ACT General Introduction R170

Using ACT to Customize
ANSYS Products and Simulation Workflows:

A User’s Guide to Creating Business-Specific Apps
(17.0 Release)
Copyright and Trademark Information

© 2016 SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution or duplication is prohibited.
Using ACT to Customize ANSYS Products and Simulation Workflows:
A User’s Guide to Creating Business-Specific Apps (17.0 Release)
Table of Contents
Overview ........................................................................................................... 1
Extension Structure ...............................................................................................2
Extension Formats .................................................................................................2
ACT Customization Tools .................................................................................. 3
ACT Customization Capabilities ........................................................................ 4
Types of Customization ..........................................................................................4
Customization Types by Product .............................................................................5
ACT Documentation and Development Resources ........................................... 6
General Documentation .........................................................................................6
Reference Documentation ......................................................................................7
Templates, Training, & Libraries .............................................................................8
Customer Portal Resources.....................................................................................8
Python Resources ..................................................................................................9
Roadmaps for ACT Customization .................................................................. 10
ACT Customization – Common Roadmap ............................................................... 11
Step 1: Define Your Extension ................................................................................11
Step 2: Install and Load Your Extension ..................................................................11
Step 3: Debug Your Extension ................................................................................11
Feature Creation Roadmaps ................................................................................. 12
Feature Creation in AIM ..........................................................................................13
Feature Creation in the Workbench Project Page .......................................................14
Feature Creation in DesignModeler ..........................................................................14
Feature Creation in Mechanical ................................................................................15
Feature Creation in DesignXplorer............................................................................17
Simulation Workflow Integration Roadmap ............................................................ 18
Process Compression Roadmaps ........................................................................... 20
Process Compression – Common Roadmap...............................................................21
Process Compression in AIM ....................................................................................21
Process Compression in the Workbench Project Page ................................................22
Process Compression in SpaceClaim .........................................................................23
Process Compression in DesignModeler ....................................................................24
Process Compression in Mechanical .........................................................................24
Process Compression in Electronics Desktop .............................................................25
Process Compression in DesignXplorer .....................................................................26
Process Compression in Fluent and Fluent Meshing (Beta) .........................................26
Process Compression for Multiple Applications (Mixed Wizard)....................................27
Overview
ANSYS ACT is the unified and consistent tool for the customization and expansion of
ANSYS products. Using ACT, you can create vertical apps or “extensions” to tailor
ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS AIM, and other ANSYS products (such as Mechanical, Fluent,
and Electronics Desktop…) to meet your application-specific and multi-physics
simulation needs. You can also engage the ANSYS simulation ecosystem through
integration and custom workflow techniques.
The purpose of this document is to:
 Present a high-level overview of ACT, introducing you to the general concepts you’ll
need to understand in order to start developing extensions.
 Help you start developing your own extensions, from the initial design phase
through the implementation and—when desired—to the final posting of your app to
the ANSYS ACT Application Store. You can post your apps using the “Post My App”
Google site, which details the posting process.
 Deliver specialized customization “roadmaps” designed to guide you through the
steps of creating the desired type of ACT customization for the supported ANSYS
product you choose.
 Provide references and links to the available ACT documentation and resources so
that you can easily access relevant information, such as:
 ACT Developer’s Guide sections that specifically address your objective
 Reference guides containing API and XML information
 ACT templates and extension examples
 ACT training materials
**Important: Note that most of links in this document go to materials on the ANSYS
Customer Portal. You must be logged into the Customer Portal in order for the links to
open directly to the desired page.
Also, documentation available on the Customer Portal’s Online Documentation: Current

Release – 17.0 page is also available via the Help menu in ANSYS products.
1
Extension Structure
All ACT extensions are made up of the same two basic parts: an XML extension file and
an IronPython script.
Extensions can potentially also include additional components such as external Python
libraries, C# code, input files, and images to be shown in the custom GUI.
Extension Formats
ACT extensions can be created in two different formats: scripted and binary.
Scripted Extension:
A Scripted Extension is an extension with an editable XML extension file and
IronPython script. The XML file and an extension folder containing (at minimum)
the IronPython script are saved at the same level.
Binary Extension:
A Binary Extension is a compiled extension (WBEX file) resulting from the build of
a scripted extension. These extensions can be shared with users, who will be
able to execute the extension, but will not be able to edit it.
2
**Note: You may need a license to create an extension. In general, the creation of
scripted extensions requires a license, while the generation of a binary extension
typically does not. The ACT license may be bundled with most ANSYS 17.0 products.
ACT Customization Tools

