Release 11.0 Documentation for ANSYS
www.kxcad.net Home > CAE Index > ANSYS Index > Release 11.0 Documentation for ANSYS
You can use the picker to "Query" data on your model at any time during the analysis. Querying means that, for any picked point on the model, ANSYS will retrieve or calculate specified items from the database and display them. This information can be displayed in an output window, or it can be applied to the model as 3-D annotation. Query picking is a retrieval picking function, with the selection box items varying according to the requested data. The model and results query pickers are discussed in the following sections.
The model query picker allows you to access model information by picking displayed entities. It also performs basic computations to provide simple geometric/loading information (force per unit area, angle between lines, etc.). You can use the model query picker to obtain information about the model while you are building it. This is helpful when you are building on to an existing model, or when you wish to apply forces or loads that are dependent on the model data. You access the model query picker by choosing Utility Menu> List> Picked Entities. The model query picker can be accessed at any time during your analysis.
When you use the model query picker to obtain model information, ANSYS displays the information in a text window. You can also apply that information to the model as 3-D annotation by checking the "Generate 3D Anno" box on the picker. The annotation is applied with the appropriate units displayed, and arrows and leaders are attached where necessary. 3-D annotation, unlike 2-D, will attempt to retain the proper positioning on the appropriate entities, even when the model is rotated or resized.
The overall 3-D dimensions of your model are defined by a bounding box. If portions of your model's bounding box lie outside of the visible area of your graphics window (if you are zoomed in on a specific area of your model), it can affect the placement of your 3-D annotations. Zooming out will usually overcome this problem.
You modify query annotation the same way you do any other ANSYS 3-D annotation (Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Annotation> Create 3D Annotation). Select "Options" to modify the typeface and move, copy, or resize the annotation.
OK - Enters all query data and either displays it in a window or applies it to the model. The model query picker is then closed.
Apply - Enters all query data and displays it in a window or applies it to the model. The model query picker is left open for additionals operations.
Reset - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting).
Cancel - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting) and closes the model query picker (same as OK).
Pick All - Accesses all of the selected query items on the model.
Help - Brings up this screen of help information.
The model query picker is accessible at any time (pre, post, solution, etc.) during your analysis. It is useful for determining model database information that would require hand calculations, or exiting a feature, to determine. The computations performed by the picker are not displayed until you hit OK or APPLY.
The items selected by the picker are highlighted before they are actually selected. For complex models, or coincident viewing angles, you can hold the left mouse button down and move the pointer around the model to ensure that the proper entity is selected. You can select multiple items, with no computations being performed or annotation applied until you click OK. The commands and operations performed by the model query picker are not written to the log file.
The annotation that you generate during the preprocessing stage can be displayed at any time during your analysis. This information is not modified or updated during the course of the analysis, and can become invalid. For instance, when a shape is deformed by the applied forces, the area and volume annotations created before applying the force will not change, and the information displayed may be incorrect.
Perhaps the most convenient way to review results for specific points on the model when using the General Postprocessor is by using the results query picker. Querying means that, for any picked point on the model, the ANSYS program will retrieve a specified results data value from the database and display it. You access the results query picker by choosing Main Menu> General Postproc> Query Results. You can query nodal, element, or subgrid (for p-elements) solution data.
When you choose this GUI path, the results query picker for element solution data appears. This menu has most of the same items as the locational and retrieval picking menus:
Function Title - Identifies the information being queried; either nodal, element, or subgrid solution data (for example, element solution data).
Pick Mode - Allows you to pick or unpick a location on the model to be queried. You can use either these toggle buttons or the right mouse button to switch between pick and unpick modes. The mouse pointer is shown as an up arrow for picking and a down arrow for unpicking.
Picked Location - Shows the number and location (in global Cartesian coordinates) of the node, element (coordinates are of the element centroid), or subgrid point being picked for query. You can preview this information by pressing and dragging the mouse in the graphics area. The picked location is highlighted on the model as a square on the displaced shape.
Queried Data - Shows the queried solution data for the node, element, or subgrid point at the picked location. Use the Max or Min buttons to automatically obtain the maximum or minimum value of the query data over the entire model.
The results query picker retrieves solution data from the database and displays it in a text window. You can also apply that information to the model as 3-D annotation by selecting the “Generate 3D Anno” box on the picker. The annotation is applied with the appropriate units displayed, and arrows and leaders are attached where necessary. The overall 3-D dimensions of your model are defined by a bounding box. If portions of your model's bounding box lie outside of the visible area of your graphics window (if you are zoomed in on a specific area of your model), it can affect the placement of your 3-D annotations. Zooming out will usually overcome this problem. Unlike the model query picker, the results query picker displays the actual data on the model as you move the mouse pointer over the different entities. This function is available only from the General Postprocessor.
OK - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting) and closes the results query picker.
Apply - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting) and brings up the Query Solution Data (either Nodal, Element, or Subgrid) dialog box again. You can use this button on the picking menu or stay in the graphics area and click the middle mouse button to achieve the same effect.
Reset - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting).
Cancel - Clears all query data (restores the graphics display without replotting) and closes the query picking menu (same as OK).
Min - Shows the minimum value of the query data over the entire model.
Max - Shows the maximum value of the query data over the entire model.
Help - Brings up this screen of help information.
Query picking is most effective when used in vector mode (in wireframe displays), because you can read the queried data in the Graphics Window, right on top of the model. You access vector mode by choosing Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Device Options (or by issuing the /DEVICE command).
Press and drag the left mouse button around on the model for an easy way to see the queried data for many different points without creating excessive clutter on the screen.
Use the Reset button often to clear the screen of queried data and get a "clean" model on which to continue querying.
The Min and Max buttons are useful for quickly identifying the location and value of the minimum and maximum query data.
The results query picker retrieves data from the database. The operations and functions performed are not written to the log file.