1.5 GUI
The GUI is an easy and intuitive way to interact with the program. The GUI mode is often referred to as interactive mode. The GUI allows to perform an analysis interactively with little or no knowledge of individual commands. Each GUI option activates one or more commands to perform the requested operation. Most operations can be performed interactively, but some operations are available only by entering commands in the command input area or via a batch file. The program records all commands issued in the input history file (Jobname.LOG).
ANSYS can be run through the GUI and commands input window, or by creating an ASCII text file for input, or both. It is often more desirable to use a combination of both graphical methods and input files. An input file is often useful for defining the initial model geometry, characteristics, and constraints. This is because the input file can be easily changed to correct the errors that are inevitable when setting up a new ANSYS model. Once the input is correct and the model geometry and material characteristics are read into ANSYS, it is then desirable to examine the results using either direct command input with the command input window, or the graphical menu selections.
1.5.1 GUI Components
Dialog boxes are used to provide input for a particular function. The type of dialog box provided depends on the type of input required. The input might require any of the following: text entry box, check button, radio button, option button, single-selection list, multiple-selection list, two-column selection list, a tabbed box, or a tree structure. Other components of a dialog box include action buttons such as OK, Apply, and Cancel.
1.5.1.1 Text Entry Boxes
In a text entry box (Fig. 1.7) numbers or character strings are entered. If text already exists in the text entry box, overwrite it by highlighting the existing text. Press and drag the left mouse button to highlight existing text. Double-clicking the left mouse button on a word highlights the word, and triple-clicking it highlights the entire string.
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Fig. 1.7 Text Entry Box
1.5.1.2 Check Buttons
Check buttons are square buttons that enable or disable features. Click on it with the left mouse button to change a check button from ON to OFF or vice versa. The buttons under "Preferences for GUI Filtering" (Fig. 1.8) are check buttons.
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Fig. 1.8 Check and Radio Buttons
1.5.1.3 Radio Buttons
Radio buttons are diamond shaped buttons used to select one of several options. One button is always "On" in a set of radio buttons. Clicking on the desired item makes that button active and turns off other buttons. The buttons shown under "Structural discipline options" (Fig. 1.8) are radio buttons.
1.5.1.4 Option Buttons
With option buttons (Fig. 1.9) the analyst selects an item from a pop- up menu that collapses into one button showing the active choice. Adopt the following procedure to select a different option: 1. Place the cursor on the button 2. Press the left mouse button and hold it 3. Drag the mouse through the pop-up menu until the desired item is highlighted.
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Fig. 1.9 Option Buttons
1.5.1.5 Single-Selection Lists
A single-selection list (Fig. 1.10) is used to select one option from a scrollable list. Clicking on the desired item highlights it and copies it to the Selection box, where it can be edited.
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Fig. 1.10 Example of a Single-Selection List
1.5.1.6 Multiple-Selection Lists
A multiple-selection list (Fig. 1.11) is used to select items from a list. It resembles the single-selection list except that there is no Selection box, and more than one item can be selected. Clicking on an item highlights and makes it active, and clicking the same item again deactivates it.
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Fig. 1.11 Multiple-Selection List
1.5.1.7 Two-Column Selection Lists
One of several choices can be selected from a two-column selection list (Fig. 1.12). It resembles the single-selection list except the choices are grouped into categories. Select a category from the left column, then pick the desired item from the right column. Choices available in the right column vary according to the choice in the left column. The GUI displays this type of list primarily when it is necessary to select from a large number of items.
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Fig. 1.12 Two-Column Selection List
1.5.1.8 Tabbed Dialog Boxes
A tabbed dialog box (Fig. 1.13) presents groups of related commands in one location. Select an individual tab by clicking on it, or by using Ctrl+Tab to move between the tabs. Some tabbed dialog boxes require that the analyst navigates through each tab sequentially, with later tabs “grayed out” until s/he completes required tasks in an earlier tab.
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Fig. 1.13 Tabbed Dialog Box
1.5.1.9 Drop-Down List Boxes
A drop-down list box (Fig. 1.14) provides a list of choices for an option. Make a selection by clicking on the small arrow on the right side of the list box and then scrolling to and clicking on the desired choice from the list.
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Fig. 1.14 Drop-Down List Box
1.5.1.10 Tree Structures
A tree structure (Fig. 1.15) presents a hierarchical flow of logical choices from major categories to specific subcategories. Select a major category by double-clicking on the category. Subcategories appear listed vertically and indented beneath that major category. If a subcategory is selected in the same way, further subcategories are listed, and become more specific. Continually selecting subcategories yields the final item in the “branch” of the tree. At this point, instead of a categorical choice, enter or edit data to provide specific input.
