Cubit® 16.16 Release Notes

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Product Description

Cubit® is a full-featured software toolkit for robust generation of two- and three-dimensional finite element meshes (grids) and geometry preparation. Its main goal is to reduce the time to generate meshes, particularly large hex meshes of complicated, interlocking assemblies.

Product Highlights

Meshing: Cubit® is a solid-modeler based preprocessor that meshes volumes and surfaces for finite element analysis. Mesh generation algorithms include quadrilateral and triangular paving, 2D and 3D mapping, hex sweeping and multi-sweeping, tet meshing, and various special purpose primitives. Cubit® contains many algorithms for controlling and automating much of the meshing process, such as automatic scheme selection, interval matching, sweep grouping and sweep verification, and also includes state-of-the-art smoothing algorithms.

Geometry Preparation: One of Cubit®’s strengths is its ability to import and mesh geometry from a variety of CAD packages. Cubit® currently integrates the ACIS and Catia geometry kernels directly within its code base, allowing direct manipulation of the native CAD geometry format within Cubit®. This reduces the errors and anomalies so often associated with geometry translation. CGM (Common Geometry Module) also boasts a facet-based geometry kernel developed at Sandia that can be used for remeshing or editing old mesh files or models defined by triangle facets. In addition, Cubit® has developed a comprehensive virtual geometry capability that permits local composites and partitions to geometry without modifying the underlying native geometry representation. The user can choose to ignore, clean-up or add features to the model allowing greater flexibility to meshing algorithms to generate better quality elements.

Cubit® Environment: Cubit® has developed both a convenient command line interface with an extensive command language as well as a polished graphical user interface environment. The GUI is based upon the cross-platform standard Qt, which allows the same look and feel on all supported platforms. Also included is a graphical environment based upon the VTK graphics standard which has been optimized for display and manipulation of finite element data and geometry. Fast, interactive manipulation of the model is a tremendous advantage for models with thousands of parts or millions of elements.

For more information on Cubit®, including licensing arrangements and terms see the Cubit® website.

New Features in Cubit® 16.16

Index of New Features

Meshing

  • Mesh-based boundary conditions propagate with geometry copy
  • Element area and length metrics now correct for all higher-order elements
  • Meshgems upgrade from 2.14-1 to 2.14-7
  • Tet meshing can now consume specified hardpoints

Geometry

  • Improvements to reduce bolt patch command
  • More options for reducing blots to spider joints
  • New ‘composite’ option in blunt tangency command
  • New ‘offset surface’ option in blunt tangency tweak command
  • New options for reduce surface slot command
  • New command to create a cylinder fit to a volume

Graphical User Interface

  • Modified state now indicated in journal file editor
  • New Power Tools panel layout
  • Reduce for Simulation and Fasteners: New Geometry Power Tool Diagnostics

Miscellaneous

  • Improved error handling with Python scripting
  • Enhanced python scripting for Bolt analysis
  • Enhancements reading nodal/element variables when importing Exodus files
  • CGNS export now available
  • CFD_BCs such as supersonicinflow and supersonicoutflow are added

Meshing

Mesh-based boundary conditions propagate with geometry copy

Element blocks, nodesets, and sidesets created from mesh (not geometry) are now copied when owning geometry is copied if the block/nodeset/sideset settings are active for copying. Previously, only boundary conditions containing geometry were propagated during a copy.

For more information see: Copy Command

Element area and length metrics now correct for all higher-order elements

The element area and length quality metrics for 2D and 1D elements respectively did not previously consider the higher order nodes in the computation, as if the elements were linear. This has been corrected so that they are now considered.

For more information see: Metrics for Quadrilateral Elements

Meshgems upgrade from 2.14-1 to 2.14-7

Expect more robust triangle and tetrahedral meshing from an upgraded version of Meshgems.

Tet meshing can now consume specified hardpoints

When using the tetmesh respect capability to insert locations into a tet mesh, the given nodes are now consumed and used by the resulting tets. This also means the specified nodes are no longer duplicated. Using the original nodes is useful for being able to query tets related to the given nodes.

