Temperature Mapping Tutorial Using ASCII Input

Download the required files to run this tutorial. Files include an TDF and TXT.

You may also download the instructions in PDF format.

This tutorial is used to demonstrate the use of an ASCII input file as a way to assign temperature values to multiple elements and parts.

1. There are two options for beginning this tutorial:
   1. Open the file called plate_begin.tdf and skip to step 6 to import the temperature profile.
   2. Begin with step 2 to go through the steps of creating your own geometry.
2. Select the Geometry Tab > Create Tab.

3. From the Primitives list, select the [Plate] radio button.

4. In the Plate parameters box, make the number of elements along length 9 and the number of elements along width 9.

5. Click the [Create] button. You will see your plate in the graphics window on the right side of the screen.

6. From the File menu, select Import > Import Temperature Profile.


NOTE: Before importing the settings, open the text file and review. The first column is a list of the element numbers and the second column is the corresponding element temperatures. This is used to assign specific temperatures to the elements.

7. In the Import Temperature Profile dialog box, select the [Browse] button and browse to the X_Pattern_9X9_plate.txt file that is to be used for the plate.

8. Once the correct file is found, click the [Open] button.
9. Back in the Import Temperature Profile dialog box, click the [Apply] button.

10. Click the [OK] button.
11. Left-click on the part to select it. It will turn green when it is selected.
12. Select the Editor Tab > Parts Tab.

13. Click on the [Choose Assigned Elements] button. The plate will turn pink when selected.

NOTE: This step is not necessary, but is a good way to confirm the import by spot checking.


14. Click on a few different elements (either from the elements list or the graphics window) to make sure that the element number and temperature are showing up. The selected element will be highlighted in the graphics window.

15. De-select the [Choose Assigned Elements] button.
16. Select the Analyze Tab > Results Tab and click the [Run] button.
17. When the solution is complete, the Thermal Solution Successfully Completed dialog box will appear. Click the [OK] button.

18. Click the [Auto Scale] button at the bottom of the graphics window. The final product should resemble the image below.