Mastering the art of simulation: a deep dive into the transformative integration of Ansys Discovery and SpaceClaim
At a time where design precision and rapid prototyping dominate the product development landscape, understanding exactly how the integration of simulation software like Ansys Discovery and SpaceClaim can provide a competitive edge, be it a reduction in time to market, or cost savings on materials and engineering time spent on physical prototyping, is more crucial than ever.
In our latest “Coffee with an Expert” webinar episodes our expert Klas provides an in-depth exploration of these tools. In this blog we consolidate the insights from these sessions, highlighting key functionalities, upcoming changes, and how these tools are evolving to meet modern engineering needs and transforming the role of simulation within progressive organizations.
Comprehensive Capabilities of Ansys Discovery
Ansys Discovery is swiftly becoming the go-to solution for engineers seeking to streamline their simulation processes. It is structured around three core modes: Model, Explore, and Refine. Each mode is designed to enhance user experience and efficiency:
Modeling Mode focuses on geometry manipulation and preparation, akin to what users experienced with SpaceClaim.
Explore Mode utilizes an integrated GPU solver to facilitate quick, efficient simulations across various disciplines including structural, fluid, and thermal analyses.
Refine Mode incorporates high-fidelity solvers such as Ansys Mechanical and Fluent, ideal for extending scope to detailed and intricate simulations.
Transitioning from SpaceClaim to Discovery
With a strategic shift to enhance Discovery’s capabilities by integrating SpaceClaim’s functionalities, this move is intended to not only streamline the user experience but also enrich the workflow efficiency through features like history-based modeling and advanced geometry handling like sub-D modeling.
User-Centric Design and Advanced Customization
Discovery’s user interface has been revamped to provide a more intuitive and engaging user experience. The webinar demonstrates how users can customize legends and scale factors for better visualization and control during simulations. Despite certain limitations, such as the inability to perform multiphase flow simulations, Discovery continues to evolve, with frequent updates adding new capabilities and enhancements.
Practical Demonstrations and Technical Insights
In these sessions, as with all our webinars, Klas provides not just a theoretical overview but includes practical demonstrations that showcase real-world applications of these tools. From fluid dynamics simulations involving conjugate heat transfer to structural analyses of race car suspensions, this ‘Discovery’ series works through live examples to demonstrate how Discovery handles complex simulations with ease and precision.
Looking Ahead
The evolution of Ansys Discovery signifies a major leap towards creating a more integrated, user-friendly simulation environment. For engineers and designers, accessing such sophisticated tools allows for greater creativity and efficiency, ensuring that design and simulation tasks are not only easier but also more aligned with progressive technological developments.
Ansys Discovery and SpaceClaim are at the forefront of the simulation software revolution, offering robust solutions that cater to a diverse range of engineering needs. Whether you are a novice seeking to understand the basics of simulation or a seasoned professional aiming to optimize complex projects, these tools provide the capabilities and flexibility needed to succeed.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of these tools or transition from SpaceClaim to Discovery, why not take a look at these on-demand webinars or if you’ve already got access to the software, sign up for a training session. Detailed tutorials, additional resources and more product information are available on our website, the EDRMedeso Training Portal, and our YouTube channel providing the support you need to harness the full potential of Ansys Discovery.
Some frequently asked questions – and answers!
IN GENERAL
What are the system requirements for Ansys Discovery?
GPU Requirements: Supports NVIDIA cards of the Pascal generation or newer with a minimum of 4GB of dedicated video memory; 8GB recommended. AMD cards are supported only in refine mode with a driver that supports OpenGL 4.6 or newer.
Can Ansys Discovery handle multiphase flow simulations or simulations involving particles like Rocky?
No, Ansys Discovery currently does not support multiphase flow simulations or particle simulations like Rocky.
Is it possible to perform both thermal and structural analysis in Ansys Discovery?
Yes, Ansys Discovery supports integrated thermal-structural analysis.
What types of material models are available for structural simulation in Ansys Discovery?
Currently, only linear material models are available for structural simulations.
LICENCING
What does the Discovery entry-level license cover?
The entry-level license allows geometry modeling in Discovery, SpaceClaim, or DesignModeler.
What additional features does the Discovery Simulation add-on license provide?
This license allows running of structural, fluids, thermal, and topology optimization simulations using the GPU solver in explore mode and fluids simulations in refine mode using the Live-GX solver.
Is a separate license required for using the optimization features in parametric studies?
Yes, for optimization beyond parametric sweeps, a separate integration like optiSLang is needed.
FUNCTIONALITY
Can I insert operations in the middle of the history tracking or adjust the scale factor for visualizations?
Yes, operations can be inserted by suppressing existing ones and adding new ones at the desired location. However, the scale factor for visualizations is predefined and cannot be adjusted.
How does the history tracking in Ansys Discovery compare to DesignModeler?
It is comparable to DesignModeler, although some minor features may be missing.
Can Ansys Discovery create 2D production drawings or handle sheet metal operations?
Ansys Discovery includes the Engineering Notebook for documenting models but does not support traditional 2D drawing creation. For sheet metal, mid-surfaces can be generated and then processed further in Ansys Mechanical.
Is it possible to move models from Discovery to SpaceClaim and vice versa?
Yes, models can be moved from Discovery to SpaceClaim, but simulation data and physics setups will not transfer as these features are not supported in SpaceClaim.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Will Ansys discontinue SpaceClaim, and what will happen to DesignModeler?
SpaceClaim is set to be discontinued with no specific end date set yet, but it will not be included in the standard installation package post the 2025R1 release. DesignModeler will still be included.
What advancements are planned for Ansys Discovery in comparison to Ansys Mechanical?
Ansys Discovery is intended to be a powerful early design phase tool and will not replace flagship products like Ansys Mechanical. It will continue to see enhancements to handle more complex simulations.
Want to talk to our expert Klas? Get in touch here
Watch webinar #1 on demand – Coffee with an Expert: Ansys Discovery v SpaceClaim
Watch webinar #2 on demand – Coffee with an Expert: Discovery Simulations