In 17.0, most of ACT’s customization tools can be accessed via the ACT Start Page,
shown below. It is available in all ANSYS products that support the use of extensions,
and the way you access it varies according to the ANSYS product you’re using.
3
From this page, you can access multiple tools to be used in the development and
execution of extensions: the Extension Manager, the Wizards page, the ACT
Console, and the extension log file.
The following table refers you to tools documentation in the ACT Developer’s Guide.
Tool Reference
ACT Start Page Using Extensions > Using the ACT Start Page >
Accessing the ACT Start Page
ACT Start Page Interface
Extension Manager Using Extensions > Using the Extension Manager >
Extension Manager Accessed via the ACT Start Page
Extension Manager Accessed via Extensions Menu
ACT Console Development and Debugging > ACT Console
Binary Extension Builder Development and Debugging > Binary Extension Builder
Debug Mode (Refresh Development and Debugging >
Extensions and Log File) Debug Mode
Debugging with Microsoft Visual Studio
ACT Customization Capabilities

This section details types of ACT customizations and what types of customization are
available for products that support ACT.
Types of Customization
ACT provides two types of customization: feature creation, simulation workflow

integration, and process automation.
Feature Creation:
The direct, API-driven customization of ANSYS products. In addition to leveraging

the native functionality already available in a product, it also enables you to add
functionality and operations of your own.
Examples of feature creation include the creation of custom loads and geometries,
the addition of custom pre- or post-processing features, and the integration of third-
party solvers, sampling methods, and optimization algorithms.
4
Simulation Workflow Integration
The integration of external knowledge (e.g. apps, processes, scripts) into the ANSYS
ecosystem. Today users can engage in simulation workflow customization in the
ANSYS Workbench Project page. You can define new workflow tasks to construct
consistent and cohesive simulation workflows, allowing your business-specific
elements to co-exist and interface with pre-built ANSYS solutions.
Process Compression
The encapsulation and automation of existing processes available in an ANSYS

product. The result is a “wizard” that provides guidance within the application
workflow, walking the end-user step-by-step through a simulation. You can create
“single” wizards to be run in specific target-applications, or “mixed” wizards to be
run across several applications.
Both types of customization are accomplished through the creation and implementation
of an ACT extension.
Customization Types by Product
The table below shows the ANSYS products that currently support ACT’s customization
capabilities.
Product Simulation Workflow Feature Process

Integration Creation Compression
Workbench ✔ ✔ ✔
AIM ✔ ✔
DesignModeler ✔ ✔
Mechanical ✔ ✔
DesignXplorer ✔ ✔
SpaceClaim ✔
Electronics Desktop ✔
Fluent (Beta) ✔
Fluent Meshing (Beta) ✔
5
ACT Documentation and Development Resources

This section introduces you to the ACT documentation and resources available to you:
General Documentation
Reference Documentation
Templates, Training, and Libraries
Customer Portal Resources
Python Resources
Resource Description Location
Installation Presentation providing Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
Procedure instructions for installing ACT Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
extensions. Installation Procedure
ANSYS ACT Migration notes containing the Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
Migration Notes information needed to migrate Online Documentation > Customization >
(16.X through 17.0) between 16.0, 16.1, 16.2, and ANSYS ACT Migration Notes
17.0. Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
Application Store 17 > ACT R170 Migration
Notes
ACT Developer’s General introductory guide for Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
Guide ACT which provides: Online Documentation > Customization >
● Introduction to ACT ACT Developer’s Guide HTML
capabilities, interface, and ACT Developer’s Guide PDF
tools. Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
● Information about Application Store 17 > Help & Support > ACT
customization types and Developers Guide
product support.
● Extension examples
showing product-specific
capabilities, API usage,
and customization types.
Using an ANSYS Document providing Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
ACT Wizard to instructions on how to use Online Documentation > Customization > ACT
Automate Fluent and Fluent Meshing Beta Feature Documentation PDF
6
Fluent (17.0 Beta) wizards (ACT beta-functionality
released in 17.0).
License Agreement Software licensing agreement Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
for publishing extensions to Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
the ANSYS ACT Application License Agreement
Store 17.
Reference Documentation
ACT Online Easy-to-navigate online HTML Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
Reference document providing both API and Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
XML reference materials for ACT. Online Reference Guide
Available in both online (.html)
Download Reference Guide
and downloadable (.zip) versions.
**Recommended version of
developer’s reference
documentation
ACT API Reference document providing Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
Reference Guide API namespace information for Online Documentation > Customization >
ACT. ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide HTML
ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide PDF
ACT XML Reference document providing Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
Reference Guide XML definition and tagging Online Documentation > Customization >
information for ACT. ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide HTML
ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide PDF
ANSYS AIM and Reference document providing a Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources >
Workbench general introduction to journaling Online Documentation > Customization >
Scripting Guide and scripting capabilities that can ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide
be used in some customizations. HTML
Also contains product-specific
ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide
data container information.
PDF
7
Templates, Training, & Libraries

