SolidPractice Information

Domain and Role/Product

Durability and Mechanics Engineer , Fluid Dynamics Engineer , Plastics Injection Engineer 

What's Covered? - Jump to each section using the Contents List in the top right!

• Optimal configuration for single and multi-user access, installation, hardware, and software compatibility tools
• Tips and best practices for a successful first  simulation
• Managing your simulation environment, including storage, deletion, and archiving of your data
• Web-based Apps to view lightweight simulation results, simulation data comparison, and monitor simulation runs

Revision History

Note
All SolidPractices are written as guidelines. It is a strong recommendation to use these documents only after properly evaluating your requirements. Distribution of this document is limited to Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks employees, VARs, and customers that are on active subscription. You may not post this document on blogs or any internal or external forums without prior written authorization from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation.

This document was updated using version SOLIDWORKS 2024. If you have questions or need assistance in understanding the content, please get in touch with your designated reseller.

Acknowledgments 
This document was authored by GoEngineer and reviewed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. 

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1) Preface: 

Many engineering teams test their products using software-based analysis before performing manufacturing and physical testing. The more physics capabilities and functionalities that an analysis software includes, the more a robust tool it is for engineers to use to obtain a precise and accurate analysis result. Efficiencies like iterative analyses and cloud computing let designers guide design decisions more quickly. 

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform simulation suite provides physics capabilities spanning a wide range of applications. This document will focus on roles providing the physics capabilities for structural, durability, fluids, and injection molding analysis. 

If you are accessing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for the first time, this document aims to guide you through initial implementation and administration tasks such as: 

• How to access the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for the first time. 
• How to assign licenses to named users. 
• How to install and update applications. 
• Tips and best practices for your first analysis. 

You can use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s simulation tools alongside your current CAD data management systems (for example, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional), or you can manage data within the platform using ENOVIA. Either way, you will learn best practices for organizing, deleting, and sharing simulation data. 

In summary, first-time users of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform who plan to use simulation roles to analyze their products should read this document to learn best practices and guided steps for administering their roles and simulation data.     

2) Getting Started: Login and Activation 

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a cloud-based environment that connects an organization’s business activities using a unified data model. When you become a 3DEXPERIENCE customer, Dassault Systèmes provides you with a tenant. A tenant is a browser-accessible space in one of the data centers (cloud servers) located around the world. You are assigned a tenant that is located closest to your geographical location. Log in to your tenant to access the roles and apps that your organization has purchased, and to access your data.   

Before anything else, your organization’s designated Platform Administrator must activate your tenant. The Platform Administrator is responsible for setting up the tenant to suit your organization’s policies and processes, inviting users, and assigning roles to users. 

To view videos explaining these first steps for an administrator or member, access the onboarding videos available on the Cloud Onboarding page of the Dassault Systèmes website. 

a) Accessing your 3DExperience Platform 

You can find full details and up to date information on how to access the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at: 

• The Cloud Onboarding page of the Dassault Systèmes website. 
• The SOLIDWORKS News & Info Community. This hyperlink takes you directly to the “Getting Started: Admin Path” wiki entries. 

i) Administrator: First Time Access 

This section contains a summary of first-time access considerations and recommendations. 

 Administrator Email Account 

We recommend that your organization generates an administrator email address, for example: 

3DX_Admin@companyname.com. 

 Terms and Conditions 

You may have the appropriate legal parties at your organization review the Terms and Conditions here: https://www.3ds.com/terms.   

 Administrator Login 

The employee associated with the initial order will receive an email stating "Action 

Required: Your 3DEXPERIENCE platform is ready" containing a link to “Launch your 3DEXPERIENCE platform”.  

Selecting this link will begin a process that ultimately results in assigning a user license and administrator access. As such, be sure that whoever proceeds is authorized to be the administrator for your tenant. 

Figure 1: Example email invitation to administrator that contains the “Launch your 3DEXPERIENCE platform” link 

The administrator will go through the following steps: 

1. Click Launch your 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 
2. Create a set of 3DEXPERIENCE login credentials using the 

3DX_Admin@companyname.com email address and a non-personal password. 

3. Click Make me Administrator. 
4. The Agreement Acceptance window provides the Client License and Online Service Agreement. Review this document and click Accept to proceed. 
5. You will be redirected to a URL beginning  with “https://r[series of numbers]”. Keep track of this URL. This is your 3DEXPERIENCE platform, where you can assign yourself roles, invite other users, or install your software. Best practice is to bookmark this link. 

ii) User: First Time Access 

Future members of the platform will be invited by their administrator. New users will receive an email invitation from noreply@3dexperience.3ds.com. 

