Creating named selections, often referred to as "Groups" in Ansys Discovery, is a straightforward process that greatly enhances the organization and efficiency of your design and analysis workflow. These groups allow you to define specific sets of geometry (faces, edges, bodies, etc.) that can then be easily referenced for various operations, especially when transferring models to other Ansys applications like Ansys Mechanical for simulation setup.
Understanding Named Selections (Groups)
Named selections serve as powerful organizational tools. Instead of manually selecting the same set of faces or edges repeatedly, you can group them once and assign a meaningful name. This not only saves time but also reduces the chance of errors during complex model preparations.
Why are Named Selections Important?
- Efficiency: Quickly select complex geometric features without individual clicks.
- Clarity: Assign descriptive names (e.g., "Inlet," "Fixed Supports," "Heat Source") that clearly indicate their purpose.
- Automation: Crucial for setting up boundary conditions, loads, and meshing controls in downstream simulation tools.
- Consistency: Ensures that the same geometric features are consistently selected throughout your workflow.
- Collaboration: Makes models easier for others to understand and work with.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Named Selections in Ansys Discovery
Follow these steps to effectively create and manage named selections in Ansys Discovery:
-
Select the Desired Objects:
- Begin by selecting the geometric entities you wish to group. This could include faces, edges, vertices, or entire bodies.
- Tip: Ansys Discovery's Selection panel is incredibly useful here. You can select an object, then use the Selection panel to find and select other objects in the same part that are similar (e.g., all faces with the same radius, all holes of a certain diameter) or related to the initially selected object. This significantly speeds up the selection of complex patterns.
-
Create the Group:
- Once your objects are selected, navigate to the Groups panel (typically found on the left side of the Discovery interface).
- Within the Groups panel, click the "Create Group" button. This action will form a new group containing your selected entities.
-
Rename the Group (Optional, but Recommended):
- After creation, the new group will typically have a generic name (e.g., "Group1").
- It is highly recommended to rename the group immediately to something descriptive and meaningful. Right-click on the group in the Groups panel and choose "Rename," or simply select it and press F2.
- Examples of good group names:
Inlet_FaceOutlet_PressureFixed_SupportsConvection_SurfacePart_A_Mounting_Holes
-
Utilize and Send Your Changes to Ansys:
- Once named selections are created, they become part of your Discovery model. They can be used for various operations within Discovery itself, such as applying materials, performing geometric operations, or simply organizing your model.
- Crucially, these named selections are preserved when you transfer your model to other Ansys applications, such as Ansys Mechanical. When you open the Discovery model in Mechanical, these named selections will appear under the "Named Selections" branch in the outline tree, ready to be used for applying boundary conditions, loads, or mesh controls.
Practical Insights and Best Practices
- Hierarchy and Organization: For complex models, consider organizing your groups logically. You can even create nested groups in some Ansys environments (though Discovery groups are typically flat).
- Consistency in Naming: Adopt a consistent naming convention (e.g.,
Type_Location_Description) across all your projects to improve clarity and reduce confusion. - Review and Validate: Before exporting your model for simulation, always review your named selections to ensure they contain the correct geometry and have appropriate names.
- Dynamic Selection: Remember that Discovery's powerful selection tools (like "Select Similar" or "Select Related") can be a huge time-saver when initially defining your groups.
- External References: For further details on Ansys Discovery's functionalities, including advanced selection techniques, you can always refer to the official Ansys Discovery documentation.
Common Applications of Named Selections
| Application Area | Example Named Selection Names | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Analysis | Fixed_Support_Bottom |
Faces where displacement is constrained |
Load_Application_Area |
Faces where a force or pressure is applied | |
Contact_Surfaces_PartA |
Faces designated for contact definitions between components | |
| Fluid Dynamics (CFD) | Inlet_Velocity |
Faces where fluid enters with a defined velocity |
Outlet_Pressure |
Faces where fluid exits, often with a relative pressure | |
Wall_NoSlip |
Internal or external faces where fluid adheres (no-slip condition) | |
| Thermal Analysis | Heat_Source_Pad |
Faces generating heat |
Convection_Outer_Surface |
Faces exposed to convective heat transfer | |
Temperature_Boundary |
Faces held at a specific temperature | |
| Manufacturing | Tool_Path_Surfaces |
Surfaces to be machined or modified |
Assembly_Pins_Holes |
Specific holes for pin alignment |
By leveraging named selections, you streamline your workflow, making your Ansys Discovery models robust, comprehensible, and ready for advanced simulation.
