Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on a MODSIM PoC for a modular building structure using CATIA and SIMULIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

For the structural analysis, our intention is to use a simplified wireframe (1D beam element) model rather than the full solid geometry, in order to perform an efficient linear static analysis of the overall modular structure.

In our current workflow, the CATIA team creates a skeleton/wireframe model representing the centerlines, positions, and orientations of the structural members. This skeleton is also used as a reference for generating the detailed CATIA geometry. We would then like to reuse this wireframe model for structural simulation in SIMULIA as part of the MODSIM workflow.

However, we have encountered an issue with the cross-sections of the structural members.

The actual members are cold-formed steel sections with a lipped C-channel cross-section. The profile is therefore more complex than the standard rectangular, L-shaped, or C-channel sections available in the predefined section library.

Our understanding so far is that although a wireframe-based structural analysis may still be possible, there may be limitations in the 3DEXPERIENCE environment regarding:

1. Defining and assigning a custom/arbitrary cross-section such as a lipped C-channel to the existing CATIA wireframe geometry.
2. Accurately accounting for the structural properties of this custom cross-section in the 1D structural analysis.
3. Visualizing the simulation results using the actual cross-section shape, rather than displaying only the wireframe/line representation.

We understand that standalone Abaqus/CAE may provide more options for defining arbitrary beam sections, but our PoC is specifically focused on the 3DEXPERIENCE MODSIM workflow, so we would like to understand what is currently possible and recommended within the platform environment.

Our questions are:

• Is it possible to define a custom/arbitrary cross-section such as a lipped C-channel for an existing CATIA wireframe model within the 3DEXPERIENCE structural simulation workflow?
• If so, can the actual cross-section also be rendered when visualizing stress, displacement, and other simulation results?
• If the custom section can be used for calculation but cannot be rendered, is there another recommended method to visualize the results on the corresponding 3D member geometry?
• If this workflow is not supported, what would be the recommended MODSIM approach for this type of structure — for example, wireframe/1D elements, shell representation, or full solid geometry?
• More generally, what is the recommended CATIA–SIMULIA workflow for reusing a CATIA skeleton/wireframe model for structural simulation without recreating the structural representation and introducing duplicate work?

The objective of this PoC is not detailed nonlinear structural analysis, but to demonstrate an efficient Continuous Engineering / MODSIM workflow, where design changes in CATIA can be propagated to structural simulation with minimum remodeling or manual preparation.

Any experience, recommended workflow, or example using non-standard cold-formed steel profiles in 3DEXPERIENCE would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!