In the email invitation, click Launch your 3DEXPERIENCE platform and login using the email address the invite was sent to. 

Figure 2: Example email invitation to a new user 

As a best practice, new users should bookmark the URL for their 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

iii) User: Returning Access 

Returning users should access their 3DEXPERIENCE platform through their saved bookmarks. 

If a user does not have the URL saved, they can use the following alternative options to access their 3DEXPERIENCE platform: 

• The Microsoft® Windows® System Tray: If a user has installed a role onto their local computer, a 3DEXPERIENCE icon will appear in the Windows System Tray. Users can select this icon to access their browser login. 

  

Figure 3: 3DEXPERIENCE icon in Windows System Tray 

• The SOLIDWORKS Website: If a user has lost access to their URL, they can access their platform by logging into the SOLIDWORKS website using the following steps: 

1. Go to https://www.SOLIDWORKS.com    
2. Select the Login icon at the top right. Log in with the administrator or user credentials associated with your platform. For user accounts, this is typically the company email address. 

Figure 4: Login icon on the SOLIDWORKS website 

3. In the menu at the top of the website, go to Community > Support & Training > 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

If your company has lost access to their administrator login credentials, reach out to your local VAR for assistance. 

b) Licensing and Assigning Roles 

When performing tasks within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it is important to get accustomed to the user interface. Figure 5 shows some basic user interface terminology that will help users navigate the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

Figure 5: Basic user interface terminology on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform 

This section discusses licensing and assigning roles. Only the administrator has the ability to add new users and assign roles. 

i) Inviting New Members 

The 3DEXPERIENCE follows a named-user licensing approach, and requires that users at a minimum have the 3DSwymer role to log in. 

An administrator will assign simulation licenses, also called roles, to themselves and their organization’s users. To perform this task, an administrator should select the dashboard Platform Management and select the Members dashboard tab. Only administrators can see the Members Management and Platform Management dashboards. 

Figure 6: Steps for an administrator to assign roles to a user 

In the Members tab, the Members Control Center application is active. Administrators can invite new users to add them to the tenant by selecting Invite Members, then inputting users’ email addresses. 

Figure 7: Inviting members via the Members Control Center 

A general user can have three access levels: External, Member, or Administrator. The administrator should select the User right option Member when inviting users from their organization, as shown in Figure 8. 

Figure 8: Assigning the Member access level to a user 

A 3DSwymer role must be assigned to new users to access the 3DExperience platform. In the Members Control Center application, scroll down to the Roles section to view the remaining number of 3DSwymer roles available, and when they expire. 

Figure 9: 3DSwymer role information 

Single-user Environment 

In a single-user environment, the administrator account is the only user of the organization’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform. In this case, there is only one 3DSwymer license available, which is used by the admin account. 

Users with this type of environment should reach out to their local VAR to gain access to additional 3DSwymer roles if they want to invite additional users to their 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

ii) Assign Roles 

Once a user exists on an organization’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform, an administrator can assign simulation licenses, called roles, to members. 

1. From the Members Control Center application, scroll to the Roles section. 
2. Click the details symbol next to the desired simulation role. 
3. Select View All. 
4. Activate the checkbox for members who require the role. 
5. 

Figure 10: Granting a member the 3DX Engineer role 

For your reference, common simulation roles include the following: 

Table 1: Common simulation roles

When a role is first assigned, it is tied to that user login for thirty days. After thirty days, the license can be assigned to a different user. 

iii) Collaborative Space Permissions 

Data is stored on the tenant within Collaborative Spaces. The default Collaborative Space is named “Common Space.” There is a default storage capacity that is included with the purchase of any simulation role. Reach out to your local VAR for more information on default storage capacities and adding additional storage for your platform. 

While it is possible to create multiple Collaborative Spaces, note that these are separate data repositories that do not share visibility between them. 

Single-user Environment 

In a single-user environment, the administrator account is linked by default to the Common Space. No changes to settings or permissions are needed. 

Multiple-user Environment 

In a multi-user environment, we recommend using the Common Space for version-controlled files, like templates and libraries. For production data, administrators can generate a second Collaborative Space for all other users to work within. Reach out to your local VAR for specific recommendations on your larger data management implementation.

In a multi-user environment, the administrator must grant new users access to at least one Collaborative Space via the following steps: 

1. From the dashboards menu, select Platform Management. 
2. Select the Content tab and view the Collaborative Spaces Control Center app. 
3. Click on the dropdown menu for the desired Collaborative Space. 
4. Select Manage Members. 

