Set up physical properties and mesh collectors

Practice defining physical properties and different types of mesh collectors.

Download and extract the part files.

Open the Simulation file

Open the Simulation file and reset the dialog box settings.

  1. Choose File→Open and open spacecraft_properties\HESSI_thermal_assyfem1.afm.
  2. Choose File→Preferences→User Interface and on the Dialog and Precision page, reset the dialog box memory.

Modify existing 1D mesh collector for the struts of the structure

Assign aluminum material, define cross section and thermal properties for the beam elements.

  1. In the Simulation Navigator, double-click frame_struct_fem1.fem to make it the work part.
  2. Expand 1D Collectors, right-click Beam(1) and choose Edit.
  3. Ensure Beam is selected in the Type list.
  4. In the Material row, click Choose material and select Aluminum_6061.
  5. Click OK.
  6. In the Beam Property row, click Create Physical .
  7. In the Name box, type Struts.
  8. Click OK.
  9. In the Fore Section row, click Show Section Manager .
  10. In the Cross Section List group, click Create Section .
  11. From the type list, make sure that ROD is selected.
  12. In the Properties group, in the DIM1 box, type 15 mm.
  13. Click OK and close the dialog box.
  14. In the Thermo-Optical Properties group, select structure_bottom.
    This thermo-optical properties modeling object contains predefined absorptivity and emissivity coefficients for the bottom parts of the spacecraft structure.
  15. Click OK.
  16. In the Simulation Navigator, under frame_struct_fem1.fem, hide Polygon Geometry.
  17. Right-click Beam(1) and choose Edit Display
  18. In the Beam group, from the Display Section list, select Solid.
  19. Click OK.

Create a 2D mesh collector for the thermal blankets

Define thin shell 2D mesh collector with thickness and thermo-optical properties.

  1. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click thermal_blanket_fem1.fem and choose Make Work Part.
  2. Choose Home tab → Properties group → Mesh Collector .
  3. In the Element Topology group, from the Element Family list, select 2D.
  4. In the Properties group, make sure that Thin Shell type is selected.
  5. In the Material row, click Choose material and select Nylon.
  6. Click OK.
  7. In the Thin Shell Property row, click Create Physical.
  8. In the Name box, type blanket.
  9. In the Properties group, in the Thickness box, type 2.5 mm.
  10. Click OK.
  11. In the Properties group, in the Radiation row, make sure that Top and Bottom is selected.
  12. In the Top row, click Open Manager .
  13. From the Type list, select Thermo-Optical Properties - Advanced.
  14. In the Name box, type blanket_top.
  15. Click Create.
  16. In the Properties group, set Emissivity to 0.66 and Absorptivity to 0.13.
  17. Click OK.
  18. Repeat the steps 13 to 17 for blanket_bottom with Emissivity = 0.03, Absorptivity = 0.
  19. Click Close on the Modeling Objects Manager dialog box.
  20. In the Properties group, from the Top list, select blanket_top.
  21. From the Bottom list, select blanket_bottom.
  22. In the Name box, type thermal_blanket.
  23. Click OK.
You have completed this lab.