Substructuring Analysis Guide

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. Benefits of Substructuring ................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. General Equations and Assumptions ................................................................................................. 1
1.3. Component Mode Synthesis ............................................................................................................. 2
1.3.1. Understanding Component Mode Synthesis ............................................................................. 3
1.3.1.1. Supported CMS Methods ................................................................................................. 3
1.3.1.2. Solvers Used in Component Mode Synthesis .................................................................... 4
2. Using Substructuring .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Step 1: Generation Pass ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1. Building the Model ................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.2. Applying Loads and Creating the Superelement Matrices .......................................................... 7
2.1.2.1. Applicable Loads in a Substructure Analysis ................................................................... 10
2.2. Step 2: Use Pass ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.1. Clear the Database and Specify a New Jobname ..................................................................... 13
2.2.2. Build the Model ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.3. Apply Loads and Obtain the Solution ...................................................................................... 16
2.3. Step 3: Expansion Pass .................................................................................................................... 18
2.4. Top-Down Substructuring ............................................................................................................... 21
2.5. Nested Superelements .................................................................................................................... 24
2.6. Prestressed Substructures ............................................................................................................... 24
3. Using Component Mode Synthesis ....................................................................................................... 25
3.1. The CMS Generation Pass ................................................................................................................ 25
3.1.1. Creating the Superelement .................................................................................................... 25
3.1.2. Component Modes Storage .................................................................................................... 28
3.1.3. Calculating the Element Results .............................................................................................. 30
3.2. The CMS Use and Expansion Passes ................................................................................................. 31
3.3. Superelement Expansion in Transformed Locations ......................................................................... 32
3.4. Plotting or Printing Mode Shapes .................................................................................................... 33
3.5. Component Mode Synthesis in a Multibody Analysis ....................................................................... 33
4. Substructuring Examples ...................................................................................................................... 35
4.1. Single Superelement Substructuring Template ................................................................................ 35
5. Component Mode Synthesis Example .................................................................................................. 37
5.1. Single Superelement CMS Example Template .................................................................................. 37
5.2. Single Cyclic Symmetry Superelement CMS Example ....................................................................... 39
5.3. Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork ................................................................................................. 40
5.3.1. Problem Description .............................................................................................................. 41
5.3.1.1. Geometric and Material Properties ................................................................................. 41
5.3.2. Fixed-Interface Method .......................................................................................................... 42
5.3.2.1. Analysis Steps ................................................................................................................ 42
5.3.2.2. Input Listing .................................................................................................................. 44
5.3.2.3. Results .......................................................................................................................... 49
5.3.2.4. Verify the Reduced Stiffness Matrix with APDL Math ....................................................... 49
5.3.3. Free-Interface Method ............................................................................................................ 50
5.3.3.1. Analysis Steps ................................................................................................................ 50
5.3.3.2. Input Listing .................................................................................................................. 51
5.3.3.3. Verify the Reduced Stiffness Matrix with APDL Math ....................................................... 53
5.3.4. Residual-Flexible Free-Interface Method ................................................................................. 53
5.3.4.1. Analysis Steps ................................................................................................................ 53
5.3.4.2. Input Listing .................................................................................................................. 54

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Substructuring Analysis Guide

5.3.4.3. Verify the Reduced Matrices with APDL Math ................................................................. 56

5.3.5. Superelement Expansion in a Transformed Location ............................................................... 57
5.3.5.1. Analysis Steps ................................................................................................................ 57
5.3.5.2. Input Listing .................................................................................................................. 58
5.3.6. Reduce the Damping Matrix and Compare Full and CMS Results with RSTMAC ........................ 60
A. Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface .............................................................................. 67
A.1. Understanding the Ansys-Adams Interface ...................................................................................... 67
A.1.1. Building the Model ................................................................................................................ 68
A.2. Modeling Interface Points ............................................................................................................... 69
A.3. Exporting to Adams ........................................................................................................................ 70
A.3.1. Exporting to Adams via Batch Mode ....................................................................................... 72
A.3.2. Verifying the Results ............................................................................................................... 72
A.4. Running the Adams Simulation ....................................................................................................... 73
A.5. Transferring Loads from Adams ....................................................................................................... 73
A.5.1. Transferring Loads on a Rigid Body ......................................................................................... 73
A.5.1.1. Exporting Loads in Adams ............................................................................................. 74
A.5.1.2. Importing Loads ............................................................................................................ 75
A.5.1.3. Importing Loads via Commands .................................................................................... 76
A.5.1.4. Reviewing the Results ................................................................................................... 76
A.5.2. Transferring the Loads of a Flexible Body ................................................................................ 77
A.6. Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface ............................................................................ 77
A.6.1. The Modal Neutral File ........................................................................................................... 77
A.6.2. Adding Weak Springs ............................................................................................................. 78
A.6.3. Example Rigid-Body Dynamic Analysis ................................................................................... 78
A.6.3.1. Problem Description ..................................................................................................... 78
A.6.3.2. Problem Specifications .................................................................................................. 79
A.6.3.3. Input Listing .................................................................................................................. 80
B. Ansys Interface to AVL EXCITE .................................................................................................................. 83
B.1. Performing a CMS Generation Pass to Create File.EXB ...................................................................... 84
B.1.1. Build a Model for the Component ........................................................................................... 84
B.1.2. Create the Superelement Matrices .......................................................................................... 84
B.1.3. Other Useful Commands ........................................................................................................ 84

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List of Figures
1.1. Applicable CMS Solvers and Files ............................................................................................................ 4
2.1. Applicable Solvers in a Typical Substructuring Analysis ............................................................................ 5
2.2. Example of a Substructuring Application ................................................................................................. 6
2.3. Node Locations ..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1. Process Flow for Creating a CMS Superelement Matrix ........................................................................... 26
5.1. Fixed-Interface Method Results ............................................................................................................. 49
1. Export to Adams Dialog Box .................................................................................................................... 71
2. Adams Export FEA Loads Dialog Box ........................................................................................................ 74
3. Import from Adams Dialog Box ................................................................................................................ 75
4. Linkage Assembly .................................................................................................................................... 79
5. Link3 Component .................................................................................................................................... 79

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List of Tables
2.1. Substructure Analysis Loads .................................................................................................................. 11
3.1. Component Modes Definition (Fix, Free, Free with Support = ON for some master DOFs) ..................... 28
3.2. Component Modes Definition (RFFB, RFFB with with Support = ON for some master DOFs) ................. 29
3.3. Contents of .cms and .tcms Files and Degree-of-Freedom Ordering According to IOkey Setting .............. 30

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Substructuring is a procedure that condenses a group of finite elements into one element represented
as a matrix. The single-matrix element is called a superelement. You can use a superelement in an ana-
lysis as you would any other element type. The only difference is that you first create the superelement
by performing a substructure generation analysis.

1.1. Benefits of Substructuring

Substructuring reduces computer time and allows solution of very large problems with limited computer
resources. Nonlinear analyses and analyses of structures containing repeated geometrical patterns are
typical candidates for substructuring. In a nonlinear analysis, you can substructure the linear portion of
the model so that the element matrices for that portion need not be recalculated at every equilibrium
iteration. In a structure with repeated patterns (such as the four legs of a table), you can generate one
superelement to represent the pattern and simply make copies of it at different locations, thereby saving
a significant amount of computer time.

You can also use substructuring on models with large rotations. For these models, the program assumes
each substructure to rotate about its mass center. In 3D cases, the substructures contain three rigid
body rotations and three translational motions. With a large rotation model, you do not constrain the
substructure until the use pass (p. 12) because each substructure is treated as a single finite element
that should allow rigid body motions.

An example is an analysis that is too large for the computer in terms of model size or disk space require-
ments. In such a situation, you can analyze the model in pieces, where each piece is a superelement
small enough to fit on the computer.

1.2. General Equations and Assumptions

In a substructuring analysis, the substructure’s nodal displacement vector, {u}, is represented in terms
of reduced coordinates, , by the coordinate transformation:
(1.1)

where [T] is the transformation matrix.

The meaning of the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of {u} depends on the element types of the finite elements
of the model. Among all the analysis types available in the program, structural analysis is the most
common type to which substructuring analysis is applied. The following equations deal exclusively with
structural analysis.

In structural analysis, the general form for equations of motion is:

(1.2)

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Introduction

where:

[K] = structural stiffness matrix

[M] = structural mass matrix
[C] = structural damping matrix
{F} = load vector
Introducing Equation 1.1 (p. 1) into Equation 1.2 (p. 1) and left multiplying by [T]T, the reduced
equation is obtained:
(1.3)

where:

= reduced stiffness matrix

= reduced mass matrix

= reduced damping matrix

= reduced load vector

Two condensation methods are available:

• Substructuring analysis: Static reduction which reduces the system matrices to a smaller set of nodal
DOFs. Substructuring analysis applies to structural and non-structural analysis types. For structural
analysis, this condensation method is also called Guyan reduction (see 14 in the Mechanical APDL
Theory Reference).

• Component mode synthesis (p. 2) (CMS): reduces the system matrices to a smaller set of nodal DOFs
complemented by a set of generalized coordinates. CMS applies to structural analysis only.

For non-structural analysis types, matrices [K], [M], and [C] may no longer correspond to stiffness, mass,
and damping quantities, but matrices associated with zero order terms ([K]), first order terms ([C]), and
second order terms ([M]) are reduced with the same logic presented above. For coupled-field analyses,
only the reduction of [K] is possible.

For more information about specific equations, see Substructuring Analysis in the Mechanical APDL
Theory Reference.

1.3. Component Mode Synthesis

Component mode synthesis (CMS) is a form of substructure (p. 1) coupling analysis frequently used
in structural dynamics.

CMS allows you to derive the behavior of the entire assembly from its constituent components. First,
the dynamic behavior of each of the components is formulated. Then, by enforcing equilibrium and
compatibility along component interfaces, the program forms the dynamic characteristics of the full
system model.

The following CMS topics are available:

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 Component Mode Synthesis

1.3.1. Understanding Component Mode Synthesis

1.3.1. Understanding Component Mode Synthesis

Although breaking up a single large problem into several reduced-order problems via substructur-
ing (p. 1) saves time and processing resources, component mode synthesis (CMS) can be advantage-
ous because it is more accurate than a Guyan reduction for modal, harmonic and transient analyses.
CMS includes truncated sets of normal mode generalized coordinates defined for components of the
structural model.

A typical use of CMS involves a modal analysis of a large, complicated structure (such as an aircraft
or nuclear reactor) where various teams each design an individual component of the structure. With
CMS, design changes to a single component affect only that component; therefore, additional com-
putations are necessary only for the modified substructure.

Finally, CMS supports these substructuring features:

• Bottom-up substructuring (p. 5)

• Top-down substructuring (p. 21)

• Nested superelements (p. 24)

• Prestressed substructures (p. 24)

1.3.1.1. Supported CMS Methods

The following component mode synthesis methods are available:

• Fixed-interface (CMSOPT,FIX)

• Free-interface (CMSOPT,FREE)

• Residual-flexible free-interface (CMSOPT,RFFB)

For most analyses, the fixed-interface CMS method is preferable. The free-interface method and
the residual-flexible free-interface method are useful when your analysis requires more accurate
eigenvalues computed at the mid- to high-end of the spectrum. The following table describes the
primary characteristics of each interface method:

CMS Methods Supported

Residual-Flexible Free
Fixed (CMSOPT,FIX) Free (CMSOPT,FREE)[a]
(CMSOPT,RFFB)[a]
Interface nodes are constrained Interface nodes remain free Interface nodes remain free
during the CMS superelement during the CMS superelement during the CMS superelement
generation pass (p. 25). generation pass (p. 25). generation pass (p. 25).
No requirement to specify rigid You must specify the number of If rigid body motion exists, you
body modes. rigid body modes (CMSOPT). must specify pseudo-constraints
(D).
Generally recommended when Generally recommended when Generally recommended when
accuracy on only the lower accuracy on both lower and accuracy on both lower and

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Introduction

CMS Methods Supported

Residual-Flexible Free
Fixed (CMSOPT,FIX) Free (CMSOPT,FREE)[a]
(CMSOPT,RFFB)[a]
modes of the assembled higher modes of the assembled higher modes of the assembled
structure (use pass (p. 12)) is structure (use pass (p. 12)) is structure (use pass (p. 12)) is
necessary. required. required.
[a] For the free-interface and residual-flexible free-interface CMS methods, you can specify
pseudo-constraints on some interface master nodes (SUPPORT = ON on the M command).
In this case, there is no requirement to specify rigid body modes. These mixed-free interface
and mixed-RFFB methods differ from the fixed- and free-interface methods and the RFFB
method, which require all master DOFs to be either constrained or free, regardless of
whether or not they belong to interfaces with other substructures. It is particularly useful
for obtaining better convergence when master nodes are defined at locations other than
the interfaces, for example an observation node where the displacement solution is wanted
without the need of an expansion pass.

For more information, see the discussion of component mode synthesis theory and methods in the
Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.

1.3.1.2. Solvers Used in Component Mode Synthesis

Following are the solvers and files used in a typical component mode synthesis analysis:

Figure 1.1: Applicable CMS Solvers and Files

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Chapter 2: Using Substructuring
A substructure analysis involves three distinct steps, called passes. The following figure shows the data
flow for a complete substructure analysis and some of the files involved.

Figure 2.1: Applicable Solvers in a Typical Substructuring Analysis

.FULL, .DB

The following topics on using substructuring are available:

2.1. Step 1: Generation Pass
2.2. Step 2: Use Pass
2.3. Step 3: Expansion Pass
2.4.Top-Down Substructuring
2.5. Nested Superelements
2.6. Prestressed Substructures

2.1. Step 1: Generation Pass

The generation pass is where you condense a group of "regular" finite elements into a single superelement.
The condensation is done by identifying a set of master degrees of freedom, used mainly to define the
interface between the superelement and other elements and to capture dynamic characteristics for
dynamic analyses. Figure 2.2: Example of a Substructuring Application (p. 6) shows a plate-like structure
that is to be analyzed with contact (interface) elements. Since the contact elements require an iterative
solution, substructuring the plate portion can result in a significant savings in computer time. The
master DOF required in this case are the degrees of freedom that connect the plate to the contact
elements.

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Using Substructuring

Figure 2.2: Example of a Substructuring Application

Generating a superelement involves two primary tasks:

2.1.1. Building the Model
2.1.2. Applying Loads and Creating the Superelement Matrices

2.1.1. Building the Model

In this step, you specify the jobname and analysis title and then use /PREP7 to define the element
types, element real constants, material properties, and the model geometry. These tasks are common
to most analyses and are described in the Basic Analysis Guide.

For the generation pass, consider the following:

• Jobname -- The job name takes on special significance in a substructure analysis. By using jobnames
effectively, you can eliminate much of the file-handling inherent in a three-pass analysis.

Use one of these methods to specify the jobname:

Command(s): /FILNAME
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Change Jobname

For example, /FILNAME,GEN gives the jobname GEN to all files created during the generation
pass. The default jobname is file or whatever name was specified while entering the program.

• Element Types -- Most element types can be used to generate a substructure. In general, the only
restriction is that elements within the superelement are assumed to be linear and cannot use Lag-
range multipliers. If you include bilinear elements, they will be treated as linear elements (in their
initial state).

Caution:

Coupled-field elements used in a direct method coupled-field analysis with load vector
coupling are not valid in a substructure analysis. Instead, use other elements in the same
shape family. For more information, see the Coupled-Field Analysis Guide.

Also, elements with Lagrange multipliers cannot be used in substructuring. Such elements
include:

– MPC184, CONTA172, CONTA174, CONTA175, CONTA177, and CONTA178 with

appropriate KEYOPT(2) setting

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 Step 1: Generation Pass

– PLANE182, PLANE183, SOLID185, SOLID186, SOLID187, SOLID272, SOLID273, and

SOLID285 when using KEYOPT(6) > 0

– REINF265 Special Purpose for the direct-embedding workflow

• Material Properties -- Define all necessary material properties. For example, if the mass matrix is to
be generated, density (DENS) (or mass in some form) must be defined; if the specific heat matrix
is to be generated, the specific heat (C) must be defined; and so on. Again, because a superelement
is linear, any nonlinear material properties are ignored.

• Model Generation -- In the generation pass, your primary concern is creating the superelement
portion of the model. The nonsuperelement portion, if any, is defined later in the use pass (p. 12).
However, you should plan the modeling approach for both portions before you start building the
model. In particular, decide on how you want to connect the superelement to the other elements.
To ensure the connection, use the same node numbers at the interface. (Other methods requiring
less effort on your part are discussed in the use pass section later in this chapter.)

• Edge Outline -- Adjust the edge outline used to plot the superelement in the use pass (/EDGE). A
smaller angle will produce more edges.

One approach might be to develop the entire model, save it on a named database file, and select
only the portion to be substructured for the generation pass. In the use pass then, you can RESUME
(Utility Menu> File> Resume from) from the named database file, unselect the portion that was
substructured, and replace it with the superelement matrix. For more information, see Top-Down
Substructuring (p. 21).

2.1.2. Applying Loads and Creating the Superelement Matrices

The "solution" from a substructure generation pass consists of the superelement matrix (or matrices).
As with any other analysis, you define the analysis type and options, apply loads, specify load step
options, and initiate the solution. Details of how to do these tasks are explained below.

Enter SOLUTION using either of these methods

Command(s): /SOLU
GUI: Main Menu> Solution

Define the analysis type and analysis options

The applicable options are explained below.

Analysis Type -- Choose a substructure generation using one of these methods:

Command(s): ANTYPE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> New Analysis

New analysis or restart -- If you are starting a new analysis, choosing the analysis type (as described
above) is all you need to do. However, if the run is a restart, you must also indicate this by setting
STATUS = REST on the ANTYPE command (Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Restart). A restart
is applicable if you need to generate additional superelement load vectors. (The files Jobname.ESAV

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Using Substructuring

and Jobname.DB from the initial run must be available for the restart. The Jobname.EMAT file is
also required if it was created in the initial run.)

Note:

Restarting a substructure analysis is valid only if the backsubstitution method is chosen.

You cannot restart a run if the full resolve option is selected using the SEOPT command.

Name of the superelement matrix file -- Specify the name (Sename) to be assigned to the superelement
matrix file. The program will automatically assign the extension SUB, so the complete file name will
be Sename.SUB. The default is to use the jobname [/FILNAME]. To specify the name of the supere-
lement matrix file:
Command(s): SEOPT
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options

Equation Solver -- The SPARSE solver is the only solver available for the generation pass of the sub-
structure analysis.

