Before running a study, you must define all material properties required by the associated analysis type and the specified material model. A material model describes the behavior of the material and determines the required material properties. Linear isotropic and orthotropic material models are available for all structural and thermal studies. Other material models are available for nonlinear stress studies. The von Mises plasticity model is available for drop test studies. Material properties can be specified as function of temperature.
In the Material dialog box, the properties are highlighted to indicate the mandatory and optional properties. A red description indicates the property is mandatory based on the active study type and the material model. A blue description indicates an optional property.
- For solid assemblies, each component can have a different material.
- For shell models, each shell can have a different material and thickness.
- For shell models, the material of the part is used for all shells.
- For beam models, each beam can have a different material.
- For mixed mesh models, you must define the required material properties for solid and shell separately.
There are three ways to define material properties:
- Use materials assigned to parts in the CAD system.
- Pick a material from one of the default material libraries or any user-defined material library.
- Specify the values of required properties manually.
By default, the software uses the material assigned to parts in the CAD system. Assigning a material to a part in the analysis software does not update the material used in the CAD system.
Refer to the Simulation Material section for more details.