Open and read Workbench model

[fdinhSG]

Hey! I'm dipping my toes into pyMAPDL so sorry if I'm going to ask dumb questions.

I want to implement a python script alongside an existing workbench model. After having finished a thermal radiation study on a geometry (so the geometry has been built in spaceclaim and the meshing has all been done in workbench), I'd like to export the mesh and viewfactor data to further elaborate it outside of ansys using pyMAPDL. I've seen there's the ACT console option but it looks limited since I have to operate inside ansys, so pyMAPDL looks the way to go for me.

Is this possible to do? I've seen the mapdl.vfotp() command that looks perfect for my use, how can I use it for an existing model? Moreover, is it possible for me to create a button in mechanical to launch this python program? I imagine I can implement an ACT button to do that?

Thanks in advance!

[mikerife]

Hi @fdinhSG
Can I ask what the 'further elaboration' is? Depending on what you want to do there may be a better path than using PyMAPDL from WB Mechanical.

That being said since the WB Mechanical is solved, you could just import the ds.dat file that Mechanical created using the PyMAPDL input command. The view factor file may still exist as well, and you could use the vfopt read option to read it in.

How to launch PyMAPDL, if necessary, I'll wait on your answer to the first question.

Mike

[fdinhSG]

Thank you! We're still exploring options, but we wanted an application closely linked with Ansys mechanical to do coupled thermal studies with our application. I'll try using the ds.dat file to see if I can extract all the information I need

[mikerife]

Hi @fdinhSG you may want to look into System Coupling in the Ansys Help. It has a 'Functional Mock-Up Unit' [FMU] that can represent some 3rd party code/script/etc. Mike

[germa89]

@fdinhSG You might want to consider to contact your Ansys Sales representative. He will put you in contact with our excelent customer service which might help you to achieve what you want.