Importing Python libraries into Mechanical

Question

Hi,

I'm a uni student and I'm attempting to run an optimisation routine in Mechanical, where I compare modal analysis results from my FE model to experimental results, and tweak material parameters.

To do this, I need to import libraries into the Mechanical scripting function, including some 3rd party libraries.

Does the Mechanical environment allow me to do this? Or will I have to perform my optimisation externally?

Mike.Thompson · Answer

Keep in mind that default API for mechanical is IronPython, but at 26.1 it also offers CPython as released feature (beta before this).  There are different modules available to import between these two different interpreters.  A notable example is numpy which is available in CPython, but not IronPython.

For BOTH of these interpreters, it is highly recommended you do not pip install or modify the delivered python packages.  These are actually shared across products, so you are modifying the environment of multiple products, and this is not supported.

So if you do want to use a python module, the options are to use PyAnsys as a fully pythonic environment and setup virtual environments, including your PyAnsys modules alongside anything else, or, you can run an external python process from a self-created python install via the interpreter from within Mechanical.  If your process doesn't need direct access to lots of mechanical data, then an external process, kicked off by the mechanical python interpreter, is a good option.  If you are already familiar and good with PyAnsys, that is a good option.

Naveen Kumar Begari · Answer

Hi @meb22gr ,

Standalone Mechanical environment has limited importing Libraries:

You may refere here: C:\Program Files\ANSYS Inc\v251\commonfiles

Please utilise PyAnsys venv to utilise 3rd party i,e python libraries into your workflows.

Cheers!