ProENGINEER Mathcad Integration

Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad Integration. Units.

1.

Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad Integration. Units. Dimensions. (Length, Angle, Area, Volume).

1. Introduction

The new integration between Mathcad and Pro/ENGINEER

has become available as of Pro/ENGINEER release Wildfire

3.0 (datecode M030) and later.

Users can associate any Mathcad worksheet with a

Pro/ENGINEER part or assembly using the Analysis

feature in Pro/ENGINEER. Parameters/Dimensions from

Pro/ENGINEER can be input into Mathcad for engineering

calculations. Values calculated in Mathcad can be mapped

to parameters & dimensions in the model to further drive

the design.

This example is intended to walk users through a typical

Pro/ENGINEER Mathcad Analysis setup procedure and

to emphasize some basic understanding of units’

compatibility.

2. The Model.

A simple model (Figure 1.) is to be examined, a 3D block

of triangular shape cross-section. The model has a cut,

made on the inclined surface, of dimensions shown in

Figure 2.

Another rectangular shaped block is assembled to this

model in a Pro/ENGINEER assembly (*.asm) file.

This rectangular block will fit exactly in the cut made

in the triangular cross-section block. The rectangular-

shaped block will be placed in this location using

typical Pro/ASSEMBLY constraints (Mate/Align/etc)

constraints.

The final assembled geometry can be seen in Figure

3.


2.

3. Modeling Technique

This example will be divided in 2 main steps.

In the first step only the triangular-shaped geometry will

be examined and integrated with a Mathcad worksheet.

Pro/ENGINEER model dimensions will be input to Mathcad

& values calculated from Mathcad mathematical operations

reported back in Pro/ENGINEER.

In the second step, the assembly will be examined and

both Pro/ENGINEER dimensions & analysis feature

parameters will be input to Mathcad, then Mathcad will

perform the mathematical calculations and report values

back in Pro/ENGINEER. These values will be later used in a

Behavioral Modeling Relation analysis feature.

4. Evaluation of Distances (Length, Angle).

Start this example by retrieving the model from provided

Winzip files in a Pro/ENGINEER session. The name of the

Pro/ENGINEER part is triangle_block.prt.

After you have opened the Pro/ENGINEER part

examine the system of units this part was created in.

The same units are the ones we are going to work

with in this session. Use from Pro/ENGINEER main

menu: >Edit >Setup >Units to accomplish this

operation. The current system of units is the

Pro/ENGINEER default1 [in-lbm-sec].

Obviously, these units can be changed, converted and

interpreted. But, for our example we’re going to use

inch (length)-lbm (mass)-seconds (time).

From the Pro/ENGINEER Model Tree edit the definition

of Sketch 1. This sketch was created such that it

defines the cross-section for the Pro/ENGINEER 3D

geometry. The following dimensions (as shown in

Figure 4.) will be displayed.

The given dimensions are: the base (Length_1=

15.00 inches) and angle (Angle_1=60 degrees).

From Pro/ENGINEER main menu use: >Info

1 You can investigate Pro/ENGINEER Help Center (‘Fundamentals’) for more

details on basic & derived units used in Pro/ENGINEER.


3.

>Switch Dimensions in order to see the customized

names of these dimensions (see Figure 5.).

The first step of this example is to input Length_1 and

Angle_1 dimensions in a Mathcad worksheet. We will

write mathematical operations in the Mathcad worksheet

evaluating other dimensions in the model (see Figure 6.).

Since the cross section is a 90-degree triangle we’re

going to use trigonometry in Mathcad such that the

other dimensions (Length_3, Length_2 and

Angle_3) be computed and evaluated. While the

example seems rather simple, the purpose is to

present the Mathcad-Pro/ENGINEER integration and

required compatibility of units.

4.1. Preparing the Pro/ENGINEER Model.

The main requirement to be satisfied in order to

integrate Pro/ENGINEER dimensions or analysis

feature parameters with Mathcad worksheet is to

ensure compatibility of units.