ACT Templates Zip packages containing templates. Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
Package contains a variety of Application Store 17 > ACT Templates >
templates, each including a sample ACT Templates for Mechanical
extension and example project. ACT Templates for DesignModeler
ACT Templates for DesignXplorer
ACT Wizard Templates
ACT Intro Training modules containing Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
Training: lectures and workshops for ACT Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
Lectures and R17. Training ACT for Mechanical
Workshops Training for ACT Wizards
ACT Libraries Libraries containing release- Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
specific and product-specific Application Store 17 > Previous Releases >
extension examples and/or 16.2 ACT Library
models. 15.0 ACT Library
Framework SDK Library
Simplorer Device Models Library

ANSYS ACT Contains extensions posted by Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS
Application Store 17 ANSYS or ANSYS customers. ACT Application Store 17
Extensions can be filtered by:
Free, Paid, Workbench
Mechanical, Workbench
DesignModeler, Workbench
Project Schematic, Workbench
Meshing, Workbench
DesignXplorer, and Workbench
Wizard.
8

Case Studies & Section containing ACT case Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS
Videos studies, videos, and ACT Application Store 17 > Case Studies &
presentations. Videos >
(Sidebar to the Application Store.) ANSYS ACT General Presentation
ANSYS ACT Videos
Oticon, DK
Epsilon, USA
ADAPT (US Army)
Whirlpool Corp.
170 SpaceClaim Package to be added to the 170 Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS
Addin install to enable ACT capabilities ACT Application Store 17 > Help & Support
in the SpaceClaim application. > SpaceClaimAddin
Python Resources
Python Training Training presentation providing Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
basics of using XML and Python Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
programming. Introduction to Iron Python
IronPython IronPython’s documentation http://ironpython.net/documentation/

Documentation page, which provides version-
specific documentation and
application/implementation
examples.
Python Essential PDF copy of the “Python http://microembedded.googlecode.com/files/

Reference Essential Reference” book by Python_Essential_Reference_3rd_Edition.pdf
David Beasley.
9
Roadmaps for ACT Customization

The next sections of this document contain development “roadmaps” to guide you through the extension creation
process. Each roadmap provides a high-level description of the steps necessary for the specific customization you wish to
perform, and then directs you to more detailed information in the ACT documentation set.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, documentation references are to the ACT Developer’s Guide.
The sections go from the general to the specific: from the steps that are applicable to all extensions (ACT customization)
through the type of customization (Feature Creation, Workflow Integration, and Process Compression), to the specific
application being customized.
Click on the links in the flowchart below to navigate to the corresponding section in this document.
ACT Customization (Main Objective)
Feature Creation Workflow Integration Process Compression
Project DesignModeler Mechanical DesignXplorer Project

AIM
Page Page
Project Electronics Fluent

AIM SpaceClaim DesignModeler Mechanical DesignXplorer Fluent
Page Desktop Meshing
10
ACT Customization – Common Roadmap
The tables below provide steps that are common to all extensions and refer you to
relevant documentation in the ACT Developer’s Guide.
Step 1: Define Your Extension

Step Description Reference
1a Create the XML definition Defining Extensions > Creating a Scripted Extension >
file. ExtSample Extension: XML Extension Definition File
1b Create the IronPython script. Defining Extensions > Creating a Scripted Extension >
ExtSample Extension: IronPython Script
1c Place the files in the correct Defining Extensions > Creating a Scripted Extension >
directory structure. ExtSample Extension: Directory Structure/File Hierarchy
1d Optional: Build (compile) Defining Extensions > Building a Binary Extension
the scripted extension into a
Also see Binary Extension Builder.
binary extension (.wbex).
1e Configure extension options Defining Extensions > Configuring Extension Options
in Tools > Options >
Extensions.
Step 2: Install and Load Your Extension

