Project Hydra for Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics/Mechanical 2013

Project Hydra is a free technology preview that is compatible with Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2013 and Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2013 software.

The features of the Project Hydra technology preview include:

• Improvements to the Parametric Design Studies (PDS) feature
  Some improvements to the previously released (in Technology Preview Project Scout) PDS include the ability to export results as a CSV file and the support for CAD additions such as bolts/joints as well as remote loads and boundary conditions.
  
• Import temperatures from Autodesk CFD
  Temperatures from Autodesk CFD can be imported to linear, thermal, and MES analyses. Both steady-state and transient Autodesk CFD results can be imported as appropriate. To use this feature go to the respective Thermal tab in the Setup->Parameters dialog and choose "Simulation CFD file" as the "Source of Temperature."
  
• New fast Subspace with AMG solution of dynamics analyses
  For larger dynamics (modal, natural frequency) analyses with relatively small numbers of needed frequencies, a faster solution option is available: Subspace-AMG. The dynamics analysis solver will automatically switch between this new solver and the pre-existing one depending on the size of the model and the number of frequencies requested.
  
• Inquire results by part
  A new capability that allows the user to inquire the displayed result of any analysis on a per part basis has been added.
  
• Improvements to the Drop Test Wizard (DTW) feature
  The DTW from Project Scout has also been improved in Project Hydra.
  
• Rerelease of the GPU-enabled AMG Solver (AMG-MF)
  The Project Scout AMG Solver (AMG-MF) is being rereleased in this Tech Preview. This solver is faster than the original AMG solver for a class of well-conditioned and bulky models. Additionally, this solver can utilize a supported NVIDIA video card if requested.

Availability:

The technology preview will operate until April 1, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs a:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/hydra

Project to Surface

From time to time you might want to create something more complex than a Solid with a perpendicular Cut feature. A useful, but often overlooked tool in Inventor is the 3D Sketch, which contains some useful features, such as Project to Surface.

This feature allows you to project a 2D Sketch to a Face/Surface, allowing you to place sketches exactly on a face to use as a Sweep path, Split Line, Loft Rail etc. See the steps below to get yourself started with 3D Sketches.

• Create your Model and 2D Sketch geometry

Project to 3D Whilst in the 2D Sketch

In Inventor 2012, if you want a 2D Sketch projecting onto a 3D Face as a 3D Sketch, simply do it whilst creating the 2D geometry. The new Project to 3D Sketch command projects geometry from the active 2D Sketch onto selected Face/s to create a 3D sketch. Follow the steps below:

• Create your 2D Sketch

Loading VBA project performance issue

When working with Inventor 2012, you may have noticed that the first time you create a new drawing in a session, you get a message in the bottom left saying Loading VBA project.

This slows down the time before you see a drawing template on the screen infront of you.

In order to speed up the performance, select the checkbox Load VBA on start-up, from Tools > Application Options > General TAB.

After that, the next time you start Inventor the VBA module will be loaded on startup, rather than when you need to create a drawing.

Project Explorer

The new Projects feature helps you organise and manage all project related data from anywhere in Project Explorer. Projects uses property-aware links to represent objects stored in the Vault. When you make a change to a file using one of these links, only the source file is impacted. This linking system lets you manage all entity types directly from the main grid, giving you a single seamless interface for Project administration.

Modify the Recently Opened Projects List

The AutoCAD Electrical Project Manager displays a list of recently opened Projects so you can easily select another Project to open without having to browse for it.