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Fig. 1.15 Tree Structures
Double-click on the name of the final item to display a data input dialog box (Fig. 1.16) where the data is entered or edited.
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Fig. 1.16 Sample Data Input Dialog Box
1.5.1.11 Using Action Buttons
A dialog box typically contains combinations of the following action buttons: 1.5.2 Layout of the GUI
If the analyst enters the program through the launcher, the GUI is activated automatically for interactive running. The GUI (Fig. 1.17) has seven areas:
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Fig. 1.17 The Program GUI replace
1. Utility Menu - Contains functions that are available throughout the ANSYS session, such as file controls, selections, graphic controls and parameters. The analyst can also exit the program through this menu.
2. Standard Toolbar - Contains push buttons that execute commonly used ANSYS commands. More push buttons can be added if desired.
3. Command Input Area - Shows program prompt messages and allows analyst to type in commands directly.
4. Main Menu - Contains the primary ANSYS functions, organized by preprocessor, solution, general postprocessor, design optimizer. It is from this menu that the vast majority of modelling commands are issued.
5. Graphics Window - The Graphic Window is where graphics are shown and graphical picking can be made. It is here where analyst will graphically view the model in its various stages of construction and the ensuing results from the analysis.
6. Status and Prompt Area - located at the bottom of the GUI, shows prompts and the status of the analysis. Typically, prompts for functions that involve graphical picking will be seen. Be sure to read the prompt so the proper entities can be picked in the proper order. This area also contains status information.
7. Output Window - The Output Window (Fig. 1.18) shows text output from the program, such as listing of data etc. It is usually positioned behind the main window and can be put to the front if necessary. The GUI is fairly easy to use. There is some terminology related to basic operation:
Resume: Resume opens a previously saved database. Resuming a database doesn’t change the jobname. For example: start ANSYS with a jobname of file. Then resume example.db, do some work, then save. That save is done to file.db! This can be avoided by always resuming using the imageicon on the toolbar. If example.db is opened using this method, it resumes the model and automatically changes the jobname to example. Plotting: Contrary to the name, this has nothing to do with sending an image to a plotter or printer. Plotting in ANSYS refers to drawing something in the graphics window. Plot one type of entity (lines, elements, etc.) to the screen at a time. To plot more than one kind of entity use, “Plot > Multiplot”, which by default will plot everything in the model at once. Plot Controls:his refers to how the “plot” has to look on the screen (shaded, wireframe, entity numbers on or off, etc). Other plot control functions include sending an image to a graphics file or printer. Raise hidden: If a dialog box disappears behind the main window, bring it back with this.
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Fig. 1.18 Output Window
The analyst can resize the toolbar, Main Menu and Graphics Window, as well as the GUI. In order to resize the areas in the GUI, drag the borders around the areas of the GUI while holding down the left mouse button.
In order to change the overall size of the GUI, position the mouse on of the corners of the GUI and drag it diagonally towards the center of the GUI while holding down the left mouse button. Save the GUI size settings by selecting Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Save Menu Layout.
The GUI iconified. Later to completely remove the program from the screen without terminating the session, the session can be brought back by restoring the icon. The remainder of this section describes each of the areas of the GUI.
1.5.2.1 The Utility Menu
The Utility Menu contains utility functions such as file controls, selecting, graphics controls, and parameters. Most of these functions can be executed anytime during the session. For example, while picking locations on the working plane to create keypoints, the analyst can select Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Pan-Zoom-Rotate> Iso to change the view to an isometric view.
Each menu topic on the Utility Menu brings up a pull-down menu of subtopics, which in turn either cascade to a submenu (indicated by a >) or perform an action. The action may do any of the following: Figure 1.19 shows the pull-down list of subtopics seen when the List topic is selected:
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Fig. 1.19 Example of a Pull-Down, Cascading Menu
Left mouse button is used to "pull down" a menu topic on the Utility Menu. Pressing and dragging the mouse button permits to move rapidly to the desired subtopic. Releasing the mouse button while it is on an "action" subtopic causes the program to perform that action. Clicking the left mouse button leaves the pull-down and cascading menus in place. The menus disappear when the analyst clicks on an action subtopic or elsewhere in the GUI.
Use the keyboard to pull down a menu topic and move to the desired function. Do so via the menu's mnemonic character, indicated by an underscore. Simply place the mouse cursor anywhere in the Utility Menu and press the ALT key and the mnemonic character simultaneously. For example, pressing ALT+F with the mouse cursor anywhere in the Utility Menu pulls down the File menu, since F is the mnemonic (indicated by the underscore in File).
