ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS

WITH CREO PARAMETRIC

AND PTC MATHCAD PRIME

By David Randolph Martin II

© 2020 David Randolph Martin II
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced
or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of
the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Table of Figures
Table of Tables
Chapter 1. Engineering Calculations Overview
1.1. Computer Aided Engineering
1.2. Structure of This Book
1.3. Design Intent
1.4. Terminology and Version
1.5. Assumptions
1.6. Feedback
Chapter 2. Quick Example
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Starting the Creo Parametric Model
2.3. Creating the Mathcad Worksheet
2.4. Embed a Worksheet in the Creo Parametric Model
2.4.1. Updating the Model & Worksheet and Flexing the Model
2.4.2. Remove the Worksheet
2.5. Create a Prime Analysis Feature
2.5.1. Flexing the Model
2.5.2. Delete a Prime Analysis Feature
2.6. Onward and Upward!
Chapter 3. Mathcad Overview
3.1. Benefits of PTC Mathcad for Engineering Calculations
3.2. Mathcad Express
3.2.1. How to Get It
3.2.2. Limitations
3.3. The Mathcad Interface
3.4. Plots and Charts
3.5. Windchill Integration
Chapter 4. Mathcad Basics
4.1. Basic Math
4.2. Text Regions
4.3. Equals Signs in PTC Mathcad
4.3.1. Global Definition Operator
4.3.2. Comparison Equal To Operator
4.3.3. Symbolic Evaluation
4.4. Variables
4.4.1. Greek Letters
4.4.2. Pre-Defined Constants
4.4.3. Subscripts vs. Vector and Matrix Indices
4.4.4. Implied Multiplication
4.4.5. Imaginary Numbers
4.5. Functions
4.5.1. Built-In Functions
4.5.2. User-Defined Functions
Chapter 5. Programming
5.1. Essentials of Programs
5.2. Initiating a Program
5.3. Initializing the Return Variable
5.4. Local Assignment Operator
5.5. If-Then-Else Constructs
5.6. For Loops
5.7. While Loops
5.8. The Break Operator
5.9. The Continue Operator
5.10. The Return Operator
5.11. Calling the Program
5.12. Example Program
Chapter 6. Optimization
6.1. Optimization Concept
 6.2. Functions
6.3. Vectors
6.4. Solve Blocks
6.5. Evaluation of Results
Chapter 7. Mathcad Tips and Tricks
7.1. Keyboard Shortcuts
7.2. Rounding Values
7.3. Password Protected Areas
7.4. Equation Wrapping
7.5. Additional Resources
7.5.1. PTC Community
7.5.2. YouTube Creo Parametric Channel
Chapter 8. Creo Parametric Overview
8.1. Computer Aided Design with Creo Parametric
8.2. Features and Dimensions
8.3. Parameters
8.4. Relations
8.5. Regeneration
8.6. Notification Center
Chapter 9. Units
9.1. Importance of Units Compatibility
9.2. Units in Mathcad
9.2.1. Mathcad Default Units Systems
9.2.2. Defining a New Custom Unit in Mathcad
9.3. Units Systems in Creo Parametric
9.3.1. Units for Dimensions
9.3.2. Units for Parameters
9.4. Units Compatibility Between Creo Parametric and PTC Mathcad
9.4.1. Fundamental Units
9.4.2. Derived Units
9.4.3. Mathcad Evaluation in Base Units
 9.4.4. Angle Dimensions
9.4.5. Temperature Units
9.5. Mathcad and Creo Parametric Integration
9.5.1. Prime Analyses
9.5.2. Embedded Worksheets
9.6. A Final Word
Chapter 10. Mathcad – Creo Integration Overview
10.1. Integration Options and Comparison
10.2. Planning for Integration
10.2.1. Automapping
10.2.2. Changing Dimension Names in Creo Parametric
10.3. 3D Annotations
10.3.1. Combination States
10.3.2. Annotation Planes
10.3.3. 3D Notes
10.3.4. Adding 3D Annotations to a Combination State
10.4. Adding a Column to the Model Tree
Chapter 11. Embedded Worksheets
11.1. Embedded Worksheets Overview
11.2. Setup
11.3. Process
11.3.1. Creating the PTC Mathcad Prime Worksheet
11.3.2. Embedding the Worksheet
11.4. Updating the PTC Mathcad Prime Worksheet
11.5. Updating the Model
11.6. Regeneration Failures
11.7. Identifying Mathcad Connected Models
11.7.1. Graphics Area Icon
11.7.2. Model Tree Filter
11.8. Removing a Worksheet
Chapter 12. Prime Analyses
 12.1. Background: Datum Analysis Features
12.2. The Prime Analysis Dialog Box
12.2.1. The File Section
12.2.2. The Inputs Section: Creo Parametric to Prime
12.2.3. The Outputs Section: Prime to Creo Parametric
12.2.4. Saved Analyses Section
12.2.5. Action Buttons
12.3. Process
12.3.1. Develop the Mathcad Prime Worksheet
12.3.2. Set Up the Prime Analysis Feature
12.3.3. Define Relations
12.3.4. Edit Definition of the Prime Analysis Feature
12.4. Creating Datums in a Prime Analysis
12.4.1. Datum Coordinate Systems
12.4.2. Datum Points
12.4.3. Datum Curves
12.5. Double Regeneration Problem
12.6. Regeneration Request
12.7. Mathcad Analysis Feature
Chapter 13. Sample Problems
13.1. Scenario 1: Designing and Optimizing a Pressure Vessel
13.1.1. Developing the Worksheet
13.1.2. Developing the CAD Model
13.1.3. Connecting the Part to the Worksheet
13.1.4. Explorations
13.2. Scenario 2: Square Key for a Gear
13.2.1. Developing the Worksheet
13.2.2. Developing the CAD Model
13.2.3. Prime Analysis Feature
13.2.4. Model Relations
13.2.5. Explorations
 13.3. Scenario 3: Solid Disk Flywheel Design
13.3.1. Developing the CAD Model
13.3.2. Developing the Worksheet
13.3.3. Connecting the Worksheet and CAD Model
13.3.4. Explorations
13.4. Scenario 4: Designing a Shaft
13.4.1. Developing the Worksheet
13.4.2. Developing the CAD Model
13.4.3. Connecting the CAD Model and Worksheet
13.4.4. Explorations
Chapter 14. Conclusions
Appendix A. Creo Parametric Configuration Options
