Creating and Using Virtual Cells

Before performing analysis of a CAD model. you may want to group surfaces/edges together to form virtual cells. Virtual Topology can aid in reducing the number of elements in the model, simplifying small features out of the model and simplifying load abstractions.

1. Topology: The connectivity of a CAD model, meaning: vertices are connected to edges, which are connected to faces, which are connected to volumes. Each one of these entities is referred to as a cell.
2. Geometry: The geometry of the CAD model is the underlying mathematical definition of the aforementioned cells.

A virtual cell in simulation modifies the topology of only the local copy in simulation. the original CAD model remains unchanged because the model in simulation is a virtual image.

Creating a Virtual Cell

Manually designate faces and edges for inclusion into a virtual cell. The geometry under a virtual cell is represented by the underlying cell's graphic resolution. All cells must be adjacent to one another to create virtual topology.

1. Insert a Virtual Topology object in the tree under the Model branch.
2. Make adjustments as needed in the Details View.
3. Select the surfaces to combine into one virtual cell.
4. Right click on the Virtual Topology in the Outline tree and create a virtual cell.

Notes about Virtual Cells

Any branch that contains existing Virtual Topology can not be duplicated. The Virtual Topology must be deleted first before duplicating the branch. To create Virtual Topology on a cloned branch, you must update the cloned branch's geometry before creating the Virtual Topology.

Animation of Virtual Topology

Default Mesh

Virtual Topology with Mesh