Figure 11: Accessing the Manage members dialog of a Collaborative Space 

5. In the top right corner, select Add member. 

Figure 12: User permission levels for a collaborative space 

6. Grant permission level Leader or Leader & Owner. 

Permission level Author and below have more restrictions. For example, Author level users cannot add custom materials to the Collaborative Space. 

c) Installation 

Simulation roles are typically installed locally and accessed via a UI called the native client. The native client requires a workstation, even if a user plans to only use cloud computing. 

i) Hardware and Software Compatibility 

Before attempting an installation, confirm that the hardware and software configurations of the workstation are compatible with the installation files and executables. A high-level understanding of what to expect can prevent installation errors. 

If a user is having trouble installing or launching their 3DExperience simulation role, connect that user with an IT professional and your local VAR. 

 Cloud Eligibility Tool 

Dassault Systèmes provides a tool to check that a workstation meets the system requirements. To run the tool, the workstation and user account must have internet access, and the ability to download and run an executable. This tool is available on the Dassault Systèmes website using the following steps: 

1. Go to https://www.3ds.com/support/cloud/eligibility. 
2. Select Test your compatibility. This downloads the CloudEligibility.exe file. 
3. Run CloudEligibility.exe. 
4. A test runs for less than minute, and generates a CSV or HTML report in the user’s Temp folder. 

 Figure 13: Downloading the Cloud Eligibility tool 

Scrolling further down the website will provide useful links to the Dassault Systèmes Knowledge Base that discuss the details of the Cloud Eligibility tool. The automated checks are discussed further in Knowledge Base article QA10000010385. For new 

3DEXPERIENCE simulation users, important outputs of the Cloud Eligibility tool include: 

• Hardware and software configurations. 
• Browser version. 
• Network performance (connection speeds between user location and data center). 

If the Cloud Eligibility tool reports any issues, attempt to address them, and reach out to your local VAR with concerns. 

Your IT department must configure your organization’s antivirus and firewall software to allow communication between user computers and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Supply your IT department with Dassault Systèmes Knowledge Base article QA00000299562. 

ii) Software Installation 

Once a user has been assigned their simulation roles, they can access the installation files for those roles on the tenant. There are typically three installations needed: 

1. The user must install the 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher. 
2. The user must install the native client to access their simulation role. 
3. The user must download and import the material libraries. 

If a user plans to connect to their SOLIDWORKS installation, this adds an additional step to the installation. 

 Installing Simulation Roles 

For the most up-to-date walkthrough of how to install the native client, refer to the following guide: https://www.3ds.com/support/cloud/native-apps-installation  

Below is a summary of the basic installation steps, as well as some extra information related to simulation roles. 

1. Select the Compass. 
2. Under My Roles, select the simulation role to install. This launches a panel of available apps associated with the selected role. 
3. Select any app with a dropdown arrow in order to fully install the entire role. Table 2 provides a list of roles, and the primary preprocessing apps that they grant access to. 

                                                                                             Figure 14: Apps available to Structural Engineer role 

Table 2: Common simulation roles and apps 

4. Follow instructions from the pop-up to download and install the 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher. 
5. Once the 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher installation completes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Installation pop-up appears. Follow instructions to Install All Granted Roles. 

 Installing Material Libraries 

The material database, or material palette, is the repository for all solid and fluid materials typically associated with simulation analyses. By default, the material database in a user’s simulation installation is empty. 

To best represent your engineering use case, we recommend creating custom materials based on your material data sheets or material test data. However, it can still be helpful to have default materials to use as examples, quick tests, or for other introductory analyses. 

For up-to-date instructions on downloading and installing the available material libraries, and what material libraries are available, see the User Assistance guide article Importing Sets of Materials from a Material Briefcase. 

An important consideration is that material briefcases are not available until they are downloaded. From the tenant, select the dropdown arrow from an app associated with a simulation role and choose to Install Optional Content Now. 

Figure 15: Install Optional Content Now option for an app 

Structural and fluids roles often benefit from importing SOLIDWORKS default or custom material libraries. To do so, follow these steps: 

1. In the SOLIDWORKS application, navigate to the menu Tools > Options > System Options > File Locations. 
2. In the Show folders for: dropdown list, select Material Databases to show a list of folders that contain .sldmat material database files. 
3. Note the locations of the relevant default and custom material folders. 
4. Drag and drop relevant .sldmat files into the native client, as shown in Figure 16. 

