PreSys-LS-DYNA Modeling tutorial-EN

Foreword
Copyright © 2010-2021 Engineering Technology Associates, Inc.

This material is a compilation of data and figures from various sources.
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Overview
Welcome to the Inventium tutorial. The user interface and operating mode for this
tutorial is the unified version for all platforms under Windows.
It introduces the basic procedure of finite element simulation analysis with
PreSys as the pre and post processing and LS-DYNA as the solver. The other
modules and functions of Inventium are not included in this tutorial. Users are
allowed to attend the advanced training of ETA for more technical details.
Two parts are included in this tutorial.
1. An Introduction to the PreSys Modeling Basis: It facilitates primary users to
learn how to mesh with PreSys and other basic knowledge;
2. Bumper-Rigid Wall Impact: It facilitates users to learn about the finite element
simulation analysis with PreSys pre and post processing and LS-DYNA solver.
Please Note: Pictures displayed in this tutorial, including the background color,
shading and element outline are all displayed functions that can be selected,
which can be controlled through the View menu and Option Center.
Foreword
I
Table of Contents
Foreword .................................................................................... I
Overview .................................................................................... I
Table of Contents ..................................................................... II
1 An Introduction to the PreSys ....................................... 1
1.1 Start PreSys ..................................................................................... 1
1.2 User Interface .................................................................................. 1
1.3 Shortcut Keys .................................................................................. 2
1.4 Toolbars and Icons ........................................................................... 3
1.5 Model View ...................................................................................... 4
1.6 Parts ................................................................................................ 5
1.7 Windows .......................................................................................... 5
1.8 The PreSys Modeling Process .......................................................... 6
2 Bumper-Rigid wall Impact .............................................. 7

2.1 Import Model .................................................................................... 7
2.2 Mesh ................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Model Check .................................................................................. 13
2.4 Create and Assign a Material ......................................................... 16
2.5 Define Element Property ................................................................ 18
2.6 Define Connection .......................................................................... 20
2.7 Define a Contact ............................................................................ 21
2.8 Define Boundary Conditions ........................................................... 23
2.9 Simulation Parameters and Output Definitions ................................ 26
2.10 Submit the Solver ........................................................................... 27
2.11 View Simulation Results ................................................................. 28
Summary ................................................................................. 30
Foreword
II
An Introduction to the PreSys
1 An Introduction to the PreSys

This chapter is to familiarize novice users with functions and techniques associated with the
construction of finite element models and associated features with PreSys.
This chapter can be skipped for intermediate or advanced users.
1.1 Start PreSys
For Windows users, double click the PreSys icon from the desktop or choose PreSys
2021 from the Windows Start Menu.
After starting PreSys, an empty database file Untitled.mdl is created. Users will begin by
importing CAD or CAE files to the current database.
1.2 User Interface
The PreSys user interface can be configured in many different ways, for maximum flexibility.
The default user interface is shown in Figure 1.1. The main areas of the interface are labeled,
and will be referred to in this Guide.
1. The Toolbar area is located at the top of the window, and contains selectable icons for
all of the commands available in PreSys.
2. The Drop-down Menus are at the very top of the window allows users to access every
command through an easy to use the drop down menu system.
3. The Display Area is where all graphical data is displayed.
4. The Command Window allows users to directly input commands and execute them.
5. The Message Window displays the model information and prompts the user if data is
needed, as well as warning or error messages for the user.
6. The Model Window allows the user to access a great deal of information about the
model, control the display of data, edit the model data, and create and edit all solver
keywords with the keyword editor.
Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 1

Figure 1.1 PreSys User Interface
1.3 Shortcut Keys
Function keys 1 through 8 may act as shortcuts the most frequently used menus. Only
Function keys F1 and F3 are predefined by PreSys. Function keys F1 through F8 are
predefined by PreSys according to different operating frequencies of each function, as listed
in the following table.
F1 Online Help F5 2D Check
F2 Cleanup Model F6 Check Boundary
F3 File Import F7 ImportTransform Element
Shift+F3 File Export F8 ExportTopology Mesh
F4 Distance Point/Node To Point/Node
The user is allowed to set shortcut keys for other frequently used functions through Tools-
>Customize->Shortcut Keys according to their customs.