Matrices to be generated -- You can request generation of just the reduced stiffness matrix (or conduct-
ivity matrix); stiffness and mass matrices (or specific heat); or stiffness, mass, and damping matrices.
The mass matrix is required if the use pass (p. 12) is a structural dynamic analysis or if you need to
apply inertia loads in the use pass. For the thermal case, the specific heat matrix is required only if
the use pass is a transient thermal analysis. Similar considerations apply to other disciplines and to
the damping matrix. To make your request, use the SEOPT command as described above.

Note:

Verify that damping is present in the substructure model when using SEMATR = 3 on the
SEOPT command. If not, a null reduced damping matrix is generated and stored in the
associated .SUB file, which can increase the size of the file.

For first-order non-structural analysis types (thermal, electric, magnetic, diffusion), whereas
the matrix associated with the first-order degrees of freedom (for instance, specific heat
for thermal analysis) is the equivalent of a damping matrix in structural analysis, the reduc-
tion of all matrices is specified with SEMATR = 2 on the SEOPT command. For coupled-
field analyses, only the reduction of the stiffness matrix (or the equivalent matrix) is possible.

Matrices to be printed -- This option allows you to print out the superelement matrices. You can request
listing of both matrices and load vectors, or just the load vectors. The default is not to print any
matrices. To print out the matrices, issue the SEOPT command:

Expansion Pass Method -- Enables you to select the expansion pass (p. 18) method you plan to use
during subsequent expansion passes with this superelement. The backsubstitution method (default)
saves the factorized matrix files needed to perform a backsubstitution of the master DOF solution

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 Step 1: Generation Pass

during the expansion pass. The full resolve method does not save any factorized matrix files. The
factorized matrix files are named Sename.LNxx for the sparse solver.

Note:

Factorized matrix files can become very large as the problem size increases, but are
not needed if the full resolve method is chosen during the expansion pass.

During the expansion pass, the full resolve method reforms the elements used to create the supere-
lement, reassembles the global stiffness matrix, and applies the master DOF solution as displacement
boundary conditions internally. These displacement boundary conditions are deleted upon finishing
the expansion pass solution.

Note:

You cannot restart a substructure analysis with the full resolve expansion pass method
chosen.

Mass matrix formulation -- Applicable only if you want the mass matrix to be generated. You can
choose between the default formulation (which depends on the element type) and a lumped mass
approximation. We recommend the default formulation for most applications. However, for dynamic
analyses involving "skinny" structures, such as slender beams or very thin shells, the lumped mass
approximation has been shown to give better results. To specify a lumped mass approximation, use
one of these methods:
Command(s): LUMPM
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Analysis Type> Analysis Options

Modes to be used -- For superelements being used in a subsequent dynamic analysis [ANTYPE,MODAL,
HARMONIC, or TRANSIENT], you may include mode shapes as extra degrees of freedom to obtain
better accuracy [CMSOPT]. See the chapter on Component Mode Synthesis (p. 2) for more information.

Define master degrees of freedom using one of these methods:

Command(s): M
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Master DOFs> User Selected> Define

In a substructure, master degrees of freedom serve three purposes:

• They serve as the interface between the superelement and other elements. Define master degrees
of freedom at all nodes that connect to nonsuperelements, as shown in Figure 2.2: Example of a
Substructuring Application (p. 6). All degrees of freedom at these nodes should be defined as
master degrees of freedom (Lab = ALL on the M command). Master degrees of freedom must be
defined even if you plan to have no elements in the model other than a superelement.

• If the superelement is to be used in a dynamic analysis, master degrees of freedom characterize

the dynamic behavior of the structure if the component mode synthesis (p. 2) method [CMSOPT]
is not used. See Modal Analysis in the Structural Analysis Guide for guidelines.

• If constraints [D] or force loads [F] are to be applied in the use pass, master degrees of freedom
must be defined at those locations with the M command.

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Using Substructuring

If this superelement is to be transformed [SETRAN] later in the use pass or used in a large deflection
analysis [NLGEOM,ON], then all nodes that have master degrees of freedom must have all six degrees
of freedom (UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ) defined and active.

For large deflections, master degrees of freedom are typically defined at the joints of the flexible
body and are at the nodes connected to a joint element (MPC184), another rigid or flexible body
node, or ground. At least two master degrees of freedom must be defined for each substructure, as
the average rotation of the superelement is computed from the average rotation of its master DOF.
If only one node is a joint node, then another must be chosen at the free end. See the Multibody
Analysis Guide for more details.

2.1.2.1. Applicable Loads in a Substructure Analysis

You can apply all types of loads in a substructure generation pass. Some types of loading involve
certain considerations, as follows:

• The program generates a load vector that includes the effect of all applied loads. One superelement
load vector per load step is written to the superelement matrix file. This load vector represents
the combination of the loads defined during the load step.

• The maximum number of load vectors that can be generated and stored in the Sename.sub
file defaults to 1000. To change this limit, the /CONFIG command with Lab = NUMSUBLV can
be used.

Caution:

In the use pass, an .ESAV file record of size 2*NUMSUBLV*NUMSUBLV is stored for
each load step. Consequently, if the use pass analysis has a high number of load steps
(for instance, a transient analysis with thousands of time steps), the default or higher
value for NUMSUBLV can significantly slow it down. To prevent this, set the NUMSUBLV
argument of /CONFIG before the first generation pass to limit the maximum number
of load steps in all generation passes. For example, issue /CONFIG,NUMSUBLV,2 if no
more than 2 load steps are done in all generation passes.

• Nonzero degree of freedom constraints can be used in the generation pass and will become part
of the load vector.

In the expansion pass, if the load step being expanded contains nonzero degree of freedom
constraints, the database must have matching degree of freedom values. If it does not, the degree
of freedom constraints must be specified [D] again in the expansion pass.

• Application of constraints [D] or force loads [F] can be postponed until the use pass, but a master
degree of freedom must be defined at those locations with the M command or corresponding
GUI path.

If a mass matrix is generated, apply the degree of freedom constraints in the use pass at the
master degree of freedom (defined in the generation pass) to ensure that all mass is accounted
for in the substructure. For analyses with acceleration loadings, the load should be applied in
the generation pass and used in the use pass for greater accuracy, rather than apply the acceler-
ation load on the reduced mass matrix.

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 Step 1: Generation Pass

• Similarly, application of angular accelerations can be postponed until the use pass, but only if a
mass matrix is generated. A postponement is desirable if you plan to rotate the superelement in
the use pass, because load vector directions are "frozen" and rotated with the superelement.

• The Maxwell force flag (MXWF label on the SF family of commands) is normally used in a mag-
netic analysis to flag element surfaces on which the magnetic force distribution is to be calculated.
The flag has no effect (and therefore should not be used) for a superelement in a magnetic
analysis.

• If you intend to create an imaginary force vector, generate it as a real load vector, then use it as
an imaginary load vector in the use pass (p. 12) (SFE,,,,KVAL = 2) and expansion pass (p. 18)
(SEEXP,,,ImagKy = ON).

• When a load vector exists for a thermal superelement, it must be applied and have a scale factor
of 1 (SFE,,,,,SELV,,1).

• For large-rotation analyses, do not apply constraints to the model in this pass, as you will apply
constraints for large rotation analyses in the use pass.

Table 2.1: Substructure Analysis Loads

Load Name Load Commands[1]

Category Solid Model Loads Finite Element Loads
Displacement Temperature Constraints DK, DKLIST, DKDELE, D, DSYM, DLIST, DDELE,
Mag. Potential ... DL, DLLIST, DLDELE, DA, DSCALE, DCUM
DALIST, DADELE,
DTRAN
Force Heat Flow Rate Mag. Forces FK, FKLIST, FKDELE, F, FLIST, FDELE, FSCALE,
Flux ... FTRAN FCUM
Pressure Convection Surface SFL, SFLLIST, SFLDELE, SF, SFLIST, SFDELE, SFE,
Maxwell Surface ... Loads SFA, SFALIST, SFADELE, SFELIST, SFEDELE,
SFGRAD, SFTRAN SFBEAM, SFGRAD,
SFFUN, SFSCALE,
SFCUM
Temperature Heat Body Loads BFK, BFKLIST, BFKDELE, BF, BFLIST, BFDELE,
Generation Rate Current BFL, BFLLIST, BFLDELE, BFE, BFELIST, BFEDELE,
Density ... BFA, BFALIST, BFADELE, BFSCALE, BFCUM
BFV, BFVLIST, BFVDELE,
BFTRAN
Gravity, Linear and Angular Inertia Loads ACEL, DOMEGA
Acceleration

1. The menu path used to access each command in the GUI will vary depending on the engineering
discipline of the analysis (structural, magnetic, etc.). For a list of menu paths, see the description
of individual commands in the Command Reference.

Specify load step options

The only options valid for the substructure generation pass are dynamics options (damping).

Damping (Dynamics Options) - Applicable only if the damping matrix is to be generated.

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Using Substructuring

To specify damping in the form of alpha (mass) damping:

Command(s): ALPHAD
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Damping

To specify damping in the form of beta (stiffness) damping:

Command(s): BETAD
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Time/Frequenc> Damping

To specify damping in the form of material-dependent alpha damping:

Command(s): MP,ALPD or TB,SDAMP,,,,ALPD
GUI: Not accessible from the GUI.

To specify damping in the form of material-dependent beta damping:

Command(s): MP,BETD or TB,SDAMP,,,,BETD
GUI: Not accessible from the GUI.

Start solution calculations using one of these methods:

Command(s): SOLVE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS Output from the solution consists of the supere-
lement matrix file, Sename.SUB, where Sename is the name assigned as an analysis option [SEOPT]
or the jobname [/FILNAME]. The matrix file includes a load vector calculated based on the applied
loads. (The load vector will be zero if no loads are defined.)

Save a backup copy of the database on a named file

Doing this is required because you need to work with the same database in the expansion
pass. To support running the expansion pass in distributed-memory parallel mode, the database
must be saved after the SOLVE command.

To save a backup copy, use one of these methods:

Command(s): SAVE
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Save as Jobname.db

Repeat for additional load steps (that is, to generate additional superelement load vectors)

The superelement load vectors are numbered sequentially (starting from 1) and appended to
the superelement matrix file. See Loading in the Basic Analysis Guide for other methods for
multiple load steps.

Leave SOLUTION using one of these methods

Command(s): FINISH
GUI: Main Menu> Finish

2.2. Step 2: Use Pass

The use pass is where you use the superelement in an analysis by making it part of the model. The entire
model may be a superelement or, as in the plate example, the superelement may be connected to
other nonsuperelements (see Figure 2.2: Example of a Substructuring Application (p. 6)). The solution
from the use pass consists only of the reduced solution for the superelement (that is, the degree of
freedom solution only at the master DOF) and complete solution for nonsuperelements.

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 Step 2: Use Pass

The use pass can involve any type of structural analysis (except a buckling or explicit dynamics analysis).
The only difference is that one or more of the elements in the model is a superelement that has been
previously generated. The individual analysis guides contain detailed descriptions about performing
various analyses. In this section, we will concentrate on the steps you need to make the superelement
a part of your model.

2.2.1. Clear the Database and Specify a New Jobname

The use pass consists of a new model and new loads. Therefore, the first step is to clear the existing
database. This has the same effect as leaving and re-entering the program. To clear the database, use
one of these methods:
Command(s): /CLEAR
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Clear & Start New

By default, clearing the database causes the START.ANS file to be reread. (You can change this setting
if you so desire.)

Caution:

If you are using the command input method to clear the database, additional commands
may not be stacked on the same line (using the $ delimiter) as the /CLEAR command.

Be sure to define a jobname that is different from the one used for the generation pass. This way,
you can ensure that no generation pass files will be overwritten. To define a jobname, use one of
these methods:
Command(s): /FILNAME
GUI: Utility Menu >File> Change Jobname

2.2.2. Build the Model

This step is performed in PREP7 and consists of the following tasks:

1. Define MATRIX50 (the superelement) as one of the element types. Use one of these methods:
Command(s): ET
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Element Type> Add/Edit/Delete

2. Define other element types for any nonsuperelements. Nonlinear behavior may or may not
be allowed, depending on the type of analysis to be performed.

Note:

Using the lumped mass matrix formulation (LUMPM,ON) modifies the superelement
mass matrix and may give unexpected results.

3. Define element real constants and material properties for the nonsuperelements. Nonlinear
properties may or may not be allowed, depending on the type of analysis to be performed.

4. Define the geometry of the nonsuperelements. Take special care in defining the interfaces
where the nonsuperelements connect to the superelements. The interface node locations must

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Using Substructuring

exactly match the locations of the corresponding master nodes on the superelements (see Fig-
ure 2.3: Node Locations (p. 14)).

There are three ways to ensure connectivity at these interfaces:

• Use the same node numbers as the ones in the generation pass.

• Use the same node number increment (or offset) between interface nodes in the generation
pass and interface nodes in the use pass. (Use SETRAN, as described below in step 5b.)

• Couple the two sets of nodes in all degrees of freedom using the CP family of commands
[CP, CPINTF, etc.]. This method is helpful if you cannot use one of the above two methods.
For example, to define a set of coupled degrees of freedom use one of the following:
Command(s): CP
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Coupling/Ceqn> Couple DOFs
If the superelement is not connected to any other elements, you do not need to define
any nodes in the use pass.

Figure 2.3: Node Locations

Interface nodes between superelement and nonsuperelement must exactly match the master
node locations.

5. Define the superelement by pointing to the proper element type reference number and
reading in the superelement matrix. To point to the element type:
Command(s): TYPE
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Elem Attributes

Now read in the superelement matrix using one of these methods (you may first need to use
other commands to modify the matrix, as explained below):
Command(s): SE
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Superelements> From .SUB
File

a. If there are no nonsuperelements in the model, or if there are nonsuperelements and the
interface nodes have the exact same node numbers as the master nodes on the superele-
ment, simply read in the superelement via SE:
TYPE,...! Element type reference number
SE,GEN! Reads in superelement from file GEN.SUB

The Sename field on the SE command identifies the name of the superelement matrix
file. The extension .SUB is assumed, so the complete file name is Sename.SUB (GEN.SUB
in the above example). The superelement is given the next available element number.

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 Step 2: Use Pass

b. If there are nonsuperelements in the model and the interface nodes have a constant node
number offset from the master nodes, you must first create a new superelement matrix
with new node numbers and then read in the new matrix.

To create a new superelement matrix, use one of these methods:

Command(s): SETRAN
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Superelements> By
CS Transfer
Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Superelements> By Geom
Offset

To read in the new matrix, use one of these methods:

Command(s): SE
GUI: Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Superelements>
From .SUB File

For example, given an existing superelement matrix file GEN.SUB and a node number
offset of 2000, the commands would be:
SETRAN,GEN,,2000,GEN2,SUB ! Creates new superelement GEN2.SUB with
! node offset = 2000
TYPE,... ! Element type reference number
SE,GEN2 ! Reads in new superelement from file GEN2.SUB

c. If there are nonsuperelements in the model and the interface nodes have no relationship
with the master nodes (as would be the case with automatically meshed models), first
observe the following caution.

Caution:

It is quite likely that the node numbers of the master nodes from the generation
pass overlap with node numbers in the use pass model. In such cases, reading
in the superelement [SE] will cause existing use pass nodes to be overwritten
by the superelement's master nodes. To avoid overwriting existing nodes, use
a node number offset [SETRAN] before reading in the superelement. In any
case, save the database [SAVE] before issuing the SE command.

Thus you should first save the database [SAVE], use the SETRAN command to create a
new superelement matrix with a node number offset, and then use the SE command to
read in the new matrix. The CPINTF command (Main Menu> Preprocessor> Coup-
ling/Ceqn> Coincident Nodes) can then be used to connect the pairs of nodes at the
interface. For example, given a superelement matrix file called GEN.SUB:
*GET,MAXNOD,NODE,,NUM,MAX ! MAXNOD = maximum node number
SETRAN,GEN,,MAXNOD,GEN2,SUB ! Creates new superelement with
! node offset = MAXNOD, name = GEN2.SUB
SE,GEN2 ! Reads in new superelement
NSEL,... ! Select all nodes at the interface
CPINTF,ALL ! Couples each pair of interface nodes in
! all DOF
NSEL,ALL

d. If the superelement is to be transformed - moved or copied to a different position, or

symmetrically reflected - you must first use the SETRAN command or SESYMM command

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Using Substructuring

(Main Menu> Preprocessor> Modeling> Create> Elements> Superelements> By Re-

flection), with the appropriate node number offsets, to create new superelement matrix
files and then use SE to read in the new matrices. Connecting the superelements to the
nonsuperelements is done the same way as above - by using common node numbers, a
constant node number offset, or the CPINTF command.

When the superelement is transformed, the precise mass summary printed out at the
beginning of the solution may be approximate.

Note:

If you use SETRAN to transfer the superelement to a different coordinate system,

the superelement's master nodes are rotated with it by default. This is typically
useful if the original superelement's master nodes are rotated, into a cylindrical
system for example. (In this case, the transfer does not effect the superelement
stiffness matrix.) If the original superelement has no rotated nodes, it is likely that
the transferred superelement will not need rotated nodes either. You can prevent
node rotation in such cases by setting the NOROT field on SETRAN to 1. (The su-
perelement stiffness matrix and load vector are modified by the program for this
type of transfer.)

6. Verify the location of the superelement using graphics displays and listings. Superelements
are represented by an edge outline display, the data for which are written to the matrix file
in the generation pass. To produce a graphics display:
Command(s): EPLOT
GUI: Utility Menu> Plot> Elements

To produce a listing:
Command(s): SELIST
GUI: Utility Menu> List> Other> Superelem Data

7. Save the complete model database:

Command(s): SAVE
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Save as Jobname.db

Leave PREP7 using one of these methods:

Command(s): FINISH
GUI: Main Menu> Finish

2.2.3. Apply Loads and Obtain the Solution

This step is performed during the solution phase of the analysis. The procedure to obtain the use-
pass solution depends on the analysis type. As mentioned earlier, you can subject a superelement to
any type of analysis. You should, of course, have the appropriate matrices generated during the
generation pass. For example, if you intend to do a structural dynamic analysis, the mass matrix must
be available. The procedure is as follows:

1. Enter SOLUTION using one of these methods:

Command(s): /SOLU
GUI: Main Menu> Solution

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 Step 2: Use Pass

2. Define the analysis type and analysis options.

For large rotation analyses - turn large deformation effects on [NLGEOM,ON], and define the
proper number of substeps for the nonlinear analysis.

