Import Browser Columns

Model/Sub Model > Right click > Import Browser Columns

This is used to import browser columns csv files created by Export Browser Column.

Import is currently supported for the following columns.

  • Material
  • NewName (For Body Rename)
  • Abaqus Section Control Name
  • Mesh Control
  • Membrane
  • Mesh Type
  • Mesh Size
  • Min Edge Length
  • Heat Source
  • Color
  • Start Node ID
  • Start Element ID
  • Quality Spec
  • Property

Once the csv file is edited, users can save the file and import the browser column as shown in the above image.

The below image shows the csv file before importing it inside SimLab. The New name, Mesh type, Mesh Size , Min Edge length , Mesh control and Material is updated in csv file.

The mesh sizes for body can be set in two ways: first method is to set the Mesh Type, Mesh Size and Min edge length in csv . The second method is to import a mesh template and add the Body mesh control names in the csv file, while importing the Mesh controls are assigned to corresponding bodies.

The csv file automatically renames the Bodies, sets the Mesh size, Mesh Type and Material names. Also if Mesh Template with empty mesh controls are set as shown below, the Body Mesh controls are assigned.

The below image shows the Assembly browser after the import of the csv files.

The same process can be done for Sub model and importing the csv file.

Import browser columns is supported for Mesh models as well. One can export the Mesh file after the volume mesh is generated. Export the csv file using Export Browser columns.

Update the csv file as shown below for the mesh file , as you see in the below image the Material name , Abaqus section control card name and membrane elements are edited:

Import the csv file as shown.

After the import the Abaqus section control cards, Materials , Membrane elements are updated on the model to corresponding bodies.

Heat Source

User can get the field data of the heat dissipation values for each body, in the csv file format and import it into SimLab.

After importing the heat source values, user can create the heat source boundary conditions in the active solution by selecting the model or some of the bodies and select the option “Create Heat Source”.

Membrane elements

The membrane elements are created in the solution browser. Currently while exporting the csv file using Export Browser columns , csv file will not have the membrane column.

When you set the following names in Membrane column in csv file

  1. 1Linear : Linear elements are created.

  2. 4Linear: Linear elements with connecting mid nodes are created.

  3. RI: Reduced Integration quad elements are created.

Abaqus section control cards

The section control cards are written out in the *.inp file as shown below.

The same procedure can be followed to update the respective sub-assemblies as well.

Import browser column has script support.

Note:

Do not edit the values of the "Name" column in the CSV file. Indentation of the values in the "Name" column should not be modified.

This option has the following limitations.
  • A body name or submodel name consisting of only a number may not be imported properly if it is edited in an excel spreadsheet. For numbers, excel will remove the indentation added.
  • CAD bodies having the same name within an assembly or sub assembly will not work as intended.

  • The same property assigned to multiple bodies with different materials specifications in the CSV file will not work as intended.