Figure 1.2 Shortcut Keys Settings
1.4 Toolbars and Icons
When the database is opened, the frequently used toolbar icons will be shown near the top
of the PreSys window. Tool tips are displayed when the user places the mouse pointer over
the icon. Functions are activated by clicking once on the icon using the mouse. As a general
rule, the functions which are accessed through the icons are also available for use through
the menu system.
The user is allowed to click the blank area above the display area with the right mouse
button and click one of the toolbar names in the displayed right-click menu to turn on or turn
off this toolbar.
1. Figure 1.3 illustrates View toolbar. The icons shown below control the rotate about
center, pan, zoom, fill screen and all kinds of direction views.
Some elements, nodes or surfaces and lines are highlighted in some operations. To
remove this highlighting, or to re-draw on the screen, the user may select the Clear
Highlight icon marked with red circle below.
Figure 1.3 View Toolbar

2. Figure 1.4 illustrates Standard toolbar. The file open, save, and print functions can be
accessed from these icons. It also includes Undo, Redo and Part On/Off operations.

Figure 1.4 Standard Toolbar

3. Figure 1.5 illustrates Scene toolbar. These toolbars facilitate the user to open each
function of PreSys quickly.
Figure 1.5 Scene Toolbar

4. Figure 1.6 illustrates Measurement toolbar. The icons shown below allow the user to
measure the distance between point/node to point/node, between point/node to line,
and point/node to surface. These icons can also be used to measure the angle, radius,
length of line , or label/arrow is added on the screen.
Figure 1.6 Measurement Toolbar

5. Figure 1.7 illustrates Mesher toolbar. The icons below facilitate the user to mesh. We
will focus on each functions of meshing in the following sections of this case.
Figure 1.7 Mesher Toolbar
1.5 Model View
By selecting the right, center or left mouse button, and the CTRL key, the user can rotate,
pan or zoom the model view. By default, the view control mode is illustrated in the following.
Left Click +CTRL：Rotate the model view.
Right Click +CTRL：Zoom in or zoom out the proportion of the model display.
Middle Click +CTRL：Pan the model view.
An added feature of PreSys is the ability to dynamically zoom the model using the mouse
wheel. The zoom center will be at the location of the cursor. Rolling the mouse wheel
toward you will zoom in, moving the model closer to the viewer, and rolling the mouse wheel
away from the user will zoom out.
Figure 1.8 Mouse and Keyboard Controls

Users are allowed to customize different mouse operations according to their own habits.
Select the Shortcut Key from the View menu in the Tools ->Option Center, and the user
can define the corresponding functions for combination of mouse and Ctrl /Shift /Alt in the
right, as illustrated in the following Figure 1.9.
Figure 1.9 Customize Mouse Operation
1.6 Parts
The model is managed through Parts in PreSys and the concept of PARTS in PreSys is as
follows:
1. All lines, surfaces and elements must be in a ‘part’. When the part is turn on/off, lines,
surfaces or elements contained in this part will be displayed or turned off.
2. A physical part need not be contained in single PreSys ‘part’. In other words, a
component could be divided into several parts for easier manipulation.
3. Nodes, Materials and Boundary Conditions do not belong to any ‘part’.
4. When new lines, surfaces or meshes are created, they are placed in the CURRENT
PART. A part must be made CURRENT to add any data to it.
1.7 Windows
The PreSys windows shown in the user interface in Figure 1.1 may be hidden or displayed
by selecting Window from the drop down menus. The desired windows may be selected for
display.

It is recommended that the Message Window be displayed, since many messages are
displayed regarding any errors which may occur during the modeling processes presented
here. These messages will direct the user to select or input the proper data.
1.8 The PreSys Modeling Process
The PreSys modeling process is one common to most commercial finite element modeling
software. The user creates or imports geometry on which a finite element mesh will be
created. The element property and boundary conditions applied will be set. This data is then
exported to an internal or external finite element solver where the data is interpreted and a
solution is stored in a computer file for post processing.