3. Apply loads on the nonsuperelements. These may consist of DOF constraints and symmetry
conditions [D family of commands], force loads [F family], surface loads [SF family], body
loads [BF family], and inertia loads [ACEL, etc.]. Remember that inertia loads will affect the
superelement only if its mass matrix was generated in the generation pass. DOF constraints
[D] or force loads [F] can be applied on master degrees of freedom.

Note:

For large rotation analyses, be sure to apply the proper constraints in this step.

4. Apply superelement load vectors (if any) using one of these methods:
Command(s): SFE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Load Vector> For Superelement

One load vector per load step (created during the generation pass) is available on the super-
element matrix file, and is identified by its reference number:
SFE,63,1,SELV,0,0.75

applies, on element number 63, load vector number 1, with the load applied as a real load
and with a scale factor of 0.75. Thus the ELEM field represents the element number of the
superelement, LKEY represents the load vector number (default = 1), Lab is SELV, KVAL is
for a real or imaginary load vector, and VAL1 represents the scale factor (default = 0.0). (See
the SFE command description for more information.)

Note:

The load vector orientation is fixed (frozen) to the superelement, so if the supere-
lement is used in a rotated position, the load vector rotates with it. The same ap-
plies to the degree of freedom directions (UX, UY, ROTY, etc.). They too are fixed
to the superelement and will rotate with the superelement if it is rotated (unless
NOROT = 1 on the SETRAN command, in which case the nodal coordinate systems
will not be rotated).

5. Specify load step options that are appropriate for the analysis type. Use the EQSLV command
to select an appropriate equation solver based on the chosen analysis type and the physics
of the problem.

6. Initiate the solution:

Command(s): SOLVE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS

Results from the solution consist of the complete solution for nonsuperelements and the re-
duced solution - DOF solution at masters - for the superelements. The complete solution for

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Using Substructuring

nonsuperelements is written to the results file (Jobname.rst, rth, or rmg), which you can
postprocess using normal postprocessing procedures.

The reduced solution is written to the file Jobname.dsub. You can review this file using
one of these methods:
Command(s): SEDLIST
GUI: Main Menu> General Postproc> List Results> Superelem DOF
Utility Menu> List> Results> Superelem DOF Solu

To expand the reduced solution to all elements within the superelement, you will need to
perform the expansion pass, explained next.

Note:

If the use pass is performed using a mode-superposition method and you intend
to perform a superelement expansion pass, do not activate the element results
superposition key (MSUPkey = YES on the MXPAND command).

Note:

Restarting an analysis overwrites the file Jobname.dsub. Only the reduced solutions
of the last analysis are then available in the expansion pass.

7. Leave SOLUTION:
Command(s): FINISH
GUI: Main Menu> Finish

2.3. Step 3: Expansion Pass

The expansion pass is where you start with the reduced solution and calculate the results at all degrees
of freedom in the superelement. If multiple superelements are used in the use pass, a separate expansion
pass will be required for each superelement.

The procedure for the expansion pass assumes that the Jobname.ESAV, Jobname.FULL, Job-
name.SUB, Jobname.LN22, Jobname.DB, and Jobname.SELD files from the generation pass and
the Jobname.DSUB file from the use pass are available. The file Jobname.EMAT, and for larger sub-
structures, the files Jobname.LN09 and Jobname.LN20 will also be required if they were created in
the generation pass. The expansion pass logic automatically detects which, if any, factorized matrix files
are available and chooses the appropriate expansion pass method and solver accordingly. If an offset
of node numbers was used in the use pass [SETRAN or SESYMM], it will automatically be taken into
account in the expansion pass.

The backsubstitution method uses the reduced solution from the use pass and substitutes it back into
the available factorized matrix file to calculate the complete solution. The full resolve solution reforms
the element stiffness matrices originally used to create the superelement. The global stiffness matrix

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 Step 3: Expansion Pass

for these elements is then assembled. The reduced solution is applied to the model as displacement
boundary conditions, and the complete solution within the superelement is solved.

Note:

The displacement boundary conditions are automatically applied internally at the master
degrees of freedom during the expansion pass solution and are automatically deleted when
the solution completes.

The expansion pass logic for substructuring analyses first searches for the superelement Jobname.LN22
file and, if found, chooses the sparse solver to perform a backsubstitution (the EQSLV command is ig-
nored). Otherwise, the program will stop the expansion pass and give a message suggesting an alternate
expansion method.

If the Jobname.LN22 file is not detected for the specified superelement, the full resolve method is
chosen. The PCG solver is chosen by default for the full resolve method. You can select the sparse
solver using the EQSLV command to override the default. Other equation solvers cannot be used with
the full resolve method.

1. Clear the database:

Command(s): /CLEAR
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Clear & Start New

This has the same effect as leaving and re-entering the program.

2. Change the jobname to what it was during the generation pass. This way, the program can easily
identify the files required for the expansion pass:
Command(s): /FILNAME
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Change Jobname

3. Restore the generation pass database:

Command(s): RESUME
GUI: Utility Menu> File> Resume Jobname.db

4. Enter SOLUTION using one of these methods:

Command(s): /SOLU
GUI: Main Menu> Solution

5. Activate the expansion pass and its options:

Command(s): EXPASS
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> ExpansionPass

Expansion pass on or off - Choose "on."

Name of superelement to be expanded - Specify the name (Sename):

Command(s): SEEXP
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> ExpansionPass> Expand Superelem

(The complete name of the file is assumed to be Sename.SUB.)

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Using Substructuring

Name of the reduced solution file from use pass - Specify the name (Usefil) using the SEEXP com-
mand (or the menu path shown above). The complete name of the file is assumed to be Use-
fil.DSUB.

Real or imaginary component of displacement - Applicable only if the use pass was a harmonic ana-
lysis. Use the Imagky key on the SEEXP command (or the menu path shown above). If all solutions
are to be expanded (NUMEXP,ALL), Imagky is ignored and both the real and imaginary solutions
are expanded.

6. Identify the use pass solution(s) to be expanded. You can either expand a single solution [EXPSOL]
or a range of solutions (including all) [NUMEXP]:

Single Solution - use either the load step and substep numbers or the time (or frequency) to identify
a solution:
Command(s): EXPSOL
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> ExpansionPass> Single Expand> By Load Step
Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> ExpansionPass> Single Expand> By Time/Freq

Note:

If the load step being expanded contains nonzero DOF constraints, the database must
have matching DOF values. If it does not, the DOF constraints must be respecified [D] in
the expansion pass.

Range of Solutions - Identify the number of solution and time or frequency range:
Command(s): NUMEXP
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> ExpansionPass> Range of Solu's

Note:

If the SEOPT command was issued with ExpMth = RESOLVE, the NUMEXP command
cannot be used.

7. Specify load step options. The only options valid for a substructure expansion pass are output controls:

Output Controls - These options control printed output, database and results file output, and extra-
polation of results.

If you want to include any results data on the printed output file (Jobname.OUT):
Command(s): OUTPR
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> Solu Printout

If you want to control the data on the results file (Jobname.RST):

Command(s): OUTRES
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> DB/Results File

If you want to review element integration point results by copying them to the nodes instead of
extrapolating them (default):
Command(s): ERESX
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Load Step Opts> Output Ctrls> Integration Pt

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 Top-Down Substructuring

8. Start expansion pass calculations:

Command(s): SOLVE
GUI: Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS

Note:

By default, Jobname.DSUB only contains the reduced solution in terms of nodal DOF
displacement. Thus, in the expansion pass following a transient analysis or a harmonic
analysis use pass, quantities using nodal velocities and nodal accelerations (damping
force, inertial force, kinetic energy, etc.) can not be computed and postprocessed.

To have access to these results, the OUTRES command with DSUBres = ALL must be
issued in the first load step of the use pass. With this setting, the real and imaginary parts
of the reduced solution are written to Jobname.DSUB at each iteration for a harmonic
analysis, and the reduced velocities and accelerations are written at each iteration for a
transient analysis.

OUTRES with DSUBres = ALL is not supported if large-deflection effects are included
(NLGEOM,ON) or if the expansion pass method RESOLVE (SEOPT,,,,,RESOLVE) was specified
in the generation pass.

9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 for additional use pass solutions to be expanded. If you need to expand the
solution for a different superelement, you will need to leave and re-enter SOLUTION.

Note:

If the superelement to be expanded contains contact elements and has multiple use
passes, use separate expansions (repeating steps 1 through 7) or issue the NUMEXP
command to expand multiple load steps together.

10. Finally, leave SOLUTION:

Command(s): FINISH
GUI: Main Menu> Finish

11. Postprocess results in the superelement using standard techniques.

Note:

An expansion pass is not valid if the use pass was a PSD analysis.

2.4. Top-Down Substructuring

The substructuring procedure described in the previous section is called bottom-up substructuring,
meaning that each superelement is separately generated in an individual generation pass, and all su-
perelements are assembled together in the use pass. This method is suitable for very large models
which are divided into smaller superelements so that they can "fit" on the computer.

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Using Substructuring

For substructuring of smaller models or of systems with global project geometry controls, and for isolated
component analysis, you can use a slightly different technique known as top-down substructuring. This
method is suitable, for instance, for substructuring of the linear portion of nonlinear models that are
small enough to fit on the computer. An advantage of this method is that the results for multiple super-
elements can be assembled in postprocessing. The procedure for top-down substructuring is briefly
explained below, and is followed by a sample input.

1. First build the entire model, including both the superelement and nonsuperelement portions.
Save this model on a named database file (for example, FULL.DB). The full model database is
later required for the expansion pass. It will also be required for the use pass if the model
consists of nonsuperelements.

2. Perform the generation pass on a selected subset of the entire model. Because the full model
has already been built, all you need to do is to select the elements for the superelement portion,
apply the desired loads (for the load vector), and create the superelement with the SOLVE
command (Main Menu> Solution> Solve> Current LS).

The use of components may be helpful for this. To group items into a component, use the CM
command (Utility Menu> Select> Comp/Assembly> Create Component).

If multiple superelements are to be generated, you will need to exit and re-enter SOLUTION
each time and repeat the select-load-solve steps. Be sure to use a different jobname for each
superelement.

3. Perform the use pass. Enter PREP7 and start by restoring the full model database and then se-
lecting only the nonsuperelement portion of the model. Next, define the superelement type
[ET, TYPE] and read in the appropriate superelement matrices. In most cases, you don't need
to worry about the connecting nodes between the superelements, because they were all gen-
erated from a single model.

Enter SOLUTION and define the analysis type and analysis options. Apply loads on the nonsu-
perelements, read in load vectors (if any), specify load step options, and initiate the use pass
solution.

4. Perform the expansion pass. Start by restoring the full model database, with all elements and
nodes active. Then expand each superelement separately, using the appropriate jobnames and
exiting and re-entering SOLUTION each time. You can then review the results in each superele-
ment using normal postprocessing procedures. Use of the full database, FULL.DB, allows the
reading in of multiple superelement results:
RESUME,FULL,DB
/POST1
FILE,GEN1
SET,...
FILE,GEN2
SET,...!Will not clear previous superelement results

A sample input for top-down substructuring follows. This example assumes a model with one superele-
ment and other nonsuperelements.
! Sample input for top-down substructuring
!
! BUILD THE FULL MODEL
!
/FILNAME,FULL ! Jobname = FULL (for example)
/TITLE,...

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 Top-Down Substructuring

/PREP7 ! Enter PREP7

---
--- ! Generate entire model, including both the
--- ! superelement and nonsuperelement portions
---
SAVE ! Save the full model database. It is required for
! the (use pass and) expansion pass.
FINISH

! GENERATION PASS

/FILNAME,GEN ! Jobname = GEN (for example)

/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
ANTYPE,SUBSTR ! Substructure analysis type
SEOPT,GEN,... ! Analysis options
ESEL,... ! Select elements and
NSLE ! nodes in the superelement portion
M,... ! Master DOF
D,... ! Loads. A load vector will be generated and written to the
--- ! superelement matrix file
--- ! Load step options
---
SOLVE ! Initiate solution -- creates superelement
! matrix file GEN.SUB.
--- ! Loads for second load vector (D and M may not changed)
SOLVE ! Add load vector 2
--- ! Repeat loading and SOLVE sequence for additional load vectors
FINISH

! USE PASS
!
/CLEAR ! Clear database for use pass
/FILNAME,USE ! Jobname = USE (for example)
RESUME,FULL,DB ! Restore full model database (for nonsuperelements)
ESEL,... ! Select elements and
NSLE ! nodes in the nonsuperelement portion

/PREP7
ET,...,MATRIX50 ! Superelement type (type number not used by nonsuperelements)
TYPE,... ! Point to superelement type reference number
SE,GEN ! Read in superelement matrix (GEN.SUB created above)
EPLOT
FINISH

/SOLU
ANTYPE,... ! Analysis type and analysis options
---
D,... ! Loads on nonsuperelements
---
---
SFE,... ! Superelement load vector
---
--- ! Load step options
---
SOLVE ! Initiates solution -- calculates complete
! solution for nonsuperelements (USE.RST, etc.)
! and reduced solution for superelement (USE.DSUB)
FINISH

! EXPANSION PASS
!
/CLEAR ! Clear database for expansion pass
/FILNAME,GEN ! Change jobname back to generation pass jobname
RESUME,FULL,DB ! Restore full model database

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Using Substructuring

/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION

EXPASS,ON ! Activate expansion pass
EXPSOL,... ! Specifies the solution to be expanded
SEEXP,GEN,USE,... ! Superelement name to be expanded
--- ! Load step options (mainly output controls)
---
SOLVE ! Initiate expansion pass solution. Full
! superelement solution written to GEN.RST (or
! RTH or RMG).
FINISH

! ... Review results in superelement

Please see the ANTYPE, SEOPT, M, ET, SE, EXPASS, and SEEXP command descriptions for more inform-
ation.

2.5. Nested Superelements

A powerful substructuring feature is the ability to use nested superelements (one superelement containing
another). When you generate a superelement (p. 5), one of the elements in the generation pass may
be a previously generated superelement.

For example, suppose that you have a superelement named PISTON. You can generate another super-
element named CYLINDER which contains the superelement PISTON. Now, for a complete analysis of
the cylinder and its piston, you will need to perform one use pass (p. 12) and two expansion
passes (p. 18). The use pass calculates the reduced solution for the master DOF in the superelement
CYLINDER. The first expansion pass calculates the complete solution for CYLINDER and the reduced
solution for PISTON. The second expansion pass then gives you the complete solution for PISTON.

You can also generate transformed nested superelements (using SETRAN or SESYMM commands). It
is important in this case to perform the expansion pass in the exact reverse order used for the generation
pass.

2.6. Prestressed Substructures

In modeling a system's behavior properly, it may be important to consider its stress state. That stress
state will influence the values of the stiffness matrix terms. The stress state from a previous structural
solution may be included when the stiffness matrix is formed in a superelement generation pass. Stress
stiffening can provide strength in a structure which would normally not have any resistance to certain
loadings. For example, a stretched cable can resist a normal loading while a slack cable cannot. Stress
stiffening can also change the response frequencies of a system which affects both modal and transient
dynamic problems.

For more information about prestressed substructure analysis, see General Procedure for Linear Perturb-
ation Analysis in the Structural Analysis Guide.

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Chapter 3: Using Component Mode Synthesis
As in substructuring (p. 1), a component mode synthesis (CMS) analysis involves three distinct steps,
called passes:

1. Generation pass (p. 25) (SEOPT, CMSOPT)

2. Use pass (p. 12) (SETRAN, SESYMM, CPINTF)

3. Expansion pass (p. 18) (EXPASS, SEEXP, EXPSOL, NUMEXP)

The CMS generation pass condenses a group of finite elements into a single CMS superelement, which
includes a set of master degrees of freedom and truncated sets of normal mode generalized coordinates.
The master degrees of freedom serve to define the interface between the superelements or other ele-
ments.

The following CMS usage topics are available:

3.1.The CMS Generation Pass
3.2.The CMS Use and Expansion Passes
3.3. Superelement Expansion in Transformed Locations
3.4. Plotting or Printing Mode Shapes
3.5. Component Mode Synthesis in a Multibody Analysis

CMS Wizard

A user-friendly wizard is available to help you better understand the CMS process as well as to guide
you through the generation (p. 25), use (p. 31), and expansion (p. 31) passes for the fixed-interface
(CMSOPT,FIX) and free-interface (CMSOPT,FREE) methods for modal analyses. The wizard also provides
file organization and management support as files are generated by a CMS analysis. Use the Solution
(/SOLU) processor to access the CMS Wizard.

3.1. The CMS Generation Pass

The following sections describe the CMS generation pass:
3.1.1. Creating the Superelement
3.1.2. Component Modes Storage
3.1.3. Calculating the Element Results

3.1.1. Creating the Superelement

The process for generating a CMS superelement consists of two primary tasks:

1. Building the model

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Using Component Mode Synthesis

This step is identical to building the model for a substructuring analysis (p. 6). Define density
(DENS)--or mass in some form--because CMS must generate both stiffness and mass matrices.

2. Creating the superelement matrices

The "solution" from a CMS generation pass consists of the superelement matrices (reduced stiffness
and mass matrices or reduced stiffness, mass, and damping matrices). This flowchart illustrates
the process necessary for creating the superelement matrix file:

Figure 3.1: Process Flow for Creating a CMS Superelement Matrix

Specifying the CMS method

When specifying the CMS method, also specify the number of modes and, optionally, the
frequency range used to generate the superelement. The program supports the fixed-interface
(CMSOPT,FIX), free-interface (CMSOPT,FREE), and residual-flexible free-interface (CMSOPT,RFFB)
CMS methods. If using the free-interface method, also specify the rigid body modes (CM-
SOPT,,,,Fbddef). If using the residual-flexible free-interface method, specify pseudo-constraints
(D,,,SUPPORT).

Specifying the mode-extraction method

The default method is Block Lanczos (Eigmeth = LANB on CMSOPT). The Subspace and
Supernode methods are also supported. See Comparing Mode-Extraction Methods in the
Structural Analysis Guide for a comparison of the methods. When using the Supernode mode-
extraction method (Eigmeth = SNODE), the frequency range specified by the FREQB/FREQE
arguments defaults to 0-100 Hz, similar to MODOPT behavior for this eigensolver. Therefore,
it is important to properly define the input quantities when using the Supernode method in
order to achieve good performance and accuracy.

