Guidelines and Tips for Using Datum Points
Datum points are particularly useful in Creo Simulate for a variety of reasons. You need to add datum points to define certain types of constraints, loads, idealizations, connections, measures, and mesh controls. These include:
• point constraints
• prescribed temperatures applied to a point
• convection conditions applied to a point
• loads applied to a point
• loads distributed as a total load at point
• interpolated loads
• resultant loads
• connections such as welds, weighted links, and rigid links
• idealizations such as springs, masses, beams, and trusses
• local measures associated with a point
• FEM mesh hard points
• AutoGEM mesh seed points
Be aware that, although you can apply constraints, force loads, and moment loads to points, this application method can cause high stress concentrations that make the correct interpretation of analysis results difficult. You can often produce a more realistic effect by distributing the load or constraint over a small surface region or using a TLAP instead.
If you decide to use point loads or constraints, always place your datum points on a boundary curve or surface. Do not locate these points in the interior of the part. You can add datum points to your model singly or, if you are adding the points in Creo Parametric, as a pattern.
Although datum points prove useful for certain types of modeling, large numbers of datum points in your part can result in slower Creo Simulate performance. If your part includes datum points that have no use in Creo Simulate, consider suppressing these points before accessing Creo Simulate.