Appendix B. Acronyms
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1‑1: Creo Parametric Help Mathcad Tutorial.
Figure 2‑1: Creating a new part.
Figure 2‑2: Selecting the new part's template.
Figure 2‑3: Sketch for the part.
Figure 2‑4: The extrude feature for the part.
Figure 2‑5: Changing the names of dimensions.
Figure 2‑6: Mathcad worksheet Text Block and Text Box for documentation.
Figure 2‑7: Mathcad Definitions.
Figure 2‑8: Functions for Surface Area and Volume.
Figure 2‑9: Solve Block to optimize volume.
Figure 2‑10: Evaluate the results of the optimization.
Figure 2‑11: The Mathcad Input/Output Designation dialog box with the
length output.
Figure 2‑12: The Input/Output Designation dialog box with the renamed
alias.
Figure 2‑13: The Input/Output Designation dialog with all outputs and
renamed aliases.
Figure 2‑14: Mathcad worksheet with outputs.
Figure 2‑15: The Save and Push command in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Figure 2‑16: The Pushing values dialog box.
Figure 2‑17: The indication of an embedded worksheet in Creo Parametric.
Figure 2‑18: Creo Parametric Parameters dialog box with Mathcad outputs.
Figure 2‑19: The Relations dialog box in Creo Parametric.
Figure 2‑20: Inserting an output parameter into a Relation.
Figure 2‑21: Driving a model dimension from a Mathcad output.
Figure 2‑22: Relations driving model dimensions from Mathcad outputs.
Figure 2‑23: Dimensions updated from Mathcad outputs.
Figure 2‑24: Designating an input in Mathcad.
Figure 2‑25: The Input/Output Designation dialog box with inputs and
outputs.
Figure 2‑26: The Pushing Values dialog box.
Figure 2‑27: Adding a comment line to the Relations.
Figure 2‑28: Inserting the Mathcad input.
Figure 2‑29: Inserting the model parameter.
Figure 2‑30: The driving input Relation.
Figure 2‑31: Model Notifications.
Figure 2‑32: Outdated Mathcad Notification.
Figure 2‑33: Creo Parametric interface indication of embedded worksheet.
Figure 2‑34: Updated results in Mathcad worksheet.
Figure 2‑35: Updated model dimensions.
Figure 2‑36: Relations errors after removing embedded worksheet.
Figure 2‑37: Mathcad Input/Output Designation dialog box.
Figure 2‑38: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.
Figure 2‑39: Input defined for Prime Analysis.
Figure 2‑40: Right mouse button for selecting outputs.
Figure 2‑41: The Output Selection dialog box.
Figure 2‑42: First output specified.
Figure 2‑43: All outputs specified.
Figure 2‑44: Entering the name of the Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 2‑45: The Mathcad outputs as parameters.
Figure 2‑46: Selecting model dimensions for a Relation.
Figure 2‑47: Inserting a Mathcad output into a Relation.
Figure 2‑48: Relations driving model geometry from Mathcad outputs.
Figure 2‑49: Updated model dimensions.
Figure 2‑50: Regeneration indication.
Figure 2‑51: Updated Mathcad outputs.
Figure 2‑52: Model geometry NOT updated.
Figure 2‑53: Model geometry updated after second regeneration.
Figure 2‑54: Warning dialog box when deleting a feature.
Figure 3‑1: The Mathcad Prime interface toolbar.
Figure 4‑1: Basic math in PTC Mathcad Prime.
Figure 4‑2: Text Boxes and Text Blocks.
Figure 4‑3: Examples of the Definition Operator for variables and functions.
Figure 4‑4: The Global Definition operator.
Figure 4‑5: Using the Comparison Equal To operator for documentation.
Figure 4‑6: Symbolic evaluation of derivatives and integrals.
Figure 4‑7: Mathcad Constants.
Figure 4‑8: Evaluation of the pre-defined constants.
Figure 4‑9: Overriding a pre-defined constant.
Figure 4‑10: Matrix Index Operator.
Figure 4‑11: Imaginary Numbers and Implied Multiplication.
Figure 5‑1: Recursion in a program to calculate Fibonacci numbers.
Figure 5‑2: Program Operator.
Figure 5‑3: Initializing a new result for a program.
Figure 5‑4: Calling a program.
Figure 5‑5: Prime numbers program.
Figure 5‑6: Results of the prime number program.
Figure 6‑1. Inserting a 5 by 1 vector.
Figure 6‑2. How the vector appears when initially created.
Figure 6‑3: Solve Block construct.
Figure 6‑4: Example Solve Block for optimization.
Figure 6‑5: Evaluation of the Solve Block results to use as outputs.
Figure 7‑1: Accessing Help for keyboard shortcuts.
Figure 7‑2: Sample of the help for keyboard shortcuts.
Figure 7‑3: Mathcad functions for rounding.
Figure 7‑4: Rounding functions with units.
Figure 7‑5: Password protecting an area.
Figure 7‑6: Location of the Equation Break operators.
Figure 8‑1: The Parameters dialog box.
Figure 8‑2: The Relations dialog box.
Figure 8‑3: Relations using Mathcad inputs and outputs.
Figure 8‑4: Regeneration notification in the lower right corner.
Figure 9‑1: Applying units to numbers.
Figure 9‑2: The Units drop-down menu.
Figure 9‑3: Evaluating in the worksheet units.
Figure 9‑4: Resolving math to the worksheet units.
Figure 9‑5: Error for incompatible units.
Figure 9‑6: Automatic units balancing.
Figure 9‑7: Changing the worksheet unit system.
Figure 9‑8: Furlongs per fortnight.
Figure 9‑9: The Labels drop-down menu.
Figure 9‑10: Changing the region label to Unit.
Figure 9‑11: Using the Global Definition operator for a custom unit.
Figure 9‑12: The Model Properties dialog box.
Figure 9‑13: The Units Manager dialog box.
Figure 9‑14: The Parameters dialog box.