Naming the superelement matrix file

The program assigns the .sub extension to the superelement matrix file name that you
specify (SEOPT,Sename); therefore, the complete file name is Sename.SUB. The default file
name is the jobname (/FILNAME).

Specifying the lumped mass matrix formulation

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 The CMS Generation Pass

Specify the lumped mass matrix formulation (LUMPM) if necessary. For most applications,
Ansys, Inc. recommends the default formulation (depending upon the element type); however,
for dynamic analyses involving "skinny" structures such as slender beams or very thin shells,
the lumped mass approximation typically yields better results.

Defining master degrees of freedom

In a substructure, master degrees of freedom serve as the interface between the superelements
or other elements. Define master degrees of freedom (M) at all nodes that connect to non-
superelements (Lab1 = ALL), as shown in Example of a Substructuring Application (p. 6).
You must define master degrees of freedom even if you intend to have no elements in the model
other than a superelement.

If constraints (D) or force loads (F) are to be applied in the use pass, master degrees of freedom
must be defined at these locations (M). Nevertheless, if using the fixed-interface CMS method
(CMSOPT,FIX), apply the load in the generation pass and in the use pass as a load vector to avoid
over-constrained fixed-interface normal modes.

If the free-interface (CMSOPT,FREE) or the residual-flexible free-interface (CMSOPT,RFFB) CMS

method is used, pseudo-constraints on master degrees of freedom can be specified (SUPPORT =
ON on the M command) so that they are constrained during the mode-extraction analysis.

If this superelement is to be transformed (SETRAN) later in the use pass or used in a large-deflection
analysis (NLGEOM,ON), all nodes that have master degrees of freedom must have all six degrees
of freedom (UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ) defined and active.

For large deflections, master degrees of freedom are typically defined at the joints of the flexible
body and are at the nodes connected to a joint element (MPC184), another rigid or flexible body
node, or ground. At least two master degrees of freedom must be defined for each substructure,
as the average rotation of the superelement is computed from the average rotation of its master
degree of freedom. If only one node is a joint node, then another must be chosen at the free end.
See the Multibody Analysis Guide for more details.

Specifying pseudo-constraints

Required for the residual-flexible free-interface method (CMSOPT,RFFB). For each superelement
where rigid-body modes exist, specify pseudo-constraints. Apply only the minimum number
of displacement constraints (D,,,SUPPORT) necessary to prevent rigid body motion: three
constraints (or fewer, depending on the element type) for 2D models and six (or fewer) for
3D models.

Obtaining the CMS generation pass solution

Output from the solution (SOLVE) consists of the superelement matrix file (Sename.SUB),
where Sename is the file name you assigned (SEOPT).

Saving a copy of the database

Saving a copy of the database (SAVE) is necessary because you must work with the same
data in the expansion pass (p. 18). To support running the expansion pass in distributed-
memory parallel mode, the database must be saved after solution (SOLVE).

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Using Component Mode Synthesis

As in a substructure generation pass (p. 7), you can generate multiple superelement load vectors
in a CMS generation pass via multiple SOLVE commands. You can also do so via a restart of the CMS
generation pass (ANTYPE,SUBSTR,RESTART).

Nested superelements (p. 24) cannot be generated with a CMS generation pass using the residual-
flexible free-interface CMS method.

To calculate one residual vector which is included in the normal modes basis used in the transformation
matrix of the three available CMS methods, issue RESVEC,ON in the first load step.

When the Coriolis effect in the stationary reference frame is activated (CORIOLIS,ON,,,ON), the stiffness,
mass, and damping matrices are treated as non-symmetric by the sparse solver in the generation
pass. This doubles the amount of memory used when compared to symmetric systems. For a model
with a large number of degrees of freedom, the memory options for the sparse solver (BCSOPTION)
should be set using the guidelines outlined in Direct (Sparse) Solver Memory Usage in the Performance
Guide.

When cyclic symmetry is active (CYCLIC), a superelement will be generated for each harmonic index
and superelement files will be called SenameHIx.sub, where Sename is input using SEOPT and
x is the harmonic index number. Superelements created while cyclic symmetry is active can only be
used during a modal use pass and cannot be expanded.

After obtaining the CMS superelement matrices, proceed to the use pass (p. 12) and then the expansion
pass (p. 18), as you would in a substructuring analysis (p. 1).

For a detailed example of how to use CMS, see Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork (p. 40).

3.1.2. Component Modes Storage

The following table describes the different types of component modes that make up the transformation
matrix for the three CMS methods, as described in Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) in the Mechan-
ical APDL Theory Reference. It also defines the CST, IRF, NOR, and RSD abbreviations.

Table 3.1: Component Modes Definition (Fix, Free, Free with Support = ON for some master
DOFs)

FIX FREE FREE with SUPPORT =

ON on some master
degrees of freedom
Constraint mode data
(CST)
same as FIX same as FIX
where

Inertia relief mode data

(IRF)
– –
where

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 The CMS Generation Pass

FIX FREE FREE with SUPPORT =

ON on some master
degrees of freedom
Fixed-interface normal
mode data (NOR)

where

Residual attachment
– – –
mode data (RSD)

Table 3.2: Component Modes Definition (RFFB, RFFB with with Support = ON for some master
DOFs)

RFFB RFFB with SUPPORT = ON on some

master degrees of freedom
Constraint mode data (CST) – –
Inertia relief mode data
– –
(IRF)
Fixed-interface normal
mode data (NOR)

where where

Residual attachment mode

data (RSD)

The modes described in the tables above are written to the .cms and .tcms files during the gener-
ation pass. The format of these files is described in CMS File Format and TCMS File Format in the
Programmer's Reference. By default the static constraint modes are not written to the .cms file for
the fixed-interface and free-interface methods. Issue CMSOPT with IOkey = CMS to write them.

If CMSOPT is issued with IOkey = TCMS, the transformation matrix is printed out and written to the
.tcms file. The transformation matrix is written only if OUTPR is issued with ITEM = NSOL and
FREQ≠ NONE.

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Using Component Mode Synthesis

The following table summarizes the contents of the .cms and .tcms files. It also specifies the degrees
of freedom ordering of the component modes. See Degree of Freedom Ordering in the Ansys Para-
metric Design Language Guide for more information on degree-of-freedom ordering.

Table 3.3: Contents of .cms and .tcms Files and Degree-of-Freedom Ordering According to IOkey
Setting

FIX FREE RFFB

CST NOR CST IRF NOR RSD NOR
.cms File Degree-of-freedom ordering: solver Degree-of-freedom
ordering: internal
IOkey ≠ No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
CMS
IOkey = Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
CMS
.tcms Degree-of-freedom ordering: user –
File
IOkey = Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes – –
TCMS

3.1.3. Calculating the Element Results

By default, in the expansion pass, and for each solution, the expansion of nodal degree-of-freedom
displacements is followed by the calculation of element results such as nodal loads, reaction loads,
and energies. No element results calculation is performed in the generation pass.

All of the CMS methods support the element results calculation during the generation pass. If element-
calculation is enabled (ELCALC = YES on CMSOPT ), the element results of the component modes
included in the transformation matrix of the CMS method are written to the .cms file and directly
combined during the expansion pass. For more information, see Component Mode Synthesis (CMS)
in the Theory Reference.

This procedure reduces the computational resources of the expansion pass if both of the following
conditions are true:

The number of solutions to expand is high (typically hundreds).

The number of master degrees of freedom is low compared to the total number of degrees
of freedom of the substructure model (typically less than 100 master degrees of freedom for
a finite element model with 150000 degrees of freedom).
With this procedure, the available results are:

• Element nodal component stresses

• Element nodal component elastic strains

• Element summable miscellaneous data

• Element nodal forces

• Element energies

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 The CMS Use and Expansion Passes

and it has the following limitations:

• The element nodal loads are available only if there is at least one load applied during the generation
pass.

• Reaction forces are available only if degree-of-freedom constraints are specified in the generation
pass (generally inadvisable, as the mass matrix is not entirely accounted for in the superelement
matrix).

• Following a transient analysis or a harmonic analysis use pass, quantities using nodal velocities and
nodal accelerations (damping force, inertial force, kinetic energy, etc.) can be computed and post-
processed only if OUTRES was issued in the first load step of the use pass with DSUBres = ALL.

• The damping element forces and reaction forces are available if a damping matrix was assembled
in the generation pass. Damping results do not take into account the damping added during the
use pass.

• Equivalent strains are evaluated using EFFNU = 0.0. Use AVPRIN to set the appropriate Poisson's
ratio value.

• Thermal loads are not supported.

• NMISC results are not available.

• Strains and stresses of PIPE elements are not available in the expansion pass.

• Acoustic elements are not supported in the generation pass.

• Linear perturbation analysis substructure generation pass is not supported.

• The usage of SETRAN or SESYMM in the use pass is not supported if the original superelement
matrix was created with Elcalc = YES on CMSOPT.

• Nested superelements cannot be generated from an original superelement matrix created with
Elcalc = YES on CMSOPT.

If Elcalc = YES on CMSOPT, the factorized matrix files SEname.LNxx are not required for the ex-
pansion pass. Consequently, if restarting the generation pass is not required, ExpMth can be set to
NONE or BCLV on SEOPT to save disk space.

3.2. The CMS Use and Expansion Passes

The CMS use pass (p. 12) and expansion pass (p. 18) are identical to those in a substructuring analys-
is (p. 1) and support the following analysis types:

• Modal (ANTYPE,MODAL)

• Static (ANTYPE,STATIC)

• Transient (ANTYPE,TRANS) -- full or mode-superposition method

• Harmonic (ANTYPE,HARMIC) -- full or mode-superposition method

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Using Component Mode Synthesis

The use pass and expansion pass also support prestressed substructures (p. 24) with the limitations
reported in Second Phase - Substructure Generation Pass. In addition to the files mentioned in the ex-
pansion pass of a substructuring analysis (p. 18), the procedure for the CMS expansion pass assumes
that the jobname.cms file from the CMS generation pass (p. 25) is available. If Elcalc = YES on
CMSOPT, jobname.mlv is created instead of jobname.seld and the jobname.mlv must be
available for the expansion pass.

If the use pass is performed using a mode-superposition method and you intend to perform a supere-
lement expansion pass, do not activate the element results superposition key (MSUPkey = YES on the
MXPAND command) during the modal analysis.

Note:

If the MSUPkey is left blank, the superelement nodal forces will be added to the job-
name.mode file for post-processing.

Spectrum analyses (ANTYPE,SPECTR) only supports the use pass. Calculations of participation factors
defined as Equation 15-57 and Equation 15-171 are not well approximated with the residual-flexible
free-interface CMS method. Consequently, SPRS, DDAM, MPRS analyses and PSD analysis with base ex-
citation (Excit = BASE on PFACT) are not supported with the residual-flexible free-interface CMS
method, and the fixed-interface CMS method is preferred over the free-interface CMS method for any
of those analyses.

Avoid applying degree-of-freedom constrains in the generation pass to ensure that all mass is accounted
for in the substructure (the constraints are then applied at master degrees-of-freedom during the use
pass).

Cyclic symmetry use passes can only be done for modal analyses. A use pass must be performed for
each harmonic index of interest. Expansion passes for cyclic symmetry CMS analyses are not supported.

As in substructuring, the generation and expansion passes occur for each part (CMS superelement) of
the entire structure, and the use pass occurs only once because it uses all superelements together to
build the full model. The use pass in a modal analysis extracts the eigenvalues of the full model (but
not the eigenvectors, because the expansion pass recovers them).

In a modal analysis using the free-interface CMS method, the use pass may not always extract all of the
modes requested (MODOPT). In such cases, increase or decrease the number of modes to extract and
run the use pass eigensolution again.

3.3. Superelement Expansion in Transformed Locations

When creating a new CMS superelement from an existing superelement (SESYMM or SETRAN) during
the use pass (p. 12), you can specify an offset value to the node or element IDs in the finite element
geometry record saved in the .rst results file (RSTOFF).

With appropriate offsets, you can write additional results files with unique node or element IDs and
thus display the entire model, even if the original superelements have overlapping node or element
sets. Results files containing the offset node or element IDs are incompatible with the .db database
files saved at the generation pass (p. 25).

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 Component Mode Synthesis in a Multibody Analysis

After performing the use pass (p. 12) and expansion pass (p. 18) for all CMS superelements, the mode
shape display (p. 33) of the entire assembled structure shows the offset superelements in their trans-
formed locations.

For more information, see Input Listing (p. 58).

3.4. Plotting or Printing Mode Shapes

Plotting or printing the mode shapes of the assembled structure occurs during postprocessing. The
postprocessor (/POST1) uses the results files generated by the CMS superelements to display shape
results. Issue CMSFILE to import the CMS superelement results files into the postprocessor where you
can view the assembled structure. (You can issue the command as often as needed to include all or
some of the component results files.)

If you created new CMS superelements from existing superelements (SESYMM or SETRAN) during the
use pass (p. 12), you can expand the results with the offset superelements appearing in their transformed
locations (SEEXP).

Set the desired mode shape of the assembled structure (SET), then plot (PLNSOL) or print (PRNSOL)
the mode shapes.

3.5. Component Mode Synthesis in a Multibody Analysis

Multibody analysis can be performed using CMS. For more information, see Using Component Mode
Synthesis Superelements in a Multibody Analysis in the Multibody Analysis Guide.

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Chapter 4: Substructuring Examples
The Mechanical APDL Verification Manual presents test-case analyses demonstrating the analysis capab-
ilities of the program. While these test cases demonstrate solutions to realistic analysis problems, the
Mechanical APDL Verification Manual does not present them as step-by-step examples with lengthy
data-input instructions and printouts; however, most users with at least limited finite-element experience
should be able to fill in the missing details by reviewing each test case's finite element model and input
data with accompanying comments.

The Mechanical APDL Verification Manual contains the following substructuring test case:

• VM141 - Diametrical Compression of a Disk

The Advanced Analysis Guide contains the following example substructuring analysis:

• Example Substructuring Analysis to Write Out Aeroelastic Analysis Input Data

The following is an example substructuring command listing:

4.1. Single Superelement Substructuring Template

4.1. Single Superelement Substructuring Template

A sample command input listing for a substructuring analysis is shown below. This example assumes
a single superelement which is possibly combined with nonsuperelements.
! GENERATION PASS
! Build the model (superelement portion)
/FILNAME,GEN ! Jobname = GEN (for example)
/TITLE,...
/PREP7 ! Enter PREP7
---
--- ! Generate superelement portion of model
FINISH
! Apply loads and create the superelement matrices
/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
ANTYPE,SUBST ! Substructure analysis
SEOPT,GEN,... ! Superelement name and other substructure analysis options
M,... ! Master DOF
D,... ! Specify constraints
F,... ! Loads. A load vector will be generated and
--- ! written to the superelement matrix file
--- ! Load step options
SOLVE ! Initiate solution -- creates GEN.SUB file
! containing superelement matrix and load vector
--- ! Loads for second load vector (D and M may not changed)
SOLVE ! Add reduced load vector 2
--- ! Repeat loading and SOLVE sequence for additional load vectors
--- ! (Up to 31 total)
SAVE ! Save the database for later expansion pass
FINISH
! USE PASS
! Build the model
/CLEAR ! Clear the database (or exit and re-enter program)

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Substructuring Examples

/FILNAME,USE ! Jobname = USE (for example)

/PREP7 ! Enter PREP7
ET,1,MATRIX50 ! MATRIX50 is the superelement type
ET,2,... ! Element type for nonsuperelements
--- ! Generate nonsuperelement model
---
TYPE,1 ! Point to superelement type reference number
SETRAN,... ! May be required for node number offset
SE,... ! Read in the superelement created by SETRAN
EPLOT ! Verify location of superelement
NSEL,... ! Select nodes at interface
CPINTF,ALL ! Couple node pairs at interface (required if
! node numbers at interface don't match)
NSEL,ALL
FINISH

! Apply loads and obtain the solution

/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
ANTYPE,... ! Analysis type and analysis options
---
---
F,... ! Loads on nonsuperelements
---
---
SFE,... ! Apply superelement load vector
--- ! Load step options
---
SAVE ! Save database before solution
SOLVE ! Initiate solution -- calculates complete solution
! for nonsuperelements (USE.RST, RTH or RMG) and
! reduced solution for superelements (USE.DSUB)
FINISH

! ... Review results in nonsuperelements

! EXPANSION PASS
/CLEAR ! Clear the database
/FILNAME,GEN ! Change jobname back to generation pass jobname
RESUME ! Restore generation pass database
/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
EXPASS,ON ! Activate expansion pass
SEEXP,GEN,USE... ! Superelement name to be expanded (GEN, unless SETRAN used)
--- ! Load step options (mainly output controls)
---
SOLVE ! Initiate expansion pass solution. Full
! superelement solution written to GEN.RST (or
! RTH or RMG).
FINISH

! ... Review results in superelements

For more information, see the ANTYPE, SEOPT, M, ET, SETRAN, SE, CPINTF, EXPASS, and SEEXP
command descriptions.

