displayed simultaneously in the tree and you can use Hide/Show to control which model is visible in the 3D work area.

Notes:

  • If the file you are importing is from a previous version of Abaqus or 3DEXPERIENCE, the file is upgraded automatically. The Import Report dialog box displays status and warning messages, if appropriate.
  • If your imported data contains unsupported features or features supported with limited functionality, the Unsupported Features dialog box is displayed. Click More Info... to open the Import Diagnostics dialog box.
  • If you have selected Run remotely in your Preferences for Simulation > High Performance Visualization > Servant Preferences, you might need to enter login credentials (username and password) for remote postprocessing on a 3DOrchestrate Station. This happens if the 3DOrchestrate Station is configured for Run-As security. These credentials correspond to a user account on the station computer OS. Ask your system administrator about this option.