Once the pull-down menu appears, the analyst can use the other mnemonic characters (without the ALT) or the arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate to the desired menu topic and the ENTER or RETURN key to "pick" it.
The Utility Menu lists 10 topics. A brief description of each topic follows.
1.5.2.2 The Standard Toolbar
The Standard Toolbar (Fig. 1.20) contains a set of icon buttons that execute commonly -used functions.
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Fig. 1.20 Standard Toolbar
By default, the Standard Toolbar is loaded and positioned when the analyst starts ANSYS. The Standard Toolbar is defined at start up, and cannot be modified during the session. The standard buttons and their functions include: 1.5.2.3 Command Input Options
Although the GUI provides intuitive graphical access, the analyst can provide input to the program by typing in commands, even while the GUI is active. There are two modes available for directly entering commands during the analysis. The Single Line Input Window displays only one line and uses a drop-down window to display the command history. The Command Window can be used for more intensive command operations, such as pasting in multiple command strings or copying longer strings and selected commands from the history window. Both modes are described below.
The Single Line Input Window
The Input Window (Fig. 1.21) is the default display for all GUI operations. The Input Window is used to conveniently enter single commands. It is also used to access the history buffer without changing the overall configuration of the GUI. As commands are entered into the Input Window, dynamic command help appears in a box above the window. As the analyst types the letters, the command help displays the possible commands, and guides through the proper spelling and syntax of the command.
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Fig. 1.21 Single Line Input Window
The history buffer contains all previously entered commands. Individual lines from the history buffer can be displayed in the Input Window and indexed with the up or down arrow keyboard keys. Once displayed in the window, the analyst can edit the entry and execute it by using the return key. View and access the history buffer by clicking the down arrow on the right of the text entry box. A drop down list containing the entry history appears. Clicking the left mouse button on any line in the history buffer moves that line to the text entry box where the analyst can edit and execute it. A double click on any line in the history buffer automatically executes that line.
The vertical scroll bar at the right corner of the (unhighlighted) history buffer box allows to scroll through the history buffer. The up and down arrow keys can also be used to navigate the history buffer.
The Floating Command Window
Bring the Floating Command Window (Fig. 1.22) up by clicking on the keyboard icon at the left side of the Single Line Input Window. The Command Window is a floating window that can be resized and positioned easily for more complex command entry operations. When the command window is closed, all the operations will appear in the history buffer.
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Fig. 1.22 The Floating Command Window
When the command history is accessed with the command window, select commands from the buffer, and selectively enter them into input line, in any order of selection. Do this by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each command. As this is done, the commands appear in the input line below. Then edit the commands, changing parameters or syntax, before hitting enter to execute them.
The size and location of the Floating Command Window can be set to the desired orientation. Then use the “Save Menu Layout” feature to make it default. The Single Line Window will be available when the Command Window is closed, but will no longer be the default.
The Command Window provides a scrollable, editable text area where individual commands can be entered or pasted in long command strings. Multiple commands can also be selected from the history buffer area, either using the shift key to select large contiguous portions of the history, or the control key to select multiple, individual commands. Like the Input Window, dynamic command help is available; as command is typed, the probable command is displayed. This display shows the complete command syntax, and stays visible so that the help system can be checked.
1.5.2.4 The Toolbar
The Toolbar (Fig. 1.23) is a convenient area where push-buttons can be added for command, function and macro shortcuts. The Toolbar is a set of push buttons that execute commonly used functions. The toolbar can be set up to provide one-button access to the favorite and frequently used functions. It is loaded and positioned by default, and can be modified during the session. Some push buttons are predefined, but all others are to be defined by the analyst. That is, the analyst selects how many push buttons the Toolbar contains (to a maximum of 100) and what functions they execute.
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Fig. 1.23 The Toolbar
Adding Buttons to the Toolbar Additional push buttons are added to the Toolbar by creating abbreviations. An abbreviation is simply an alias (up to 32 characters long) for a complete command or GUI function name. For example, SAVE_DB is an alias for the SAVE command and RESUM_DB is an alias for the RESUME command. Macros can also be added to the Toolbar by defining an abbreviation that executes the macro.
Creating Abbreviations Select Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Edit Toolbar or Macro> Edit Abbreviations to create an abbreviation. Both menu choices bring up the "Edit Toolbar/Abbreviations" dialog box shown in Fig. 1.24. The Toolbar immediately reflects any changes the analyst makes to the abbreviations using this dialog box.
