Chapter 14: Interfaces with Other Programs
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Chapter 14
14.1 What Is Interface Software?
Interface software is software that allows you to exchange data between the
ANSYS program and other application programs. The software may be made
available as an independent package or built into the application programs.
This chapter gives a brief description of interface software currently available. For
more details, refer to the ANSYS Third Party Software Directory.
14.2 Interfacing with Computer Aided Design
(CAD) Programs
Many CAD programs have direct interfaces with the ANSYS program through
software written by ANSYS, Inc. or by the CAD vendors. Translators for the
following programs are available from ANSYS, Inc.: AutoCAD, CADAM, CADKEY,
and Pro/ENGINEER. For other programs, please refer to the ANSYS Third Party
Software Directory or consult your CAD software vendor.
The ANSYS-Pro/ENGINEER interface is noteworthy because it offers the
capability of performing feature-based parametric optimization. This capability
allows you to start with a feature-based parametric Pro/ENGINEER model,
optimize it using the ANSYS program, and end up with an optimized
Pro/ENGINEER model that is still a feature-based parametric model. The
ANSYS/ProFEA User's Guide and the ANSYS/ProFEA Training Guide contain
more detail on using the ANSYS-Pro/ENGINEER interface.
14.3 Interfacing with Other Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) Programs
An ANSYS/NASTRAN translator program is available that provides two-way
conversion of input files between ANSYS and MSC/NASTRAN. The program
converts finite element model data and load case information from static and
modal analyses. Please contact your ASD (ANSYS Support Distributor) or
ANSYS, Inc. for more information. For information about other FEA programs,
consult the FEA program vendor.
14.4 Other Interfaces
Interface software is also available for software in the following categories:
- Kinematics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A fully integrated CFD capability is
available within the ANSYS program, using the FLOTRAN CFD module.
- Graphics and publishing
- Preprocessing and postprocessing
- Injection molding analysis
- Acoustics and noise reduction
- Experimental modal analysis
- Fracture and fatigue
- Multibody systems
- Crash analysis and metal forming
- Dynamics
Typically the interface software for such applications is available from the
respective vendors.
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