The units for input & output -provided to or generated

by Mathcad worksheet- have to match the ones from

the source, in this case Pro/ENGINEER. That is,

quantities matching units to units, and unitless to

unitless (where the case may seem necessary).

For example, when Pro/ENGINEER default system of

units is [in-lbm-sec], we need to use in Mathcad:

inches for length, inches2 for area inches3 for volume,

etc. Identically, if in MKS [meter-kg-sec] system of

units: use meter for length, meter2 for areas, meter3

for volume, etc.

How about angles? What are the Pro/ENGINEER units

for angles? Pro/ENGINEER angle’ units are interpreted

as radians - although UI-display are in degrees (as in

our case 60°).

Since Mathcad can accommodate both degrees and/or

radians, the change needs to be done in

Pro/ENGINEER.


4.

We need to create a Pro/ENGINEER parameter or relation

that converts angle units from degrees in the equivalent of

radians.

Start this operation by creating a new Pro/ENGINEER

parameter called –for instance- ANGLE_1_RAD.

From Pro/ENGINEER main menu select: >Tools

>Parameters. Add a new real number parameter,

customize its name to ANGLE_1_RAD, and type in an

initial unit value. We have to take into account the angular

units (radians). Therefore, set the units to radians (rad) as

seen in Figure 7.

After setting the units for this new parameter, click OK in

the parameter definition window.

Next, we need to convert the current Angle_1 (60

degrees) value to radians.

From Pro/ENGINEER main menu select: >Tools

>Relations. Write a relation that converts the angular

dimension of Angle_1 from degrees to radians. This

known relation is presented in Figure 8.

Before verifying the relation, ensure that the relation is

unit sensitive. This can be done by selecting from the

relation editor main menu: >Utilities >Unit

Sensitive.

After verifying the relation, click OK in the relation

editor. Notice the new ANGLE_1_RAD value, this

time in radians. Save the Pro/ENGINEER model.

There is no need to convert the units for the

Length_1, since this is value is in inches (remember

our system of units is “Pro/E Default” [in-lbm-sec]),

but we’ll adjust the units in the Mathcad worksheet to

ensure compatibility.

4.2. Preparing the Mathcad Worksheet.

Open the Mathcad worksheet dimensions.xmcd

from the provided Winzip folder. This worksheet can

be seen in Figure 9. Please investigate it. The


5.

steps/formulas used to compute the angles & lengths are

self-explanatory.

The known angle (Angle_1) and dimension of the base

(Length_1) will be input in Mathcad, and following

computed values input back to Pro/ENGINEER: Angle_3,

and Length_2 & Length_3.

Note that Angle_2 is known, not a variable, and is 90

degrees.

In order to accomplish this interaction –from Mathcad

point of view- we’d have to tag these variables2 to be used

in reading input from & output to Pro/ENGINEER.

2 The input variables are highlighted in blue in the Mathcad worksheet. The

output is highlighted in green.

Click on the variable Length_1 from within the

Mathcad worksheet, then right-mouse button and

select >Properties.

This operation can be easily identified in Figure 10.

Once in Mathcad variable’s >Properties definition

window, select the tab called Display, and click in the

box called Tag. Type in the name of the tag:

proe2mc as seen in Figure 11.

Use the same procedure to complete the tag operation

for the other input variable (Angle_1).

Now, we also have to tag the output variables such

that Mathcad provides the computed output back in

Pro/ENGINEER. As you probably assumed, this is done

using the same operation as depicted in Figure 10. &

11.


6.

Click on the variable (Angle_3) - from within the Mathcad

worksheet - right-mouse button and select >Properties.

The tag is called mc2proe as seen in Figure 12.

Use the same procedure to complete the tag operation for

the other 2 output variables (Length_2, Length_3).

After you complete these last steps, save the Mathcad

worksheet and close the window.

4.3. Pro/ENGINEER- Mathcad Interaction.

Similar to Behavioral Modeling’s Excel Analysis feature,

the dimensions and/or parameters are input from and read

back in Pro/ENGINEER through the Analysis feature tool.