Bumper-Rigid wall Impact
2 Bumper-Rigid wall Impact

This Tutorial illustrates the deformation simulation of the bumper when the bumper impacts
the rigid wall of the vehicle. That means if the bumper can transform the kinetic energy into
internal energy and absorb it so as to ensure the safety of the driver in a collision. The whole
modeling process covers the basic information that is needed to construct a finite element
model using PreSys’ tools to import CAD data, construct elements on the CAD data, check
the mesh quality, define materials and element properties, contact interfaces, and analysis
parameters.
The Tutorial also discusses the basic post processing of the simulation results, and creation
of animation files and graphs.
2.1 Import Model
Unit Setting
The default unit system is mm, Ton, Sec and N after PreSys is started. The user can view
the unit system adopted by the current database from the lower right corner of the window.
The unit system can also be changed from the Tools drop down menu, and the
Environment Setting option. The default unit system is adopted in this example.
Import File
From the FILE drop-down menu, select IMPORT. An Import window will be popped up, as
illustrated in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2 Import Window

Select Step Files (*.stp, *.step) as the file format, view and select the folder. Double click
bumper.stp which is located in the installation director: \PreSys 2021\ manual\ LS-DYNA
Modeling Tutorial. The step data file will be imported and be displayed on the screen, as
a.Part Edge Display Mode b. Topology Edge Display Mode
Figure 2.3 Bumper Model

Please note that Figure 2.3b is the view with Topology Edge +Shading mode. This view
displays the boundary condition between different surfaces. Red indicates the free edges
and green indicates the shared edges of various surfaces. The nodes on the shared
boundaries are shared by multiple surfaces when meshes are performed.
By default, the lines and surfaces on the Model Explorer are toggled ON. Take the
opportunity to switch ON/OFF those options by clicking the green check boxes next to the
LINES and SURFACES entries on the Model Explorer. If necessary, click on the plus (+)
next to the entity name to expand the entity list. You can determine the number of surface
and line entities currently in the model by reviewing the numbers next to the LINE and
SURFACE entries on the Model Explorer.
Rotate and explore the loaded CAD information by clicking the Rotate About Center icon in
the VIEW toolbar. You can toggle the shading of the surfaces on/off by selecting the
SHADING icon from the VIEW toolbar.
If the imported surfaces have any red boundary in the topology display mode, it is necessary
to use the Stitch/Unstitch Surface to stitch the surface firstly, as shown in the following
figure. The surfaces will be stitched after the user selects all the surfaces, and clicks the
Apply button.

After bumper.stp is imported, the PART name may be a string of characters, which is
adverse for the user to remember and position the part to be operated. Generally, the PART
named after the part name. The user can right click the PART name in the model information
and select Rename in the menu.
 PART1 is renamed RAIL
 PART2 is renamed PLATE
 PART3 is renamed BUMPER
 PART4 is renamed WALL
2.2 Mesh
The “Current Part” is the active part to which all new entities are assigned. All new lines or
surfaces will be automatically included in the current part. The current part is displayed at the
lower right corner of the PreSys window, with its part color shown.
Caution should be taken to make sure that the desired part is current before creating any
new lines or surfaces.
The user may assign the newly created elements to each original part containing surfaces
when automeshing surfaces.
Set the WALL as the current part by:
1. Click the Current Part button in the lower right of the PreSys window to open the Set
Current Part task panel.
2. Select WALL in the part list and this part will be set as the current part. The result is
Figure 2.4 Set Current Part
Mesh the WALL

1. Go to the PreProcess drop down menu, and select the Mesher->Area Mesh option.
Alternately, the user may select the Area Mesh icon from the Mesher toolbar.
2. Select the 4 Line Mesh command from the Area Mesh Menu. For the WALL with
750×500mm of rectangle, we want to create 50x50 mm Shell Elements, which means a

density of 15x10 elements. Enter 15, 10, 15 and 10 for the parameters, as illustrated in
the Figure 2.5.
Figure 2.5 Area Mesh Setting

