Rename FE files

[RajSchmidt]

When saving an Inventor model which contains an FE analysis, several files are created in a subfolder. I understand that these are necessary for meshing.

I would like an option to actively name these files instead of Inventor creating random (?) file names.

So far these file names cause a lot of problems when managing Inventor data in Vault, especially when copying files. I will either lose the connection between the model and the FE files. Or, if I elect not to copy them, Inventor creates them anew and I might run into trouble because of duplicate file names.

In contrast: The frame generator will suggest file names for the skeleton, the frame assembly, and individual bars. But it happily accepts other names as well. (For instance, if I run a numbering scheme in Vault.)

[swalton]

RajSchmidt,

As a workaround:

Those files are the in-process and results of the FEA.  The FEA setup information is stored in the parent ipt/iam files. 

If you don't mind re-computing the FEA when you need to review the results, you can tell Inventor not to store them in Vault.

Uncheck the "Create OLE Link to Result Files" in the Stress Analysis Settings window to keep Vault from grabbing the results files on check-in.

[RajSchmidt]

Excellent, should have looked for all the options. Thank you!

[inv.ideareview]

@RajSchmidt

If you're satisfied with the solution Swalton shared, I would like to archive this idea for better tracking.

Regards,

[RajSchmidt]

That would be okay, ich can live with that solution. Pleas archive the idea. Regards

[inv.ideareview]

Thanks, RajSchmidt

We archived the idea since the solution has been accepted.

[SER4]

I disagree with this being a solution...it is a workaround.

Especially if the FEA files are large, I'd like them to be properly linked (I certainly do not want to wait a long time just to rerun studies every time to view results that could have already been done once).

In fact, when I copy part files, even if deleting the OLE links and the files in Windows Explorer, they still seem to come back as the original part's FEA files.

I should mention I'm using Vault Workgroup.

[RajSchmidt]

Good morning!

I agree, it’s not a solution. However, as I found out via this thread, it is possible to sever the link. And you do not really need the files. As I understand they are created temporarily for the meshing. All the vital information – loads, constraints, and the results too - is stored in the model file.

That’s why I put in another idea, to not link the files as a default: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/fe-files-not-linked-as-default/idi-p/7788008

Have a nice week!

[SER4]

It appears to me that the only way to get rid of this duplicate FEA filename problem is to delete, or possibly at least duplicate and then delete the 'old' copied studies.  I'm not 100% sure, but I think I did it successfully on one copied part.

Being able to duplicate is VERY handy because then all the work that went into setting up the FEA model is still saved!

[RajSchmidt]

I agree with the first half of your first sentence 😁

Simply throw away all the extra FEA files. As I wrote before, all your settings as well as the results are stored in the model file itself, not in the FEA files. Give it a try: Do some simple calculation, save & close the model. Delete the whole FEA subfolder. Open the model and confirm/ignore the “missing files” messages. You fill find all your FEA info in the model.