Access from Pro/ENGINEER main menu the followings:

>Insert >Model Datum >Analysis.

This selection of menu picks3 will bring up the Analysis

main definition window (Figure 13.).

3 Another selection of menu picks yielding similar outcome is: >Analysis >Mathcad Analysis (see Behavioral Modeling Help Center for differences between

these 2 operations).

Select the radio button called Mathcad Analysis –

optionally, customize the name of this analysis

(“DIMENSIONS”)- and click the Next button.

In the next window we need to load the saved

Mathcad worksheet that is stored in the working

directory.

This has to be the last saved worksheet, i.e. the

worksheet that has the input/output variables already

tagged with proe2mc and mc2proe.

Click the Load File button, and retrieve the Mathcad

worksheet called dimensions.xmcd. Ensure that this

file is loaded as seen in Figure 14.


7.

Once the Mathcad file is loaded, click button Add

Dimensions (as seen in Figure 15) such that we can

access the dimensions of the model (the 1st one is

Length_1) and input them to Mathcad.

After you have accessed Add Dimension, click with the

pointer of the mouse the 3D geometry, such that we can

access the dimensions of the triangular shaped model.

Select the 15 inches dimension as seen in Figure 16.

After you’ve selected this dimension, Pro/ENGINEER

interface should provide the Mathcad variable that

you’ve tagged in the previous steps (Length_1) as

seen in Figure 17.


8.

Select this variable, and click OK in the Input Selection

definition window.

Before proceeding with the next input selection

(Angle_1), investigate units’ compatibility in

Pro/ENGINEER’s Pro/E to Mathcad definition window

(see Figure 18.).

Also, we need to select Pro/ENGINEER parameters for our

next input (Angle_1).

Click in the Mathcad Analysis definition window for Add

Parameters as see in Figure 19.

This operation will allow us to select Pro/ENGINEER

parameter ANGLE_1_RAD that we have created in our

previous steps. Thus, we will maintain compatibility of

units between Pro/ENGINEER and Mathcad worksheet.

Select this ANGLE_1_RAD parameter, and click OK.

Next, Pro/ENGINEER will ask for the selection of

tagged variable from Mathcad (see Figure 20.).

Investigate units’ compatibility in Pro/ENGINEER’s

Pro/E to Mathcad definition window (see Figure

21.).


9.

This last operation completes the input from

Pro/ENGINEER to Mathcad.

Next, we need to retrieve the output from Mathcad

worksheet (all the computations are performed by

Mathcad) and provide it back in Pro/ENGINEER.

In order to accomplish this operation, we need to use

the same Mathcad Analysis definition window. Click

on the button called Outputs as seen in Figure 22.

The system will provide the tagged parameters from

Mathcad that evaluate Length_2, Length_3 and the

angle, Angle_3.

Check the boxes for the parameters that you need

evaluated and input back in Pro/ENGINEER. In this

example, check the boxes for all 3 measures (see

Figure 23.) and select OK.

Once all the input & output has been specified in the

Mathcad Analysis definition window (see Figure

24.) click Compute button such that Mathcad can

provide computed values for these variables

(Angle_3, Length_2, and Length_3).


10.

Mathcad will compute the values and report them in the

Mathcad Analysis definition window under Results as

seen in Figure 25.

Click Close from the Mathcad Analysis definition

window, and create Pro/ENGINEER parameters from these

measures as seen in Figure 26.

We intend to use these parameters for future

Pro/ENGINEER use, as -for instance- converting

Angle_3 from radians (as currently evaluated) back in

degrees.

Complete this Pro/ENGINEER feature by clicking

.

4.4. Pro/ENGINEER Postprocessing of

Mathcad Analysis Data.

As you’ve already noticed, the units for Angle_3 were

evaluated by Mathcad in radians and read as such in

Pro/ENGINEER. This was necessary because we

needed to ensure units compatibility.

In this subsection of suggested technique we will use

the just created Mathcad Analysis’ MC_Angle_3

parameter and convert it from radians in degrees for

future use in the model.


11.

