National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
Customization of UG NX software for 3D modelling of Fins Atul B. Zaware1, M. M. Mirza2 1 2
Mechanical Engineering Department,Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Islampur, India Mechanical Engineering Department, Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Islampur, India 1
[email protected] [email protected]
2
Abstract - Customization of CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is needed to automate design process, writing customized routines other than those provided by the software, eliminating repeated tasks in designing a similar class of products and to take the advantage of software to effectively cut down design lead time. Now days this requirement of incorporating this facility in packages is addressed by supporting the main software. UG-NX has got GRIP (GRaphics Interactive Programming) programming capability for customization. The extended surfaces (fins) are widely used by the heat transfer equipment, for analysis of any heat transfer system the solid CAD model is required. By taking this advantage the customization of UG NX software is needed for automatic solid modelling of fins. The customization is carried out by using GRIP program for different configurations of fins. The result shows that the modelling time of fins is reduced by 83%. In this way the design lead time can be minimized on large scale. Keywords - Customization, UG NX, GRIP, Fins
1.
Introduction
Because of huge competition in the engineering market the product launch time becoming shorter. So the time available for designing a particular product is getting shorter. To achieve efficient design within this time there is need of using competitive methods like CAD (Computer Aided whole design process of product development stage. Because of similarities in the design of various products, they need to be design or modelled number of times. This repetitive design time can be minimised by customizing CAD software. Customization of CAD software is nothing but the creating a special command or a tool of a standard geometry or a part. Customization of any CAD software is to be done to avoid the time required for performing repetitive task on the software. The repetitive task may be modelling of similar types of CAD geometry, similar Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) tool path generation process, similar types of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis of mechanical bodies etc. The paper presents the customization of UG NX 8.5 software for solid modelling of different types of fins. 1.1 UG NX is a CAD modelling software UG NX, previously known as Unigraphics is a CAD/CAM software developed by Siemens. It is widely used by many mechanical industries, used for 2D and 3D geometric modelling as well as FEA analysis of mechanical components. For geometric 3D modelling of standard components separate commands are available. But for 3D modelling of fins no separate command is available in this software. The different types of fins are used to increase heat transfer rate of any surface. Because of wide use of fins 3D modelling is required many times, so it becomes
standard part of the heat transfer equipment. By making the separate command for fin will reduces the modelling time. Therefore the customization of UG NX software is required and will be done by making the use of computer program. The program can be written in GRIP (Graphics Interactive Programming), visual Basic, C, C++, Java etc. The Customized code has written in GRIP language for different configuration of fins. 2.
Literature Review
A lot of research has been done in the area of CAD software customization. Following are the literatures referred. Abdulaziz Azamatov et al., 2011: Have presented the parameter based comprehensive aircraft design tool uses for geometry generation of aircraft design and optimization UGS NX and Enovia Smarteam. This design tool could be especially efficient when automation, flexibility and rapid changes of geometry are required in a short time and with low computational resources. Michael Athanasopoulos et al., 2012 The paper represents a surface generation tool designed for the construction of aircraft geometry. The surface generation is based on Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). The user can apply linear transformations to the curves generating the airplane through simple input from the computer keyboard and the mouse. The work presents detailed descriptions on the PDE method, parametric design and manipulation of aircrafts along with graphical demonstrations of its abilities and a series of examples. A Rodríguez, et al., 2012: The paper presents Programmed design of ship forms. The parametric design is created by developing modelling algorithm. The main purpose of the programing language is to publish the modelling algorithms
67
National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
of the application in the designer knowledge domain to let the designer create parametric model scripts.
flow. Electronic chips cannot function without using fins to dissipate heat generated.
Gianfranco La Rocca, 2015: The paper presents Knowledge based engineering (KBE) is a relatively young technology with an enormous potential for engineering design applications. The artificial intelligence roots of KBE are briefly discussed and the main differences and similarities with respect to classical knowledge based systems and modern general purpose CAD systems highlighted.
NX programming and customization manual: It gives the introduction of customization manual of UG NX CAD software. NX programming and customization software tools help companies extend and tailor NX solution capabilities to their specific needs. Supporting the knowledge-driven automation capabilities of NX, these tools can be employed by product development personnel and application developers. The NX Common Application Programming Interface (API) NX software provides an automation architecture that serves as the foundation for all NX APIs as well as for a new journaling utility. Called the Common API, it combines the power of journaling and automation with the freedom of a language-neutral platform. Integrated within the core NX architecture, the Common API is the foundation for all NX solutions and is fully compatible with the existing Open C API.
