Submitting a Job

Define and run an analyis using the Run Analysis tool.

The model setup should be completed before submitting job for analysis. Save the model in a new folder with the desired project name. Analysis will be performed in this folder based on user preference under Run Options.

  1. Click on the Analysis tool in the Run group.
  2. In the Analysis Parameters dialog, define parameters accordingly.
  3. Click Run to submit the job.
    The status of the run is displayed.
  4. Click Export to complete the pre-processing.
    The process stops after the data decks for the solver are generated.

Analysis Parameters Settings

Project Name
The data deck is written with "name" as a prefix. It is written in the same folder where the model is saved. Avoid using special characters as files will be created using this name.
Ignore Thermal Stresses
This option is applicable only when using OptiStruct as the coupled solver. When enabled, thermal expansion effects are excluded from the mechanical stress calculation. Temperature still influences material properties, but thermal-induced deformation or stress is not included. This is useful when you want to focus on mechanical loading and exclude stresses caused purely by temperature gradients.
Mesh Size
Medium is the preferred option. If the model has many fine features, selecting fine is recommended. If it is a simple model, coarse option can be used. To start from existing mesh, click on Existing and select the mesh file. To specify mesh size by part, click on User-defined, then click the Mesh size tab and adjust default mesh sizes.
Advanced Tab
The Advanced tab provides access to expert-level options for the solver.
Specify User Defined Functions: Use this section to incorporate custom material models or grain prediction models via user-defined dynamic link libraries (DLLs). For more information on integrating user-defined functions, refer to the advanced training packet.
  • Select DLL: Provide the path to the DLL file. Sample DLLs are available at: <Installation Folder>\Altair\2026\hwsolvers\hx\lib\win64.
  • Select Function: Choose the specific function within the DLL to use.
  • Select Type: Specify whether the DLL is for a Material or Grain Size.
User Commands - Before Loading GRF: Use this field to override the default solver parameters before loading the GRF file. Enter pset parameters directly in the text box.
User Commands - After Loading GRF: Use this field to override the default solver parameters after loading the GRF file. Enter pset parameters directly in the text box.
For a list of supported pset variables, refer to What are Key pset Solver Variables?.

Start from Existing Mesh

Start from an existing mesh in Advanced Mesh Controls.

  1. Click Existing under Mesh Size options.
  2. Enter the path to the mesh file or browse to it.
    Note:

    Supported data formats:

    *.grf, *.bdf, and *.fem

    Specifications:

    1. The length unit of mesh must be the same as the user unit.
    2. The meshed part name should be the same as the solid part name, with optional suffix "3D". For example, if the solid part name is DiePlate, then choices for meshed part names would be DiePlate3D or DiePlate.
  3. Click Run to start the job.