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Chapter 5: Component Mode Synthesis Example
The Rotordynamic Analysis Guide contains the following example CMS analyses:

• Example: Campbell Diagram Analysis of a Simple Rotor Supported by a CMS Superelement

• Example: Harmonic Response to Unbalanced Force using Component Mode Synthesis (CMS)

The Structural Analysis Guide contains the following example CMS analysis:

• Example 9.8: Linear Perturbation Substructure Generation Pass Followed by Use and Expansion Passes

• Example 9.9: Linear Perturbation Substructure with Two Generation Passes, Use Pass, and Two Expansion
Passes

The Multibody Analysis Guide contains the following example CMS analysis:

• Using Component Mode Synthesis in the Multibody Analysis

The Technology Showcase: Example Problems presents a series of analysis problems from a variety of
engineering disciplines. Each problem description provides information about the nature and physical
characteristics, specific modeling techniques, material properties, boundary conditions and loading,
analysis details, and solution controls in the problem. The guide includes the following example problem
CMS analysis:

• Modal and Harmonic Frequency Analyses of an Automotive Suspension Assembly Using CMS

The present section introduces you to the program’s component mode synthesis analysis capabilities
by way of the following examples:
5.1. Single Superelement CMS Example Template
5.2. Single Cyclic Symmetry Superelement CMS Example
5.3. Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

5.1. Single Superelement CMS Example Template

A sample input listing procedure to support residual vector in CMS analysis is shown below. The restart
of the generation pass and the reduction of a complex load vector are also illustrated. This example
assumes a model with one superelement and other non-superelements.
! Sample input to support residual vector in CMS analysis
!
! BUILD THE FULL MODEL
!
/FILNAME,FULL ! Jobname = FULL (for example)
/TITLE,...
/PREP7 ! Enter PREP7
---
--- ! Generate entire model, including both the

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

--- ! superelement and nonsuperelement portions

---
SAVE ! Save the full model database. It is required for
! the (use pass and) expansion pass.
FINISH
!
! GENERATION PASS
!
/FILNAME,GEN ! Jobname = GEN (for example)
/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
ANTYPE,SUBSTR ! Substructure analysis type
SEOPT,GEN,... ! Analysis options
CMSOPT,... ! Specify the CMS method
ESEL,... ! Select elements
NSLE ! Select nodes associated to the selected elements in the
! superelement portion
D, ! Specify constraints
M,... ! Master DOF
M,,,,,,,,,,ON ! SUPPORT = ON to specify pseudo-constraints
! when free-interface or RFFB methods are used, those master DOFs
! are constrained during the mode-extraction analysis
F,... ! Apply load on internal dof (not master dof) in the direction
! where residual mode needs to calculate. A reduced load vector
! will be generated and written to the superelement matrix file
RESVEC,ON ! Activate residual mode calculation in the 1st solve of generation
! pass
--- ! Load step options
D,,,SUPPORT ! Specify pseudo-constraints if rigid body motion is present
! when free-interface method or RFFB method is used
---
SOLVE ! Initiate solution -- creates superelement matrix file GEN.SUB.
--- ! Loading (D and M may not change) and SOLVE sequence can be
! repeated for additional reduced load vectors (Up to 31 total).
! It can also be done with restart as following.
FINISH
!
! GENERATION PASS RESTART
!
/SOLU
ANTYPE,SUBSTR,RESTART
! To reduce complex load vector, real and imaginary parts should be reduced separately:
---
F,,,val_real ! Apply real part with value of val_real
---
SOLVE ! Add reduced load vector 2
---
F,,,val_imag ! Apply imaginary part as a real load vector
! with value of val_imag
---
SOLVE ! Add reduced load vector 3
FINISH
!
! USE PASS
!
/CLEAR ! Clear database for use pass
/FILNAME,USE ! Jobname = USE (for example)
RESUME,FULL,DB ! Restore full model database (for nonsuperelements)
ESEL,... ! Select elements
NSLE ! Select nodes associated to the selected elements in the
! superelement portion
/PREP7
ET,...,MATRIX50 ! Superelement type (type number not used by nonsuperelements)
TYPE,... ! Point to superelement type reference number
SE,GEN ! Read in superelement matrix (GEN.SUB created above)
EPLOT
FINISH
/SOLU
ANTYPE,... ! Analysis type and analysis options
---
F,... ! Loads on nonsuperelements
---

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 Single Cyclic Symmetry Superelement CMS Example

---
! To apply the reduced complex load vector:
SFE,,2,SELV,1,1 ! Apply real load with, for instance, scale factor of 1
SFE,,3,SELV,2,1 ! Apply imaginary load with, for instance, scale factor of 1
---
--- ! Load step options
---
SOLVE ! Initiate solution -- calculates complete
! solution for nonsuperelements (USE.RST, etc.)
! and reduced solution for superelement (USE.DSUB)
FINISH
!
! EXPANSION PASS
!
/CLEAR ! Clear database for expansion pass
/FILNAME,GEN ! Change jobname back to generation pass jobname
RESUME,FULL,DB ! Restore full model database
/SOLU ! Enter SOLUTION
EXPASS,ON ! Activate expansion pass
EXPSOL,... ! Specifies the solution to be expanded
SEEXP,GEN,USE,... ! Superelement name to be expanded
--- ! Load step options (mainly output controls)
---
SOLVE ! Initiate expansion pass solution. Full
! superelement solution written to GEN.RST (or
! RTH or RMG).
FINISH
/POST1 ! Review results of entire model in the general
! postprocessor
FILE,USE,RST ! Specify the use case result file
CMSFILE,ADD,GEN,RST ! Add superelement result file
SET,... ! Load results of interest
--- ! Perform postprocessing steps

For more information, see the ANTYPE, SEOPT, CMSFILE, CMSOPT, M, ET, SE, EXPASS, SEEXP, and
RESVEC commands.

5.2. Single Cyclic Symmetry Superelement CMS Example

A sample input for cyclic symmetry CMS analysis is shown below. Only the generation and use passes
are shown. The expansion pass is not supported for cyclic CMS.

/batch
/com, ---------------------------------------
/com, Cyclic Superelement Example
/com, ---------------------------------------
!* Create simple cyclic model
/prep7
et,1,185
keyopt,1,2,2
mp,ex,1,1e7
mp,nuxy,1,.3
mp,dens,1,.001
cylind,3,6,0,1,0,15
cylind,3,6,0,1,15,30
esize,,.5
vmesh,all
nummrg,node
csys,1
nsel,s,loc,x,3
d,all,all
nsel,all
nsel,s,loc,y,0
cm,cyclic_m01l,node
nsel,s,loc,y,30

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

cm,cyclic_m01h,node
allsel,all
cyclic,12,30,1,cyclic,1

!* Set up active/passive DOF

nsel,s,loc,x,6
nsel,u,loc,y,0
nsel,u,loc,y,30
cm,active,node
allsel,all
cmsel,u,active
cm,passive,node
allsel,all
finish

/com, ---------------------------------------
/com, Cyclic Superelement Generation Pass
/com, ---------------------------------------
/filnam,part1
/solu
cmsel,s,active,node
m,all,all
allsel,all
antype,substr
seopt,part1,2
cmsopt,fix,6
solve
finish
/com, ---------------------------------------
/com, Cyclic Superelement Use Pass
/com, ---------------------------------------
/clear,nostart
/filnam,use
!* Loop over all of the harmonic indices modal use pass
*do,i,0,6
/prep7
et,1,matrix50
type,1
edel,all
se,part1HI%i% ! read superelement for each HI
fini

/solu
antype,modal
modopt,lanb,4
solve
finish

!* Show modal frequencies for current harmonic index

/post1
set,list
finish
*enddo

For more information, see the ANTYPE, SEOPT, CMSFILE, CMSOPT, M, ET, SE, and CYCLIC commands.

5.3. Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

This example CMS analysis presents a modal analysis of a 2D tuning fork.
5.3.1. Problem Description
5.3.2. Fixed-Interface Method
5.3.3. Free-Interface Method
5.3.4. Residual-Flexible Free-Interface Method

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

5.3.5. Superelement Expansion in a Transformed Location

5.3.6. Reduce the Damping Matrix and Compare Full and CMS Results with RSTMAC

5.3.1. Problem Description

The model is an unconstrained stainless steel tuning fork. After dividing the fork into three CMS su-
perelements, determine the vibration characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of the
entire model. The first 10 eigenfrequencies are extracted, and the fourth mode shape (the first nonrigid
body mode) is expanded.

5.3.1.1. Geometric and Material Properties

The geometric properties for this analysis follow.

The fork is divided into three CMS superelements:

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

The three interfaces are as follows:

The material properties for this analysis are as follows:

Young's modulus (E) = 190 x 109

Poisson's ratio (υ) = 0.3
Density = 7.7 x 103

5.3.2. Fixed-Interface Method

The following sections describe the fixed-interface method of CMS analysis.

5.3.2.1. Analysis Steps

The following table describes the input listing and the steps involved in the example fixed-interface
CMS analysis in more detail.

Step Description Command(s)

1. Start an interactive session.
2. Read the input file: cms_sample.inp /INPUT,CMS_SAMPLE.INP
3. Perform the generation pass (p. 25).
a. Change the Jobname to PART1. /FILNAME,PART1
b. Specify the analysis type as substructuring (p. 1). /SOLU

ANTYPE,SUBSTR
c. Assign a name to the superelement matrix file. SEOPT,PART1,2
d. Specify CMS options. CMSOPT,FIX,10
e. Select element component PART1. CMSEL
f. Select node component INTERFACE1. CMSEL,S,INTERFACE1
g. Set all active DOFs as masters. M,ALL,ALL
h. Select all nodes attached to the selected elements. NSLE

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

Step Description Command(s)

i. Solve the current analysis. SOLVE
j. Save the database. SAVE

----

As coded in the input file, generation passes for the remaining

parts PART2 and PART3 occur here. Steps a through j are
repeated for PART2 and again for PART3. (The Jobname and
superelement matrix file name change accordingly.) Also, for
passes 2 and 3, the node component is INTERFACE2 and
INTERFACE3, respectively.
4. Perform the use pass (p. 12).
a. Clear the database. /CLEAR,NOSTART
b. Change the Jobname to USE. /FILNAME,USE
c. Define the element type. /PREP7
ET,1,MATRIX50
d. Define the element type attribute pointer. TYPE,1
e. Define the three superelements to use in the model SE,PART1
(PART1, PART2 and PART3).
SE,PART2

SE,PART3

FINISH
f. Specify the analysis type as modal. /SOLU

ANTYPE,MODAL
g. Specify modal analysis options. MODOPT,LANB,10
h. Expand 10 modes. MXPAND,10
i. Solve the current analysis. SOLVE

FINISH
5. Perform the expansion pass (p. 18).
a. Clear the database. /CLEAR,NOSTART
b. Change the Jobname to PART1. /FILNAME,PART1
c. Resume the database. RESUME
d. Perform the expansion. /SOLU

EXPASS,ON
e. Name the superelement and use pass (p. 12). SEEXP,PART1,USE
f. Specify the loadstep and substep to expand. EXPSOL,1,4
g. Solve the current analysis. SOLVE

---- FINISH

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

Step Description Command(s)

As coded in the input file, expansion passes for the remaining
parts PART2 and PART3 occur here. Steps a through g are
repeated for PART2 and again for PART3. (The Jobname and
superlement name change accordingly.)
6. Read the results.
a. Specify the superelement matrix file containing the /CLEAR,NOSTART
results.
/POST1

CMSFILE,ADD,PART1,RST

CMSFILE,ADD,PART2,RST

CMSFILE,ADD,PART3,RST
b. Read the first data set. SET,FIRST
c. Plot the displacement contour in the X direction. PLNSOL,U,X

---- FINISH

This step completes the sample fixed-interface CMS analysis.

Your results should match those shown in
Figure 5.1: Fixed-Interface Method Results (p. 49).

5.3.2.2. Input Listing

Use this input file (named cms_sample.inp) to perform the example CMS analysis via the fixed-
interface method. The file contains the complete geometry, material properties, and components
(nodes and elements).
/batch,list
/title, 2D Tuning Fork
! Component Mode Synthesis - 2D example
! The Structure is divided into 3 CMS Superelements

! STEP #1
! Start an interactive session

! STEP #2
! Read in this input file: cms_sample.inp

finish
/clear

/filnam,full
/units,si
blen=0.035
radi=0.025
tlen=0.1
tthk=0.005

/plopts,minm,0
/plopts,date,0
/pnum,real,1
/number,1

/prep7
k,1,-tthk/2

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

k,2,tthk/2
k,3,-tthk/2,blen
k,4,tthk/2,blen
local,11,1,,blen+tthk+radi
k,5,radi+tthk,-180
k,6,radi,-180
kgen,2,3,4,1,-tthk
k,9,radi
k,10,radi+tthk
a,5,6,7,3
a,3,7,8,4
a,4,8,9,10
csys,0
a,1,2,4,3
k,11,-radi-tthk,blen+tthk+radi+tlen
k,12,-radi,blen+tthk+radi+tlen
k,13,radi,blen+tthk+radi+tlen
k,14,radi+tthk,blen+tthk+radi+tlen
a,5,6,12,11
a,9,10,14,13
mshkey,1
esize,tthk/3.5
et,1,plane182,,,3
r,1,tthk
amesh,all
mp,ex,1,190e9
mp,dens,1,7.7e3
mp,nuxy,1,0.3
nsel,s,,,38
nsel,a,,,174,176
nsel,a,,,170
cm,interface1,node
nsel,s,,,175
nsel,a,,,168
nsel,a,,,180,182
nsel,a,,,38,176,138
cm,interface2,node
nsel,s,,,175
nsel,a,,,168
nsel,a,,,180,182
nsel,a,,,170,174,4
cm,interface3,node
esel,s,,,273,372
cm,part1,elem
esel,s,,,373,652
esel,a,,,1,129
esel,a,,,130
esel,a,,,133,134
esel,a,,,137,138
esel,a,,,141,142
cm,part2,elem
cmsel,s,part1
cmsel,a,part2
esel,inve
cm,part3,elem
allsel,all
save
finish

! STEP #3 (a. through j.)

! Generation pass

! Generation pass 1

! a.
! Change the active jobname which will become the superelement name

/filnam,part1

! b.
! Specify the analysis type as substructuring

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

/solu
antype,substr

! c.
! Specifies the name to be assigned to superelement matrix file
! Strongly suggested to be the same as the active jobname

seopt,part1,2

! d.
! Specifies CMS options

cmsopt,fix,10

! e.
! Selects element component named "part1"

cmsel,s,part1

! f.
! Selects node component named "interface1"

cmsel,s,interface1

! g.
! All the active DOFs (that is, on the nodes which belong to "interface1")
! are set as masters

m,all,all

! h.
! Selects all the nodes attached to the selected elements
! (that is, elements which belong to "part1")

nsle

! i.
! solve the first CMS generation pass

solve
finish

! j.
! Save the generation pass 1 database

save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part2"

! Generation pass 2

/filnam,part2
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part2,2
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part2
cmsel,s,interface2
m,all,all
nsle
solve
finish
save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part3"

! Generation pass 3

/filnam,part3

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part3,2
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part3
cmsel,s,interface3
m,all,all
nsle
solve
finish
save

! STEP #4 (a. through i.)

! Use pass

! a.
! Clears the database

/clear,nostart

! b.
! Change the active jobname which will become the use pass name

/filnam,use

! c.
! A superelement element type is created

/prep7
et,1,matrix50

! d.
! Element type attribute pointer set to 1

type,1

! e.
! Brings in the three superelements created above

se,part1
se,part2
se,part3
finish

! f.
! A modal analysis is performed

/solu
antype,modal

! g.
! Specifies modal analysis options

modopt,lanb,10

! h.
! Expands 10 modes

mxpand,10

! i.
! Solve the modal analysis

solve
finish

! STEP #5 (a. through g.)

! Expansion pass

! Expansion pass 1

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

! a.
! Clears the database

/clear,nostart

! b.
! Changes the jobname to superelement 1 name

/filnam,part1

! c.
! resume the database

resume

! d.
! Specifies the expansion pass

/solu
expass,on

! e.
! Specifies superelement name and use pass name

seexp,part1,use

! f.
! Specifies the loadstep and substep to be expanded

expsol,1,4

! g.
! Solve the first expansion pass

solve
finish

! Repeat the expansion pass for "part2"

! Expansion pass 2

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part2
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part2,use
expsol,1,4
solve
finish

! Repeat the expansion pass for "part3"

! Expansion pass 3

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part3
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part3,use
expsol,1,4
solve
finish

! STEP #6 (a. through d.)

! Reads results for "load step 1 - substep 4"

! a.

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

! Clears the database

/clear,nostart

! b.
! Specifies the data file where results are to be found

/post1
cmsfile,add,part1,rst
cmsfile,add,part2,rst
cmsfile,add,part3,rst

! c.
! Reads the first data set

set,first

! d.
! Plots the displacement contour in the x direction

plnsol,u,x

5.3.2.3. Results
The results of your fixed-interface CMS analysis should match those shown here:

Figure 5.1: Fixed-Interface Method Results

5.3.2.4. Verify the Reduced Stiffness Matrix with APDL Math

This section explains how the transformation matrix of a CMS part can be read and manipulated
with APDL Math commands. First, IOkey must be set to CMS on the CMSOPT command so that
the static constraint modes are written to the .CMS file (for more information on component modes
storage in the .CMS file, see Component Modes Storage (p. 28)). To write static constraint modes
to the .CMS file, the following replacement should be made in Input Listing (p. 44).

In generation pass 1, the command

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

cmsopt,fix,10

should be replaced with

cmsopt,fix,10,,,,,CMS

When this substitution is made, the file part1.cms will contain the static constraint nodes (CST)
and the fixed-interface normal modes (NOR) with DOFs in solver ordering. The following input
shows how to reduce the stiffness matrix of the component named part1 using APDL Math com-
mands:

! GET THE STATIC CONSTRAINT MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,CSTmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,CST
! GET THE NORMAL MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,NORmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,NOR
! CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
! PUT THE CST MODES FIRST
*DMAT,Tmat,D,COPY,CSTmode
! APPEND THE NOR MODES TO FINALIZE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
*MERGE,Tmat,NORmode,CSTmode_colDim+1

! GET THE STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .FULL FILE

*DMAT,K,D,IMPORT,FULL,part1.full,STIFF
! REDUCE THE STIFFNESS MATRIX AND PRINT
*MULT,Tmat,TRAN,K,,TmatTK
*MULT,TmatTK,,Tmat,,TmatTKTmat
*PRINT,TmatTKTmat,TmatTKTmat.txt
! GET THE REDUCED STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .SUB FILE AND PRINT
*DMAT,Ksub,D,IMPORT,SUB,part1.sub,STIFF
*PRINT,Ksub,Ksub.txt

The two matrices can be verified as equal by comparing TmatTKTmat.txt and Ksub.txt. The
only difference is that small terms of TmatTKTmat.txt are zeroed out in Ksub.txt.

5.3.3. Free-Interface Method

The following sections describe the free-interface method of CMS analysis.

5.3.3.1. Analysis Steps

The following table describes the input code fragment for the generation pass used in a free-interface
CMS analysis. (All other analysis steps remain the same, as shown in Analysis Steps (p. 42).)