Jayesh Palekar et.al., 2014 have presented Master model automation using NX unigraphics customization. This paper describes customization of NX unigraphics models by NX open programing will result reduction in human errors, cycle time, repetitive work and graphics power to increase design benefits. Akshaykumar V. Kadam et al., 2015 He has used the parametric modelling concept for automatic assembly modelling of gear box in Creo 2.0 software. GRIP Fundamentals student guide 2007: It gives the brief introduction to GRIP (Grip Interactive Programming) programming language. GRIP is a software package developed by Unigraphics Solutions. GRIP is used to create FORTRAN-like programs to operate the Unigraphics system. Many operations that can be performed interactively can be performed using a GRIP program. Commands are available to create geometric functions and modify existing geometry. GRIP also provides interactive commands. These commands display messages in notify dialogue box, allowing the user to interact with a GRIP program while it is running. The messages displayed by these commands can be interactive commands to control entity selection, menu option selection, data entry, text entry and the Generic Point Sub function. NPTEL, IIT Kharagpur: This paper gives detail idea about the Heat transport phenomenon in the extended surfaces (Fins). In which the Heat flow mainly depends on three factors (1) area of the surface (2) temperature difference and (3) the convective heat transfer coefficient. Rate of heat transfer can be increased by enhancing any one of these factors. Out of these, the base surface area is limited because of the design of the object; temperature difference depends on process and having process limitations. The only choice appears to be the convection heat transfer coefficient and this cannot be increased beyond a certain value. Thus the possible option is to increase the base surface area by the extended surfaces also known as fins. Fins are thus used whenever the available surface area is found insufficient to transfer required quantity of heat with available temperature gradient and heat transfer coefficient. In the case of fins the direction of heat transfer by convection is perpendicular to the direction of conduction heat flow. Some of the examples of the use of extended surfaces are in cylinder heads of air cooled engines and compressors and on electric motor bodies. In radiators and air conditioners, tubes with circumferential fins are normally used to increase the heat
3. Methodology 3.1 UG NX Customization with GRIP GRIP (Graphics Interactive Programing) is a software language developed by Unigraphics for creating FORTRAN like programs to operate UG NX software only. Many operations can be performed by using GRIP program. Several readymade commands are available for creating geometric functions and making changes in existing geometry. GRIP also creates dialogue boxes to interact user with GRIP program while in running mode. The interactive commands include entity selection, menu selection, input data entry, text input etc. 3.1.1 GRIP development process Steps for creating and running GRIP program: 1. Develop the source file in text editor for GRIP program. 2. Compile GRIP code, it converts source file (.grs) into object file (.gri). 3. Link GRIP object file, it combines main program with subprograms and create GRIP execution file (.grx). 4. Execution file (.grx) can be run in UG NX software for its execution.
Fig. 1 Steps in GRIP program development
68
National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
3.1.2 GRIP Program structure A GRIP program consists of number of statements of GRIP language. GRIP program structure has five major areas shown in the diagram below. Each area has separate GRIP language commands.
Fig. 7 Dimple Fin
Fig. 8 Radial Fin
4.2 Algorithm to develop GRIP program for Pin Fins A special algorithm is required to develop a particular GRIP program. Following is the GRIP algorithm for 3D modelling of Pin fin in UG NX software: 1. Define ENTITIES like PLATE, FIN 2. Input parameters to model base plate like plate coordinates, plate length, height and width Fig. 2 A Schematic of GRIP program
3. Syntax to model base plate: PLATE = SOLBLK/ORIGIN, X, Y, Z, SIZE, L, W, H 4. GRIP code for 3D modelling of fins 4.1 The GRIP program is created for the following different types of fins: a) Pin/Cylindrical Fin b) Rectangular/Plate fin c) Cone fin d) Prism Fin e) Hemispherical dimple fin f) Radial fins on cylinder
4. Input parameters for fins like distance between two fins, fin length, diameter 5. Automatically calculate no. of fins on the plate area: nx = (L-Xp)/(d+Xp) and ny = (W-Yp)/(d+Yp). 6. Do loop for fin array DO/ENDO1: i, 1, nx F(i)=SOLCYL/ORIGIN,i*Xp+((2*i-1)/2*d)+X, Yp+d/2+Y, Zp+Z, HEIGHT, Fl, DIAMTR, d ENDO1: DO/ENDO2: j, 1, ny F(j)=SOLCYL/ORIGIN,Xp+1/2*d+X,j*Yp+((2*j1)/2*d)+Y, Zp+Z,HEIGHT, Fl, DIAMTR, d DO/ENDO3: k, 1, nx
Fig. 3 Pin Fin
Fig. 4 Rectangular Fin
F(j)=SOLCYL/ORIGIN,k*Xp+(2*k1)/2*d+X,j*Yp+(2*j1)/2*d+Y,Zp+Z,HEIGHT,Fl,DIAMTR,d ENDO3: ENDO2: 7. HALT (End of program).
