Simcenter 3D Solutions Replacing the CAD Source (Master) Part in a Motion Simulation File

Summary

It is common to create a motion simulation file in Simcenter 3D based on an existing part file. This will set the part file as the CAD source (formerly called master) part of motion simulation file. The motion model is tied to this part file and will use this as the reference for all of the CAD. An issue occurs when a motion simulation is referencing the wrong instance of a part file. This means that the CAD source part can be in a different folder and won’t reflect any changes made to a similar part of the same name in the correct folder. This article will walk through how to change the CAD source part using the Replace Component command.

Details

Problem:
It is common to create a motion simulation file in Simcenter 3D based on an existing part file. This will set the part file as the CAD source (formerly called master) part of motion simulation file. The motion model is tied to this part file and will use this as the reference for all of the CAD. An issue occurs when a motion simulation is referencing the wrong instance of a part file. This means that the CAD source part can be in a different folder and won’t reflect any changes made to a similar part of the same name in the correct folder.
Solution:
The “Replace Component” command can be used to change the CAD source part that is being referenced in the motion simulation file. To find this option, while working in the motion simulation file, go to the Application tab and change to the Modeling application. The primary Navigator will change from the Motion Navigator to the Assembly Navigator. In the Assembly Navigator, the simulation file will be listed first, followed by the CAD source part and then the subcomponents. Right-click on the CAD source part and choose “Replace Component”.

 

In the Replace Component dialog, select the new CAD source part that will replace the current CAD source. Note that in order to maintain elements that are based on CAD features, these referenced features should also be present in the new CAD source part. Motion body elements, for example, are often defined using components. It’s important that all of the components that were used to define the motion body elements in the simulation are present in the new CAD source part. This way the motion bodies will be maintained without having to be redefined.