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Fig. 1.24 Edit Toolbar / Abbreviations Dialog Box
An abbreviation can also be created by issuing the *ABBR command from the Input Window. In this method, it is necessary to update the Toolbar manually by picking Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Update Toolbar. The Toolbar can be sized to make it smaller or larger to fit the set of abbreviations.
The order in which abbreviations are defined determines the placement of the buttons on the Toolbar. After defining the buttons, they cannot be rearranged graphically within the GUI.
Buttons that execute commands or functions from a processor other than the current one will not work. For example, if the analyst is in PREP7 and picks a button for a POST1 command, s/he will receive an "unrecognized PREP7 command..." warning.
After creating own set of abbreviations in the Toolbar, the analyst can save them in a file by choosing either Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Save Toolbar or Utility Menu> Macro> Save Abbr. Pick either Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Restore Toolbar or Utility Menu> Macro> Restore Abbr to restore a set of abbreviations from a file.
1.5.2.5 Main Menu
The Main Menu (Fig. 1.25) is where the analyst begins the analysis. It contains the analysis functions used to create the model. The Main Menu is arranged in a tree structure. This structure has progressive submenus accessible as the analyst proceeds through the steps of the analysis. Each menu topic in the main menu either expands to show more menu options (indicated by a boxed +) or performs an action (indicated by an icon preceding the menu topic). Click on the boxed + or the topic name to expand a menu topic to reveal the subtopics (the boxed + will turn into a boxed -). Continue expanding subtopics (also indicated by a boxed +) until the desired action is reached. The action name is preceded by an icon used to indicate the action:
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Fig. 1.25 Main Menu
Using Preferences to Set Menu Content One of the most useful customizations that can be performed from the GUI is to apply filtering to the menu choices. Filtering lets grey out, or completely hide many of the functions the analyst determines s/he won’t need during the analysis. Use the preferences dialog box to adjust the filtering.
At the start of the program, no filtering is applied. Menu choices for all analysis disciplines are displayed. Menu items that are not applicable are grayed out, based on the context of the analysis. The grayed out items can be removed by choosing the appropriate discipline from within the “Preferences for GUI Filtering” dialog box. Not all menu options may be visible during the analysis. If the desired option is not available, check the preferences and element types.
For example, selecting Thermal suppresses structural, magnetic, and fluid element types in the “Element Types” dialog box, displacements, and potentials, etc. In the “Apply Loads” and “Delete Loads” menus, and so on. Another item is the methodology used for structural analysis: h-method or LS- DYNA Explicit. By default, the program uses h-method. The analyst can also change the menu hierarchy and customize it to her/his needs by using the User Interface Design Language (UIDL), an ANSYS-developed GUI language.
Additional Usability Features
On opening a Main Menu topic, the submenus stay in place until the analyst selects a different Main Menu topic. If a menu topic is not seen, scroll up or down in the Main Menu area until it is found or click the boxed – to collapse subtopics that are no longer in use.
Individual topics in the Main Menu can be completely expanded to reveal each and every subtopic. Right-mouse click context-sensitive control is available within the Main Menu to expand and collapse the individual topics. Once an individual subtopic is completely expanded, the analyst can selectively close topics to have areas at different locations under each main topic expanded. As s/he does so, the amount of expansion accessed is recorded and replicated in the next time.
Menus can be set to automatically collapse and expand the subtopics. Use the “Collapse Siblings” feature (found in the right-mouse click menu) to set the menu expansion preferences. When collapse is selected, the subtopics opened automatically collapse when another main topic is selected.
When many submenus are open, navigating the main menu can become confusing, especially when individual submenus are large enough to push the heading out of the viewing area. The Preprocessor subtopic alone has more than 800 nested subheadings beneath it. Use the same right-mouse click context-sensitive control to configure the main menu for selectable contrasting color display within each nested level. Designate any color for the menu text at each level, making the transition between levels easily detectable. This makes navigating within a subtopic, and up to higher levels much easier.
Main Menu Analysis Functions
Most of the functions in the main menu are “modal” with respect to each other; that is, the analyst must complete one function before starting the next. For example, for creating keypoints on the working plane, s/he cannot simultaneously create lines or mesh volumes. However, s/he can define or edit scalar parameters in the middle of creating keypoints since parameter functions are “modeless” Utility Menu functions.
The Main Menu functions will vary according to the product and type of analysis. The following functions are included in the default, non-filtered Main Menu: Additional Main Menu Utilities
The default main menu also contains the following dialog boxes that are available at any time during the analysis: 1.5.2.6 The Graphics Window
The Graphics Window is where all graphics displays are drawn and all graphical picking is done. It is usually the largest of the GUI windows. Maintain the 4:3 width-to-height proportion while changing the size of the Graphics Window. Graphics displays are drawn in the Graphics window when a plot is requested. In addition, graphics displays that are generated by immediate mode and XOR mode will be seen.
