Extra "Static" Database File
Extra static database file
| <name>.ztf | |
|
This file is not generated by Ansys LS-DYNA itself, but rather by running PRIMER on the relevant input deck. (This can be done automatically from the Shell). It is a "static" file (ie no time-history data) that contains information about: |
|
| Nodes on ... contacts |
The nodes on the "nodal" side of these contacts will
become visible as "diamond" symbols. However no force data is recovered
on these nodes.
|
| Nodal restraints & constraints |
For each of the six degrees of freedom of every node
any restraint or constraint due to SPCs, *CONSTRAINED items, rigid
bodies, inclusion on TIED or CONSTRAINT contacts, etc is stored. These
DoFs can be displayed.
|
| Beam section data |
By storing beam element section data it becomes possible
for D3PLOT to "know" which beams are spotwelds (ie section type 9
using *MAT_SPOTWELD) and to draw them as spotwelds.
|
| Part and Section data |
From D3PLOT 9.3 onwards, the *PART(_xxx) and *SECTION_xxx cards
are written verbatim to the .ZTF file, making it possible to extract
thickness and layer information. In addition it becomes possible to
associate the Part ids of Springs and Seatbelt elements with those
used by solids, shells and beams making it possible to operate on
these "by part".
|
| Load data | From D3PLOT 16.0 onwards, the *LOAD_NODE_POINT, *LOAD_NODE_SET, *LOAD_BEAM, *LOAD_BEAM_SET, *LOAD_SHELL, *LOAD_SHELL_SET, *LOAD_SEGMENT and *LOAD_SEGMENT_SET data are written to the .ZTF file, so that loads can be displayed on the model. |
The ZTF file also contains information about section and material cards, coordinate systems, shell integration points, composite and beta angle data which does not translate directly to things which are drawn but nevertheless make it possible to display information "intelligently". In particular when used in conjunction with the binout file below it opens up the possibility of post-processing both visually and numerically a wealth of information that otherwise would not be accessible.
From D3PLOT 9.0 onwards, where the .XTF may not be present, this file also contains all the information previously stored in the .XTF file so that there is no loss of functionality.