Step Description Command(s)

1. ...
2. ...
3. Perform the generation pass (p. 25).
a. Change the Jobname to PART1. /FILNAME,PART1
b. Specify the analysis type as substructuring (p. 1). /SOLU

ANTYPE,SUBSTR
c. Assign a name to the superelement matrix file. SEOPT,PART1,2
d. Specify CMS options. CMSOPT,FREE,10,,,FNUM,3

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

Step Description Command(s)

e. Select element component PART1. CMSEL
f. Select node component INTERFACE1. CMSEL,S,INTERFACE1
g. Set all active DOFs as masters. M,ALL,ALL
h. Select all nodes attached to the selected elements. NSLE
i. Solve the current analysis. SOLVE
j. Save the database. SAVE

----

As coded in the input file, generation passes for the remaining

parts PART2 and PART3 occur here. Steps a through j are
repeated for PART2 and again for PART3. (The Jobname and
superelement matrix file name change accordingly.) Also, for
passes 2 and 3, the node component is INTERFACE2 and
INTERFACE3, respectively.
4. ...
5. ...
6. ...

5.3.3.2. Input Listing

This input file fragment shows how to set up the generation pass to perform the example CMS
analysis (p. 40) via the free-interface method. (All other input remains the same, as shown in Input
Listing (p. 44).)
.
.
.
! STEP #3 (a. through j.)
! Generation pass

! Generation pass 1

! a.
! Change the active jobname which will become the superelement name

/filnam,part1

! b.
! Specify the analysis type as substructuring

/solu
antype,substr

! c.
! Specifies the name to be assigned to superelement matrix file
! Strongly suggested to be the same as the active jobname

seopt,part1,2

! d.
! Specifies CMS options

cmsopt,FREE,10,,,FNUM,3
! If not otherwise specified, the CMSOPT command default behavior
! is to automatically determine rigid body modes in the calculation

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

! e.
! Selects element component named "part1"

cmsel,s,part1

! f.
! Selects node component named "interface1"

cmsel,s,interface1

! g.
! All the active DOFs (that is, on the nodes which belong to "interface1")
! are set as masters

m,all,all

! h.
! Selects all the nodes attached to the selected elements
! (that is, elements which belong to "part1")

nsle

! i.
! solve the first CMS generation pass

solve
finish

! j.
! Save the generation pass 1 database

save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part2"

! Generation pass 2

/filnam,part2
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part2,2
cmsopt,free,10,,,FNUM,3
cmsel,s,part2
cmsel,s,interface2
m,all,all
nsle
solve
finish
save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part3"

! Generation pass 3

/filnam,part3
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part3,2
cmsopt,free,10,,,FNUM,3
cmsel,s,part3
cmsel,s,interface3
m,all,all
nsle
solve
finish
save
.
.
.

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

5.3.3.3. Verify the Reduced Stiffness Matrix with APDL Math

As for the fixed-interface method (p. 49), this section explains how to reduce the stiffness matrix
with APDL Math commands for the free-interface method.

In order to perform this procedure, IOkey must be set to CMS on the CMSOPT command. The
following modification should be made to the input listing in Input Listing (p. 51).

In generation pass 1, the command

cmsopt,free,10,,,FNUM,3

should be replaced with

cmsopt,free,10,,,FNUM,3,CMS

The APDL Math commands to reduce the stiffness matrix of the component named part1 is as follows:

! GET THE STATIC CONSTRAINT MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,CSTmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,CST
! GET THE INERTIA RELIEF MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
! THIS STEP SHOULD BE SKIPPED IF THERE IS NO IRF MODES
*DMAT,IRFmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,IRF
! GET THE NORMAL MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,NORmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,NOR
! CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
! PUT THE CST MODES FIRST
*DMAT,Tmat,D,COPY,CSTmode
! IF THERE ARE IRF MODES:
! APPEND THE IRF MODES
*MERGE,Tmat,IRFmode,CSTmode_colDim+1
! APPEND THE NOR MODES TO FINALIZE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
*MERGE,Tmat,NORmode,CSTmode_colDim+IRFmode_colDim+1
! IF THERE IS NO IRF MODES:
! APPEND THE NOR MODES TO FINALIZE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
*MERGE,Tmat,NORmode,CSTmode_colDim+1

! GET THE STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .FULL FILE

*DMAT,K,D,IMPORT,FULL,part1.full,STIFF
! REDUCE THE STIFFNESS MATRIX AND PRINT
*MULT,Tmat,TRAN,K,,TmatTK
*MULT,TmatTK,,Tmat,,TmatTKTmat
*PRINT,TmatTKTmat,TmatTKTmat.txt
! GET THE REDUCED STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .SUB FILE AND PRINT
*DMAT,Ksub,D,IMPORT,SUB,part1.sub,STIFF
*PRINT,Ksub,Ksub.txt

The stiffness matrices can be verified as equal by comparing TmatTKTMat.txt and Ksub.txt.

5.3.4. Residual-Flexible Free-Interface Method

The following sections describe the residual-flexible free-interface method of CMS analysis.

5.3.4.1. Analysis Steps

The following table describes the input code fragment for the generation pass used in a residual-
flexible free-interface CMS analysis. (All other analysis steps remain the same, as shown in Analysis
Steps (p. 42).)

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

Step Description Command(s)

1. ...
2. ...
3. Perform the generation pass (p. 25).
a. Change the Jobname to PART1. /FILNAME,PART1
b. Specify the analysis type as substructuring (p. 1). /SOLU

ANTYPE,SUBSTR
c. Assign a name to the superelement matrix file. SEOPT,PART1,2
d. Specify CMS options. CMSOPT,RFFB,10
e. Select element component PART1. CMSEL
f. Select node component INTERFACE1. CMSEL,S,INTERFACE1
g. Set all active DOFs as masters. M,ALL,ALL
h. Select all nodes attached to the selected elements. NSLE
i. Specify pseudo-constraints. D,,,SUPPORT

----

Specify only the minimum number of displacement constraints

necessary to prevent rigid body motion: three constraints (or
fewer, depending on the element type) for 2D models and
six (or fewer) for 3D models.
j. Solve the current analysis. SOLVE
k. Save the database. SAVE

----

As coded in the input file, generation passes for the remaining

parts PART2 and PART3 occur here. Steps a through j are
repeated for PART2 and again for PART3. (The Jobname and
superelement matrix file name change accordingly.) Also, for
passes 2 and 3, the node component is INTERFACE2 and
INTERFACE3, respectively.
4. ...
5. ...
6. ...

5.3.4.2. Input Listing

This input file fragment shows how to set up the generation pass to perform the example CMS
analysis (p. 40) via the residual-flexible free-interface method. (All other input remains the same,
as shown in Input Listing (p. 44).)
.
.
.
! STEP #3 (a. through j.)
! Generation pass

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

! Generation pass 1

! a.
! Change the active jobname which will become the superelement name

/filnam,part1

! b.
! Specify the analysis type as substructuring

/solu
antype,substr

! c.
! Specifies the name to be assigned to superelement matrix file
! Strongly suggested to be the same as the active jobname

seopt,part1,2

! d.
! Specifies CMS options

cmsopt,rffb,10

! e.
! Selects element component named "part1"

cmsel,s,part1

! f.
! Selects node component named "interface1"

cmsel,s,interface1

! g.
! All the active DOFs (that is, on the nodes which belong to "interface1")
! are set as masters

m,all,all

! h.
! Selects all the nodes attached to the selected elements
! (that is, elements which belong to "part1")

nsle

! i.
! Specify only the minimum number of displacement constraints necessary
! to prevent rigid body motion: three constraints (or fewer, depending
! on the element type) for 2D models and six (or fewer) for 3D models.
d,430,all,support
d,440,ux,support

! j.
! solve the first CMS generation pass

solve

finish

! k.
! Save the generation pass 1 database

save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part2"

! Generation pass 2

/filnam,part2

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part2,2
cmsopt,rffb,10
cmsel,s,part2
cmsel,s,interface2
m,all,all
nsle
d,705,all,support
d,715,ux,support
solve
finish
save

! Repeat the generation pass for "part3"

! Generation pass 3

/filnam,part3
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part3,2
cmsopt,rffb,10
cmsel,s,part3
cmsel,s,interface3
m,all,all
nsle
d,1050,all,support
d,1060,ux,support
solve
finish
save
.
.
.

5.3.4.3. Verify the Reduced Matrices with APDL Math

As for the fixed-interface method (p. 49), this section explains how to reduce the stiffness matrix
with APDL Math commands for the RFFB method. For the RFFB method, the IOkey setting on the
CMSOPT command is not relevant, as all component modes are stored on the .CMS file by default.
Calculating the reduced stiffness matrix is more complicated for the RFFB method as component
modes are stored in the .CMS file with internal ordering.

The APDL Math input to calculate the reduced stiffness matrix for the RFFB method is as follows:
! GET THE RESIDUAL ATTACHMENT MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,RSDmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,RSD
! GET THE NORMAL MODES DATA FROM THE .CMS FILE
*DMAT,NORmode,D,IMPORT,CMS,part1.cms,NOR
! RSD MODES SHOULD BE REORDERED WITH AN INDEX VECTOR THAT SHOULD BE READ IN THE .SUB FILE
*XPL,OPEN,part1.sub
*XPL,READ,POS,VecPOS
*XPL,CLOSE,part1.sub
! CREATE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
! PUT THE RSD MODES MODES FIRST, WHOSE COLUMNS ARE REORDERED
! WITH THE RSDmode_colDim FIRST COMPONENTS OF VecPOS
*VEC,VecPOS,I,RESIZE,RSDmode_colDim
*DMAT,Tmat,D,COPY,RSDmode,EXTRACT,,VecPOS
! APPEND NOR MODES TO FINALIZE THE TRANSFORMATION MATRIX
*MERGE,Tmat,NORmode,RSDmode_colDim+1
! AS FOR RFFB METHOD MODES ARE STORED IN THE .CMS FILE IN INTERNAL ORDERING
! Tmat ROWS SHOULD BE CONVERTED FROM INTERNAL ORDERING TO BCS ORDERING
! BEFORE THE MATRIX REDUCTION
*SMAT,Nod2Bcs,D,IMPORT,FULL,part1.full,NOD2BCS ! import the mapping vector
*MULT,Nod2Bcs,,Tmat,,TmatB ! convert to the BCS set

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

! GET THE STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .FULL FILE

*DMAT,K,D,IMPORT,FULL,part1.full,STIFF
! REDUCE THE STIFFNESS MATRIX AND PRINT
*MULT,TmatB,TRAN,K,,TmatBTK
*MULT,TmatBTK,,TmatB,,TmatBTKTmatB
*PRINT,TmatBTKTmatB,TmatBTKTmatB.txt
! GET THE REDUCED STIFFNESS MATRIX FROM THE .SUB FILE AND PRINT
*DMAT,Ksub,D,IMPORT,SUB,part1.sub,STIFF
*PRINT,Ksub,Ksub.txt

The two matrices can be verified as equal by comparing TmatTBKTmatB.txt and Ksub.txt.

5.3.5. Superelement Expansion in a Transformed Location

The following sections describe how to create a superelement from an existing superelement, apply
offsets to the note and element IDs, and expand it in the transformed locations.

5.3.5.1. Analysis Steps

The following table describes the input code fragments used to create a superelement from an
existing superelement, apply offsets to the node and element IDs, and then expand it in the
transformed location. All other analysis steps remain the same, as shown in Analysis Steps (p. 42).)

Step Description Command(s)

1. ...
2. ...
3. Perform the generation pass (p. 25).
As coded in the input file, generation passes for PART1 and PART2 occur here. (The Job-
name and superelement matrix file names change accordingly.) Also, for passes 1 and 2,
the node component is INTERFACE1 and INTERFACE2, respectively.

A third generation pass to generate PART3 is unnecessary. Instead, the third component
of the model (named PART2SYM) will be created from the existing superelement PART2.
4. Perform the use pass (p. 12).
...
Define the three superelements to SE,PART1
use in the model (PART1, PART2 and
PART2SYM). SE,PART2

---- *GET,NMAX,NODE,,NUM,MAX

The PART2SYM superelement is created SESYMM,PART2,X,NMAX,PART2SYM,SUB

from the existing PART2 superelement.
SE,PART2SYM

CPINTF,ALL,0.001

FINISH
...
5. Perform the expansion pass (p. 18).

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

Step Description Command(s)

As coded in the input file, expansion passes for parts PART1 and PART2 occur here. (The
Jobname and superelement name change accordingly.)
Obtain the third component of the /ASSIGN,RST,PART2SYM,RST
model (named PART2SYM) from
PART2. /SOLU

EXPASS,ON

SEEXP,PART2SYM,USE,,ON
Offset node and element IDs. RSTOFF,NODE,10000

RSTOFF,ELEM,10000
Expand and solve. EXPSOL,1,4

SOLVE

FINISH
6. Read the results.
Specify the superelement matrix file /CLEAR,NOSTART
containing the results.
/POST1

CMSFILE,ADD,PART1,RST

CMSFILE,ADD,PART2,RST

CMSFILE,ADD,PART2SYM,RST
...
...

5.3.5.2. Input Listing

This input file fragment shows how to create a superelement from an existing superelement, apply
offsets to the node and element IDs, and then expand it in the transformed location. (All other input
remains the same, as shown in Input Listing (p. 44).)
.
.
.
! STEP #3
! Generation pass

! Generation pass 1

/filnam,part1
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part1,2
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part1
cmsel,s,interface1
m,all,all
nsle
solve

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

finish
save

! Generation pass 2

/filnam,part2
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part2,2
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part2
cmsel,s,interface2
m,all,all
nsle
solve
finish
save

! No generation pass is necessary for PART3. We will

! create the third component of the model from the existing
! superelement PART2 and name it PART2SYM

! STEP #4
! Use pass

/clear,nostart
/filnam,use

/prep7
et,1,matrix50
type,1

! Define the three superelements to use in the model

se,part1
se,part2
*get,nmax,node,,num,max
sesymm,part2,x,nmax,part2sym,sub
se,part2sym
cpintf,all,0.001
finish

/solu
antype,modal
modopt,lanb,10
mxpand,10

solve
finish

! STEP #5
! Expansion pass

! Expansion pass 1

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part1
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part1,use
expsol,1,4
solve
finish

! Expansion pass 2

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part2
resume
/solu

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

expass,on
seexp,part2,use
expsol,1,4
solve
finish

! Obtain the third part of the model from PART2

! Expand the solution in the transformed location

/assign,rst,part2sym,rst
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part2sym,use,,on
! Offset node and element IDs in the new superelement
rstoff,node,10000
rstoff,elem,10000
expsol,1,4
solve
finish

! STEP #6
! Reads results for "load step 1 - substep 4"

! Specify the data file where results are to be found

/clear,nostart
/post1
cmsfile,add,part1,rst
cmsfile,add,part2,rst
cmsfile,add,part2sym,rst

5.3.6. Reduce the Damping Matrix and Compare Full and CMS Results with
RSTMAC
This section demonstrates how to introduce damping in the tuning fork model described in Modal
Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork (p. 40). RSTMAC is then used to compare complex results obtained by
the full and CMS models. The procedure is as follows:

1. The modal analysis is performed for the full model with nodes located at y=0 fixed. Damping is
introduced in one zone of part 2 and one zone of part 3 using a material mass matrix multiplier
(MP,ALPD) and a material stiffness matrix multiplier (MP,BETD):
/batch,list
/title, 2D Tuning Fork with damping

/filename,fork_full

! Include the geometry, material properties

/input,cms_sample,inp

/prep7

! Fix base

nsel,s,loc,y,0,0
d,all,all
allsel,all

! Damping elements

et,2,plane182,,,3
r,1,tthk

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

mp,ex,2,190e9
mp,dens,2,7.7e3
mp,nuxy,2,0.3
mp,alpd,2,.1 ! Mass matrix multiplier
mp,betd,2,1e-6 ! Stiffness matrix multiplier

type,2
mat,2
esel,s,,,501,652 ! Damped material applied on a zone of part 2
emodif,all

et,3,plane182,,,3
r,1,tthk
mp,ex,3,190e9
mp,dens,3,7.7e3
mp,nuxy,3,0.3
mp,alpd,3,.1
mp,betd,3,2e-6

type,3
mat,3
esel,s,,,781,932 ! Damped material applied on a zone of part 3
emodif,all

allsel,all
fini
save

/sol
antype,modal
modopt,qrdamp,8,,,on ! QRDAMP solver is used to extract the complex eigenmodes
mxpand,all
solve
fini

! Print real and imaginary parts of some modes for nodes 1 to 20

/post1
nsel,s,node,,1,20
set,list ! Print a summary of load step and substeps
set,1,1 ! Real part
prdi
set,1,1,,2 ! Imaginary part
prdi
set,1,4 ! Real part
prdi
set,1,4,,2 ! Imaginary part
prdi
fini

2. The analysis is performed using a CMS analysis with fixed-interface method:

/clear,nostart
/filename,fork_cms_fixed

/input,cms_sample,inp

/prep7

! Fix base

nsel,s,loc,y,0,0
d,all,all
allsel,all

! Damping element

et,2,plane182,,,3
r,1,tthk
mp,ex,2,190e9

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

mp,dens,2,7.7e3
mp,nuxy,2,0.3
mp,alpd,2,.1
mp,betd,2,1e-6

type,2
mat,2
esel,s,,,501,652
emodif,all

et,3,plane182,,,3
r,1,tthk
mp,ex,3,190e9
mp,dens,3,7.7e3
mp,nuxy,3,0.3
mp,alpd,3,.1
mp,betd,3,2e-6

type,3
mat,3
esel,s,,,781,932
emodif,all

allsel,all
save
fini

! Generation pass 1

/filname,part1
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part1,2,1 ! No damping, only stiffness and mass matrices are reduced
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part1
cmsel,s,interface1
m,all,all
nsle
solve
fini
save

! Generation pass 2

/filname,part2
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part2,3,1 ! Stiffness, mass and damping matrices are reduced
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part2
cmsel,s,interface2
m,all,all
nsle
solve
fini
save

! Generation pass 3

/filname,part3
/solu
antype,substr
seopt,part3,3,1 ! Stiffness, mass and damping matrices are reduced
cmsopt,fix,10
cmsel,s,part3
cmsel,s,interface3
m,all,all
nsle
solve
fini
save

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

! Use pass

/clear,nostart
/filnam,use

/prep7
et,1,matrix50
type,1
se,part1
se,part2
se,part3
fini

/solu
antype,modal
modopt,qrdamp,8,,,on ! QRDAMP solver is used to extract the complex eigenmodes
mxpand,all
solve
fini

/post1
set,list ! Print a summary of load step and substeps after use pass
fini

! Expansion pass 1

/clear,nostart
/filname,part1
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part1,use
numexp,all ! All solutions are expanded
solve
fini

! Expansion pass 2

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part2
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part2,use
numexp,all
solve
fini

! Expansion pass 3

/clear,nostart
/filnam,part3
resume
/solu
expass,on
seexp,part3,use
numexp,all
solve
fini

! Print real and imaginary parts of some modes for nodes 1 to 20

/clear,nostart
/post1
cmsfile,add,part1,rst
set,list ! Print a summary of load step and substeps after expansion pass
cmsfile,add,part2,rst
cmsfile,add,part3,rst
set,1,1 ! Real part
nsel,s,node,,1,20

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Component Mode Synthesis Example

prdi
set,1,1,,2 ! Imaginary part
prdi
set,1,4 ! Real part
prdi
set,1,4,,2 ! Imaginary part
prdi

cmsfile,clear

fini

3. Real and imaginary parts of the eight modes are appended and written in file
fork_cms_fixed.rst:
/clear,nostart
/filname,fork_cms_fixed

resume,,,
fini

/post1
*do,j,1,8

! Append the real part of the 3 substructures

file,part1
append,1,j,,
file,part2
append,1,j,,
file,part3
append,1,j,,

! Write the appended real part in the result file

! "1" indicates that complex results are written

reswrite,fork_cms_fixed,,,,1

! Append the imaginary parts of the 3 substructures

file,part1
append,1,j,,1
file,part2
append,1,j,,1
file,part3
append,1,j,,1

! Write the appended imaginary part in the result file

! "1" indicates that complex results are written

reswrite,fork_cms_fixed,,,,1
*enddo

4. Finally, eigenmodes of the full model (fork_full.rst) and eigenmodes of the CMS model
after expansion (fork_cms_fixed.rst) are compared using the RSTMAC command:
rstmac,fork_full,1,all,fork_cms_fixed,1,all,,,,2
fini

The results show good agreement:

****** Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) VALUES ******

Solutions are complex
Rows: 8 substeps in load step 1 from file fork_full.rst
Columns: 8 substeps in load step 1 from file fork_cms_fixed.rst

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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 Modal Analysis of a 2D Tuning Fork

1 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

2 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
3 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
4 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
5 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.001 0.000
7 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001 1.000 0.000
8 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000

*** NOTE *** CP = 0.000 TIME= 00:00:00

Solutions matching in RSTMAC command succeeded.
8 pairs of solutions have a Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) value
greater than the smallest acceptable value (.9).