3. Select 4 lines from the WALL in either clockwise or counter clockwise order. Click the
Apply button and the mesh result is illustrated in Figure 2.6.
Figure 2.6 Mesh Result for Wall

Mesh Surfaces
This section of the tutorial will explain how to use PreSys’ powerful automeshing tools to
automatically create mesh on surface geometry. This is the easiest method to create a large
number of elements on a series of parts.
On the Model Explorer select the green check box to turn the Wall off, and the remaining
parts on, as illustrated in Figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7 Close WALL

The result displayed on the screen is illustrated in Figure 2.8.
Figure 2.8 Unmeshed Part

To know the mesh size of the part, the width of the bumper flange is measured to be 24~30
mm.

Normally, flanges require a two-element width so we will give a mesh density of 15 mm for
the bumper and the other components (Plate and Rail).
Note: The user is allowed to measure the flange width from Tools ->Utility.
Subsequently, go to the PreProcess drop down menu, and select the Mesher->Topology
Mesh option. Alternately, the user may select the Topology Mesh icon from the Mesher
toolbar. A dialogue will open in the TASK panel of the MODEL EXPLORER. This will prompt
the user for the necessary parameters such as meshing style, mesh size and selection of the
surfaces to be meshed.
Mesh Generation by Surface Mesh:
1. Click the 2D Auto Mesh icon from the Mesher toolbar to open the task panel, as
Figure 2.9 Method for Opening Topology Mesh

2. Set SHELL as the Element Type in the displayed task panel.
3. Enter 15.0 into the Element Size field, and leave the remaining fields the default
values, as illustrated in Figure 2.10.
Figure 2.10 Topology Mesh Task Panel

4. Select the Select Surfaces button on the task panel and select the Displayed
surfaces. All surfaces will be highlighted.
5. Click the Apply button on the task panel to perform the mesh operation. The prompt
message will be popped up, as illustrated in Figure 2.11.

Figure 2.11 Prompt Message

6. When finished, the generated mesh will be displayed on the screen. Set the Display
Mode to and rotate the view to check the generated meshes,

as illustrated in Figure 2.12.
Figure 2.12 Generated Meshes
2.3 Model Check
After the mesh has been completed, the user should check the elements which were created,
to assure that there are no cracks in the model, and that all elements meet the desired
quality criteria. To perform this verification, the user selects Preprocess ->Model Check
from the Drop Down menu or from the Model Check toolbar.
Check Boundary
Select the Check Boundary icon from the Model Check toolbar, as illustrated in Figure 2.13.
Figure 2.13 Check Boundary Icons

The Check Boundary function displays only the free edges in the model, and no
discontinuous elements exist in the model, as illustrated in Figure 2.14. The user selects
Clear Highlight from the View toolbar to clear the boundary highlight.

Figure 2.14 Boundary Check
Mesh Quality Check

1. To perform a comprehensive model check and repair, it is recommended that the 2D
Check option be used. Click the 2D Check function from the Mesh Check toolbar to open
the 2D Check task panel, as illustrated in Figure 2.15.
Figure 2.15 Enhance Mesh Icons

2. Once the Enhance Mesh task panel is opened, the user can select the model checking
parameters that will be used to evaluate the mesh. The user may check/uncheck the desired
boxes next to the parameter to enable or disable the model checking options, as illustrated in
Figure 2.16.

Figure 2.16 Model Check Criteria

3. Click the Apply button, and ENHANCE MESH will check all quantities simultaneously and
display the results using a color-coded scale, as illustrated in Figure 2.17. Elements failing
any of the criteria will be displayed, filled with the color corresponding to the scale displayed
on the right side of the Display Window. Elements which fail multiple criteria will be displayed
in a red color.

