Simulation Data Sensors

Use Simulation Data sensors to monitor the following:

  • Simulation data such as stresses, connector forces, and factors of safety on particular locations of the model
  • Results from Simulation transient studies such as nonlinear, dynamic, transient thermal, drop-test studies, and design scenarios. Use Workflow Sensitive sensors to plot graphs on specific locations for transient and design studies. Use Transient Sensors to list results from transient studies and view statistical data across the solution steps.
  • Trend Tracker data graphs
  • Goals and Constraints for Design Studies

To access the Sensor PropertyManager, in the FeatureManager Design Tree, right-click the Sensors folder and select Add Sensor.

Sensor Type

Simulation Data Monitors Simulation results.
See topic Sensors PropertyManager for information on other sensor types.

Data Quantity

Select the result quantity and component to track with a sensor.

Results Select one of the following:
  • Stress
  • Strain (elemental values)
  • Displacement
  • Frequency (mode shape)
  • Buckling (load factor for buckling mode shape)
  • Connector Force
  • Free-Body Forces
  • Thermal
  • Velocity
  • Acceleration
  • Beam Stress
  • Workflow Sensitive
  • Factor of Safety
  • Simulation mass properties
Component Select the results component to track with a sensor.
Plane, Axis or Coordinate System Select a plane, axis, or coordinate system for reference geometry.

Properties

Select the result quantity and component to track with a sensor.

Unit Select the units for the Simulation quantity
Criterion

Model Max

Maximum algebraic value across model

Model Min

Minimum algebraic value across model

Model Average

Average value across model

Max over Selected Entities

Maximum algebraic value over selected entities defined in the Components, Bodies, Faces, Edges or Vertices box

Min over Selected Entities

Minimum algebraic value over selected entities defined in the Components, Bodies, Faces, Edges or Vertices box

Average of Selected Entities

Average value over selected entities defined in the Components, Bodies, Faces, Edges or Vertices box

RMS over Selected Entities

Root mean square value over selected entities defined in the Components, Bodies, Faces, Edges or Vertices box
  Step Criterion

Across All Steps

Tracks the Simulation data value across all steps for the entire model or for the selected entities and reports a single value. For example, if you select Model Max for Criterion, the sensor reports the maximum value in the model across all steps.

At Specific Plot Step

Tracks the Simulation data value at the specified plot step based on the plot number you specify. You can control the number of plot steps and step interval using the Result Options PropertyManager.

Transient

Available for transient studies (nonlinear, linear dynamics, transient thermal, and drop test). Tracks the Simulation data across time or frequency solution steps.

To list the data stored in a transient sensor, right-click the sensor icon under Sensors and select List.

To view 2D graphs of the results stored in transient sensors, right-click the sensor icon under Sensors and select Graph.

At Specific Mode Shape

This option is available only for the frequency and buckling sensors. Specifies the mode number at which the sensor tracks the result.
Select Components, Bodies, Faces, Edges, or Vertices Values are monitored over these selected entities.
Connectors Available only when connectors are defined and Connector Force is selected under Data Quantity.
  • All pins
  • All bolts
  • All bearings
  • Individual connector
Select Bodies, Faces, Edges, Vertices or Reference Points Available when Workflow Sensitive is selected under Data Quantity. Values are monitored across all solution steps for the selected entities.
  Link to selection Automatically updates the selected vertices or points coordinates when geometry changes.

Location(s)

Available when Workflow Sensitive is selected and Link to selection is cleared. Lists the points and coordinates of the sensor locations.

Unit Set the display units for the Location(s) list.

Factor of Safety

Select to monitor the value of factor of safety (FOS) for simulation results (except stress components).

Use limit strength in material data Available when you select Factor of Safety under Data Quantity. Tracks the factor of safety for stress components using the material yield strength.
Enter limit value Enter the upper limit value for the monitored quantity. For example, the maximum resultant displacement of the model is URES = 2 inches. You enter 5 in limit value. The sensor calculates the FOS for the maximum URES as 5/2 =2.5.

Alert

Select Alert and set an operator and limits.

Alerts notify you immediately when the sensor value deviates from the limits you specify. When a sensor triggers an alert, the program issues a sound and flags the sensor in the FeatureManager design tree.

Specifically for sensors tracking results for 2D Simplification studies:
  • You cannot use a sensor created to track simulation results for a 3D geometry in a 2D Simplification study.
  • To create a sensor for a 2D Simplification study, first activate the 2D study of interest.
  • A sensor you create for one 2D simplification study is not valid for another 2D study (even when using Copy study). Create a new sensor for each new 2D study,