Figure 9‑15: Specifying a unit quantity for a parameter.
Figure 9‑16: Selecting the unit for Young's modulus.
Figure 9‑17: Part model for angle conversion.
Figure 9‑18: Mathcad worksheet for angles.
Figure 9‑19: Prime Analysis feature for angle conversion.
Figure 9‑20: Relations dialog box for converting radians and degrees.
Figure 9‑21: Temperature units in Mathcad.
Figure 9‑22: Temperature units example.
Figure 9‑23: Calculations with Kelvin and Rankine.
Figure 9‑24: Prime Analysis with dimension inputs.
Figure 9‑25: Length units available in Creo Parametric.
Figure 9‑26: Prime Analysis with parameter inputs.
Figure 9‑27: Relations for driving model geometry from Prime Analysis
feature outputs.
Figure 9‑35: Unit Sensitive Option.
Figure 9‑28: Test scenario for embedded worksheets.
Figure 9‑29: Mathcad worksheet for the test scenario.
Figure 9‑30: Embedded Mathcad output parameters for test scenario.
Figure 9‑31: Initial Relations for the test scenario.
Figure 9‑32: Incorrect results for the test scenario.
Figure 9‑33: Scaling to convert units in the Relations dialog box.
Figure 9‑34: Test scenario working correctly.
Figure 9‑36: Dividing by Units.
Figure 9‑37: Dividing by Unit.
Figure 9‑38: SIUnitsOf Function
Figure 10‑1: The In Graphics Toolbar.
Figure 10‑2: The Annotate Ribbon tab.
Figure 10‑3: Annotation Plane Manager.
Figure 10‑4: Annotation Plane Definition dialog box.
Figure 10‑5: The Note command.
Figure 10‑6: Assign to States dialog box.
Figure 10‑7: Mini Toolbar for 3D Annotations.
Figure 10‑8: Adding a column to the Model Tree.
Figure 11‑1: Assigning inputs in the worksheet.
Figure 11‑2: Assigning and renaming outputs.
Figure 11‑3: The PTC Mathcad Pushing values dialog box.
Figure 11‑4: Embedded worksheet indication in the Creo Parametric
Graphics Area.
Figure 11‑5: Notification Center warning.
Figure 11‑6: Indication of an embedded Mathcad worksheet.
Figure 11‑7: Filtering Model Tree by embedded worksheets.
Figure 11‑8: Warning when removing an embedded worksheet.
Figure 11‑9: Relations after removing an embedded worksheet.
Figure 12‑1: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.
Figure 12‑2: The Prime Analysis feature File section.
Figure 12‑3: The Prime Analysis feature Inputs section.
Figure 12‑4: The Mathcad Select Menu Manager.
Figure 12‑5: The Mathcad Select Menu Manager.
Figure 12‑6: The Prime Analysis Feature Outputs section.
Figure 12‑7: The Prime Analysis feature Saved Analyses section.
Figure 12‑8: Example Mathcad Saved Analysis.
Figure 12‑9: The Saved Analysis dialog box.
Figure 12‑10: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.
Figure 12‑11: Parameters generated from a Prime Analysis.
Figure 12‑12: Edit Definition of a Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 12‑13: Mathcad worksheet for creating datums.
Figure 12‑14: Prime Analysis feature for generating datums.
Figure 12‑15: Datums generated in Creo Parametric.
Figure 12‑16: Resulting Datums of the Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 12‑17: Resulting datums of the Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 12‑18: Prime Analysis datum curve.
Figure 12‑19: Datum Curve Through Points.
Figure 12‑20: Cutting the Relations.
Figure 12‑21: Accessing Post Regeneration Relations.
Figure 12‑22: Pasting the Relations.
Figure 12‑23: Regeneration status in the lower right corner.
Figure 13‑1: Pressure vessel model.
Figure 13‑2: Scenario 1 worksheet inputs.
Figure 13‑3: Scenario 1 functions and initial values.
Figure 13‑4: Scenario 1 Solve Block.
Figure 13‑5: Scenario 1 initial results.
Figure 13‑6: Scenario 1 thickness calculation setup.
Figure 13‑7: Scenario 1 thickness calculations.
Figure 13‑8: Scenario 1 thickness output.
Figure 13‑9: Model for scenario 2.
Figure 13‑10: Scenario 2 worksheet inputs.
Figure 13‑11: Scenario 2 worksheet calculations.
Figure 13‑12: Scenario 2 worksheet outputs.
Figure 13‑13: Scenario 2 Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 13‑14: Relations to drive model.
Figure 13‑15: Scenario 3 worksheet inputs.
Figure 13‑16: Scenario 3 worksheet calculations.
Figure 13‑17: Scenario 3 worksheet outputs.
Figure 13‑18: Scenario 3 Prime Analysis feature.
Figure 13‑19: Scenario 4 worksheet inputs.
Figure 13‑20: Scenario 4 worksheet calculations.
Figure 13‑21: Scenario 4 worksheet outputs.
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1: Units Systems Base Units
Table 2: SI Units
Table 3: Fundamental Units in Creo and Mathcad
Table 4: Derived Quantities.
Chapter 1. Engineering Calculations Overview
Key Points
Math makes the difference between design and engineering in
product development. The application of math to design allows us
to develop products that meet their requirements and are optimized
for their operating environments.
Design Intent is the process of building additional information and
intelligence into our models so that when we need to implement
changes, our parts and assemblies update in ways that we planned
for and expect.
Connecting Creo Parametric models to worksheets containing
engineering calculations from PTC Mathcad Prime is an excellent
way to build Design Intent into your products.
PTC Mathcad Prime worksheets can be connected to Creo
Parametric models either by embedding them into the model or via
a Prime Analysis feature.