2a Install your extension. For Scripted Extensions:

Note that for binary Using Extensions > Installing and Uninstalling Extensions >
extensions, you will use Installing a Scripted Extension
the ACT Extension
Manager tool. For Binary Extensions:
Using Extensions > Installing and Uninstalling Extensions >
Installing a Binary Extension
2b Load your extension. Using Extensions >
Loading and Unloading Extensions
Configuring Extensions to be Loaded by Default
Step 3: Debug Your Extension

3 (Optional) Debug your extension using ACT Development and Debugging >
or external tools. Debug Mode
11
Feature Creation Roadmaps
Feature Creation customization is the API-based creation of new custom features for a product. The flowchart below
shows:
➢ the products for which ACT Feature Creation capabilities are available
➢ the types of features that can be created for each product
Click on the links to navigate to the product you wish to customize.
Feature Creation
Project Mechanical
AIM DesignModeler DesignXplorer
Page
Pre- Custom Custom

Geometry Pre- Post- Third-Party
Processing Objects Scripting Algorithm
Builder Processing Processing Solver
Integration
12
Feature Creation in AIM
In AIM, you can perform customization activities such as the addition of a pre-
processing feature for a structural analysis and the creation of a custom object to
encapsulate and expose existing AFD features.
AIM
Pre-processing Custom Objects
Add pre-processing features Create and expose a complete CFD

such as custom loads to a system with access to all existing
structural analysis. fluids boundary conditions.
Topic Reference
Capabilities common to all target ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
applications Common Capabilities
ACT-Based Properties
Capabilities specific to AIM ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
Capabilities for ANSYS AIM >
Adding a Pre-Processing Feature in ANSYS AIM Structural
Creating a Custom Object to Merge Existing AFD Features
Online HTML reference providing both Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store
API and XML information. 17 > Help & Support >
**Recommended version of Online Reference Guide
developer’s reference documentation. Download Reference Guide
Reference document providing API ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide
namespace information.
Reference document providing XML ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide
definition and tagging information.
13
Feature Creation in the Workbench Project Page
In the Workbench Project page, you can perform common customization activities
such as custom toolbars and pop-up dialogs creation; extension data storage; and ACT-
based property and property group definitions.
Project Page Scripting
Create toolbars and pop-up dialogs; store

data in an extension; define ACT-based
properties and property groups.
Topic Reference
Feature Creation in DesignModeler
In DesignModeler, you can create custom Geometry Builder features.
DesignModeler Geometry Builder
Create specialized geometries with custom

properties and apply custom geometric
operations.
Topic Reference
Capabilities common to all ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
target applications Common Capabilities
Capabilities specific to ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities > Capabilities for
DesignModeler ANSYS DesignModeler >
Geometry Definition in the XML File
Geometry Definition in the Python File
14
Topic Reference
DesignModeler – API Usage ANSYS Developer’s Guide > APIs Description > APIs for ANSYS
Examples DesignModeler >
Using the Selection Manager in DesignModeler
Creating Primitives
Applying Operations
Online HTML reference Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store 17 >
providing both API and XML Help & Support >
information. Online Reference Guide
**Recommended version of Download Reference Guide
documentation.
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide >
API namespace information. Ansys.ACT.Automation.DesignModeler
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.DesignModeler
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide >

XML definition and tagging <extension>
information. <simdata>
<geometry>
Feature Creation in Mechanical
In Mechanical, you can create custom Pre-Processing, Post-Processing, and Third-Party