Figure 16: Drag and drop to import the SOLIDWORKS material database file into the native client 

 Installing SOLIDWORKS 

To push design changes from SOLIDWORKS software to the native client, depending on which role you purchased, install either the SOLIDWORKS Connected or Design with SOLIDWORKS application. SOLIDWORKS Connected is a full SOLIDWORKS installation. Design with SOLIDWORKS is an add-in to your current installation. 

Access the following links for up-to-date instructions on installing these applications: 

• Installing SOLIDWORKS Connected 
• Installing Design with SOLIDWORKS 

 Installing Updates 

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform connects a wide range of applications, and provides updates and hot fixes on a near daily basis. Although most hot fixes are unnecessary for the typical simulation user to install, users can monitor them via the following wiki article: 

3DEXPERIENCE Platform User’s Community | Minor Updates Release Notes. 

Users must update annually and alongside four major Functional Deliveries (FDs). Learn what is new in each release via the Major Updates Release Notes. 

Updating the native client or SOLIDWORKS Add-in follows the same procedure as installing the program. See the update icon shown in Figure 17. 

Figure 17: Update icon 

For more information on hot fixes, read the User Assistance guide article Installing Hot Fixes. 
 

3) First Analysis Tips 

When first learning how to use simulation apps, we recommend starting with a single part file and performing an analysis from beginning (pre-processing) to end (post-processing). Once you feel comfortable with that, repeat the process for a simple assembly file of less than five parts. Use predictable geometries such as flat plates, rectangular beams, or cylinders. 

The User Assistance guide article 3DEXPERIENCE Simulation Examples provides guided tutorials for users to learn from. 

With the range of simulation roles that this document covers, we cannot provide details on a tutorial for every role. For more training, please access your 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Learner role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for self-paced training, or contact your local VAR for support on your custom case. 

Figure 18: Training material in the 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Library 

If you do not have the 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Learner role, review available courses for purchase at the Edu Space. 

The following subsections provide quick tips for frequently asked questions. 

a) CAD Geometry Tips 

CAD data on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can be independent of SOLIDWORKS software, or it can be actively linked to updates. Each option has advantages: 

• Independent data requires fewer clicks and interface knowledge to manipulate and change in the native client. 
• Linked data does not require the simulation to be set up again from scratch when the CAD data is altered. 

View the video on the wiki article Simulation Member | Import SOLIDWORKS geometry into 3DEXPERIENCE platform for Simulation to see how to import and open a CAD file in your simulation role. 

The first time you upload a file through the add-in, note the Convert Status column header. 

This notes when the SOLIDWORKS file has finished converting to a 3DEXPERIENCE file. If the Convert Status, Status, and Lock Status icons are green, the file is ready to be launched in a simulation role. We recommend you move the Convert Status column from the far right to next to the Component Name column for quicker reference. 

If the Convert Status column is not visible, right-click the header row and select Customize View > Convert Status. 

 Figure 19: Changing visibility of the Convert Status column 

Refer to the Knowledge Base article QA00000070398 to learn what data the system creates when a user uploads SOLIDWORKS files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. 

Refer to the Knowledge Base article QA00000070613 to get an explanation of other column headers, like Component Name or File Name in the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in, and how it compares to the typical SOLIDWORKS naming conventions. 

b) User Interface Tips 

Figure 20 shows important terminology for different sections of the user interface. 

Figure 20: User interface section terminology 

To read more on each section of the user interface, access the User Assistance guide articles on the Native Apps Top Bar, the Tree and 3D Area, and the Action Bar. Alternatively, the User Assistance guide article Common User Interface Components provides a simulationspecific overview. 

i) UI Tips: Native Apps Top Bar 

The first launch of the native client uses 3DEXPERIENCE mouse control settings for rotating, zooming, and panning by default, and uses SI units for analysis inputs and outputs. Click on the Me icon shown in Figure 21, and follow the steps in the wiki article Simulation Member | Setting User Preferences to switch to SOLIDWORKS or CATIA mouse settings and change units. 

Figure 21: Me icon, Preferences option 

To have the mouse settings take effect, close and relaunch the native client before continuing. 

Other useful icon options are Import for loading various file types, Save for uploading data to the platform, and the various help guides and tutorials. 

Figure 22: Useful icon options 

Select the Help button to access the web-based User Assistance guide. From the table of contents list, navigate to the Simulation category. Depending on role purchased, different categories can be useful. The Multidiscipline and Multiscale category is helpful for all simulation roles. 

Figure 23: Relevant User Assistance guide topics 

Table 3: Roles and their related User Assistance guide categories 

Each User Assistance category then splits into individual apps, as shown in Figure 24. 

 Figure 24: User Assistance Guide Category Structures 

As users go through their onboarding, they will see the native client switch between different apps. Look near the compass for which app is active. For example, Figure 25 indicates that the Mechanical Scenario app is active. 