1.1. Computer Aided Engineering

Why do we need engineering calculations?
You can certainly design many products without performing engineering
calculations. There are quite a few inventors who don’t have formal
engineering backgrounds. When I taught CAD, occasionally I would have
students who had no previous engineering education and experience. They
would struggle with concepts like datums and tolerances, but they had ideas
for products that they wanted to develop.
It is entirely possible to design a product without the need for engineering
calculations or software. But how do you know your product will survive its
operating environment? Of course, you can build the product and test it in the
operating environment.
But here’s the rub: Prototyping is expensive. Testing is expensive. Often it’s
impossible to perform all the tests necessary to validate a product in its
operating environment. (Think about undersea vessels and spacecraft.)
Also, for companies to make money and for products to be successful, you
often want to iterate the design to be best possible variation in the solution
space. Some of the considerations that we turn into product requirements
include:

Weight. We may want it be below a certain weight or as light as

possible.
Strength. We may want it to meet certain loads or be as strong as
possible.
Longest possible battery life or lowest electrical load.
Operating cycles. We may want the highest number possible, or
for engineered obsolescence, we may want a maximum number.
These are examples of ways that we might want to optimize our products.
Optimization is pretty much impossible without software. It certainly is
expensive, tedious, and time-consuming to perform without software.
Over centuries, engineering has developed a large body of knowledge that
helps guide the design, analysis, and manufacturing of parts, assemblies,
mechanisms, and products. This body of knowledge facilitates both
validating and optimizing our products. Through the language of math, this
body of knowledge has resulted in formulas and engineering calculations that
we can apply to product development.
Math is the difference between Computer Aided Design (CAD) and
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). Math enables us to develop better
products faster and at lower cost than without it.
Historically, our calculations have often been kept separate from our CAD
models. Any engineer worth his or her salt has actual notebooks or notepads
filled with sketches, notes, calculations, and so on. You may have Microsoft
Excel spreadsheets used to determine certain model values. You may even
use Relations in Creo Parametric models.
Today, we have the ability to connect our engineering calculations with our
CAD models. Our CAD models can send inputs to the engineering
calculations, and our engineering calculation software can send outputs back
to the model for driving geometry.
This book will show you how to do that.
1.2. Structure of This Book
By reading this book, you will learn how to use worksheets from PTC
Mathcad Prime containing engineering calculations to drive parts and
assemblies created in Creo Parametric.
Chapter 2 will go through a quick example to demonstrate the basics of
integrating Creo Parametric models with Mathcad worksheets.
The following chapters are divided into three major sections:

Mathcad functionality for engineering calculations is covered in

chapters 3 through 7.
Integrating PTC Mathcad with Creo Parametric models is covered
in chapters 8 through 12.
Example problems are in Chapter 13.
There are two methods of connecting Creo Parametric models with PTC
Mathcad Prime worksheets:

Embedding the worksheets in the parts or assemblies. These

embedded worksheets are also known as Engineering Notebooks.
Connecting the worksheets to parts and assemblies via Prime
Analysis features.
The sample problems in chapter 13 are designed to be simple enough that you
can create the models and worksheets in a matter of minutes. That way you
can focus on the concepts described in this book rather than part modeling
and worksheet creation.

1.3. Design Intent

The initial design phase is a very small portion of the lifecycle of a product.
You might spend a few hours, days, weeks, or months designing your parts
and assemblies. Depending on complexity, the design phase of your entire
product could be months or years. The following phases – prototype, test,
manufacturing, production, sustainment, and retirement – typically are
several times longer than the design phase, depending on the success of your
product.
Because of this, you actually spend most of your time making changes to
your parts and models. Changes will result from design reviews, testing,
prototyping, manufacturing reviews, customer feedback, and maintenance,
repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
When you have to implement changes, you want to avoid throwing out your
parts, assemblies, and drawings, and starting over from scratch.
We want to build additional information and intelligence into our models, so
that when we need to implement changes, we have the flexibility to do so.
We have the right dimensions, parameters, features, and components that
allow us to make those changes, and the other entities in our model update
appropriately to those changes.
Creo Parametric contains a variety of tools at different levels for building our
Design Intent into our models. For example, at the part level, we can build
Design Intent via:

The types of features we choose to build.

The options and attributes for those features.
The order in which the features appear in the Model Tree.
The parent-child relationships for our features.
The Relations – mathematical expressions – we write between
different dimensions and parameters.
Datum Analysis, Feasibility, and Optimization features via a
module called the Behavioral Modeling Extension (BMX).
At the assembly level, we can build Design Intent via:

The choice of the first component in an assembly (also known as

the base component).
The organization of our assemblies into subassemblies. This is
known as the Product Structure.
The choices of constraints and mechanism connections to define
the positioning and movement of components relative to one
another.
The use of the Top Down Design (TDD) methodology to control
complex products via central resources known as Notebooks and
Skeletons and building interdependencies between components.
There are other methods of building Design Intent into our models, and some
of these techniques will be touched on in later chapters.
Building our engineering calculations into our models adds another level of
Design Intent. Using PTC Mathcad Prime, we can write – and document –
more complex calculations than are possible with Creo Parametric’s
Relations editor.
The general process for building Design Intent via engineering calculations is
as follows:

We can have our Creo Parametric parts and assemblies send inputs
to our PTC Mathcad Prime worksheets.
Our worksheets perform their calculations. Results designated as
outputs are sent back to the Creo Parametric models.
In Creo Parametric, Relations are used to drive model dimensions
and parameters.
Upon regeneration, the geometry updates accordingly.
Changes to inputs result in changes to outputs, updating our models. This
again is the heart of Design Intent.

