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Install for Ansys

The StrucEngLib plugin issues a Finite Element Analysis Solver under-the-hood. Ensure to have Prerequisites installed before you continue.

Install Ansys

Install Ansys Structural FEA Analysis Software. This software is proprietary and needs a license.

Note

Install Rhinoceros 3D Plugin

Fire up Rhinoceros 3D and type PackageManager in Rhino command line. Search for StrucEngLibPlugin in the search bar. Select the latest version, then hit install, and restart Rhino.

Rhino Package Manager

Upon restart, the plugin integrates into Rhino menu bar and is accessible under Tools - StrucEngLib Plugin as well as in the command line with StrucEngLib*.

If plugin load fails with an error, ensure that the plugin is loaded in PluginManager settings:

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Post Installation

Upon installation of the plugin, various Python dependencies must be downloaded.

Download Dependencies

Type StrucEngLibInstallDependencies in Rhino command line to open the dialog shown below.

StrucEng Library Dependency Installer for Ansys

Select Select Directory and choose your Anacoda installation path (Prerequisites). Create a new environment with Create Environment. The StrucEngLib Plugin issues Anaconda to create a new virtual environment and install all required Python dependencies. Hit Install for Ansys to download the software packages. The installation may take some minutes.

Subsequently, press Test Import to verify installation. Upon failure, an error message is shown.

Note

  • The installer uses Compas to install Python dependencies into Rhino's include directory %AppData%\McNeel\Rhinoceros\7.0\scripts.
  • Ensure that your Windows Environment variable %PYTHONPATH% is not set.
  • If you changed Rhino's Modules Search Path in Python Editor, please remove them (Why).
  • Install Script: install_ansys.bat.