For instance, we’d like to set a certain angle in the model

equal to this new angle value and, obviously, the value

has to be in degrees for Pro/ENGINEER to interpret it

correctly.

Create a new Pro/ENGINEER parameter –let’s name it

ANGLE_3_DEG- of unit value. This can be accomplished

by using from Pro/ENGINEER main menu: >Tools

>Parameter. Do not specify units for this parameter.

Once this operation is completed, click OK in the

parameter definition window.

Next, from Pro/ENGINEER main menu select: >Tools

>Relations. Write a relation that converts the Mathcad

MC_ANGLE_3 parameter from radians in degrees.

Verify the relation (see Figure 28.), and notice the

updated value for this angle, now in degrees. As expected,

since Angle_1 is 60 degrees, and Angle_2 is 90 degrees,

this ANGLE_3_DEG value is 30 (degrees).

Click OK in the relation editor definition window.

The advantage of using Mathcad Analysis feature &

parameters is that any Pro/ENGINEER changes made

in the model will be reflected in the computations and

therefore, parameters will update accordingly.


12.

For instance, change dimension Angle_1 (currently, 60

degrees) to 45 degrees (see Figure 29.).

Regenerate the model, and then identify the new values

for ANGLE_1_RAD, and obviously ANGLE_3_DEG.

These new values updated accordingly (see Figure 30.)

Restore the original angle value (back to 60 degrees),

regenerate and save the model. Close Pro/ENGINEER

window, and erase models from session.

This last operation completes the first section of the

suggested technique.

5. Integrating Mathcad Analysis Parameters in

Pro/ENGINEER Analysis Features.

Another Mathcad-Pro/ENGINEER integration example will

be investigated in this section: Pro/ENGINEER Mathcad

Analysis parameters will be input back in Pro/ENGINEER,

and used to evaluate Pro/ENGINEER Relation analysis

feature parameters in the assembly model.

Retrieve in Pro/ENGINEER assembly 3d_asx.asm

from the provided Winzip file. The assembly has 2

components (parts): triangle_block.prt and

rectangular_block.prt. These 2 parts were

assembled using regular Pro/ASSEMBLY constraints

(Mate, Align, etc).

The following steps and parameters can be

attained/evaluated through different methods in

Pro/ENGINEER. The purpose of this example is to help

end users understand the Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad

integration.

We plan to evaluate the total volume & mass of the

assembly as:

- The volume & mass parameters of the

triangular_block.prt will be evaluated from

a Pro/ENGINEER Mass Properties analysis

feature.

- The volume & mass of the

rectangular_block.prt will be evaluated


13.

using Pro/ENGINEER Mathcad Analysis feature.

In the end, the total mass & volume of the entire

3d_asx.asm assembly will be evaluated using a

Pro/ENGINEER Relation analysis feature.

It is worth mentioning that the rectangular shaped block &

triangle Pro/ENGINEER parts are made of different

materials.

5.1. Preparing the Pro/ENGINEER Assembly

Model.

Start by examining the system of units used in the current

3d_asx.asm assembly model. This can be accomplished

by accessing from Pro/ENGINEER main menu: >Edit

>Setup >Units. This operation is needed so we can plan

accordingly the Mathcad worksheet.

Notice that assembly4’s current system of units is “Pro/E

Default”. That is, basic units for: Length is (inches),

Mass (lbm), and Time (seconds).

We need to evaluate the mass and volume of the

triangular-shaped (triangle_block.prt) Pro/ENGINEER

part. There are several procedures to accomplish this, but

we will evaluate these 2 quantities using Mass

Properties Analysis feature.

Open triangle_block.prt in a Pro/ENGINEER window and

select from main menu: >Analysis >Model >Mass

Properties. The Mass Properties definition window will

be displayed.

4 Remember that these are the units at the assembly level, where each Pro/ENGINEER part may or may not use similar system of units. Verify the units for each part as: retrieve each assembly part in Pro/ENGINEER and use >Edit >Setup

>Units. This step is very important since we’re about to evaluate the total volume & mass of the assembly. You may over- or underevaluate the total values as a

result of mismatching units.

