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Designer vs Analyst

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Chloe Allison
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You can create FEA models in either Designer or Analyst. This article compares the two modes.

Designer Mode

Designer mode offers an easy to use approach at generating models from CAD files using a graphical user interface (GUI). It is an excellent place for new users to learn the basics of OnScale and will set up the bridge towards using Analyst mode as the user becomes more familiar with the package.

Benefits:

  • Ease of use
  • Quick to set up single simulations
  • Create complex geometries easily

Analyst Mode

Analyst mode offers a more advanced approach to generate models from code. By using this approach, users can have much greater control and flexibility with input parameters and model set-up.

Benefits:

  • Greater control over simulation
  • Access to advance functions
  • Easily set up batch capabilities to explore multiple designs

Workflows

Both modes of operation will have slight differences in terms of the ordering of specific settings however, the core concepts of workflow remains the same and will always be required for a full working model. An overview of each modes workflow is presented below:

Designer Mode

Project Data (Model Inputs & Materials)

Project data contains a variety of inputs that will be used
to create, drive and mesh the model.

Key model components:

  • Frequency Settings
  • Material Properties
  • Time Functions

Geometry & Grid (Meshing)

Geometry and Grid allows interaction with the CAD to assign
materials and to create Keypoints to tailor the mesh.

Key model components:

  • Material Assignment to CAD
  • Keypoint Generation
  • Grid/Mesh Refinement

Loading & Boundary Conditions

Controls how we stimulate/load the model and behaviours of the
model boundaries

Key model components:

  • Load capture on CAD
  • Load Type – Mechanical/Electrical
  • Setting boundaries of the Model

Model Outputs

Sets the outputs to be extracted or calculated from the simulation

Key model components:

  • Output Types
  • Data Array Types

Run Time & Analysis

Customises the execution of the model

Key model components:

  • Plot Settings
  • CPU settings
  • Memory Assignments
  • Zoning
  • Simulation Run Time

Analyst Mode

Model Inputs & Meshing

Where project variables are set to be used throughout the model.
Variables can range from being used as command arguments, mesh
settings or keypoint generation.

Key model components:

  • Variables and Parameterisation
  • Mesh Settings
  • Keypoint Generation and Grid Setup

Materials & Geometry

Defining materials to be used and applying them to parts of the grid to create the desired geometry.

Key model components:

  • Material Properties
  • Material Assignment to Grid

Boundary Conditions & Loading

Controls how we stimulate/load the model and behaviors of the
model boundaries

Key model components:

  • Boundaries of the model
  • Time Functions
  • Load Type – Mechanical/Electrical

Model Outputs

Sets the outputs to be extracted or calculated from the simulation

Key model components:

  • Calculated Properties
  • Output Types

Model Execution

Customizes the execution of the model and generate code to perform
model execution.

Key model components:

  • Execution Setup
  • Execution of Model

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