For more information see: Tetmesh Respect

Geometry

Improvements to reduce bolt patch command

The reduce volume bolt patch command is used to simplify bolt fastenings between two or three volumes, creating sidesets that define contact regions. These sidesets are generated as circular patches, centered on the bolt axis, using a specified radius. Enhancements in this release encompass several new optional arguments and behaviors:

  • New Default Naming Convention:
    • Default Convention: Sidesets are now automatically named for clear identification, based on the parent volumes or blocks they connect. For example, sidesets between "PartA" and "PartB" will be named PartA_to_PartB_123 and PartB_to_PartA_123, incorporating the contacting parts’ names and an ID for the replaced volume’s bolt, such as _123.
    • Alternative Convention: By setting sideset_naming_convention 1, sidesets adopt a Bolt_Patch prefix, followed by _Lower or _Upper to denote their position relative to the bolt’s bearing surface, plus an integer for the bolt volume ID. Use this option for the alternative naming method. The default method (sideset_naming_convention 0) does not require specification.
  • Explicit Surface Identification: If Cubit® can’t auto-detect contact surfaces, you can specify them manually.
  • Radius Factor: New option to set the radius as a factor multiplied by the bolt shaft radius, or the hole radius if a bolt isn’t present.
  • Surface Patch Naming: The resulting circular surface patches can be named for easier referencing in later scripts or journal commands.
  • Incremental ID with Start ID: The increment ID feature now allows a separate starting ID, enabling the same patch to be added to multiple sidesets.
  • Robustness Improvements: Enhancements to handle cases where up to three volumes are fastened by the same fastener.

The full syntax for the reduce patch command is as follows:

reduce {volume |upper surface lower surface } {bolt|hole} patch [contact upper {surface }] [contact lower {surface }] [radius {|Factor |SHIGLEY [angle {}]}] [mesh] [mesh_size ] [mesh_scheme ] [no_simplify_hole] [{FILL|no_fill}] [{DELETE|no_delete}] [array_name ] [sideset_naming_convention ] [upper_patch_sideset_id {|Default}] [increment_upper_patch_sideset_id] [start_upper_sideset_id {|Default}] [upper_patch_sideset_name {|Default}] [lower_patch_sideset_id {|Default}] [increment_lower_patch_sideset_id] [start_lower_sideset_id {|Default}] [lower_patch_sideset_name {|Default}] [name_patch_surfaces] [preview]

These updates are designed to enhance the functionality and user experience of the reduce volume bolt patch command in diverse engineering contexts.

For more information see: Reduce Bolt Patch

More options for reducing blots to spider joints

The upper and lower surfaces of a blot hole can now be specified, instead of the bolt volume, to create spider joints. This can be helpful when bolts do not exist in the model but bolt holes do. Additionaly, new options have been added to place the upper and lower parts of the spider into separate blocks. The command now is this:

reduce {volume |upper surface lower surface } {bolt|hole}
spider {wagon wheel|j2g|countersink}
[diameter {|auto}] [mesh] [mesh_size ] [increment_block_ids]
[spider_block_id {|Default}] [increment_spider_block_id]
[spider_block_name {|Default}]
[rebar_block_id {|Default}][increment_rebar_block_id]
[rebar_block_name {|Default}]
[upper_spider_block_id {|Default}] [increment_upper_spider_block_id]
[upper_spider_block_name {|Default}]
[lower_spider_block_id {|Default}] [increment_lower_spider_block_id]
[lower_spider_block_name {|Default}] [preview]

For more information see: Reduce Bolt Spider

New ‘composite’ option in blunt tangency command

The ‘composite’ option has been added to the command:

blunt tangency vertex  [remove_material] [angle <degrees=45>] [depth ] [composite] [preview]

It composites the two surfaces created from the blunt tangency operation with the larger surrounding surface. This allows surface meshing to not be constrained by the extra geometry created from the blunt tangency operation.

For more information see: Blunt Tangency

New ‘offset surface’ option in blunt tangency tweak command

An ‘offset surface’ option has been added to the command:

blunt tangency tweak vertex  [offset surface  ] [angle <degrees=45>] [tolerance ] [preview]

This gives the user control to overrided which surface is automatically chosen by the routine to offset. This option is meant to be used infrequently.