Immediate Mode
An immediate mode plot is one that is drawn automatically when the analyst creates, moves, reflects, or otherwise manipulates the model. It is only a temporary graphics display meant to give immediate feedback on the function just executed. As a result, an immediate mode plot has two drawbacks: 1. It will be destroyed if a menu or a dialog is brought up on top of it or if the GUI is iconified and restored. 2. Its scaling is based on the scaling for the last plot request, so if the new entity lies “outside”the boundaries of that scaled image, it will not appear in the Graphics Window. Issue a plot request to see the new entity.
Numbers and symbols drawn in immediate mode have a similar drawback: they will disappear when a plot is requested unless they are explicitly set to “on” via the appropriate functions under the PlotCtrls menu. Immediate mode can be turned off using the Immediate Display function under Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Erase Options.
If a plot is requested “manually”, the program calculates the graphics scaling such that the display fills the window. This is more of a “permanent” display in that it stays in place even if it is obscured by a dialog box or a menu or if the Graphics Window is iconified and then restored.
XOR Mode
The program uses this mode when something needs to be drawn or erased quickly without destroying whatever is currently being displayed in the Graphics Window. For example, XOR mode takes effect during graphical picking to highlight or unhighlight the item being picked. It is also used to display the working plane and for rubber-banding.
The advantage of using XOR mode is that it produces an instantaneous display without affecting the existing plot on the screen. The only drawback is that drawing in the same location a second time erases the display. For example, picking the same node or keypoint a second time erases the highlight. Similarly, with the working plane display on, requesting another plot without erasing the screen erases the working plane.
Capture Image Feature
A useful feature that permits to create “snapshots” of the Graphics Window is the Capture Image function (using the Capture Image button in the Standard Toolbar or Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Capture Image). After an image is captured, it can be saved to a file and then restored in any session. Captured images are useful for comparing different views, sets of results, or other significant images simultaneously on the screen.
Mouse Functionality
Pressing the scroll wheel button (Fig. 1.26) is the same as a middle mouse button.
Picking Entities: Left Button: Picks an entity. Picking is cumulative, so it is not necessary to press control or shift to pick more than one entity. Click and hold the button, then move the cursor around until the entity under consideration is highlighted. When the button is released the highlighted entity will be selected.
Middle Button: Completes a selection. This is like clicking “Apply” in the picking dialog (also called “the picker”).
Right Button: Toggles back and forth between “pick” and “unpick” mode. Cursor changes indicating what mode ANSYS is in.
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Fig. 1.26
Manipulating the Model View: (these defaults can be changed to different buttons if desired) CTRL + Left Button: Pans the model side to side and up and down.
CTRL + Middle Button: Moves the mouse left and right to rotate about screen Z. Up and down zooms in and out.
CTRL + Right Button: Rotates the model.
Right Button: Click and drag the right button to zoom in using a window. Rolling the scroll wheel also zooms in and out.
When the right button is clicked in the graphics area a pop-up menu with some very common graphics functions appears (Fig. 1.27) . ANSYS does not always refresh the graphics screen so Replot is very handy. Fit makes the whole model visible. Zoom Back will go back to the view the way it was just before zooming in. Along with some of the standard Pan-Zoom-Rotate functions, the analyst can also access many of the window control functions found in the PlotCrtrls section of the Utility Menu. Placing the cursor over the legend areas of the Graphics Window channels the context to access the legend control menus.
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Fig. 1.27 Right Button Pop-up Menu
1.5.2.7 The Output Window
The Output Window (Fig. 1.18) receives all text output from the program - command responses, notes, warnings, errors, and any other messages. It is usually positioned behind the GUI, but it can be raised to the front when necessary.
Sizing and Positioning the Output Window on Windows Systems
The size and position of the Output Window can be saved using: 1. Move the window to the desired location 2. Size the window to the desired dimensions 3. Select Utility Menu> MenuCtrls> Save Menu Layout.
1.5.2.8 Creating, Modifying and Positioning Toolbars
When a session is begun, the start up routine reads a number of text files and scripts that set parameters and conditions for the session. Many of these files can be modified to provide a more customized level of operation. The start160.ans file is one such file. Call up toolbars, set their position and define their content in a similar fashion.
1.5.2.9 Help System
Much of the ANSYS documentation is available on-line. Type help, command to get help on any command. Another option to get help is to select HELP on the menu bar at the top of the screen. Information about the commands, theory, and element types used by ANSYS can be viewed in Fig. 1.28.
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Fig. 1.28 Help system