Solver features.
Mechanical
Pre-processing Post-processing Third-Party Solver
Add pre-processing Add post-processing Add the ability to connect

features such as loads features such as custom to third-party or launch
and boundary conditions. results. external processes.
Topic Reference
15
Topic Reference
Capabilities specific to Mechanical ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
Capabilities for ANSYS Mechanical >
Adding a Pre-Processing Feature in ANSYS Mechanical
Adding a Post-Processing Feature in ANSYS
Mechanical
Creating Results with Imaginary Parts
Connecting to a Third-Party Solver
Mechanical – API Usage Examples ANSYS Developer’s Guide > APIs Description > APIs for
ANSYS Mechanical >
Directly Accessing an Object
Handling Property Types
API Examples: Model Object
API Examples: TraverseExtension
User Interface and Toolbars
Mechanical – Extension Examples ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples >
Mechanical Extension Examples >
Von-Mises Stress as a Custom Result
An Edge-Node Coupling Tool
Reference document providing API ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide >
namespace information. Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.AnalysisSettings
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.BoundaryConditions
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.Connections
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.Enums
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.ImportedLoads
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.MeshControls
Ansys.ACT.Automation.Mechanical.Results
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.Mechanical
Ansys.ACT.Mechanical.Fields
Reference document providing XML ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide >
definition and tagging information. <extension>
<simdata>
<load>
<object>
<result>
<solver>
16
Feature Creation in DesignXplorer
In DesignXplorer, you can integrate custom and external algorithms.
Custom Algorithm
DesignXplorer
Integration
Integrate custom and external

sampling and optimization algorithms.
Topic Reference
Capabilities specific to DesignXplorer ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
Capabilities for ANSYS DesignXplorer >
The Design Exploration Process
Implementing a DX Extension
Notes on Method Class Implementation
DesignXplorer – API Usage Examples ANSYS Developer’s Guide > APIs Description > APIs for
ANSYS DesignXplorer >
DOE APIs
Optimization APIs
DesignXplorer – Extension Examples ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > DesignXplorer
Extension Examples >
DOE Extension Examples
Optimization Extension Examples
namespace information. Ansys.DesignXplorer.API
Ansys.DesignXplorer.API.Common
Ansys.DesignXplorer.API.Optimization
Ansys.DesignXplorer.API.Sampling
Ansys.DesignXplorer.Automation
definition and tagging information. <extension>
<simdata>
<extensionobject>
<optimizer>
17
Simulation Workflow Integration Roadmap
Simulation Workflow Integration customization is workflow integration in the

Workbench Project page. You can create custom task groups (systems) and tasks
(components) to facilitate interaction with the Workbench Project Schematic.
Project Page Scripting
Create custom tasks groups and tasks to be

included in the ANSYS Workbench workflow.
Topic Reference
Capabilities specific to the Workbench ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Extension Capabilities >
Project page Capabilities for Custom ACT Workflows in Workbench>
The Custom Workflow Creation Process
Creating the Extension Definition XML File
Creating the IronPython Script
Workbench Project Page – Extension ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Custom ACT
Examples Workflows in Workbench Examples >
Custom User-Specified GUI Operation
Custom, Lightweight, External Application Integration
with Parameter Definition
Custom, Lightweight, External Application Integration
with Custom Data and Remote Job Execution
Generic Material Transfer
Generic Mesh Transfer
Custom Transfer
Parametric
Appendices containing Workbench ANSYS Developer’s Guide >

Custom Workflow Info
Appendix A. ANSYS Workbench Task Inputs and Outputs
Appendix B. ANSYS Workbench Internally Defined System
Template and Component Names
Appendix C. Data Transfer Types
Appendix D. Addin Data Types and Data Transfer Formats
18
Topic Reference
developer’s reference documentation.
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.Common
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.DataModel
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.UserInterface
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.UserInterface.Components
Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.UserObject
<extension>
<workflow>
<callbacks> ... </callbacks>
<property>
<propertygroup>
<propertytable>
<taskgroups>
<tasks>
Reference document providing ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide

journaling and scripting information,
including product-specific data
container details.
19
Process Compression Roadmaps
Process Compression customization is the encapsulation and automation of existing processes available in an ANSYS
product into a “wizard.”
The flowchart below shows the products for which ACT Process Compression capabilities are available.
Click on the links to navigate to the product you wish to customize.
Process Compression
Target Application Wizard Mixed Wizard
Project Electronics Fluent/Fluent