1.4. Terminology and Version

I have attempted to be consistent using the term PTC Mathcad Prime to refer
to the engineering calculation software. However, the terms Mathcad, PTC
Mathcad, and Mathcad Prime can and may be used interchangeably
throughout.
This book and the screenshots were generated in PTC Mathcad Prime 6.0 and
Creo Parametric 7.0. However, Prime Analyses can be created with PTC
Mathcad Prime 1.0 or later and Creo Parametric 1.0 or later. Embedded
worksheets functionality is fully compatible back to PTC Mathcad Prime 3.0
and build codes M130 and later of Creo Parametric 3.0.
Keys on your computer keyboard like SHIFT and ENTER are capitalized.
CTRL refers to the Control key. Specific commands or selections in Creo
Parametric and PTC Mathcad Prime appear in bold type. Procedure steps that
call for you to switch between Creo Parametric and PTC Mathcad Prime, and
vice versa, appear in all bold to call your attention to those steps.
1.5. Assumptions
This book assumes you have working knowledge of Creo Parametric for part
design in the following areas:

The Creo Parametric user interface.

Spinning, panning, and zooming models in the Graphics Area.
Creating new parts.
Sketching.
Basic feature creation including Extrudes, Revolves, Holes,
Rounds, and Chamfers.
Parameters.
Relations.
If you are not familiar with these areas, I highly recommend that you develop
your knowledge in these areas. Potential methods of developing these skills
include:

Taking an Instructor Led Training class from PTC or one of its

Value Added Resellers.
Taking a Web Based Training class via Precision LMS.
Viewing some of my videos on the Creo Parametric YouTube
channel. This channel contains a playlist for PTC Mathcad Prime
videos as well. These can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/CreoParametric
PTC Help for Creo Parametric, available at https://help.ptc.cpm, contains
tutorials, including one for PTC Mathcad integration with models and
worksheets you can download. You can access these by expanding Creo
Tutorials in the left pane. See Figure 1-1 for more information.

1.6. Feedback
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy reading this book.
Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] with any
questions, comments, and suggestions.
Figure 1‑1: Creo Parametric Help Mathcad Tutorial.
Chapter 2. Quick Example
2.1. Introduction
In this chapter we are going to dive right into a quick example that you can
perform to see the basics of Creo Parametric – Mathcad integration.
We are going to investigate optimizing the volume held by a container with
an open top for a given amount of material. Think of a brown paper shopping
bag like the kind you get at the grocery store. What would be the dimensions
of the bag that would optimize the volume the bag could hold, given a
specified amount of paper?
I performing this example in Creo Parametric 7.0 and Mathcad Prime 6.0
using English units. You can use any version of Creo Parametric with a
compatible version of Mathcad Prime using metric units. You can use
different dimension values than I do, since this is intended as a generic
problem to solve.
The exercise will go through the following:

1. Building a simple part model in Creo Parametric (section 2.2).

2. Creating a new worksheet in PTC Mathcad Prime (section 2.3).
3. Embedding the worksheet to drive the model dimensions (section
2.4).
4. Using a Prime Analysis feature to drive the model dimensions
(section 2.5).
Note that you do not have to create the worksheet before embedding it or
making a Prime Analysis feature. We are doing so in order to explore both
methods.

2.2. Starting the Creo Parametric Model

The general process to create our part is as follows:

Start a new part.

Create a sketch and extrude it.
Shell the part.
 Define a parameter for the surface area to be sent to PTC Mathcad
Prime as an input.
Perform the following steps to create your Creo Parametric model:

1. Launch Creo Parametric if you have not already done so.

2. Click File > New or the New icon to create a new part.
a. Ensure that the radio buttons for Part and Solid are
selected.
b. Enter a File name and Common name of your choosing.
c. Uncheck Use default template and click OK. (We are
doing this to use a start part in English units, but feel free
to use a model with metric units.)

Figure 2‑1: Creating a new part.

3. In the New File Options dialog box, select a default template that
uses English units.
 Figure 2‑2: Selecting the new part's template.

Note: this image depicts my personal start parts. You may need to use the
Browse button to select an appropriate start part. The start parts provided by
PTC are located in <loadpoint>\Common Files\templates.

4. Select the datum plane TOP (from the Model Tree or Graphics

Area). Click the Sketch tool

from the Mini Toolbar or the ribbon. This will place you in Sketch
Mode.
5. Create a Center Rectangle located at the intersection of the Sketch
References. Make the dimensions 15 and 20.
 Figure 2‑3: Sketch for the part.

6. Hit the green check mark to complete the Sketch.

7. With the sketch still selected, click the Extrude tool.

Change the depth to 25 and click the green check mark to

complete the feature.
 Figure 2‑4: The extrude feature for the part.

Note: these dimensions are initial values only. The worksheet

will drive their actual values.

8. Select the Extrude feature in the Model Tree and click the Edit

Dimensions icon from the Mini Toolbar.

9. Select the dimensions and use the Dimension tab in the Ribbon to
change the names as follows:
a. Change the 15 dimension to width.
b. Change the 20 dimension to length.
c. Change the 25 dimension to height.

Figure 2‑5: Changing the names of dimensions.

 10. Since these dimensions control the volume, to make the box we are
going to use a Shell feature with a negative value; we’re going to
add material to the outside of the Extrude. Click the Shell

tool.
a. Select the top surface to remove.

b. Use the Flip icon to change the material direction

to the outside.
c. Change the thickness to 0.25. (Note: for the sake of this
exercise, the thickness does not matter.)

d. Click the green check mark to complete the

feature.

11. Click Tools > Parameters .

a. Click the plus sign icon to create a new parameter.

b. Change the name to SA (for surface area).
c. The type should be Real Number. Change the value to
2500.
12. Click the Save icon.
We now have everything we need for our part geometry. We are going to use
2500 as the target surface area of our starting material.
Units will be covered in depth Chapter 9. We could pass parameters to and
receive parameters back from Mathcad that utilize dimensions, but we will
save that for later.