********************************** MATCHED SOLUTIONS **********************************

Substep in Substep in MAC value Frequency Frequency
fork_full.rst fork_cms_fixed.rst difference (Hz) error (%)
1 1 1.000 -0.49E-06 0.0
2 2 1.000 0.15E-06 0.0
3 3 1.000 -0.17E-02 0.0
4 4 1.000 -0.23E-05 0.0
5 5 1.000 -0.13E+00 0.0
6 6 1.000 -0.13E+00 0.0
7 7 1.000 -0.36E-03 0.0
8 8 1.000 -0.14E-01 0.0

Note:

If you repeat the whole process, you must delete previous .RST files to avoid appending
results of the new analysis to the previous file. The following commands can be used
in this case:
/inquire,test,exist,fork_full,rst
*if,test,eq,1,then
/delete,fork_full,rst
*endif
/inquire,test,exist,fork_cms_fixed,rst
*if,test,eq,1,then
/delete,fork_cms_fixed,rst
*endif

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Appendix A. Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface
The Adams software marketed by MSC Software is one of several special-purpose programs used to
simulate the dynamics of multibody systems.

One drawback of the Adams program is that all components are assumed to be rigid. In the Adams
program, tools to model component flexibility exist only for geometrically simple structures. To account
for the flexibility of a geometrically complex component, Adams relies on data transferred from finite-
element programs. The Ansys-Adams Interface is a tool provided by Ansys, Inc. to transfer data from
Mechanical APDL to the Adams program.

The following Ansys-Adams interface topics are available:

A.1. Understanding the Ansys-Adams Interface
A.2. Modeling Interface Points
A.3. Exporting to Adams
A.4. Running the Adams Simulation
A.5.Transferring Loads from Adams
A.6. Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface

A.1. Understanding the Ansys-Adams Interface

Use the Ansys-Adams Interface whenever you want to include flexibility of a body in an Adams simulation.
Flexibility can be an important aspect in a multibody system, for example, to recognize resonances or
to accurately simulate forces and movements of the components. Often, the flexibility of a system is
not negligible. A typical example is the model of a piston moving in an engine. The movement of the
piston significantly depends on the flexibility of the crankshaft and/or the connecting rod. Because the
geometry of a connecting rod can be complex, the Ansys-Adams Interface can be used to account for
the connecting rod flexibility.

To use the Ansys-Adams Interface, you first model a flexible component using standard commands.
While building the model, you must give special attention to modeling interface points where joints
will be defined in Adams. The next step is to use the Ansys-Adams Interface to write a modal neutral
file (Jobname.MNF) that contains the flexibility information for the component. This file is written in
the format required by Adams/Flex, an add-on module available for Adams. See Exporting to
Adams (p. 70) for details on how to use the Ansys-Adams Interface to create the .MNF file. For a complete
description of the method used to create the modal neutral file and the information it contains, see
The Modal Neutral File (p. 77).

After performing the dynamic simulation in Adams, you can use the export capabilities of Adams to
create an input file containing accelerations and rotational velocities of the rigid part and forces acting
in the joints of the component. You can then import the file to perform a stress analysis. See Transferring
Loads from Adams (p. 73) for details on how to import the loads and perform a subsequent static
structural analysis.

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

The process for transferring flexible components to Adams and forces back to Mechanical APDL consists
of these general steps:

1. Build the model (p. 68).

2. Model interface points (p. 69).

3. Export to Adams (p. 70) (and create the modal neutral file).

4. Run the Adams simulation (p. 73) using the modal neutral file.

5. Transfer resulting loads from Adams to Mechanical APDL (p. 73) and perform a static analysis.

For more information and an example analysis, see Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Inter-
face (p. 77) and Example Rigid-Body Dynamic Analysis (p. 78).

A.1.1. Building the Model

To use the Ansys-Adams Interface, you must first create a complete finite element model in Mechan-
ical APDL.

When building your model, consider that:

• The interface is designed to support most element types that have displacement degrees of freedom.
Exceptions are axisymmetric elements (for example, PLANE25).

• Only linear behavior is allowed in the model. If you specify nonlinear elements, they are treated as
linear. For example, if you include nonlinear springs (like COMBIN39), their stiffnesses are calculated
based on their initial status and never change.

• Material properties can be linear, isotropic or orthotropic, constant or temperature-dependent. You

must define both Young's modulus (EX, or stiffness in some form) and density (DENS, or mass in
some form) for the analysis. Nonlinear properties are ignored.

• Damping is ignored when the interface computes the modal neutral file (Jobname.MNF). Damping
of the flexible component can be added later in the Adams program.

• The Adams program requires a lumped mass approach (LUMPM,ON). This requirement results in
the following special considerations.

– For most structures that have a reasonably fine mesh, this approximation is acceptable. If a
model has a coarse mesh, the inertia properties may have errors. To determine what the effect
will be, start a modal analysis with and without LUMPM,ON and compare the frequencies.

– When using SHELL181, set KEYOPT(3) = 2 to activate a more realistic in-plane rotational stiffness.
SHELL181 KEYOPT(3) = 2 is also a good choice if the elements are warped.

– When using two dimensional elements, the corresponding Adams model must lie in the X-Y-
plane. Remember that Adams models are always three dimensional. The 2D flexible component
transferred will not have any component in the Z-direction.

– Nodes of a plane element only have two degrees of freedom: translations in the X- and Y-direction.
Thus, no moment loads (forces, joints) can be applied in the Adams analysis. Likewise, nodes of
a solid element only have translational degrees of freedom.

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 Modeling Interface Points

• You cannot apply constraints (D command) to the model. Also, make sure that no master degrees
of freedom (M command) were defined in an earlier analysis.

A.2. Modeling Interface Points

When building a model that will be used in an Adams simulation, an important consideration is how
to represent interface points within the structure. An interface point is a node that will have an applied
joint or force in the Adams program. Keep in mind that, in Adams, the forces can only be applied to
interface points.

The number of interface points used will determine the number of constraint modes for the model.
Constraint modes are the static shapes assumed by the component when one degree of freedom of
an interface point is given a unit deflection while holding all other interface degrees of freedom fixed.
The number of constraint modes is equal to the number of degrees of freedom of all interface points.
(For 3D models, the interface points have 6 DOF; therefore, each interface point has 6 constraint modes.)

You must pay special attention to modeling interface points for these reasons:

• An interface point must have six degrees of freedom (except for 2D elements).

• Force (applied directly or via a joint) should be applied to the structure by distributing it over an area
rather than applying it at a single node.

• If there is no node in the structure where you can apply the force or joint in Adams (for example, a
pin center), you need to create a geometric location for that point.

Use the following guidelines to determine the best way to model the interface points for your structure:

• To ensure that all your loads will be projected on the deformation modes in the Adams simulation,
you must define all nodes where you are going to apply a joint or a force as interface points.

• Interface points in Mechanical APDL must always have six degrees of freedom, except for 2D elements.
If your model consists of solid elements, use constraint equations or a spiderweb of beam elements
to ensure that the interface node has 6 degrees of freedom.

• A good practice for modeling interface points is to reinforce the area using beam elements or constraint
equations. Using one of these techniques will distribute the force over an area rather than applying
it to a single node, which would be unrealistic.

– If you use a spiderweb of beam elements, use a high stiffness and a small mass for the beams.
Otherwise, you will alter the stiffness and mass of your model, which could result in eigenmodes
and frequencies that do not represent the original model.

– If you use constraint equations, we recommend using contact elements and the internal
multipoint constraint (MPC) algorithm (see Surface-based Constraints in the Contact Technology
Guide) to attach the interface node. As an alternative to the MPC method, you may use con-
straint equation commands such as CE and CERIG (for example, CERIG,INDEPEND,DE-
PEND,UXYZ, where DEPEND is the interface node). (Avoid the RBE3 command since problems
can occur with the independent degrees of freedom.) If you use constraint equations, mesh
the interface point with a MASS21 element (use KEYOPT(3) = 0) that has small (negligible) in-
ertias.

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

• Do not define interface points that lie next to each other and are connected by constraint equations
or short beams. This type of connection would require too many eigenmodes and result in a model
that is not well conditioned.

There are three different ways that you may attempt to attach an interface point to a structure. The
first two methods demonstrate valid methods of attachment. The third method is a poor method of
attachment that should not be used.

Each method depicted in the figure is described below.

• Surface-based constraints using rigid surface constraint connects to the interface point to the structure.
This method is recommended (and preferred) because:

– No MASS21 element is necessary.

• A spiderweb of beams is connecting the interface point to the structure. This method is acceptable
but outdated:

– Force is distributed over an area.

– No MASS21 element is necessary (because the beams supply the six degrees of freedom).

– Moment loads are transmitted.

• One beam is used to connect the interface point to the structure. This is not recommended because:

– The force is applied to the structure at a single node.

– Solid elements do not have rotational degrees of freedom. Therefore, moments will not be properly
transmitted from the interface point to the structure (a spiderweb scheme should be used).

A.3. Exporting to Adams

After building the model in Mechanical APDL (including all interface points), the next step is to invoke
the Ansys-Adams Interface to create the modal neutral file, Jobname.MNF. Creation of this file is driven
by a command macro called Adams.MAC.

To start the interface, select the following GUI path.

Main Menu> Solution> Adams Connection> Export to Adams

The Select Interface Points dialog box appears first. From this dialog box, you must select two or more
interface points.

Do not select too many interface points, as one point gives rise to six degrees of freedom in Adams.
Too many interface points may lead to huge files and models.

After you confirm your selection, the Export to Adams dialog box appears.

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 Exporting to Adams

Figure 1: Export to Adams Dialog Box

Complete the following steps using this dialog box.

1. System of Model Units: The units used for the model is important to the Adams program, whereas
Mechanical APDL only requires that you use a consistent set of units. The units chosen will be written
to the .MNF file and can be recalled with the Adams/Flex module. If no units are specified, Adams
assumes that the same units were used in Mechanical APDL as the ones chosen in the Adams
model. See the /UNITS command for details. If you specify user defined units, a Define User Units
dialog box will appear for you to input the conversion factors (for length, mass, force, and time)
between SI units and your chosen units. Below is an example of user defined units in which the
component has been modeled using millimeter, tonne (metric ton), newton, and second.

Length Factor 1 =
= meter/millimeter 1000
Mass Factor = 1 =
kilogram/tonne 0.001
Force Factor 1 =1
= newton/newton
Time Factor = 1 second/second =1

2. Number of Modes to Extract: Input the number of normal modes to compute. Normal modes are
the eigenmodes of the component with all degrees of freedom of all interface points fixed. The
number of normal modes depends on the frequency range of the excitation you will apply in your
Adams model. You must select a sufficient number of modes to represent your structure in that
frequency range. In Adams, if you have chosen too many normal modes, you are able to deactivate
eigenmodes based on the frequency or an energy criterion.

3. Element Results: Specify whether or not the program should write stress and/or strain results. This
option has no effect on the output for beam elements. If you want to output stress and strain for
only a subset of nodes, you should create a node component named "STRESS" before running the
ADAMS command macro.

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

4. Shell Element Result Output Control: Specify the shell element output location (top, middle, bottom).
This option has no effect on the output for solid elements and beam elements.

5. Filename: Specify a filename for the modal neutral file. The default name is Jobname.MNF. If a file
with the chosen name exists, it will be moved to a file named filename.MNFBAK.

6. Export to Adams: Select "Solve and create export file to Adams" to initiate the solution sequence.
Static and normal modes are computed and all information required by Adams is written to the
.MNF file specified above. Only the selected elements are considered. The current model is written
to the database file Jobname.DBMNF.

Note:

Note that the algorithm used to compute the .MNF file adds constraints to the interface
points. If you create the .MNF file a second time using the same model in the same run, be
sure to delete all constraints on the interface points (or resume the database file Job-
name.DBMNF) before you run it again.

A.3.1. Exporting to Adams via Batch Mode

If you prefer to work in batch mode, you may choose to run the ADAMS command macro by command
input. After building the model and defining interface points, use the following commands to compute
the .MNF file.
/UNITS,Label ! Specify the units chosen for modeling
NSEL,... ! Select two or more interface points
SAVE ! Save the model for a possible resume from
! this point
Adams,NMODES,... ! Activate Adams.MAC to compute the .MNF file

See the ADAMS command description for more information. When you use command input to
compute the .MNF file, there is no option to change the file name. The default name of Jobname.MNF
will be used.

A.3.2. Verifying the Results

It is a good practice to verify the correctness of the results after the .MNF file is created. Below are
guidelines you can use to complete this task.

• Check the number of orthonormalized eigenmodes in the Mechanical APDL output window.
These eigenmodes are the result of an orthonormalization of the normal modes and the con-
straint modes. You should observe the following:

– The number of modes equals the number of normal modes plus the number of constraint
modes.

– The first six modes are rigid-body modes. These are marked with "(probable rigid-body
mode)." If there is a mode close to a rigid-body mode but not marked, you may deactivate
it later in the Adams program.

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 Transferring Loads from Adams

– If a mode is marked with "Infinity. Possible mass singularity. Ignored," check your model
carefully. There might be a problem with the Interface points.

– The first few modes are equal to the free-free eigenmodes of the component. You might
want to verify this by doing a modal analysis: Set analysis option to ANTYPE,MODAL with
MODOPT,LANB (Block Lanczos); activate the lumped mass approach with LUMPM,ON.

• Review the normal modes (load step 1) and the constraint modes (load step 2) in the General
Postprocessor.

• Verify the transfer by doing a modal analysis of the component in Adams with all interface
degrees of freedom fixed. Compare the results with the normal modes calculated in Mechan-
ical APDL (load step 1).

A.4. Running the Adams Simulation

After you have verified that the .MNF file contains accurate information, you are ready to run an Adams
simulation with a flexible component. Import the .MNF file into your Adams model and attach it to the
rigid bodies using joints. To keep any numerical imbalance between inertia and external loads small,
make sure you simulate your Adams model with high accuracy.

For general information about the Adams program and how to import flexible bodies, refer to the
Adams manuals (provided MSC Software), especially the documentation provided for the Adams/Flex
product.

A.5. Transferring Loads from Adams

There are two ways to transfer loads and/or deformations from Adams to Mechanical APDL:

• If the component is assumed to be rigid in Adams, you can transfer joint and external forces, acceler-
ations, and rotational velocity acting on the component as described in Transferring Loads on a Rigid
Body (p. 73).

• If the component is flexible, you can transfer the deformed shape of the component using the MSR
toolkit from Adams. This type of transfer is not supported by the Ansys-Adams Interface. See Trans-
ferring the Loads of a Flexible Body (p. 77) for more information on this transfer method.

A.5.1. Transferring Loads on a Rigid Body

If you model your component as a rigid body in Adams, you can use the Export FEA Loads feature
in Adams to export the loads to a file. This file can then be imported into Mechanical APDL for a
subsequent stress analysis.

If you model your component as a flexible body, Adams allows you to use the Export FEA Loads
feature to transfer the loads, but the loads will be incomplete. Therefore, this load transfer procedure
should generally not be used for flexible bodies. The transfer of loads may work, however, if the
flexible bodies experience only small dynamic effects. If this is not the case, you may want to change
the component temporarily to a rigid body (using the Modify utility in Adams) and run another sim-
ulation before you transfer the loads.

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

A.5.1.1. Exporting Loads in Adams

After performing an Adams simulation, you can export loads on a specific component at specific
times. In Adams, select File> Export> FEA Loads to access the Adams Export FEA Loads dialog
box.

Figure 2: Adams Export FEA Loads Dialog Box

Complete the following steps in this dialog box.

1. File Type: Select FEA Loads

2. File Format: Select Ansys

3. File Name: Specify a name for the load file. The default extension is .LOD.

4. Specify whether you want to export loads on a rigid body or a flexible body.

• Rigid body: You must define a marker on the body that has the same position and orientation
relative to the body as the global origin does in the Mechanical APDL model.

• Flexible body: The marker is set automatically since this information is known from the .MNF
file.

5. Click on "Add Load Points to Nodes Table."

• If you chose a rigid body, you can input the node IDs of the nodes where the loads have to
be applied in Mechanical APDL.

• If you chose a flexible body, Adams automatically inputs the correct node IDs.

