SINDA/G and CAD COMPATIBILITY

One of the great promises of computer aided engineering is the automatic generation of analysis models. Many tools have been developed and marketed to accomplish this goal.

For example, it is possible to create SINDA/G models from Pro/E, as shown in the figure. However, experience shows this process is more successful for modeling piece parts than for entire assemblies.

At the assembly level, interface conditions between parts pose significant challenges. What would normally be modeled as a line-to-line fit may be modeled with a finite gap in Pro/E. Thermal interfaces may have to be manually defined. Also, since auto-meshers are often used, extremely large and unwieldy models can result. If assembly modeling must be undertaken, experience shows that using the mesher internal to Pro/E (or your particular solid modeler) works better than external mesh generating tools.

    
Conversion of Pro/E Geometry to SINDA/G Thermal Model

Alternately, graphical modeling tools can be used to quickly create simplified versions of parts by building them directly in the modeling program without the CAD geometry. This usually results in simpler and more computationally efficient models.

Many thermal problems are best described symbolically, in terms of a few lumped masses. These models can be quickly solved using SINDA/G and the resulting heat flows and temperatures are more easily understood. Such models provide useful estimates for preliminary studies, proposals, etc. and might sometimes be the best modeling approach.