Figure 25: Mechanical Scenario app 

The three most common apps for a simulation user are a modeling app, scenario app, and results app. Table 4 lists common simulation roles and their related apps in the way they appear in the native client. 

Table 4: Common simulation roles and their related apps 

In Table 4, although the structural roles are listed from lower to greater functionality, the app names are often similar. For the more advanced roles, these apps have access to greater functionality. The same is true between the structural and fluids roles. While the Physics Results Explorer app name is the same, there is some differing functionality between both roles. 

ii) UI Tips: Tree 

When a physics simulation active, the tree is visible in the UI. Users should see either: 

• A tree of the product, simulation, and results. 
• A white arrow denoting that the tree is unpinned, but becomes visible when the user hovers the mouse cursor over the white arrow. 

If the tree is not available, right-click in the graphics area and select Display, then activate Tree Display. Alternatively, the keyboard shortcut F3, or Fn + F3, toggles between hiding and showing the tree. 

Commands such as the Feature Manager are pop-ups in the graphics area. Drag and drop the tab to the top, left, or right area of the screen to dock these common commands into easily accessible areas. In Figure 26, the Feature Manager is docked alongside the tree. This lets users flip back and forth between each via the tabs. 

Figure 26: The Feature Manager docked next to the tree

iii) UI Tips: Action Bar 

The action bar displays commands, including ones that perform simulation tasks such as: 

• Applying boundary conditions and loads. 
• Generating a mesh. 
• Solving the analysis. 

To have the commands display both an icon and accompanying text descriptions, right-click within the action bar and select Display Icons and Text. 

Figure 27: Action bar option Display Icons and Text 

By default, the Standard tab in the action bar is pinned. Users can right-click tabs to unpin them, or drag and drop tabs to other areas of the screen to dock them elsewhere. 

Figure 28: Docking action bar tabs to other areas of the screen 

To reduce screen clutter, right-click on tabs that that you do not plan to use and choose to Hide them. For example, many users hide the AR-VR and Touch tabs if they do not have the hardware required to use their related functions. 

Select the Display tab and click on the Visibility Manager command. This tool lets users quickly hide or show shapes and mesh, so many users choose to dock it for easy access. 

 Figure 29: Visibility Manager tool 

iv) UI Tips: 3D Area 

Shapes are objects that hold CAD data. When selecting faces for boundary conditions, loads, mesh refinements, or tied connections, it is sometimes necessary to select faces that are hidden behind other geometry. Hiding shapes or selecting through faces is a commonly needed functionality. 

Hide or show shapes by hovering over the part in the graphics area and pressing the F7 key to hide a shape, or the F8 key to show all. Using Alt + F7 hides a body in a multi-body part. 

Learn about additional keyboard commands from the User Assistance guide article Hiding Objects Temporarily. 

Alternatively, hide or show shapes by right-clicking their product folder in the tree, or using the Visibility Manager. For more details on this method, refer to the User Assistance guide article Hiding and Showing Objects. 

Select faces that are hidden behind other faces using the preselection navigator, which appears when hovering the cursor over desired face and selecting the up arrow on the keyboard. The preselection navigator appears as seen in Figure 30 to navigate “in-depth” from the front to the back of the object. For more information on this method, refer to the User Assistance guide article Selecting Using the Preselection Navigator. 

Figure 30: Preselection Manager tool 

Snap to common views like Front, Right, or Isometric through the View tab in the action bar. Common commands can be linked to hotkeys. 

c) Assistant Tips 

The Assistant is a wizard-like tool that assists users in their introduction to analysis preprocessing and post-processing tasks, and is accessible in most apps. The Assistant provides a collection of the most commonly used features in simulation workflows. 

Figure 31: The Assistant 

As users perform commands via the Assistant, they can become more familiar with the UI by reviewing where the commands are located on the action bar, and where they appear within the Feature Manager and the tree. 

When users edit and delete commands, mesh, or cases, they must do so from the Feature Manager or the tree.

Figure 32: Different simulation entities within the tree 

For more information on the Assistant, refer to the User Accessibility guide article Assistant. 

4) Simulation Data Management Best Practices 

a) File Types 

There are four file types a simulation user is likely to interface with: the mesh, the simulation file, the material file, and the CAD geometry. Access these files through the 3DSearch bar in the browser or native client. For an introduction to the 3DSearch bar, refer to the wiki article Simulation Member | Work with Collaborative Spaces and Bookmarks. 