AIM SpaceClaim DesignModeler Mechanical DesignXplorer
Page Desktop Meshing
20
Process Compression – Common Roadmap
The table below refers you to documentation on topics that are common to the creation
of all process-compression extensions (wizards).
Topic Reference
Types of process- ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Guided Processes > Types of Guided
compression extensions Processes
Creating process- ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Guided Processes > Creating Guided
compression extensions Processes
Installing and loading ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Guided Processes > Installing and Loading
process-compression Guided Processes
extensions
Using process- ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Guided Processes > Using Guided Processes
compression extensions
Online HTML reference Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store 17 > Help
providing both API and & Support >
XML information. Online Reference Guide
**Recommended version Download Reference Guide
of developer’s reference
documentation.
Reference document ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide >
providing API namespace Ansys.ACT.Interfaces.Wizard
information.
Reference document ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide >
providing XML definition <extension>
and tagging information. <application>
<appstoreid>
<author>
<description>
<uidefinition>
<wizard>
Reference document ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide

providing journaling and Refer to the section(s) for the specific application(s) being customized.
scripting information,
including product-specific
data container details.
Process Compression in AIM
The table below refers you to documentation on creating process-compression

extensions (custom templates) to compress and automate processes in ANSYS AIM.
21
Note that an AIM simulation can also be automated by running a Project wizard from
the AIM Project tab.
Topic Reference
Using process-compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Guided Processes > Using Guided
extensions in AIM Processes > Using an AIM Custom Template >
Launching an AIM Custom Template
Accessing Custom Help
Entering Data in a Custom Template
AIM – Process Compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process Examples >
Extension Examples Project Wizard (AIM Project Tab)
AIM Custom Template (Single-Step)
**Recommended version of Download Reference Guide
documentation.
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide
API namespace information.
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide

XML definition and tagging
information.
journaling and scripting Refer to the Workbench section.
information, including product-
specific data container details.
Process Compression in the Workbench Project Page

extensions (wizards) to orchestrate workflows on the Project Schematic.
Topic Reference
Workbench Project Page – ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process Examples >
Process Compression Extension Project Wizard (Workbench Project Tab)
Examples
Project Wizard (AIM Project Tab)
Mixed Wizard
22
Topic Reference
**Recommended version of
documentation.
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT API Reference Guide
API namespace information.
Reference document providing ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide

XML definition and tagging
information.
journaling and scripting Refer to the Workbench section.
Process Compression in SpaceClaim

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the Electronics Desktop
application. Wizards can be run in SpaceClaim both when SpaceClaim is opened via
Workbench and when it is opened by itself.
Topic Reference
170 SpaceClaim Addin Package Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store
17 > Help & Support > SpaceClaimAddin
SpaceClaim Installation Instructions ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Appendix E. Applying the
SpaceClaim Adin Package
Accessing the ACT Start Page in Using Extensions > Using the ACT Start Page > Accessing the
SpaceClaim ACT Start Page
SpaceClaim – Process Compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process
Extension Examples Examples > SpaceClaim Wizard
Online HTML reference providing Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store
both API and XML information. 17 > Help & Support >
developer’s reference Download Reference Guide
documentation.

journaling and scripting information, Refer to the SpaceClaim section.
23
Topic Reference
including product-specific data
container details.
Process Compression in DesignModeler

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the DesignModeler
application.
Topic Reference
DesignModeler – Process ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process
Compression Extension Examples Examples >
DesignModeler Wizard
Mixed Wizard
Online HTML reference providing Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application Store
both API and XML information. 17 > Help & Support >
developer’s reference Download Reference Guide
documentation.

journaling and scripting Refer to the DesignModeler section.
Process Compression in Mechanical

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the Mechanical
application.
Topic Reference
Mechanical – Process Compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process
Extension Examples Examples >
Mechanical Wizard
Mixed Wizard
24
Topic Reference
Online HTML reference providing both API Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application
and XML information. Store 17 > Help & Support >
**Recommended version of developer’s Online Reference Guide
reference documentation. Download Reference Guide

Reference document providing journaling ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide
and scripting information, including Refer to the Mechanical section.
product-specific data container details.
Process Compression in Electronics Desktop

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the Electronics Desktop
application. Wizards can be run in Electronics Desktop both when Electronics Desktop
is opened via Workbench and when it is opened by itself.
Topic Reference
Accessing the ACT Start Page in Electronics Using Extensions > Using the ACT Start Page >
Desktop Accessing the ACT Start Page
Electronics Desktop – Process Compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided
Extension Examples Process Examples > Electronics Desktop Wizard
Online HTML reference providing both API Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
and XML information. Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
Reference document providing XML definition ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide
and tagging information.
Reference document providing journaling and ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide
scripting information, including product- Refer to the Electronics Desktop section.
25
Process Compression in DesignXplorer

