Uploading Parts

Overview

Part files can be uploaded to a Project. Depending on the App, basic parts files can also be generated from specified parameters.

To view a Geometry setup demo, go to the Media page.

The following topics are covered on this page (Clicking on a link will open a new page):

Geometry File Requirements

The following file types are currently supported:

  • .stl
  • .msh

Support for these file formats is coming to the app soon, but is not yet available:

  • .iges
  • .step

Please note the following:

  • Do not upload any tractor or trailer geometry. A generic tractor and trailer geometry is included in the App. See next section for more details.
  • The geometry must be a complete 3D surface.
  • If using a .msh file this should be a surface mesh only NOT a volume mesh. The application will create the volume mesh.
  • Unless intended, the geometry must be a closed surface. If there are any openings that are not sealed, mesh will fill the volume, and the simulation may fail.
  • Vehicle needs to be oriented where the nose of the vehicle is pointed in the negative X direction, the positive Y direction is out of the right hand side, and positive z direction is up.
  • Do not include open wire grids or cables in the simulation geometry. Treat them as if they are not there.
  • Do not upload a volume mesh.
  • Geometry needs to be broken into more than one file based on application specific types. See below for Tool specific breakdowns.
  • Be sure there are no gaps between the parts that you do not intend. This is especially important to check when geometry is split up into different files across geometry types. Gaps will cause problems and may cause the simulation to fail.
  • Part geometries need to have a minimum of 4 mm thickness. This includes any flat panels, and plane geometries.
  • If your file is over 1 GB, please separate geometry into different files.

Exporting as STL

The process to export files as STL is outlined here. The methods outline are using two different software packages.

Importing Parts from Onshape

You will be able to import any file type that Onshape supports into our app, by first uploading that file to an Onshape document, then following the process listed here to import it into the app.

Truck Geometry Information

The TS Truck App has geometry pre-loaded into the app. The geometry will include: the trailer, tractor, wheels for both the trailer and tractor, and gears. An optional generic side-skirt on the trailer is also available in the app. You would have the choice to design your own side-skirt or turn on the one included. The included geometry will allow you to focus on designing aerodynamic features for CFD simulations. The features you design would need to be in the same coordinate system as the geometry files below. Your features would also need to be "attached" to the vehicle in the provided files. You do not need to upload any of the included geometry into the app.

Also do note that when inputting your design geometry (skirt panels, tail panels) they should have a thickness of >= 5 mm.

You would be able to download the included geometry from this Google Drive. The file formats available are .stl, .step, and .igs. The units for the geometry files are in meter units.

Isometric View

Front and Rear View

Dimensions

Dimensions of the Optional Side-Skirt

Uploading Parts

Geometries can be created while viewing a Project.

Note: Part file names can not start with any number or special characters

To upload a part file:

  • Click the Geometries item in the Navigation Menu on the left side of the interface.
  • To upload geometry files click on Parts then select the Upload button ( most right) and drag and drop the parts files to be uploaded into the upload box. Files can also be uploaded through a selection menu.

Note: As mentioned at the top of this page, the file types that are supported include: .stl, .mesh, coming soon: .step, and iges.

  • In the list of files to be uploaded, select an appropriate part type for each file. The choice of part type will vary depending on which TS application that is used. A list of app specific information about the possible part types for geometry uploads is at the top of this page.
  • Declare the length units of the parts files.
  • Click the submit button.

View the newly created/uploaded part by clicking on the part then selecting Show 3D View button under the options for the part, then go to the tab that is automatically opened at the top. It is a good habit to view each part to be sure they were uploaded properly. If the geometry did not upload properly, it will not load in the view screen.