Search results can be filtered by type. For simulation users, common filter types include: 

• “fem:” where FEM is the Finite Element Model, meaning the mesh file. 
• “sim:” where SIM is Physics Simulation, meaning the simulation setup and results. 
• “mat:” where MAT is materials.
• “prd:” where PRD is Physical Products, meaning CAD geometry. 

Figure 33: 3DSearch bar 

As shown in Figure 33, a quick way to open the most recent simulation analysis is by searching “sim:”.          

Single-User Environment 

For single-user environments, changing the sort method from Relevancy to sort by Most Recent is often preferred, as doing so will display the user’s simulations in order of the date they were last saved.  

Multi-User Environment 

For multi-user environments, the default sort method Relevancy is recommended. Although this method will still show a bundle of the most recent simulations, it also displays simulations created by the active user first. 

b) Folder Structure - Bookmarks 

In the 3DXPERIENCE platform, bookmarks are structured folder paths. Bookmarks are more common in multi-user environments and can help users organize data similarly to folders in Windows Explorer, but with some additional benefits. 

• Users can choose to have bookmarks hidden from other users, or shared with specific users. 
• Files can be stored in multiple bookmarks. Bookmarks act more like a tag than a literal folder location. 

Single-User Environment 

To create bookmarks in a single-user environment, within the tenant launch the Bookmark Editor app. Apps that have an arrow on the top right of their icons are launched within the web browser, while apps without arrows in their icons are launched in the native client. 

In the Bookmark Editor app, right-click Bookmarks and then select the option New Bookmark. 

Figure 34: Single-user environment bookmark creation 

To learn how to associate files with a bookmark, refer to the wiki article Simulation Member | Work with Collaborative Spaces and Bookmarks. 

Multi-User Environment 

In multi-user environments, there is more to consider when working with bookmarks. Bookmarks have lifecycles where the default maturity state, Draft, has private visibility. Only the bookmark creator and owners of the collaborative space are able to view a bookmark that is in the Draft maturity state. 

Left-click on Draft to switch to In Work, which makes that bookmark also public to users of that collaborative space with permission level Leader or Author. View the User Assistance guide article Bookmark Root and Lifecycle for more details. 

Figure 35: Bookmark information and maturity state 

Speak to your local VAR for best practices in using bookmarks in a PLM-focused environment. 

c) Updating and Revisioning CAD Geometry 

Section 3a of this document provides links to information on importing data into the tenant via the native client or through a SOLIDWORKS add-in. This section (4c) assumes that data is parametrically linked to SOLIDWORKS. 

When CAD geometry changes, a simulation user can choose to push that change into the simulation setup and rerun the mesher and solver. Alternatively, a user can revision their simulation and use a revised CAD file. The former is more likely in a single-user or analyst team-only environment, and the latter is more common in a multi-user environment where a formal data management implementation is in place. 

i) Push CAD change into Analysis 

Once a CAD change has been completed in SOLIDWORKS, go to the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in. Modified parts will have an orange save symbol next to them. Right-click the model and choose Save to push that update to the cloud. For more details on the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in, access the SOLIDWORKS Online Help article Uploading a File to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. 

Figure 36: Saving in the SOLIDWORKS application 3DEXPERIENCE add-in 

If the physics simulation is already open, activate the Scenario app and click Global Refresh. Alternatively, when the physics simulation is subsequently opened, it will pull the CAD data changes. Update the setup as needed to prepare for a new calculation. 

 Figure 37: Using the Global Refresh option 

ii) Abstraction Shapes – Geometry Preparation Tools for Simulation 

Users must often add reference geometry like planes, axes, and coordinate systems, or partition models for efficient meshing. When CAD data is parametrically linked to SOLIDWORKS software, making those changes in the native client requires the use of Abstraction Shapes. Abstraction shapes remain linked to the CAD geometry, and as changes are pushed from SOLIDWORKS, abstraction shapes receive those changes and roll them into the analysis as expected. 

Watch the video from the wiki article Simulation Member | Making Simulation Specific Geometry Changes to see how to create abstraction shapes and edit geometry. 

iii) Running the Simulation 

When pre-processing is complete, users can choose to save results of the former CAD design by switching options from Overwrite Previous to Keep Previous. Learn more about this from the User Assistance guide article Running a Simulation from an App. 

Fortunately, switching to Overwrite Previous does not overwrite all of the previously saved results, just the single set of results from the former job. Although retaining previous results increases the result file size, when used correctly it has the added benefit of letting users quickly compare results against previous design iterations. 

d) Result Data Storage 

There are three potential result data storage locations to be aware of: the user’s local computer, the tenant, and the cloud compute server. 