2.3. Creating the Mathcad Worksheet

Our PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet will perform the following calculations:

Define values for surface area, length, width, and height. (The
surface area will later be tagged as an input to be received from
 Creo Parametric.)
Define functions to calculate the surface area and volume.
Use the Solve Block construct to solve for the optimized volume.
Evaluate the results.
Tag the evaluated length, width, and height as outputs to be sent
back to Creo Parametric.
We will document our calculations and method as we create our worksheet. I
strongly recommend this. It will make your worksheets user friendly to
others. Trust me, I have opened worksheets I created years before, and
without documentation, I have wasted unnecessary time deciphering my
previous thought processes.
Perform the following steps to create the PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet:

1. Launch PTC Mathcad Prime if it is not already open.

2. Create a new worksheet if desired, or use an existing empty
worksheet if one is open.
3. Use the Text Box and Text Block tools from the Math tab to
document the title and intent of the worksheet.

Figure 2‑6: Mathcad worksheet Text Block and Text Box for documentation.

4. Create math regions to define the surface area, length, width, and
height. Type in the names of the variables and use the Definition
operator := from Math > Operators. The keyboard shortcut is the
colon key : on the keyboard. Add Text Boxes as necessary for
additional documentation.
 Figure 2‑7: Mathcad Definitions.

Note: we do not have to use the same names as dimensions and

parameters from Creo Parametric. But this can simplify later
steps by enabling us to use something called automapping, which
will be described in Chapter 10.

5. Use math regions to define functions for the material surface area
and volume as a function of length, width, and height.

Figure 2‑8: Functions for Surface Area and Volume.

6. Click Math > Solve Block. This will place a Solve Block
construct on the sheet that we will use to calculate the values of the
length, width, and height that will result in a maximum volume.
a. Leave the Guess values area empty.
b. Click in the Constraints and Solver areas and type in the
following:
 Figure 2‑9: Solve Block to optimize volume.

Hints:

The first constraint uses the Comparison Equal To equals sign,

which is the keyboard shortcut of the CTRL key and the equals
sign.
Create the 3x1 matrix from Matrices/Tables > Insert Matrix.

7. Evaluate the results for length, width, and height. These values
will be sent back to Creo Parametric as outputs.

Figure 2‑10: Evaluate the results of the optimization.

Now we have a worksheet that we are ready to use either as an embedded
worksheet or in a Prime Analysis.

2.4. Embed a Worksheet in the Creo Parametric Model

To embed a worksheet in our Creo Parametric model, perform the following
steps:

1. Return to Creo Parametric and the model you created in section

2.2.
2. Click Applications > PTC Mathcad > Insert Worksheet.
3. A File Open dialog box will open. Navigate to the folder where
you stored your worksheet. Select it and click Open.
4. The PTC Mathcad Prime application will be activated on your
computer screen. You will be on a tab with the name of your Creo
Parametric model.
5. Scroll down to the end where the length, width, and height results
are evaluated. Select the length evaluation math region and click
Input/Output > Assign Outputs.
a. Click Show as List from the Input/Output tab. This
will open the Input/Output Designation dialog box. It
will list a single output with the alias “out.”

Figure 2‑11: The Mathcad Input/Output Designation dialog box with the length output.

b. Double click “out” under Alias and change the name to

 “length_opt.”

Figure 2‑12: The Input/Output Designation dialog box with the renamed alias.

Note: the name of the alias cannot be the same as the name of
any variables in the Mathcad worksheet.

6. Repeat step 5 for the width and height evaluation math regions.
The Input/Output Designation dialog should look as follows:

Figure 2‑13: The Input/Output Designation dialog with all outputs and renamed aliases.

a. Close the Input/Output Designation dialog box.

b. Select the Show in Worksheet button from the Input/Output
tab. The evaluation math regions should look as follows:
 Figure 2‑14: Mathcad worksheet with outputs.

7. Click the Save and Push icon in the Quick Access Toolbar in
the upper right corner. The keyboard shortcut is CTRL and S.

Figure 2‑15: The Save and Push command in the Quick Access Toolbar.

8. Click OK to close the Pushing values dialog box.

Figure 2‑16: The Pushing values dialog box.

9. Minimize PTC Mathcad Prime and return to Creo Parametric.

10. In the upper right corner of the Graphics Area in the Creo
Parametric interface, you will see the Mathcad Prime symbol
indicating an embedded worksheet:
 Figure 2‑17: The indication of an embedded worksheet in Creo Parametric.

11. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the Look In drop-down list
from Part to Embedded Mathcad. You should see the
height_opt, length_opt, and width_opt outputs from PTC Mathcad.
When finished reviewing them, click OK to close the dialog box.

Figure 2‑18: Creo Parametric Parameters dialog box with Mathcad outputs.

12. Click Tools > Relations. Select Extrude 1 from the Model Tree.
You should see the length, width, and height dimensions in the
Graphics Area.
 Figure 2‑19: The Relations dialog box in Creo Parametric.

a. Type in the following comment line starting with a forward

slash and an asterisk:
/* Drive model dimensions from volume optimization in embedded
worksheet

b. Select the length dimension in the Graphics Area. The

dimension name will be copied into the Relations dialog box.
c. Type in an equals sign. Use spaces for clarity.
d. In the Relations dialog box, click the Insert Parameter

icon from the horizontal toolbar. In the

Select Parameter dialog box, change the Look In drop-down
list from Part to Embedded Mathcad. Select the
length_opt parameters and click Insert Selected.
 Figure 2‑20: Inserting an output parameter into a Relation.

e. The Relations dialog box should look as follows:

Figure 2‑21: Driving a model dimension from a Mathcad output.

f. Repeat steps b through d for the width and height

dimensions.
 Figure 2‑22: Relations driving model dimensions from Mathcad outputs.

g. Click OK to close the Relations dialog box.

13. Click Model > Regenerate . The part geometry will

update to the new dimensions.
14. Select Extrude 1 in the Model Tree and the Edit Dimensions

icon from the Mini Toolbar. The updated

dimension values will appear in the Graphics Area.
15. Double click on a dimension to change its value. Note the warning
in the Message Area that the dimension is now driven by a
Relation.
 Figure 2‑23: Dimensions updated from Mathcad outputs.

16. Save the model.

17. Minimize Creo Parametric and return to PTC Mathcad
Prime.
18. Scroll to the top of the worksheet. Select the SA definition math
region and select Input/Output > Assign Inputs. If Show in
Worksheet is still selected, it should appear as follows:

Figure 2‑24: Designating an input in Mathcad.