For more information see: Blunt Tangency

New surface slot options and behaviors

The Reduce Surface Slot command is a specialized tool developed to prepare models for electromagnetic (EM) simulations. It identifies and configures slots—pathways that permit EM radiation to traverse—by establishing clear inside and outside curve definitions, along with the pathways themselves. This command is integral to preparing models for the Morph tet meshing tool, ensuring that curves and surfaces are explicitly named for easy reference within the Morph input deck. New features include:

  • Explicit Curve Definition: Enables manual definition of inside and outside curves where automatic assumptions are inadequate, integrating seamlessly with Morph tet meshing tool inputs.
  • Hardware Independence: Automatically detects circular holes for fasteners, applying user-defined radii to delineate pathways, enhancing the command’s utility and flexibility.
  • Radius Parameter Expansion: Broadens radius definition options, including multiplicative factors and the Shigley angle for hardware-associated radii.
  • Non-Coplanar Surface Handling: Supports slots across multiple non-coplanar surfaces, accommodating complex geometrical configurations.
  • Boundary Snapping Tolerance: Improves tolerance to 10% of the radius size, reducing minor curve and tangency creation during slot surface division.
  • Create Skin Option: Facilitates sheet body generation for slot pathways, simplifying lofted surface creation between curves.
  • Preview Feature: Offers a visualization tool for better understanding of slot pathways in relation to the model, highlighting pathways in blue and the volume in wireframe.
Image of slots
Model showcasing the application of the Reduce Surface Slot command on multiple non-coplanar surfaces. Blue shaded areas indicate the preview of potential sheet bodies generated by the command.

The full syntax for the reduce surface slot command is as follows:

reduce surface  slot [inner {curve }] [outer {curve }] [hardware volume ] [radius {|Factor |SHIGLEY [angle {}]}] [[create] skin] [group ] [group_edges ] [group_inner_edges ] [group_outer_edges ] [group_inner_surfaces ] [group_outer_surfaces ] [name ] [name_edges ] [name_inner_edges ] [name_outer_edges ] [name_inner_surfaces ] [name_outer_surfaces ] [make_free_curves] [preview]

For more information see: Reduce Surface Slot

New command to create a cylinder fit to a volume

A new command has been added to create a cylinder fit to a volume:

[Create] Cylinder Volume
Image of cyle_to_vol
Creating a cylinder fit to a volume.

The input volume must have cylindrical or circular features that guide the definition of the "bounding" cylinder. The list volume geometry command will not recognize cylinder primitive volumes and list data to define the cylinder: RCC: followed by 7 doubles: X,Y,Z of bottom center; Dx,Dy,Dz from bottom center to top center; and radius. Similar data is listed for a brick primitive: BOX: followed by 12 doubles: X,Y,Z of first corner, and 3 sets of Dx,Dy,Dz for each adjacent corner.

For more information see: Creating Cylinders

Graphical User Interface

Modified state now indicated in journal file editor

The user can now know if the contents of the journal editor are modified or if they are unmodified and reflect the content of a file on disk. An asterisk symbol now shows if the contents are modified. On the other hand, when saving the file or undoing changes, the asterisk symbols will disappear.

New Power Tools panel layout

The Power Tools panel has been reorganized to prioritize the enhanced Geometry Diagnostics tool as the initial tab, reflecting its increased utility and integration of features previously exclusive to the Wizard tool. While the Wizard remains accessible and useful, its position has been shifted to emphasize the updated capabilities and improvements within the Geometry and Meshing tools.

For more information see: Geometry Power Tools

Reduce for Simulation and Fasteners: New ML Geometry Power Tool Diagnostics

The Geometry Power Tool now includes a Reduce for Simulation feature, available in the Options panel. Activate it by clicking the Load ML Tools button to import the machine learning models. This enhancement introduces a collection of ML-driven diagnostics within the Reduce for Simulation category, designed to streamline geometry for simulation. This update introduces a Fasteners category and reorganizes Slots and Beams and Shells into the newly established Reduce for Simulation diagnostic suite.