CAD geometry and the pre-processing are stored on the tenant. When a file is opened in the native client, it is locally cached and does not push changes to the tenant until performing a save. 

When solving a simulation, a user can switch solve location from Local to Cloud. Users can also choose different methods to monitor the solve process by choosing interactive or noninteractive options, as shown in Figure 388. 

 Figure 38: Solve location options

When Location is set to Cloud, the pre-processing data is saved to the tenant, and result data is stored on the cloud compute server. 

When Location is set to Local interactive or Local noninteractive, users can choose to save result data on the tenant or on the local computer using the Result Storage command. 

Figure 39: Results Storage command 

Cloud storage benefits from cloud post-processing and lets users view results on any machine. Storing result data locally can reduce online storage space usage and reduce upload or download times needed to save and cache results. 

A best practice for users is to keep their workflows consistent. If a user runs simulations on the cloud, they should use cloud storage to store result data and post-process on the cloud. If a user runs simulations locally, they should save and post-process results locally. 

For more information on simulation data management options, read the User Assistance guide article About Results Management. 

e) Archiving and Deleting Simulation Data 

It is generally a good practice to archive or delete outdated product iterations, simulation results, or materials to save space in cloud storage and maintain a clean working directory. 

i) Archiving Simulations 

For all simulation roles, if a user exports the .3dxml file of the simulation, the CAD data, preprocessing setup, and materials are included within that single file. Users can archive .3dxml files locally on their computer or a network drive. 

To export a .3dxml file that includes the simulation results, the result data must be stored on the local computer. 

The Results Storage command can be used to switch to local result data storage with a couple of caveats.   

If cloud computing was used to solve the case study, result data stored on the cloud server can only be transferred to a local drive using the Fluid Dynamics Engineer, or Plastics Injection Engineer roles. Result data stored on the cloud server cannot be switched to local for the structural roles, for example: 

• Structural Designer 
• Structural Engineer 
• Structural Performance Engineer
• Structural Mechanics Engineer 
• Durability & Mechanics Engineer 

To export a .3dxml file: 

1. Open the physics simulation file. 
2. Select Share. 
3. Select Export. 
4. Select 3DXML with authoring as the format. 

 Figure 40: Accessing the Export option 

For Structural Performance Engineer, Structural Mechanics Engineer, and Durability & Mechanics Engineer roles where a fatigue study has not been run, users can output their simulation as .inp or .odb files. The .inp file contains pre-processing data, and the .odb file contains the result data. These file formats are used by the Abaqus Established Products suite. 

To extract .inp or .odb files, expand the Export option and select Export Simulation. The results file type .odb is only available here if the appropriate option was selected before solving the analysis, as described in the User Assistance guide article Exporting Simulation Results in Abaqus Output Database Format. 

Figure 41: Export Simulation option 

Users with the Electromagnetics Engineer role can output a .cst file, which is the file type associated with the traditional CST Studio Suite software, by going to File > Save As and selecting the appropriate Save as type option. 

 Figure 42: Saving as CST Studio Suite file 

ii) Deleting Simulations 

A general best practice is to delete data in order from child to parent. In the context of simulation data, this order is typically: simulation result data, physics simulation file, mesh file, material file, physical product files. 

If result data exists, it must be deleted first. Deleting physics simulation files without first deleting the related results can result in orphaned data. 

If the result data is stored on the tenant or cloud compute server, the most efficient method to delete result data and the physics simulation is through the Simulation Manager app. Section 5b of this document briefly discusses the Simulation Manager app. Right-click on a physics simulation and select Delete to delete both the physics simulation file and the associated results. 

 Figure 43: Deleting through the Simulation Manager app 

To only delete simulation results, launch the native client. Use 3DSearch to find physics simulation files, left-click on drop down arrow, and select Delete Simulation Results. If the physics simulation file is already open, delete results via the Delete Simulation Results command. Review how to do this from the User Assistance guide article Deleting Simulation Results. 

 Figure 44: Deleting results from 3DSearch 

Before deleting an object, review its relationships to other files to understand if deleting this object will cause broken references to other projects. To perform this review, right-click on the file and select Relations. 

 Figure 45: Starting the ENOVIA Relations app 

This launches the ENOVIA Relations app. Select the “+” icon on the right-hand side of a file to view any children downstream of this file. 

 Figure 46: ENOVIA Relations app 

Once you have decided to delete physics simulation files, mesh files, material files, and physical product files, a best practice is to perform the deletion within the tenant using a browser. 

To delete individual physics simulation files, the most efficient method is through the Simulation Manager app. 