6. Output at times: Specify at what time steps you want to export the loads.

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 Transferring Loads from Adams

7. Finally, Adams will ask you about the units. The units for export must be the same as those
chosen for building the Mechanical APDL model. If they are not the same, change them tempor-
arily to the Mechanical APDL units or scale the loads in the load file later.

Every time step in Adams is treated as a load step in Mechanical APDL. In Adams versions up to
11.0.0, Adams writes the LSWRITE command before the load commands. Therefore, if you are using
Adams version 11.0.0 or earlier, you must use a text editor to move the LSWRITE command to the
end of each time step in the .LOD file.

The following loads will be included in the load file:

Joint forces (F command)

External forces (F command)
Accelerations and rotational velocities (ACEL, OMEGA, DOMEGA commands)

A.5.1.2. Importing Loads

After exporting the load file from Adams, you can use the Ansys-Adams Interface to import the
load file and initiate a static structural analysis. To access the Import from Adams dialog box, pick:

Main Menu> Solution> Adams Connection> Import fr Adams

Figure 3: Import from Adams Dialog Box

Complete the following steps in the dialog box:

1. Import file from Adams: Enter the name of the load file that was exported from Adams.

2. Import option: Theoretically, external forces and inertia forces are in equilibrium. Due to numer-
ical errors or due to mass discrepancies between Adams and Mechanical APDL, this is insufficient
to prevent a rigid-body motion of the component. Hence, you must constrain the component
against rigid-body motion in order to do a static structural analysis. The Ansys-Adams Interface
offers two import options to achieve this.

• Import loads only. The program applies inertia loads and external forces to the structure ac-
cording to the load file. For this option, you must manually add constraints to the Mechanical
APDL model that are compatible with the constraints used in the Adams model (if possible),
or use common engineering sense to prevent rigid-body motion.

• Add weak springs: The program adds weak springs (p. 78) (COMBIN14 elements) to the corners
of the bounding box of the component. (For more information, see the WSPRINGS command
documentation). The weak springs prevent rigid-body motion without influencing the stress

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

results. (See Adding Weak Springs (p. 78) for more information on how the program adds
weak springs to the model.)

3. Import button: When you pick the Import button, one load step file is written per time step
exported from Adams; existing load step files are deleted. If you chose the "Import loads only"
option, you will have to start the static solution manually by issuing the SOLVE command for
each load step. If you chose the "Add weak springs" option, inertia relief is activated (IRLF,1) to
compute accurate acceleration loads, and the static analysis is started automatically.

Note:

If you use the import procedure a second time with the "Add weak springs" option, ad-
ditional weak springs will be added to the model. This will have only a small influence
on the results.

A.5.1.3. Importing Loads via Commands

If you prefer to work in batch mode, you may choose to import the load file and initiate the solution
by command input. After exporting the load file from Adams, use the following commands to read
the load file and initiate the static solution.
/INPUT,... ! Read the load file from Adams
WSPRINGS (or D) ! Apply weak springs (or use D commands to
! apply rigid-body constraints)
*DO,par,ival,fval,inc ! Specify load steps to solve
IRLF,1 ! Activate inertial relief to achieve higher accuracy
! (this step is optional)
LSREAD,par ! Read load step
SOLVE ! Solve model
*ENDDO

Every subsequent call of the WSPRINGS command will apply weak springs. Therefore, this command
may be omitted when importing new loads.

A.5.1.4. Reviewing the Results

When the structural analysis is complete, you review the results as you would for any linear struc-
tural analysis.

When using the weak springs option with inertia relief check that:

• The accelerations that Mechanical APDL calculated computed for inertia relief are small compared
to the applied acceleration loads from Adams (ACEL, OMEGA, DOMEGA). Issue the command
IRLIST to view the inertia relief accelerations (translational and rotational).

• The forces in the springs are small compared to the external forces. The forces in the springs can
be viewed by listing the reaction forces. Use the PRRSOL command to list reaction forces.

The external forces have to be balanced by the applied inertia forces only. If one of the above is
not true, there is an imbalance in your model that must be removed. Check your Mechanical APDL
and Adams models, respectively.

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 Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface

A.5.2. Transferring the Loads of a Flexible Body

If you want to model a flexible component in the Adams program and perform a subsequent stress
analysis, you may want to use the Modal Stress Recovery (MSR) toolkit provided by Mechanical Dy-
namics, Inc. Using the features of this toolkit, it is possible to transfer the loads of a flexible component
from Adams to Mechanical APDL for stress analysis. This toolkit provides several strategies for interfa-
cing with Mechanical APDL:

• Export Time-Domain Displacements: If you have only a few time steps to analyze, this is a fast option.
The displacement of every node of the component is written directly into a Mechanical APDL input
file. This file can then be imported using the /INPUT command. A simple static analysis can be
started in Mechanical APDL after the import of this file.

• Export Mode Shapes: The toolkit writes a Mechanical APDL input file that can be used to compute
the orthonormalized or unorthonormalized eigenmodes of the component. By using the Export of
Modal Coordinates option, these eigenmodes can be scaled in Mechanical APDL, and the stresses
in the component can be computed for every time step.

• Export Nodal Loads: Using this feature, you can write a Mechanical APDL input file to perform stress
recovery as a superposition of unit force load steps. This method ignores the inertia load contribution
to the flexible body deformation, so it may be inaccurate when interpreting dynamic effects.

Note:

The MSR toolkit features described here are not supported by the Ansys-Adams Interface.

A.6. Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface

Some tasks performed by the Ansys-Adams Interface involve substantial "behind-the-scenes" work. Two
tasks in particular fall in this category: the creation of the modal neutral file (Jobname.MNF) and the
addition of weak springs (p. 78) via the WSPRINGS command.

The following sections provide details concerning how Mechanical APDL performs those tasks.
A.6.1.The Modal Neutral File
A.6.2. Adding Weak Springs
A.6.3. Example Rigid-Body Dynamic Analysis

A.6.1. The Modal Neutral File

The algorithm used to create the modal neutral file (.MNF) is based on a formulation called component
mode synthesis (also known as dynamic substructuring). Adams uses the approach of Craig Bampton
with some slight modifications. According to this theory, the motion of a flexible component with
interface points is spanned by the interface constraint modes and the interface normal modes. Con-
straint modes and interface normal modes together are referred to as component modes.

Because the algorithm relies on the component mode synthesis method, which is based on the
modal analysis, only linear properties are considered during the formation of the modal neutral file.
All geometric and physical nonlinearities are ignored. If significant geometric nonlinear effects are
present in your component, you must subdivide the component into several smaller components

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

and transfer each one separately. You can then assemble the subdivided components in Adams to
form a flexible component with geometric nonlinearity.

The modal neutral file contains the following information:

• Header information: date, Ansys version, title, .MNF version, units

• Body properties: mass, moments of inertia, center of mass

• Reduced stiffness and mass matrices in terms of the interface points

• Interface normal modes (the user requests the number of modes generated)

• Interface constraint modes

To supply the above information, Mechanical APDL does a sequence of analyses through a macro file
called Adams.MAC (see the ADAMS command) in order to generate the required interface constraint
modes and interface normal modes.

A.6.2. Adding Weak Springs

During the import of loads from Adams to Mechanical APDL, you can instruct Mechanical APDL to
add weak springs to the model via the WSPRINGS command. The weak springs are added to the
corners of the bounding box of the component. The stiffnesses of the springs are many orders of
magnitude less than the stiffness of the structure, and hence prevent rigid-body motion without in-
fluencing the stress results. The program takes the following steps when adding weak springs:

• To define the bounding box, the algorithm finds the nodes with the maximum and minimum co-
ordinates. Six nodes are created by this approach. These nodes define the bounding box of the
component. Because a three dimensional model is required for this approach, simple beam models
that only have an extension in one dimension cannot be handled by the weak springs options.

• COMBIN14 elements are used to link the six nodes of the bounding box to the ground in all three
translational directions. The stiffness of the spring element is computed as k = (Emean)(10-6), where
Emean is the mean value of all moduli of elasticity defined. This is a very rough approach, but one
which has proven to be effective in practical applications. If the stress results are influenced by the
springs, you can change the stiffness by changing the corresponding COMBIN14 real constant.

A.6.3. Example Rigid-Body Dynamic Analysis

This example analysis demonstrates how to model a flexible component in Mechanical APDL and
then export the flexible body information to a file for use in Adams. The example also provides brief
instructions on how to perform the rigid-body dynamic analysis in Adams, and details on how to
transfer the loads from Adams to Mechanical APDL in order to perform a stress analysis.

A.6.3.1. Problem Description

In the linkage assembly shown below, Link3 is a flexible component. Link3 is modeled as a rectan-
gular rod in Mechanical APDL using SOLID185 elements. The joints in Adams will be attached to
interface points (nodes) at the middle of the holes at either end of Link3. These middle points are
connected to the cylindrical joint surfaces by a spiderweb of BEAM188 elements.

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 Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface

Figure 4: Linkage Assembly

Link 3
U1
Crank U4
Input motion
Link 2

U3 Link 1: Output
motion

U2

A.6.3.2. Problem Specifications

The figure below shows the Link3 component as it is modeled in Mechanical APDL.

Figure 5: Link3 Component

The following are dimensions and properties for the Link3 component.

Radius of holes (radh) = 6mm

Width of rectangular rod (width) = 25mm
Thickness of rectangular rod (thick) = 10mm
Length of rectangular rod (length) = 300mm + 4*Radius of holes = 324mm
Young's modulus for rod = 7.22 x 104 MPa
Poisson's ratio for rod = 0.34
Density of rod = 2.4 x 10-9 tons/mm3
Young's modulus for beams = 2.1 x 105 MPa

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

Poisson's ratio for beams = 0.3

Density of beams = 0.1 x 10-9 tons/mm3

A.6.3.3. Input Listing

/BATCH,list
/FILNAME,adamsout ! Define jobname
/TITLE,Export flexible component to Adams
!
/PREP7 ! Enter preprocessor
!
! Define Parameters of rectangular rod
radh=6 ! Radius of the holes in the rod
thick=10 ! Rod thickness
width=25 ! Rod width
length=300+4*radh ! Rod length
! Build geometry
RECTNG,0,length,0,width
CYL4,2*radh,width/2,radh
CYL4,length-2*radh,width/2,radh
ASBA,1,2
ASBA,4,3
VEXT,1, , ,0,0,thick
!
ET,1,SOLID185,,3 ! Define SOLID185 as element type 1
ET,2,BEAM188,,,3 ! Define BEAM188 as element type 2
!
MP,EX,1,7.22e4 ! Material of the rectangular rod
MP,PRXY,1,0.34
MP,DENS,1,2.4e-9
!
MP,EX,2,2.1e5 ! Material of the beams used for the spiderweb
MP,PRXY,2,0.3
MP,DENS,2,0.1e-9
!
SECTYPE,1,BEAM,ASEC
SECDATA,78.528,490.67,,490.67,,10,,,0.85716,0.85716
!
TYPE,1 ! Set element type attribute pointer to 1
MAT,1 ! Set material attribute pointer to 1
ESIZE,thick/3,0, ! Define global element size
VSWEEP,1 ! Mesh rod
!
! Define interface points: numbers must be higher than highest
! node number already defined
N,100000,2*radh,width/2,thick/2 ! Define interface point 1
N,100001,length-2*radh,width/2,thick/2 ! Define interface point 2
!
NWPAVE,100000 ! Set working plane to interface point 1
WPSTYL,,,,,,1 ! Set working plane type to cylindrical
CSYS,4 ! Activate working plane
NSEL,S,LOC,X,radh ! Select nodes on cylindrical hole
NSEL,A,,,100000 ! Also select interface node
!
! Generate spiderweb of beams
*GET,nmin,node,,num,min
*GET,nnum,node,,count
*SET,jj,0
TYPE,2
MAT,2
REAL,1
*DO,jj,1,nnum-2
E,100000,nmin
NSEL,u,,,nmin
*GET,nmin,node,,num,min
*ENDDO
!
ALLS

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 Methodology Behind the Ansys-Adams Interface

!
NWPAVE,100001 ! Set working plane to interface point 2
WPSTYL,,,,,,1 ! Set working plane type to cylindrical
CSYS,4 ! Activate working plane
NSEL,S,LOC,X,radh ! Select nodes on cylindrical hole
NSEL,A,,,100001 ! Also select interface node
!
! Generate spiderweb of beams
*GET,nmin,node,,num,min
*GET,nnum,node,,count
*SET,jj,0
TYPE,2
MAT,2
REAL,1
*DO,jj,1,nnum-2
E,100001,nmin
NSEL,u,,,nmin
*GET,nmin,node,,num,min
*ENDDO
!
ALLS
!
/UNITS,MPA ! Define units used: millimeter
! megagram, second, newton
SAVE ! Save database
NSEL,s,,,100000,100001 ! Select interface points
Adams,20,1 ! Start Adams macro,
! adamsout.mnf is written
FINISH
/EXIT,nosave

At this point you may import the adamsout.mnf file into your Adams model and perform a rigid-
body dynamics simulation. The Adams model should consist of the components shown in Fig-
ure 4: Linkage Assembly (p. 79). After the simulation is done, export the loads acting on the Link3
component at five arbitrary “—`time steps. Name the load file loads.lod.

Once you have exported the load file, you can perform a stress analysis for Link3 in Mechanical
APDL using the command input shown below.
RESUME,adamsout,db ! Resume model
/FILNAM,adamsin ! Change jobname
/TITLE,Import loads from Adams ! Change title
!
WSPRINGS ! Create weak springs
!
! Enter Solution and solve all load steps
/SOLU
/INPUT,loads,lod ! Read in 5 load steps written by Adams
*DO,i,1,5 ! Use a do loop to solve each load step
LSREAD,i ! Read in load step
IRLF,1 ! Activate inertia relief
SOLVE ! Solve current load step
*ENDDO
!
/POST1 ! Enter the general postprocesser
! Write deformation and equivalent stress to graphics file
/VIEW,1,1,1,1
/AUTO,1
EPLOT
/TYPE,1,4
/SHOW,
EPLOT
*DO,i,1,5
SET,i
PLNSOL,u,sum
PLNSOL,s,eqv
*ENDDO
/SHOW,term

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Rigid Body Dynamics and the Ansys-Adams Interface

FINISH
/EXIT,nosave

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82 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Appendix B. Ansys Interface to AVL EXCITE
The EXCITE program by AVL is used mainly by the automotive industry to perform engine structural
dynamics analysis. An AVL EXCITE multi-body dynamic simulation calculates the dynamic response of
multiple components (engine block, crankshaft, and so on) coupled to each other by joints.

The Mechanical APDL program provides a CMS generation pass procedure to create a condensed sub-
structure that can be used in an AVL EXCITE simulation. The generation pass outputs an EXB (EXCITE
body property) file that contains all body properties for the substructure, which represents one com-
ponent for the AVL EXCITE transient analysis. It is then assembled with other components, joints, and
loads in an EXCITE simulation. The file also provides geometry and recovery matrix information for the
simulation.

File.EXB contains the following data:

• DOFT table and GEOM table for retained degrees of freedom (A-SET)

• DOFT table of omitted degrees of freedom (O-SET), as well as GEOM table of all degrees of freedom
(F-SET)

• Rigid body properties that have total mass, total inertia tensors at the center of gravity and at the
origin

• Flexible body matrices of the substructure, including stiffness, mass, and damping (if available)

• Selections of existing node and element components in the finite element model (see OUTCOMP on
the EXBOPT command)

• Fifteen inertia invariant matrices that are linearly dependent on CMS conduction modes: M1, M2, M3,
M4, R1, R2, R3, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, PHI, and GFAS (see NOINV on the EXBOPT command)

• Nine quadratic invariants: T1, T2, T3, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 (see OUTINV2 and NOINV on the EX-
BOPT command)

• Recovery matrix (see OUTRM on the EXBOPT command)

• Element data, including connectivity, material properties, and element properties (see OUTELE on
the EXBOPT command)

The generation pass procedure is described in:

B.1. Performing a CMS Generation Pass to Create File.EXB

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Ansys Interface to AVL EXCITE

B.1. Performing a CMS Generation Pass to Create File.EXB

Generating the body property file (file.EXB) of a component in Mechanical APDL is very similar to
a typical CMS generation pass. Follow the procedures outlined in The CMS Generation Pass (p. 25), with
the exceptions noted below.

B.1.1. Build a Model for the Component

Using the procedure recommended for a typical substructure analysis (p. 6), build a finite element
model that represents the component of interest. When building the model, follow these rules and
guidelines:

• It is highly recommended that the Global Cartesian coordinate system in Mechanical APDL is aligned
with the coordinate system used in AVL EXCITE.

• Build a 3D model; 2D models are not supported since AVL EXCITE is used mainly for simulation of
3D volumetric models.

• There is no element limitation in general, but nested CMS superelements cannot be used.

B.1.2. Create the Superelement Matrices

Follow the procedure for creating the superelement matrices in a CMS generation pass (p. 25), with
the following exceptions:

• Always use the lumped mass matrix formulation (LUMPM,ON).

• Use the fixed-interface CMS method (CMSOPT,FIX). No other CMS method is allowed.

• The CMS generation pass solution has static reduction modes defined by the master degrees of
freedom on the substructure's interface, and dynamic reduction modes input by the user as NMODE
on the CMSOPT command.

• Specify IOkey = EXB on the CMSOPT command to trigger writing of the .EXB file (CM-
SOPT,FIX,,,,,,EXB).

Following is an example of typical commands used in the CMS generation pass for the file.EXB
approach:
/SOLU
ANTYPE,SUBSTR
CMSOPT,fix,20,0.0,0.0,0.0,0.0,exb

The above CMSOPT command specifies the fixed-interface method, 20 frequency modes, and writing
of the of the .EXB file from the CMS generation.

B.1.3. Other Useful Commands

The following command functionalities may be useful when creating an .EXB file.

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 Performing a CMS Generation Pass to Create File.EXB

• The EXBOPT command enables you to control optional output items written to the .EXB file. For
example, the command EXBOPT,,,,,,1 specifies that all rows of the transposed recovery matrix are
output. See the EXBOPT command for a complete list of output controls.

• Use the AUX2 auxiliary processor to dump the .EXB file into a readable format. For example:
/AUX2
FILEAUX2,myresult,EXB
FORM,LONG
DUMP,ALL

This command sequence dumps all sub-matrices in the myresult.exb file to the output. Altern-
atively, you can use the command FORM,TEN to dump only the first ten numbers of each sub-
matrix.

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86 of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.