The Fasteners category, a new addition, enhances capabilities found in the Part Classification’s bolt section. It offers three bolt categorization methods:

  • Clamped Members: Groups bolts by the members they fasten.
  • All Bolts: Categorizes bolts by name, derived from step or ACIS file definitions.
  • Pilot Holes: Lists concentric hole pairs for potential fastener application, irrespective of existing fasteners.

Utilizing the Analyze button, Cubit employs machine learning to classify and categorize bolts and holes, offering individual or group operations. Additional features include visualization tools and context-sensitive solutions for bolt reduction, displayed in a secondary window for selected fasteners or pilot holes. Right-clicking enables custom simulation preparation options via the command panels.

Below is an illustration of the Geometry Power Tool, showcasing the three categories and sample geometry with highlighted clamped members and associated bolts.

Image of fasteners-power-tool
New Fasteners diagnostic shows clamped members with their associated bolts

For more information see: Machine Learning Power Tools

Miscellaneous

Improved error handling with Python scripting

When executing Python scripts in Cubit®, syntax errors now abort the processing of a script file or a set of statements. Similarly, a syntax error with a Cubit® command will abort the processing of a script file.

The exit code of Cubit® can indicate a failure with processing scripts. A Python exception will cause the exit code of Cubit® to be non-zero. If a script wants to specify the exit code for Cubit®, a sys.exit(<exit_code>) statement can be used.

Enhanced Python Interface for Bolt Analysis

This Python interface provides advanced functionalities for analyzing bolts within a model, leveraging machine learning (ML) classifications to identify and interact with bolt features. It extends existing capabilities like get_bolt_diameter and get_bolt_axis with the following functions:

  • get_bolt_coordinate_system: Retrieves the necessary three coordinate locations (origin, z_point, and xz_point) to define a Cartesian coordinate system for a Sierra input deck. This aids in setting up simulation environments with precise bolt positioning.
  • get_bolts_in_clamped_members: When provided with two volume or block IDs, this function returns a list of volume IDs representing bolts that fasten the two members together. It utilizes ML classification to accurately identify the relevant bolts.
  • get_bolt_clamped_members: Given a bolt volume ID, this function identifies and returns the two members that are being clamped by the specified bolt, facilitating a clearer understanding of assembly and connection points within the model.
  • get_bolt_holes: Accepting two or more volume IDs, this function identifies potential pilot holes for fastener application, returning two lists of surfaces. The first list contains surfaces in the upper or bearing surface volume, while the second list includes surfaces in the lower or threaded volume. This distinction helps in utilizing the reduce surface hole command to define contact patches at holes.

The image below illustrates a bolt, highlighting the Python functions available for use and the specific geometric information each function returns.

Image of bolt-python

Enhancements reading nodal/element variables when importing Exodus files

Element/nodal variable names can now be specified to import these variables. Additionally, all variables can be imported with the ‘all_nodal_vars’ and ‘all_element_vars’ options.

For more information see: Importing Exodus II Files

CGNS export now available

Users wishing to export the mesh to CGNS format may now do so using the following command:

export CGNS '<filename>' [block <id_list>] [sideset <id_list>] [nodeset <id_list>] [bcset <id_list>] [overwrite]

For more information see: Exporting the Finite Element Model

CFD_BCs such as supersonicinflow and supersonicoutflow are now supported

Users can specify CFD BCs on a region using the following command. The actual definition of the CFD BCs must be specified in the CFD solvers input deck. The full command is:

create cfd_bc [id] {axis|exhaustfan|fan|inletvent|intakefan|interface| interior|massflowinlet|outflow|outletvent|periodic|periodicshadow| porousjump|pressurefarfield|pressureinlet|pressureoutlet|radiator| supersonicinflow|supersonicoutflow|symmetry|velocityinlet|wall} [name <'name'>] [{add|on} {sideset|surface} <entity_list>]

