About Model Types
Use the
Advanced button on the
Model Setup dialog box to open the
Type portion of the dialog box. The check boxes in this area allow you to select a 3D model type or one of several 2D model types, depending on the kind of analysis that you want to perform in
Creo Simulate. Before selecting a model type, see
Guidelines for Working with Model Types.
The following model types are available on the Model Type dialog box for Structure and Thermal:
If you select one of the 2D model types, Creo Simulate activates the Geometry and Coordinate System areas of the dialog box. You use these areas as follows:
• Geometry—Select the 2D geometry that you want to use for your 2D model. Your selections appear in the Surfaces collector in the Geometry area.
• Coordinate System—Select a reference Cartesian coordinate system so that Creo Simulate can correctly interpret your model and verify that the loads and constraints lie in the model plane. The Coordinate System collector displays your selection.
Be aware that if your model meets the criteria for a 2D model type, you can save significant calculation time when you run a design study. Additionally, if you perform a function that removes the highlighting of your 2D model, you can use the Repaint option to restore the highlighting.
Regardless of which model type you select,
Creo Simulate creates a mesh made up of elements specific to the model type. The type of elements created for the model type depends on whether you are working in
Structure or
Thermal.
After you select a model type, Creo Simulate adjusts commands and dialog boxes to reflect the idealizations and degrees of freedom available for the model type you selected. If you change the model type later, Creo Simulate will delete a variety of modeling entities such as loads, constraints, thermal boundary conditions, idealizations, and meshes. It will, however, retain predefined measures.