Figure 2.17 Model Check Result

4. Click the Repair tab on the task panel, as illustrated in Figure 2.18. Click the Auto Repair
button, and most failed elements will be repaired.
Figure 2.18 Auto Repair
2.4 Create and Assign a Material
Now that our mesh is completed, we can create and assign a material property. Multiple
materials may be created and assigned on a part- by-part basis.
1. Click the Create Material function from the Material toolbar to open the Create Material
task panel as illustrated in Figure 2.19.

Figure 2.19 Create Material

The user can create the needed material model on this task panel. First, create a RIGID
material for the WALL.
2. From the Material Type field, select MAT_020 (MAT_RIGID) from the drop down list and
enter WALL for the Name. Then click Edit Keyword… button to open the material and edit
the properties.
For the Wall, we will constrain its motion by entering a ‘7’ in the CON1 and CON2 fields.
Enter 1 in the CMO field and leave the remaining fields the default values, as illustrated in
Figure 2.20. Select OK to accept any changes and return to the Create Material task panel.
Click the Apply button to create the material.
Figure 2.20 Edit Material Properties

3. Again, select Create, to create a material for the Bumper, Plate and Rail parts. Select
MAT_24 (MAT_PIECEWISE_LINEAR PLASTICITY) in the Create Material task panel.
Enter BUMPER-RAIL for the Name. Then click Edit Keyword… button to open the material
and edit the properties.
Enter RO = 7.85E-09, E =210.E+03, v = 0.28E, in the RO, E, and PR fields, respectively.
Also, we will define a stress – strain relationship for the material. Enter the EPS1, ES1, EPS2,
ES2, etc. Enter the data as shown in Table 1.
Table1 Stress–Strain Relationship for Material
EPS 0 0.0309 0.04 0.05 0.151 0.301 0.701 0.91

ES 210 300 314 325 390 438 505 527
The defined material properties are illustrated in Figure 2.21. Click OK on the Keyword Editor
window to accept the parameter settings and return to the Create Material task panel. Click
OK to create the material and exit the task panel.
Figure 2.21 Edit Material Properties

4. After the materials are created, it is necessary to assign them to corresponding parts in
the model.
Right click the created WALL under the Material option on the Model Explorer. Select the
Assign option in the popped menu. The user can then select the WALL part from part list
and then click OK. Then this rigid material will be assigned to WALL. The operation is
Repeat the above operations. Right click the created BUMPER-RAIL and select BUMPER,
PLATE and RAIL from the popped part list. Click OK to finish the operation.
Figure 2.22 Assign the Rigid Material to Rigid Wall
2.5 Define Element Property
The Element Property is the material thickness for shell elements. This applies only to LS-
DYNA models, since the material thickness is identified in the PART definition for NASTRAN
models (PSHELL).
The process to create an Element Property is similar to the Material creation.

1. Click the Create Property function from the Property toolbar to open the Create
Property task panel. In the Create Property task panel, select SECTION_SHELL for the
Type and enter WALL-RAIL for the Name. Then click the Edit Keyword button, as illustrated
in Figure 2.23.
Figure 2.23 Create Element Property

2. To define the actual material thickness for a shell, select the Edit Keyword button and a
parameter table will be displayed. In the fields T1, T2, T3, T4 enter a material thickness – for
our model it will be 1.5, as illustrated in Figure 2.24. Then, click OK to accept the entered data
and return to the Create Property task panel. Click OK to create the element property and exit
the task panel.
Figure 2.24 Keyword Editor

3. Right click the created WALL-RAIL under the Property option on the Model Explorer. Select
the Assign option in the popped menu. The user can then select the WALL, BUMPER, PLATE
and RAIL part with Ctrl key from part list and then click OK. Then the element property will be
assigned to the selected part. The operation is illustrated in Figure 2.25.