To individually delete material, mesh, and physical product files, the most efficient method is through 3DSearch. 

 Figure 47: Deleting within 3DSearch 

To delete a large group of files, the most efficient method is through the Bookmark Editor app using the following procedure: 

1. Log in to the tenant. 
2. Navigate to a dashboard with the Bookmark Editor app active. 
3. Use 3DSearch to find files. 
4. Drag and drop the files into a single bookmark. 
5. Group select all files. 
6. Select the Remove Options icon. 
7. Select Delete. 

This procedure deletes all files within that bookmark that do not have an unbreakable connection to a child relation. For further information, read the “About Removing Content” section in the User Assistance guide article About Bookmarks. 

 Figure 48: Deleting a group of files using the Bookmark Editor app 

For a summary on best practices for deleting simulation data, refer to Knowledge Base article QA00000301647. 
 

5) Browser-Based Applications 

Although users can complete their work entirely within the native client, browser-based applications can also help users in a variety of ways. This section covers a few apps that can improve a user’s experience. 

a) Viewing Results 

Within the native client, users have full access to results. However, reviewing those results requires installation of the native client. The benefit of browser-based apps is that results can be reviewed without having to install additional software. 

i) Visual Data 

A prerequisite to viewing results on the browser is generating Experience Content. Experience Content can be selected before or after running an analysis. 

Before running an analysis, under the Experience Content column in the solver window, select Generate. 

Figure 49: Choosing to generate Experience Content before running an analysis 

If the analysis was previously run, select Experience Content from the Setup tab. For further details on how to use this tool read the User Assistance guide article Experience Content. 

Figure 50: Choosing to generate Experience Content after running an analysis 

When browser-accessible results have been successfully generated, access them via the tenant using either the 3DPlay app or the Physics Simulation Review app. The 3DPlay app is provided with base level access to the platform. The Physics Simulation Review app requires a simulation role. 

When the 3DPlay app or Physics Simulation Review app is docked in a dashboard, use 3DSearch to drag and drop a physics simulation file into the app. These apps let users view different outputs and animate across time steps while being able to zoom, rotate, and section files. For a deeper review of the available commands, read the “Action Bar” and “Side Bar” sections in the User Assistance guide article Physics Simulation Review Basics > User Interface. 

 Figure 51: Reviewing results in 3DPlay app 

ii) Numerical Data Comparison 

The Performance Trade-off app lets users load numerical data from multiple physics simulations, and compare them against each other in a tabular format. 

Simulations that are being compared can be completely independent from each other. They do not need to be revisions or design branches from each other. 

The numerical data involved in the comparison is pulled from sensors. Some sensors are automatically created during post-processing, and users can also manually generate additional sensors as desired. To make this process easier, a best practice is to use a consistent naming convention for sensors across all simulations involved in the comparison. 

Learn how to load data into the Performance Trade-off app from the User Assistance guide article Performance Trade-Off. 

 Figure 52: Performance Trade-off app 

b) Simulation Manager App 

The Simulation Manager app lets users review convergence data, log files, and a summary of the completed solve. The summary tab includes information like start and end time, credits used, and solver duration. Data is available if results are stored on the tenant or cloud compute server. 

Figure 53: Simulation Manager app 

c) Credits and Tokens App 

Credits and tokens are purchased separately from the simulation roles, and lets users use greater cloud or local compute resources outside of the allowable core count included with the purchase of that role. 

Table 5: Base core count included with roles 

When any job is run, regardless of whether credits or tokens are used, the job is logged in the Credits and Tokens app. Credit or token usage can be monitored per job and per tenant member. Total remaining credits can be reviewed and expiration dates monitored. 

Use the Credits and Tokens app to review credits remaining or tokens available without needing to launch the native client. 

By default, users with permission level Reader and above have access to this information. 

Review more information in the User Assistance guide article Credits and Tokens Basics.   

d) Getting Support 

Self-service support options include the many resources that were referenced throughout this document: 

• The User Assistance guide for help files and tutorials. 
• The Knowledge Base for articles on dealing with errors. 
• 3DSwym communities with wiki articles and videos. 
  • SOLIDWORKS News & Info 
  • SOLIDWORKS User Forum 
• The SOLIDWORKS Enhancement Ideas Community to submit Enhancement Requests. 

Supported-service options come via reaching out to your local VAR through their preferred support system. 

The 3DSupport app, accessible through your public Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE login, is another method of interfacing with your VAR. It lets users submit service requests that are directly reviewed by your local VAR. For links on how to access your local VAR or 3DSupport app, review the wiki article Contacting Support. 

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