A cyclic symmetry constraint allows you to analyze a section of a cyclically symmetric model that simulates the behavior of the whole part or assembly. This relational constraint reduces meshing and analysis time. Cyclic symmetry constraints are not available in FEM mode.

The original model (part or assembly), from which you take a section, must exhibit cyclic symmetry. That is, copying the cut section about a common axis a specified number of times reproduces the whole model. The number of times must be an integer. The model must exhibit cyclic symmetry in all of the following:

In Structure, a cyclic symmetry constraint prescribes rotation and displacement on two boundaries to be the same. In Thermal, a cyclic symmetry constraint prescribes the temperature distribution on two boundaries to be the same.

To solve a cyclic symmetry problem, you need to complete three steps—cutting your model to isolate a cyclically symmetric segment, defining the constraint with the Cyclic Constraint dialog box, and running an analysis that includes the constraint.

For more information on cyclic symmetry, see Guidelines for Cyclic Symmetry.