Fig. 5 Cone Fin
Fig. 6 Prism Fin
69
National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
4.2.1 Flowchart of GRIP program to model pin fins automatically in UG NX software.
70
National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
4.2.2 The dialogue boxes after running the above GRIP program in UG NX software
Similarly the GRIP code has been created for remaining types of fins like: a) Plate/Rectangular fin
a) Input Parameters for Base Plate:
b)
Cone fin
c)
Prism fin
d)
Hemispherical dimple fin
e)
Radial fins on cylinder
The regular method to draw the above type of pin fin array: 1.
Sketch base plate rectangle
2.
Extrude it at some height
3.
Sketch the circle on the extruded face of diameter equal to the diameter of pin fin
4.
Extrude the circle (extruded height = pin fin length)
5.
Go to pattern feature, select linear layout, input the required data
Fig. 9 Input box for Base Plate
b) Input parameters for pin fin array:
6.
OK
5. Observation and Result After creating customized GRIP programs for different configurations of fins the observations and results were obtained. The time comparison is done for modelling the different types of fins between GRIP code and regular method. It is done by two people one is expert and other is new person. The results obtained are shown in the following table. Table 1. Time comparison for different types of fins
1
Pin Fin
Fig. 10 Input box for pin fin array
c) The output of the GRIP program is array of pin fins:
2
3
4
Fig. 11 Output of the above GRIP program pin fin array
5
GRIP Time (s)
Regular Time (s)
Time saving( %) 90 84 87
Expert Person New Person Average time (s)
20 40 30
210 250 230
Rectangular Fin Expert Person New Person Average time (s)
20 40 30
210 250 230
90 84 87
Cone Fin Expert Person New Person Average time (s)
20 40 30
200 230 215
90 82 86
Prism Fin Expert Person New Person Average time (s)
20 40 30
210 250 230
90 84 87
Radial Fin Expert Person New Person Average time (s)
20 40 30
220 260 240
91 84 87
71
National Conference for Engineering Post Graduates RIT NConPG - 15. ISBN-13:978-1512094169
6. Conclusions Customization of any CAD software is a very best tool for the companies those perform repetitive task again and again on the software. To meet these requirements of customer at a particular time the company need to launch the product early in the market. So after making customized software it is possible to reduce the product design time to 80%. The results show that because of customization of UG NX software, the modelling time of extended surfaces (Fins) is reduced by 80 to 90%. For any standard component, the CAD software could be customized by making use of any suitable programming language, to minimize design lead time. Acknowledgement I thank our colleagues from Rajarambapu Istitute of Technology, Islampur who provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research, although they may not agree with all of the interpretations/conclusions of this paper. I also thank my guide Prof. M. M. Mirza and Prof. U. M. Nimbalkar sir from mechanical engineering department for helping a lot for doing this research work and for comments that greatly improved the manuscript. References Abdulaziz Azamatov, Jae-Woo Lee, Yung-Hwan Byun, (2011) Comprehensive aircraft configuration design tool for Integrated Product and Process Development, Elsevier, Advances in Engineering Software, Vol.42, 35-49. A. Rodríguez, L. Fernández-Jambrina, (2012) Programmed design of ship forms, Elsevier, Computer-Aided Design, Vol.44, 687-696. Akshaykumar V. Kadam, U. M. Nimbalkar, (2015) Automatic Assembly Modelling for Product Variants using Parametric Modelling concept, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, Vol.4, ISSN: 2278-0181. Gianfranco La Rocca, (2012) Knowledge based engineering: Between AI and CAD. Review of a language based technology to support engineering design, Elsevier, Advanced Engineering Informatics, Vol.26, 159-179. Jayesh Palekar, S.Saravanan Pillai, H.P.Khairnar,(2014) Master Model Automation Using NX Unigraphics Customization, International Journal of Engineering Development and Research, Vol-2 , 2184 2189. Michael Athanasopoulos, Hassan Ugail, Gabriela González Castro, (2009) Parametric design of aircraft geometry using partial differential, Elsevier, Advances in Engineering Software, Vol.40, 479-486. GRIP Fundamentals student guide, Nov
2003
NPTEL , IIT Kharagpur, Saikat Chakraborty, Department of Chemical Engineering http://www.siemens.com/nx https://www.eng-tips.com/NX https://www.nxjournaling.com
72
