WORKSHOP 2

Geometry Model of a
3-D Clevis

Objectives:
■ Create a new database.
■ Create a geometry model of a clevis.
■ Change the graphics display.

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-1

2-2 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook
WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Model Description:
Figure 2.1 is a geometry model of the clevis shown on the title page.
All necessary dimensions are provided.

The clevis will be modeled using parametric solids. Because

parametric, or mapped solids can have no more than 6 faces, the
geometry model will be created with smaller six sided solids.

In addition to geometry creation, this exercise also covers display

tools and render styles.

Figure 2.1

1/4
8

3/4

4 Suggested surface boundaries

x
2 Dia 2 Radius

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-3

Suggested Exercise Steps:
■ Create a new database called clevis.db.

■ Set geometry preference to PATRAN 2 convention.

■ Create a Surface Model of the top half of the clevis. Place

the center of the hole at [0,0,0].

■ Create Solids that represent the first third of the solid

model’s total width.

■ Create the bottom half of the model by mirroring all of the

solids about the y-axis mirror plane located at y=0.

■ Create the remaining Solids that represent the last two thirds
of the model in the width direction (z-direction).

■ Turn all the entity labels off and render the model in a
Hidden line render style.

■ Copy the Solids along the Z-axis to model the Solid

thickness.

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WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Exercise Procedure:
1. Create a new database called clevis.db.

File/New...
New Database Name: clevis
OK

In the New Model Preference form set the following:

Tolerance: ◆Default
Analysis Code: MSC/NASTRAN
Analysis Type: Structural
OK

NOTE: Whenever possible, toggle off the ❑ Auto Execute option by

left clicking the check box.

2. Create a Point on the inner radius of the hole in the clevis.

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Point
Method: XYZ
Point Coordinates List [1, 0, 0]
Apply

3. Revolve the Point to sweep 4 Curves that will define the upper half
of the radius of the hole in the clevis.

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Curve
Method: Revolve
■ PATRAN 2 Convention

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-5

 Axis: Coord 0.3
Total Angle: 180
Curves per Point: 4
Point List: Point 1
Apply

Figure 2.2 shows the newly created geometry.

Figure 2.2

Z X

4. Use a Curvilinear Transformation to create the outer radius of the

lug by radially translating the curves that define a quarter of the hole.

4a. Create a Cylindrical Coordinate Frame located at the center of the

hole.

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Coord
Method: 3 Point
Type: Cylindrical
Origin: [0,0,0]
Point on Axis: [0,0,1]

2-6 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Point on Plane 1-3 [1,0,0]

Apply

◆Geometry
Action: Transform
Object: Curve
Method: Translate
Type of Transformation: ◆ Curvilinear in Refer. CF
Refer. Coordinate Frame Coord 1
Translation Vector <1, 0, 0>
Curve List: Curve 1, 2
Apply
The model should resemble the Figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3

T
Y
Z R
Z X

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-7

 5. Define the Surfaces for the upper half of the model.

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Surface
Method: XYZ

Vector Coordinates List: <-4, 2, 0>

Origin Coordinates List: [-2, 0, 0]
Apply

6. Use the Circular Arcs to define Surfaces.:

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Surface
Method: Curve
Starting Curve List: Curve 1, 2
Ending Curve List: Curve 5, 6
Apply

The model should resemble Figure 2.4.

2-8 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Figure 2.4

Z R
1

Z X

Turn on Entity Labels and Display Lines for Surfaces using the
Labels icon on the toolbar.

Show labels

Display lines

Starting Curve List: Curve 4

The next Surface is bound by Curve 4 and the Surface Edge shown
in Figure 2.5.

(hint: to make entity selection easier, use the Edge option from entity selection menu.)

Edge (of surface)

From the viewport, select the Edge of Surface 1 as shown in the

Figure 2.5.

Ending Curve List: Surface 1.1

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-9

 Figure 2.5

Surface Edge
11 10 8
6

7
2

1 3 3
2
T 5
4 2 3
4 1

12 9 Z R 6
5 1
1

Y Curve

Z X

Apply

Starting Curve List: Curve 3

(hint: Use the Curve filter from the Selection Menu.)

For the Ending Curve, choose a line between Point 8 and Point 10. Instead of
creating a Curve, use the Two Points option from the entity selection menu.

Two Points

In the viewport, choose Point 8 and Point 10 as shown in the Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6

Point 10 Point 8
11 10 8
6

2 7

4 3 3 2
1 3
T 5
4 2
4 1
12 9 5 Z R1 6
1

Z X

2-10 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Apply

7. Use the Surfaces to define Solids.

◆Geometry
Action: Create
Object: Solid
Method: Extrude
Translation Vector: <0,0,-0.25>
Surface List: Surface 1:5
Apply

8. For a better view of the model, rotate the model about the X and Y
Axis.

Click on Viewing in the Main Form and select Transformations…

from the pull-down menu.

Transformations
Screen Relative
Viewing/Transformations

Options...
OK

Click once on,

and once on,

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-11

 The model should resemble Figure 2.7. Choose OK to keep the
current view.

Figure 2.7

9. Create the lower half of the clevis model.

◆Geometry
Action: Transform
Object: Solid
Method: Mirror

Use the Global Y-Axis to define a Mirror Plane Normal.

(hint: To select the Y-Axis from the screen, use the Coordinate Direction 2 from the entity
selection menu.)

Frame Direction 2 to define plane

Select the Global Coordinate Axis from the viewport.

Define Mirror Plane Normal: Coord 0.2

Solid List: Solid 1:5
Apply

The new model should resemble Figure 2.8.

2-12 MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook

WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Figure 2.8

10. The remaining Solids can be created using the Translate Method.

◆Geometry
Action: Transform
Object: Solid
Method: Translate
Translation Vector: < 0, 0, -0.25>
Repeat Count: 2
Solid List: Solid 1, 6
Apply

The last step is to move copies of the solids around the hole.

For a Translation Vector, choose the Tip and Base Points option from
the entity selection menu in the Translation Vector box.
Tip and base points

For a translation vector, use Point 10 as a Base Point and Point 40

as a Tip point.
(hint: To make this step easier, zoom into the area of Point 10 and Point 40 using the View
Corners icon in the toolbar.)

View corners

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-13

 Figure 2.9
Tip Point

Base Point

Y
Z X
5

R
Y Z

Z X

Repeat Count: 1
Solid List: Solid 2:5, 7:10
Apply

11. Clean up the display

11a. Turn off the entity labels.

Display/Entity Color/Label/Render...

Hide All Entity Labels

Apply
Cancel

Or, use the Hide Labels icon from the toolbar.

Hide labels

11b. Change the Render Style of the model from Wireframe to Hidden
Line.

Display/Entity Color/Label/Render...

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WORKSHOP 2 Geometry Model of a 3-D Clevis

Render Style: Hidden Line

Apply

Or, use the Hidden Line icon:

Hidden Line

Change the Render Style back to Wireframe.

Render Style: Wireframe

Apply
Cancel

Or, use the Wireframe icon:

Wireframe

Quit MSC.Patran after finishing this exercise.

Do not delete the database, it will be used for future exercises.

MSC.Nastran 120 Exercise Workbook 2-15

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