About Simulation Connectors

Simulation connectors allow activities in a simulation process to communicate with an external application, such as Abaqus/Standard.

There are three types of simulation connectors: application connectors, import connectors, and export connectors.

This page discusses:

See Also
Creating a New Simulation Connector
Editing Simulation Connector Options
Managing Simulation Connectors

Simulation processes typically use simulation connectors to run external applications. Connectors can be used by the OS Command adapter. You must have the Author role to create connectors.

The following information is required when defining a simulation connector:

  • The name and the version of the application
  • Options or arguments that are passed from the simulation connector to the application
  • PLM attributes, such as the lifecycle state and the revision of the simulation connector

Application Connectors

Application connectors are used by OS Command steps to replicate how you communicate with an application through the command line. Therefore, application connectors can be developed for any application that can be driven from the command line. An application connector can run an application directly. Alternatively, an application connector can run a wrapper script that acts as a layer between Process Composer and the application and allows them to communicate.

Connectors refer to applications installed on 3DOrchestrate Stations. These applications must be configured by your system administrator in the ApplicationInfo.xml file on each station computer. Use the Station Administration app to determine which applications are available from a selected 3DOrchestrate Stations. See the 3DOrchestrate - Installation and Administration Guide for more information.

Importer and Exporter Connectors

Importers and Exporters are types of simulation connectors that are referenced by import and download rules, respectively. An Importer allows you to move data into the database, such as a mesh that was created by a third-party product. An Exporter allows you to move data from the database to an external application.

Simulation Connector Lifecycle States

The lifecycle states of a simulation connector are Private, Development, Complete, Released, and Obsolete. For more information about simulation connector lifecycle states, see Simulation Process Administration Access to Content.