Select radio button Feature under the tab entitled

Analysis as seen in Figure 32. Optionally, customize

the name of this analysis feature to

MASS_PROPS_TRIANGLE.

Next, select tab Definition, and specify (see Figure

33.) a density equal to 0.29 lbm/in3. Use default

coordinate system for computations.


14.

Click for Pro/ENGINEER to compute the mass

properties’ values

Click tab Feature (Figure 34.). Check boxes for

VOLUME & MASS such that the Mass Properties

analysis feature parameters are created. These

parameters report the volume (in3) and mass (lbm) for the

triangle_block.prt component.

Complete this Pro/ENGINEER feature by clicking .

Save the model and close the Pro/ENGINEER window.

Obviously, we can deploy the same method for the

rectangular shaped component of the assembly. Instead,

we will use a Pro/ENGINEER Mathcad Analysis feature.

Open rectangular_block.prt in a separate

Pro/ENGINEER window.

The plan is to evaluate the volume of the block as surface

area times the depth of the block. Then, using the known

material density value, evaluate its mass. These

mathematical operations will be performed in

Mathcad, and through the help of Mathcad Analysis

feature input back in the Pro/ENGINEER model for

further computations.

In the first stage set the list of input for the Mathcad

worksheet. These are the dimensions in the model as

presented in Figure 35. & 36.


15.

Also, we need to input the material density in the Mathcad

worksheet.

From Pro/ENGINEER main menu access: >Tools

>Parameters.

Create a new real number parameter (see Figure 37.)

called DENSITY, and specify the units as per “Pro/E

Default” system of units. The unit for density in “Pro/E

Default” is [lbm/in3]. Specify the value for this parameter

as 0.12 lbm/in3.

So far, so good! We have all the input required to compute

surface area, volume and mass of the rectangular block

component. Next, we need to examine the Mathcad

worksheet.

5.2. Preparing the Mathcad Worksheet.

Open the supplied asx_dimensions_try1.xmcd

worksheet in Mathcad. This can be identified in Figure

38.

Examine this worksheet, mainly concentrating on the

units provided for the input from and output to

Pro/ENGINEER.

As mentioned in our previous example, the units of

the input from (or output to) Pro/ENGINEER &

Mathcad worksheet variables have to be compatible.

We have specified in the Mathcad worksheet the input

for (Length, Width, and Depth) in inches.

But, notice in the Mathcad worksheet that the default

unit for Surf_Area (or Area, in general) is m2, and

Volume_R_Block (or Volume, in general) is L

(liters).


16.

Also, Mathcad does not have [lbm/in3] units for density

(variable Density_R_Block), and therefore we had

adjusted this unit to the closest found [lb/in3]. Therefore,

the unit for mass (Mass_R_Block) in the Mathcad

worksheet is going to be [lb] (pounds).

Since all our units have to be compatible, we need to

adjust the units for Surf_Area from m2 to in2, and

Volume_R_Block from L (liters) to in3. These units (in2,

& in3) are Pro/ENGINEER corresponding units when using

“Pro/E Default” system of units.

The updated worksheet can be seen in Figure 39.

We predict that the density units in Mathcad [lb/in3]

are not matching Pro/ENGINEER’s [lbm/in3]. But, we

will pursue this example as is and attempt to

troubleshoot the issue later on in the example. Thus,

get a better understanding of this units’ compatibility.

Next, we need to tag -in the Mathcad worksheet -the

input (using the tag: proe2mc) and output variables

(using: mc2proe). This operation can be

accomplished using identical steps mentioned in

Section 4.2. of this suggested technique.

Save the Mathcad worksheet as

asx_dimensions_try2.xmcd. You can close

Mathcad worksheet window for the time being.

5.3. Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad Interaction.

As previously mentioned in the beginning of the

suggested technique, the interaction between the

Pro/ENGINEER and Mathcad is accomplished through

the Mathcad Analysis feature.

