How to Read APDL Calculation Result RST Files in ANSYS Mechanical

Compared to ANSYS classic graphical post-processing, Mechanical is more convenient. Sometimes it is necessary to import the RST file calculated by APDL into Mechanical for reading and related post-processing contour output.

For how to produce high-quality contours in WB, students can click the article below to learn:

How to Output High-Quality Result Contours in ANSYS Workbench

Below, using the calculation results of a frame structure as an example, the operation flow is demonstrated. This case first calculated the modal analysis of the frame structure and obtained the RST file, as shown below:

Since the drawing of RST results requires a finite element model as support, the finite element model needs to be exported before reading. The cdwrite command can be used to write out the model file in CDB format.

Next, use Mechanical to read the CDB file and RST file.

Open WB, create a new project file, drag in External Model, double-click Setup, and read the frame structure CDB file. Note that you need to set the unit system in the import section to be consistent with the original APDL calculation unit system.

Next, drag in a modal analysis module, share the model, right-click and update to read the model.

Double-click Model to open Mechanical, and you can see the read model file.

Start reading the result file. Click Solution, click the Tools option in the upper right corner, and select Read Results Files > By Copy from the pop-up options.

There are two options here: one is By Copy, which means the current path’s RST file will be copied to the WB project folder; the other is By Reference, which means reading from the current path.

Shuige recommends choosing By Copy, which is more stable. If your RST file is large, you may need to wait a moment as the copying takes time.

After confirming, select the corresponding RST file in the pop-up dialog.

Set the unit system corresponding to the RST file

Wait for the file copying time, then you can perform related post-processing contour operations. For example, after reading the file, the modal analysis frequencies will be displayed.

Next, to view the mode shape contours, insert deformation and evaluate directly. Switching the Mode number allows you to view mode shape contours of different orders.

Using the WB image export method described earlier, you can export high-quality contours. I have to say, the contours produced are more beautiful than those from the classic interface!

As shown below:

If you have requirements for contour quality, you might as well try the method in this article.

Note: Mechanical currently only supports reading new elements, so old elements will not be displayed even if read. Please pay attention!