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the Mechanical
application.
Topic Reference
Online HTML reference providing both API Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT
and XML information. Application Store 17 > Help & Support >
Reference document providing XML definition ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide
and tagging information.
Reference document providing journaling and ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide
scripting information, including product- Refer to the DesignXplorer section.
Process Compression in Fluent and Fluent Meshing (Beta)

extensions (wizards) to compress and automate processes in the Fluent and Fluent
Meshing applications.
Wizards can be run in Fluent and Fluent Meshing either when they are opened via
Workbench or when opened by themselves.
Topic Reference
Fluent – Process Compression Extension Customer Portal > Knowledge Resources > Online
Example Documentation > Customization > ACT Beta Feature
Documentation PDF
Customer Portal > Downloads > ANSYS ACT Application
Store 17 > ACT Templates > ACT Beta Feature
Documentation (Fluent/Fluent Meshing wizard)
26
Topic Reference
and scripting information, including Refer to the Fluent/Fluent Meshing section.
product-specific data container details.
Process Compression for Multiple Applications (Mixed Wizard)
The table below refers you to documentation on creating “mixed” process-compression

extensions (wizards) to that are executed across the multiple target applications. Mixed
wizard begin with the Workbench Project Schematic and an engage any data-integrated
application with Workbench journaling and scripting capabilities, such as DesignModeler
or Mechanical.
Topic Reference
Mixed Wizard – Process Compression ANSYS Developer’s Guide > Examples > Guided Process
Extension Example Examples > Mixed Wizard
and scripting information, including Refer to the sections for the applications included in the
product-specific data container details. wizard.
27

ACT General Introduction R170

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ACT General Introduction R170

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Using ACT to Customize

ANSYS Products and Simulation Workflows:

Copyright and Trademark Information

The purpose of this document is to:

Also, documentation available on the Customer Portal’s Online Documentation: Current

ACT Customization Tools

ACT Customization Capabilities

ACT provides two types of customization: feature creation, simulation workflow

The direct, API-driven customization of ANSYS products. In addition to leveraging

Simulation Workflow Integration

The encapsulation and automation of existing processes available in an ANSYS

Customization Types by Product

Product Simulation Workflow Feature Process

ACT Documentation and Development Resources

Templates, Training, & Libraries

Customer Portal Resources

Customer Portal Resources

IronPython IronPython’s documentation http://ironpython.net/documentation/

Python Essential PDF copy of the “Python http://microembedded.googlecode.com/files/

Roadmaps for ACT Customization

ACT Customization (Main Objective)

Feature Creation Workflow Integration Process Compression

Project DesignModeler Mechanical DesignXplorer Project

Project Electronics Fluent

ACT Customization – Common Roadmap

Step 1: Define Your Extension

Step 2: Install and Load Your Extension

2a Install your extension. For Scripted Extensions:

Step 3: Debug Your Extension

Feature Creation Roadmaps

Click on the links to navigate to the product you wish to customize.

Pre- Custom Custom

Feature Creation in AIM

Pre-processing Custom Objects

Add pre-processing features Create and expose a complete CFD

Feature Creation in the Workbench Project Page

Project Page Scripting

Create toolbars and pop-up dialogs; store

Feature Creation in DesignModeler

In DesignModeler, you can create custom Geometry Builder features.

DesignModeler Geometry Builder

Create specialized geometries with custom

Reference document providing ANSYS ACT XML Reference Guide >

Feature Creation in Mechanical

In Mechanical, you can create custom Pre-Processing, Post-Processing, and Third-Party

Pre-processing Post-processing Third-Party Solver

Add pre-processing Add post-processing Add the ability to connect

Feature Creation in DesignXplorer

In DesignXplorer, you can integrate custom and external algorithms.

Integrate custom and external

Simulation Workflow Integration Roadmap

Simulation Workflow Integration customization is workflow integration in the

Project Page Scripting

Create custom tasks groups and tasks to be

Appendices containing Workbench ANSYS Developer’s Guide >

Reference document providing ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide

Process Compression Roadmaps

Click on the links to navigate to the product you wish to customize.

Target Application Wizard Mixed Wizard

Project Electronics Fluent/Fluent

Process Compression – Common Roadmap

Reference document ANSYS AIM and Workbench Scripting Guide

Process Compression in AIM

The table below refers you to documentation on creating process-compression