Figure 2.25 Define Property
2.6 Define Connection
At this point, all the parts of our model are created and meshed but they are not connected.
Usually parts are connected by 1 dimensional elements; normally rigid links or spot welds. In
this case, the connections between BUMPER and PLATE, and PLATE and RAIL are created
by spot welds. The operations are illustrated below.
1. Close the WALL part on the Model Explorer, and open BUMPER, PLATE and RAIL part.
2. Select the Create Connection icon from the Connection toolbars, as illustrated in Figure
2.26.
Figure 2.26 Create Spotweld

3. Set Location to On Node on the Create Spotweld task panel, and leave other parameters
unchanged, as illustrated in Figure 2.27.

Figure 2.27 Create Spotweld Figure 2.28 Selected Weld Points

1. Select the Weld Point location on the screen with mouse and please refer to Figure
2.28 for the location. The view can be changed into +X View for easy picking.
2. The user can turn off the Select Node dialog box after finishing the selection. Set
Layer Num to 2 and Connect to Part and then click the Select Part button to pop up
the Select Part window. Select All parts to close the Select Part dialog box.
3. Select CNRBody as the Type, and set Tolerance to 20, and then toggle on the
Remesh option. Click the Apply button to create the Spotweld. The program will
automatically search the part that meets the requirements to the Layer Num and
Tolerance in the selected parts.
Please Note: The created Spotweld is placed on the new PART_SPWD-5.
2.7 Define a Contact
A contact is needed to allow the bumper to impact the rigid wall and transmit forces between
these two components. Contacts are defined using the Keyword section on the Model
Explorer.
1. Right-click on the Keyword option on the Model Explorer and select CONTACT
->CONTACT on the popped menu, as illustrated in Figure 2.29.

Figure 2.29 Create a Contact

2. Set *CONTACT_AUTOMATIC_NODES_TO_SURFACE as the contact type in the
displayed Keyword Editor. This contact will be defined between the Bumper and the Wall.
The Bumper will be the ‘slave’ and the Wall will be the ‘master’.
The setting steps are as follows:
 First define the SSTYP and the MSTYP options by selecting Part ID (3).
 Then set the SSID to 3 (or select the Bumper), and the MSID to 4(or select the
Wall).
 Edit the FS and FD fields for static and dynamic friction coefficients to 0.3. Set
SPR and MPR to 1 in order to view the contact interfacial force.
 Click the OK button on the right side of Keyword Editor to save the result and
exit the Keyword Editor, as illustrated in Figure 2.31.

Figure 2.31 Contact Definition

3. The user may display the contact by returning to the Keyword tab in the Model Explorer
and clicking on the check box next to the CONTACT entity list. The result is illustrated in
Figure 2.32. The contact will be displayed with red for the master and blue for the slave.
Figure 2.32 View Contact
2.8 Define Boundary Conditions
Boundary conditions – constraints, loads, initial velocities and forces, can be defined using
the B.C.S. toolbar provided by PreSys to define the case, as illustrated in Figure 2.33.

Figure 2.33 B.C.S. Toolbar

The boundary conditions that need to be defined in our model include:
 As the model in this example is Half, it is necessary for us to impose the boundary
conditions for the bumper. That is to say, the constraints for the symmetrical boundary
nodes of the bumper should be defined in the Y translation and the X and Z rotations.
 The constraints should be added at the free end of the rail.
 The initial velocity for the bumper, rail and plate in the X direction is -2234.7mm/s.
The steps are as follows:
1. Close other parts on the Model Explorer, and display only BUMPER.
2. Click the Create SPC icon on the B.C.S. toolbar to enter the task panel. Set the Type
and D.O.F. to BOUDNARY_SPC_SET and X-Z Symmetry D.O.F. respectively.
Select Box in the Select Node window and then select the symmetrical boundary
nodes of the bumper on the screen through Box. The steps and results are
Figure 2.34 Set Symmetrical Boundary Conditions