19. Select Show as List. The Input/Output Designation dialog box will
open. Review the information and close the Input/Output
Designation dialog box.
 Figure 2‑25: The Input/Output Designation dialog box with inputs and outputs.

20. Click the Save and Push icon from the Quick Access
Toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut CTRL-S.
21. Click OK from the Pushing values dialog box.

Figure 2‑26: The Pushing Values dialog box.

22. Minimize PTC Mathcad Prime and return to the Creo

Parametric interface.
23. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the Look In drop-down list
from Part to Embedded Mathcad. The list contains the SA
parameter as an input. Click OK.
24. Click Tools > Relations. Position your cursor at the top of the
editing field and hit the ENTER key a couple times to add empty
lines. Use a forward slash and an asterisk to type in a comment
line:
/* Use Surface Area model parameter as an input to Mathcad.
 Figure 2‑27: Adding a comment line to the Relations.

a. Click the Insert Parameter icon from the horizontal

toolbar. In the Select Parameter dialog box, change the Look
In drop-down list from Part to Embedded Mathcad. Select
the SA input from the list and click Insert Selected.

Figure 2‑28: Inserting the Mathcad input.

b. After the inserted parameter, type in an equals sign. Use
spaces for clarity.

c. Click the Insert Parameter icon. In the Select

Parameter dialog box, select the SA part parameter and click
Insert Selected.

Figure 2‑29: Inserting the model parameter.

d. The Relations dialog box should look as follows.

 Figure 2‑30: The driving input Relation.

e. Click OK.

25. Save the model.

26. Minimize Creo Parametric and return to PTC Mathcad
Prime.

27. Click Input/Output > Update Inputs. Click Save and Push
.
28. Click OK from the Pushing values dialog box.
29. Close the worksheet.
Our Creo Parametric part model now has an embedded worksheet to drive its
geometry.

2.4.1. Updating the Model & Worksheet and Flexing the Model
Whenever you are working in Creo Parametric, and especially when you are
using Mathcad worksheets to drive your geometry, you want to test that your
model updates appropriately when you make changes. This is called “flexing
the model.”
The same process will be followed to update our models and worksheets.
Perform the following steps:

1. Launch Creo Parametric and open the part you created in section
2.2 if necessary.
2. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the SA parameter from 2500
to 3500. Click OK.
3. Click Model > Regenerate or CTRL-G.
4. Note the Model Notification in the lower left corner of the screen.

Figure 2‑31: Model Notifications.

5. Click on the yellow flag. Optional: open and close the Notification
Center.

Figure 2‑32: Outdated Mathcad Notification.

6. To open the embedded worksheet, click either Applications >

PTC Mathcad > Open/Create Worksheet or the Mathcad
Prime icon in the upper right corner of the Graphics Area.

Figure 2‑33: Creo Parametric interface indication of embedded worksheet.

7. In the Mathcad worksheet, click Input/Output > Update Inputs.
Scroll down to the bottom of the worksheet and note the updated
outputs.

Figure 2‑34: Updated results in Mathcad worksheet.

8. Click Save and Push and OK from the Pushing values

dialog box. Close the worksheet.
9. Minimize PTC Mathcad Prime and return to Creo Parametric.
10. Click Model > Regenerate. Check the updates to the model
geometry by clicking Extrude 1 in the Model Tree and Edit

Dimensions from the Mini Toolbar.

 Figure 2‑35: Updated model dimensions.

Feel free to test this process with additional values for the surface area.

2.4.2. Remove the Worksheet

There are times when you may want to remove an embedded worksheet from
your Creo Parametric model. To do so, click Applications > PTC Mathcad
> Remove Worksheet.
Be aware that this will delete the worksheet. If you want to keep a copy of the
model with the embedded worksheet, use File > Save As > Save a Copy.
Perform the following steps to remove the worksheet:

1. In the model with the embedded worksheet in Creo Parametric,

click Applications > PTC Mathcad > Open/Create Worksheet.

2. In the PTC Mathcad worksheet, click the Mathcad button

> Save As > Worksheet.
3. Close the worksheet. Click Don’t Save.
4. Return to Creo Parametric and click Applications > PTC
Mathcad > Remove Worksheet. Note the warning and click OK.
 5. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the Look In drop-down list
from Part to Embedded Mathcad. Note all the input and output
parameters have been deleted.
6. Click Tools > Relations. Note the error messages.

Figure 2‑36: Relations errors after removing embedded worksheet.

7. Delete all the Relations and click OK.

2.5. Create a Prime Analysis Feature

Now we will connect our Creo Parametric model to a PTC Mathcad Prime
worksheet, but this time using a Prime Analysis feature. Perform the
following steps:
1. If necessary, launch the PTC Mathcad Prime application and open
the worksheet you created in section 2.3.
2. Select the SA definition math region and click Input/Output >
Assign Inputs.
3. Click Show as List from the Input/Output tab.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the worksheet.
a. Select the length evaluation math region and click
Input/Output > Assign Outputs.
b. In the Input/Output Designation dialog box, change the
Alias for the output from “out” to “opt_length.”

Figure 2‑37: Mathcad Input/Output Designation dialog box.

c. Repeat steps a and b for the width and height outputs.

d. Close the Input/Output Designation dialog box.

5. Save the worksheet.

6. Exit from the PTC Mathcad Prime application.
7. If necessary, launch Creo Parametric and open the part model you
created in section 2.2.
8. If necessary, use Tools > Parameters to change the SA parameter
back to 2500.

9. Click Analysis > Prime Analysis . This will

open the Prime Analysis dialog box and PTC Mathcad Prime will
launch in the background.
Note: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box will be explained in
detail in section 12.2.

Figure 2‑38: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.