With rectangular_block.prt still opened in

Pro/ENGINEER, access from main menu: >Analysis

>Mathcad Analysis. This operation will bring up the

Mathcad Analysis definition window.

From within Mathcad Analysis definition window

load (click Load File) the last saved version of the

Mathcad worksheet (Figure 40.):

asx_dimensions_try2.xmcd.


17.

We need to input Pro/ENGINEER dimensions (LENGTH,

WIDTH, and DEPTH) and DENSITY parameter in the

Mathcad worksheet. All this after you have successfully

loaded the Mathcad worksheet in Mathcad Analysis

definition window.

This can be accomplished using Add Dimensions button

from Mathcad Analysis definition window (Figure 41).

Select the dimensions from the model using the

pointer of the mouse and selecting the appropriate

Mathcad variables as prompted by the system.

- For LENGTH as seen in Figure 42:

- For WIDTH as seen in Figure 43:


18.

- For DEPTH as seen in Figure 44:

Ensure that you click OK after each selection of Mathcad

variables from Input Selection definition window. The

input of dimensions is to be specified as in Figure 45.

Next, we have to specify the DENSITY parameter from

Pro/ENGINEER.

This was tagged in Mathcad for variable

Density_R_Block.

Click button Add Parameters from the Mathcad

Analysis definition window as seen in Figure 46.

This operation will bring up the Parameter Selection

definition window (see Figure 47.).


19.

First of all notice the units for the Pro/ENGINEER

parameter DENSITY.

We have specified in Pro/ENGINEER the units for

DENSITY as [lbm/in3]. Pro/ENGINEER cannot provide this

unit to Mathcad worksheet as a fraction. Therefore, it will

use [IlbmS_dens_unit].

But the units for variable Density_R_Block are specified

in the Mathcad worksheet as [lbm/in3]. This becomes a

unit incompatibility issue. In our next steps we’ll see how

both Mathcad and Pro/ENGINEER deal with this. Also, we

will present the steps to be followed when troubleshooting

such a particular problem.

Select DENSITY from Parameter Selection window

(Figure 47.) and click OK. Pro/ENGINEER will prompt you

the following error message: “No properly tagged

compatible Mathcad variable found” (Figure 48.).

Click OK in the error confirmation window. Next, we will

troubleshoot this problem.

5.4. Troubleshooting Pro/ENGINEER-

Mathcad Units Incompatibility.

The DENSITY parameter from Pro/ENGINEER

although specified in [lbm/in3] was reported in the

Mathcad Analysis’ Parameter Selection window

(see Figure 47.) in units of [IlbmS_dens_unit].

We have also specified Mathcad worksheet with units

as [lb/in3], which was the closest system of units to

our Pro/ENGINEER DENSITY parameter.

These 2 issues caused our Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad

units to become incompatible.

How to troubleshoot this kind of problem?

There are several solutions: we can specify DENSITY

parameter without units, and maintain the identical

format in the Mathcad worksheet for

Density_R_Block, or we can create a new

customized unit in Pro/ENGINEER that has a

compatible unit in Mathcad, and after Mathcad

computations, report values back in Pro/ENGINEER in

a similar format.

Another possibility, and the one used in this technique,

is to use Mathcad tools to adjust the system of units.

Edit asx_dimensions_try2.xmcd worksheet5 and

adjust the units for density from [lb/in3] to

[IlbmS_dens_unit] as seen in Figure 49.

5 This worksheet is available already since using Load File button (see

Figure 41) from Mathcad Analysis definition window brought up the

Mathcad worksheet up as well


20.

But, this [IlbmS_dens_unit] unit is not a system of units

that Mathcad can understand. Therefore, we need to add

a new Mathcad variable that does help understanding that

this [IlbmS_dens_unit] is in fact 1 [lb/in3] (see Figure

50).

What about the units for the output variable

Mass_R_Block? Are these units specified correctly?

These are currently in [lb]. Mathcad Analysis feature will

not be able to get created in the model if are not

understood by Pro/ENGINEER.

Save this worksheet, but do not close it! Return to the

Pro/ENGINEER window to restore our last operation. Click

button Add Parameters (seen in Figure 46) in the

Mathcad Analysis definition window.

