Define the Submodel

Define the submodel using an abstraction shape.

A submodel is a region of the global model that you isolate from the remainder of the global model. An ideal submodel is a region where you observed high stress in the global analysis, or it is a region where you are testing new assembly methods between components. You can define a submodel using abstraction shapes.

An abstraction shape is a container into which you can copy the original model to allow complete editing without impacting the source content. The benefit of using an abstraction shape to define a submodel is that it does not alter the original model. In addition, an abstraction shape allows you to update the original model without destroying the features you create within the abstraction shape. Therefore, you can import an updated model and still see the abstraction shape features you previously added to the model. If you modified the original model during your analysis and then import an updated model, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform discards the modifications you made during your analysis.

In this example, the sprocket end of the driveshaft assembly is the submodel. To define the submodel, you first create a plane within an abstraction shape. You then position the plane between the sprocket and the driveshaft, resulting in two regions.

This task shows you how to:

Create an Abstraction Shape

  1. Right-click EXAMPLE-Driveshaft-Subassembly A, and select Insert > Representation.
    The New Content panel appears.
  2. Expand Simulation Model, and select Abstraction Shape.
    The new abstraction shape appears in the tree.

  3. Right-click the abstraction shape, click Properties, and rename it Abstraction Plane.

    Confirm that you are using Model Assembly Design. You cannot create the abstraction plane otherwise.

Create and Position the Plane

  1. From the tree, expand Abstraction Plane, and double-click PartBody.

    Note: If you previously used other 3DEXPERIENCE geometry editing apps during your session, the part might open in one of those apps instead. To continue the example, you can select the Compass and search for the Simulation Model Preparation app.

    The abstraction shape opens in Simulation Model Preparation.
  2. From the Create section of the action bar, click Plane.
  3. From the Type options, select Offset from plane.
  4. In the 3D area, select the inner face of the sprocket as the Reference, as shown below.

  5. Enter 300mm as the Offset.
  6. Click Preview.
    The plane appears along the driveshaft to the left of the sprocket, as shown below.

    If the plane appears to the right of the sprocket, click in the Plane dialog box to reverse the offset direction.

    Tip: You can also click the arrow along the shaft centerline to reverse the offset direction.

  7. Click OK.