3. After selecting the node, click the Apply button to receive and save the user-defined
boundary conditions.
4. Constrain all degrees of freedom for free ends of the rail except X-Translation. The
steps are similar to Step 2. Open the RAIL part on the Model Explorer, and set the
Type and D.O.F. to BOUDNARY_SPC_SET and Define D.O.F. respectively. In
addition, Y-Translation, Z-Translation, X-Rotation, Y- Rotation and Z- Rotation are
toggled on. Select Box in the Select Node window and set the current view direction

to +Z View, and then select the nodes of rail ends on the screen through Box. The
steps and results are illustrated in Figure 2.35.
Figure 2.35 Set Rail Ends Constraints

5. After selecting the node, click the OK button to save the user-defined boundary
conditions and exit the task panel.
6. Then, the display box on the right side of the B.C.S. on the Model Explorer is
toggled on, and the defined boundary conditions in Step 2 and Step 4 will be displayed
on the screen. Click the display box on the right side to close the displayed constraints.
7. Open the PLATE on the Model Explorer to display BUMPER, PLATE AND RAIL on
the screen.
8. Click the Create Initial Velocity icon on the B.C.S. toolbar to access the task panel.
Enter VX= 2234.7 and then click the Select Node to access the Select Node window.
Click the Displayed button to select all nodes displayed on the screen. Then click the
OK button to receive the entered data and exit the task panel. The operational steps
are illustrated in Figure 2.36 and the result is illustrated in Figure 2.37.

Figure 2.36 Defined Initial Velocity Figure 2.37 Initial Velocity Display
2.9 Simulation Parameters and Output Definitions
To run the simulation, several parameters need to be defined. We will define the output
database requests and the termination time of the simulation.
1. Define Termination Time
Right click the Keyword on the Model Explorer to select CONTROL->CONTROL_
TERMINATION in the popped menu. Set ENDTIM to 0.06 in the displayed Keyword
Editor. Then click OK to save and exit the keyword Editor.
2. Define Energy Control

Right click the Keyword on the Model Explorer to select CONTROL->CONTROL_

ENERGY in the popped menu. Set HGEN to 2 to output the hourglass energy in the
displayed Keyword Editor, leaving other values unchanged. Then click OK to save and
exit the keyword Editor.
3. Define ASCII File Output
Right click the Keyword on the Model Explorer to select DATABASE (ASCII) ->
DATABASE_RCFORC in the popped menu. Set DT to 0.0008 in the displayed Keyword
Editor to output the resultant force of impact force. Then click OK to save and exit the
keyword Editor.
DATABASE_NCFORC in the popped menu. Set DT to 0.0008 in the displayed Keyword
Editor to output the time interval of contact force. Then click OK to save and exit the
keyword Editor.
DATABASE_ELOUT in the popped menu. Set DT to 0.0008 in the displayed Keyword
Editor to define the time interval of stress and strain for the output element. Then click
OK to save and exit the keyword Editor.
Right click the Keyword on the Model Explorer to select DATABASE->
DATABASE_HISTORY in the popped menu. Set OPTIONS to SHELL in the displayed
Keyword Editor, and then click ID1and pick the element contacted with the rigid wall on
the screen. Repeat this process to select four to five elements. Then click OK to save
and exit the keyword Editor.
4. Define Binary File Output
Right click the Keyword on the Model Explorer to select DATABASE (BINARY) ->
DATABASE_BINARY_D3PLOT in the popped menu. Set DT to 0.001 in the displayed
Keyword Editor. Then click OK to save and exit the keyword Editor.
2.10 Submit the Solver
When the modeling process is completed, the model may be exported.

Select Run Analysis from the Analysis drop down menu to display the Run Analysis task
window as illustrated in Figure 2.38. After entering the solver file and output path, click the
Run button to submit the current file and run the analysis.
Figure 2.38 Export File Window

2.11 View Simulation Results
As a software with functions of Preprocess and Postprocess, operations of multiple windows

and multiple views are supported by PreSys. Simulation results may be loaded directly into
PreSys for visualization.
Select the Open command from the File drop down menu to display the Open window.
From the file type field, select the LSDYNA Result File (*3plot,*3plota?,*3plotb?,*3plotc?) file
type. Select the D3PLOT file. PreSys will import all D3PLOT files in the folder.
No element property or material data will be imported with the D3PLOT. The elements and
nodes displayed are used for visualization purposes. Only part and element information are
contained in the Model Explorer of Postprocess. When the file is opened, the Deform taskbar
will be opened meanwhile, which will assist the user to view the deformations clearly. The
result is illustrated in Figure 2.39.
Figure 2.39 Open Result File

