Difference Between parasolid vs. Step file extensions

[CandidoCastro]

Ok i have my drawings in Solidworks and I notice that I can save them as parasolid, step and many others. I'm required to analysis these parts using NEINastran. I guess my question is which the best file extension should i input them into NEINastran. Do they input the same geometry scale as i drew them in Solidworks? i would think they have to be the same scale as in the solidworks which it is in inches.??

 

[GBor]

I've had a lot of success with the .stp (STEP) file extension either the 203 or 214 version. I generally use the 214 STEP variety, but that's just because of a confidence level for the types of models that I build. The model will come into your FE Modeler in dimensionless units, generally speaking. In other words, the FE doesn't care if you draw in English, Metric, Custom, whatever units you choose, you just have to make certain you input the rest of the parameters in the same unit system. The basis of size in the FE modeler is, however, what the CAD modeler outputs (in your case, apparently inches). If you CAD modeled in inches, make sure your forces are in pounds, your pressures in psi, etc.

Garland E. Borowski, PE
Borowski Engineering & Analytical Services, Inc.

http://www.borowskiengineering.com

 

[kellnerp]

Assuming:

1. You have FEMAP
2. You are using SW

Then

Use parasolid to bring the geometry into FEMAP. Both SW and FEMAP use the parasolid geometry kernel so there will be no translation issues going this route. While step is good it is one step farther from the native parasolid format.