The Parameter Selection window will be prompted as

seen in Figure 51. Select Pro/ENGINEER parameter

DENSITY, and click OK.

Next, the system will prompt –without error- for the

selection of the variable from the Mathcad worksheet. This

is Density_R_Block.

Notice the new units for the Mathcad variable

Density_R_Block matching the ones of

Pro/ENGINEER’s parameter DENSITY (see Figure

52).

Select Mathcad variable Density_R_Block from

Input Selection window, and click OK.


21.

The final input list is seen in Figure 53. This completes

our troubleshooting procedure.

In our next steps we will evaluate the volume and the

mass of rectangular_block.prt from Mathcad and create

the Mathcad Analysis feature & parameters.

5.5. Pro/ENGINEER-Mathcad Interaction

(Revisited)

The variables that were tagged from Mathcad are:

Mass_R_Block (computes the mass of the rectangular

block) and Volume_R_Block (evaluates the volume of

the rectangular block). The computations for these 2

quantities are all done in Mathcad.

Select Outputs button while in the same Mathcad

Analysis definition window (Figure 54.).

When prompted for the output, check the boxes of the

tagged Mathcad variables as seen in Figure 54.

Click OK in Output Variables definition window after

checking all the required boxes.

Next, click Compute from Mathcad Analysis

definition window. The volume and mass will be

reported with the computed values (as seen in Figure

55).


22.

Click Add Feature button from the Mathcad Analysis

definition window as seen in Figure 56.

Rename the feature from default Analysis1 to

MC_MASS_PROPS. This feature will be added in the

model. For confirmation, investigate the Model Tree

(ensure that “Features” visibility is turned on in the Model

Tree settings).

Verify the units of the Mathcad Analysis feature

parameters (Figure 57). Notice that volume is in in3,

and mass in [lbm].

Save the model and close the Pro/ENGINEER window.

This last completes this subsection of the suggested

technique.

Next, we will evaluate the total mass and volume of

the Pro/ENGINEER assembly using the Relation

analysis feature.

5.6. Evaluating the Total Mass & Volume

of the Pro/ENGINEER Assembly

In the next steps we plan to evaluate the total mass

and volume of the entire assembly. This step will be

accomplished using Pro/ENGINEER Relation analysis

feature.

Activate the Pro/ENGINEER assembly window in which

we had retrieved 3d_asx.asm.

Regenerate the assembly and access from

Pro/ENGINEER main menu: >Insert >Model Datum

>Analysis.

This operation will activate the Relation Analysis

feature definition window. Select radio button entitled

Relation, customize the name of this feature to

TOTAL_M_V, and click Next, as seen in Figure 58.

Pro/ENGINEER will prompt the relation editor in the

next window.


23.

Using the just created Pro/ENGINEER parameters (either

from Mass Properties model feature in

triangle_block.prt or Mathcad Analysis feature in

rectangular_block.prt) write 2 relations that compute

the total volume and mass of the assembly (as seen in

Figure 59).

Verify the Pro/ENGINEER relations, and identify the

newly created parameters (TOTAL_VOLUME &

TOTAL_MASS) in Figure 60. Notice that they have

the correct system of units.

Click OK from the relation editor, and complete this

Pro/ENGINEER feature by clicking .

In our last step –for easily identifying the benefits of

using Mathcad Analysis & other Pro/ENGINEER

features- modify the geometry of the

triangle_block.prt ( 15-inch dimension to 20 inches)

and density of rectangular_block.prt (from .12 to

.05 lbm/in3).

Access from Pro/ENGINEER main menu (after

regenerating the top-level assembly 3d_asx.asm):

>Tools >Parameters. In the parameter definition

window change the Look In selector to Feature and

select from the Model Tree feature TOTAL_M_V.

Notice the total mass & volume updated values

(Figure 61).

This last step completes our example and suggested

technique.

ProENGINEER Mathcad Integration

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Transcript of ProENGINEER Mathcad Integration