For more information see: CFD Boundary Conditions

Defects Fixed in Cubit® 16.16

  • MESH-1423 Error on reading cub file back in
  • MESH-4058 Discrete trimeshing failing
  • MESH-4198 Blunt tangency causing issues with geometry
  • MESH-5681 Lite indicator in model tree disappears after renumbering block
  • MESH-6537 Cubit losing critical information in name
  • MESH-6749 Investigate mesa issue on persistent DaaS machines
  • MESH-6914 Problem deleting enclosure tets
  • MESH-7130 Right-click ‘select chamfer chains’ taking too long
  • MESH-7299 Add element variables to exodus file
  • MESH-7307 Webcut with general plane case not working
  • MESH-7311 Diagnose Geometry tab doesn’t consider sheet bodies
  • MESH-7400 Update epu in Sculpt
  • MESH-7453 Gui gives incorrect command for sweep surface with target plane
  • MESH-7467 Holes not completely identified
  • MESH-7472 Python loop issue, cut & paste script works, but running it doesn’t
  • MESH-7491 Commands played from journal editor don’t appear in Cubit’s history tab
  • MESH-7601 Sidesets/nodesets not copied if only contain mesh
  • MESH-7613 Cubit Mesh Export Hex ID Bug
  • MESH-7632 Create upper and lower spider_block
  • MESH-7664 Cubit splash screen doesn’t disappear until script finishes
  • MESH-7680 Handling blank lines in Python for IWF workflows
  • MESH-7681 1543 keyword list for python enhancement library documentation
  • MESH-7687 Journal editor add * when editing file
  • MESH-7703 History disappearing and then breaks up arrow
  • MESH-7709 Journal file won’t playback consistently
  • MESH-7726 Cubit 16.14 at AWE on Ubuntu workstation – start error and fix
  • MESH-7727 ‘individual’ option in ‘sweep surface’ command is not documented
  • MESH-7730 Cubit-beta doesn’t open
  • MESH-7731 Issues of spn to sculpt
  • MESH-7732 Increase code coverage in GeomMeasureTool
  • MESH-7741 AWE using Sculpt for microstructure problems.
  • MESH-7745 Collapse tri
  • MESH-7752 Cubit 16.14 cubit/python button to switch between python and commands
  • MESH-7753 Cubit doesn’t switch to python mode when you cut and paste?
  • MESH-7755 Model Tree not updating with journal file command line import with undo on

Documentation Updates

The Cubit® 16.16 online documentation may be found here. A PDF version is also available for download. The Cubit® GUI installation also includes the full user documentation included with the program. The user’s manual may be accessed from the Help menu.

Cubit® 16.16 Contents of Release

Cubit® Program: The installation package includes executables and libraries, packaged in tar.gz files for Linux machines. For Windows, the package is in a self-installing executable, and for macOS a .dmg file is provided. Both a command line and GUI version of Cubit® are included with the installation package for all platforms.

Documentation: Linux, Windows and Mac versions include full online documentation.

Platforms Supported

Cubit® 16.16 supports the following Platforms:

  • Linux RedHat Enterprise 7 and 8
  • Windows 10 and 11
  • macOS 10.14+

Non-Sandia Users

Cubit® is freely available for United States government use. For more information on licensing Cubit®, including academic, commercial, and all other use, go to our licensing page. For current Cubit® users, Cubit® 16.16 may be downloaded from the Cubit® download page.

Sandia Personnel Only

Cubit® 16.16 may be downloaded from the Cubit® download page.

Windows

Download a Windows installation file and double-click to install.

macOS

Download a macOS disk image file. After the disk image is opened, click and drag the Cubit® folder to /Applications.

Linux LANs

Check with your local LAN administrator for instructions on how to access Cubit® on your local LAN. In most cases typing one of the following commands at the UNIX prompt should allow you to execute Cubit®.  In some cases, the full path will need to be specified:

/projects/cubit/<cubit_command>
cubitThe latest released version (16.16) of Cubit® deployed to the LAN.
cubit -noguiThe latest released version (16.16) with just the Command Line and graphics window
cubit -nogui -nographicsThe latest released version (16.16) with just the Command Line
cubit-16.16Version 16.16 with GUI
cubit-betaThe latest beta version still in development

Contact Information

Cubit® Help

For general technical questions including download, installation and Cubit® technical assistance.

cubit-help@sandia.gov

Cubit® Licensing and Passwords

Email: asc-approvals@sandia.gov

Cubit® Support Lead

Trevor Hensley
Phone: 505-844-3304
Email: cubit-help@sandia.gov

Cubit® Project Lead

Ryan Viertel
Email: rvierte@sandia.gov