The user can view the whole impact and deformation process of the bumper and rigid wall by
clicking the Play button. The animation frames will be constructed, and can be controlled
using the Pause, Stop, Fast Forward and Rewind buttons on the Deform Task Panel. The
deformation for any frame can be viewed using the slider bar of the Frame Number. The
play speed for the animation can be controlled by dragging the slide bar of Frame/Second.
The Record (avi) function is also provided for recording the whole impact and deformation
animations which are saved as avi file.
The user is also allowed to view the stress distribution by selecting the Contour function.
Click Postprocess-> Contour to open the Contour task panel. Set the Current Component
to MAX_VONMISES to view the stress distribution during the impact process. A fringe plot in
the right side of the display area will be displayed showing the deformations. The Contour
function can also provide the Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind and Record buttons, which
is convenient for the user to control or record the deformations.

Click the New Model to import the dyn file. Then click Window-> Split Vertically to split the
display area. The results for Preprocess and Postprocess of the model will be displayed, as
Figure 2.40 Split Display Areas

Summary
Summary
This manual can be used as the tutorial for finite element simulation analysis
with PreSys as the pre and post processing and LS -DYNA as the solver, which
facilitates the user to learn and master the procedure and methods of finite element
analysis with PreSys. The technical details about the fi nite element simulation and
other applications of PreSys are not included in this tutorial. Users are allowed to
attend the advanced training of ETA for more technical details.
Please refer to Inventium ○R /PreSys ○R 2021R1 User Manual for more function
descriptions and option settings.

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Foreword

Copyright © 2010-2021 Engineering Technology Associates, Inc.

5445 Corporate Drive, Suite 301

2 Bumper-Rigid wall Impact .............................................. 7

1 An Introduction to the PreSys

1.1 Start PreSys

1.2 User Interface

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 1

Figure 1.1 PreSys User Interface

1.3 Shortcut Keys

F1 Online Help F5 2D Check

F2 Cleanup Model F6 Check Boundary

F3 File Import F7 ImportTransform Element

Shift+F3 File Export F8 ExportTopology Mesh

F4 Distance Point/Node To Point/Node

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 2

Figure 1.2 Shortcut Keys Settings

1.4 Toolbars and Icons

Figure 1.3 View Toolbar

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 3

Figure 1.4 Standard Toolbar

Figure 1.5 Scene Toolbar

Figure 1.6 Measurement Toolbar

Figure 1.7 Mesher Toolbar

1.5 Model View

Figure 1.8 Mouse and Keyboard Controls

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 4

Figure 1.9 Customize Mouse Operation

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 5

1.8 The PreSys Modeling Process

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 6

2 Bumper-Rigid wall Impact

2.1 Import Model

Figure 2.2 Import Window

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 7

a.Part Edge Display Mode b. Topology Edge Display Mode

Figure 2.3 Bumper Model

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 8

Figure 2.4 Set Current Part

Mesh the WALL

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 9

Figure 2.5 Area Mesh Setting

Figure 2.6 Mesh Result for Wall

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 10

Figure 2.7 Close WALL

Figure 2.8 Unmeshed Part

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 11

Figure 2.9 Method for Opening Topology Mesh

Figure 2.10 Topology Mesh Task Panel

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 12

Figure 2.11 Prompt Message

Mode to and rotate the view to check the generated meshes,

Figure 2.12 Generated Meshes

2.3 Model Check

Figure 2.13 Check Boundary Icons

Modeling for LS-DYNA Applications 13

Figure 2.14 Boundary Check

Mesh Quality Check

Figure 2.15 Enhance Mesh Icons