10. Since our Mathcad worksheet already exists, click the Load File
button. In the Select Prime worksheet dialog box, navigate to
where you saved your worksheet from section 2.3, select it, and
click Open.
11. The PTC Mathcad Prime may come to the front of your computer
screen. Minimize it or move it to a second monitor if you have
one.
12. In the Prime Analysis dialog box in Creo Parametric, under the
“Creo Parametric to Prime” section, click the Auto-map button.
Since the Creo Parametric parameter and Mathcad input have the
same name, they are automatically mapped.

Figure 2‑39: Input defined for Prime Analysis.

13. Under the “Prime to Creo Parametric” section, click the plus sign

icon to add an empty row. Position your mouse in the cell

in the new row below “Prime,” hold down the right mouse button,
and click Select Prime output.
 Figure 2‑40: Right mouse button for selecting outputs.

a. In the Outputs Selection dialog box, select opt_length and

click OK.
 Figure 2‑41: The Output Selection dialog box.

b. Note that Creo Parametric parameter will be created with the

name MCP_ appended to the front of the output variable
name. (As you can probably guess, MCP stands for Math
Cad Prime.)

Figure 2‑42: First output specified.

c. Repeat these steps in step 10 to add mapping for the

opt_width and opt_length output variables.
 Figure 2‑43: All outputs specified.

14. Click the Compute button to ensure the inputs and outputs are up
to date.
15. Click the Add Feature button. Type in a name for the Prime
Analysis feature and hit the check mark or ENTER key.

Figure 2‑44: Entering the name of the Prime Analysis feature.

16. Notice the feature is now in the Model Tree. Click the Close
button in the Prime Analysis dialog box. The PTC Mathcad Prime
application will close automatically.
17. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the Look In drop-down list
from Part to Feature and select the Prime Analysis feature you
just created from the Model Tree. Note the parameters that are now
 available.

Figure 2‑45: The Mathcad outputs as parameters.

18. Click Tools > Relations.

a. Write a comment line using forward slash and an
asterisk:
/* Drive model dimensions from Prime Analysis volume optimization

b. Select Extrude 1 from the Model Tree. The screen should

look something like:

Figure 2‑46: Selecting model dimensions for a Relation.

c. Select the length dimension in the Graphics Area.
d. Type in the equals sign with spaces for clarity.

e. Click the Insert Parameter icon from the horizontal

toolbar. In the Select Parameter dialog box, change the Look
In drop-down list from Part to Feature and select the Prime
Analysis feature you created from the Model Tree. Select the
MCP_OPT_LENGTH parameter and click Insert Selected.

Figure 2‑47: Inserting a Mathcad output into a Relation.

f. Repeat steps c through e for the width and height

dimensions. Your Relations dialog box should look like:
 Figure 2‑48: Relations driving model geometry from Mathcad outputs.

g. Click OK.

19. Click Model > Regenerate .

20. Select Extrude 1 in the Model Tree and click the Edit Dimensions

icon from the Mini Toolbar. Note the

updated model dimensions.
 Figure 2‑49: Updated model dimensions.

21. Click the Save button.

Now we have a Prime Analysis feature that calls a Mathcad worksheet for
implementing our engineering calculations.

2.5.1. Flexing the Model

As described in section 2.4.1, whenever we make changes to our models,
especially complicated changes like driving our model from engineering
calculations, we want to flex the part to ensure it updates properly.
To update the model with a Prime Analysis feature, perform the following
steps:

1. Click Tools > Parameters. Change the SA surface area parameter

from 2500 to 4000.

2. Click Model > Regenerate or CTRL-G.

3. Notice the model status in the lower right corner indicates our
model is not fully updated.
 Figure 2‑50: Regeneration indication.

4. Optional: Click Tools > Parameters. Change the Look In drop-

down list from Part to Feature and in the Model Tree select the
Prime Analysis feature you created. Note the values of the output
dimensions.

Figure 2‑51: Updated Mathcad outputs.

5. Optional: Select Extrude 1 in the Model Tree and click the Edit

Dimensions icon from Mini Toolbar. Note

the length, width, and height dimensions. We must perform a
second regeneration.
 Figure 2‑52: Model geometry NOT updated.

6. Click Model > Regenerate or CTRL-G. Our model is

now fully updated.

Figure 2‑53: Model geometry updated after second regeneration.

This is an important thing to note about Prime Analysis features: updating

your model often requires two regenerations. This will be discussed further in
section 12.5.
Feel free to continue experimenting with flexing the model by changing the
Surface Area to different values.

2.5.2. Delete a Prime Analysis Feature

If for whatever reason you no longer want your Creo Parametric model
driven by a Prime Analysis feature, simply select it in the Model Tree, hold
down the right mouse button, and click Delete. Then click OK in the warning
dialog box.

Figure 2‑54: Warning dialog box when deleting a feature.

2.6. Onward and Upward!

Now that you have created both an embedded worksheet and a Prime
Analysis feature, you can learn more by experimenting with the geometry
and constraints in the worksheet. Some explorations you can try include:

Change from an open-topped box to closed or open on the top and

bottom.
Change from a box to a cylinder.
Force the length to be 2 times or three times the width.
Put a hole of a known diameter through one or more walls.
How does your model change? How do your engineering calculations
change?
The rest of this book will go into great detail regarding additional aspects of
this process in both PTC Mathcad Prime and Creo Parametric.
If you feel confident to attempt driving additional Creo Parametric models
with PTC Mathcad Prime worksheets, please jump to Chapter 13.
 Part I – Mathcad
Chapter 3. Mathcad Overview
Key Points
Mathcad Express is a free lite version of PTC Mathcad Prime that
you can download from Mathcad.com.

3.1. Benefits of PTC Mathcad for Engineering Calculations

PTC Mathcad Prime is a software application that allows you to perform and
document engineering calculations. The power of PTC Mathcad comes from
the following:

It has a simple graph paper (or whiteboard) interface.

There are over 400 predefined functions that you can use in your
math expressions.
Mathcad uses real math notation as opposed to a special
programming language.
Units are built into PTC Mathcad Prime.

You can document your math with text and images.

Mathcad integrates (no pun intended) with Microsoft Excel in addition to
Creo Parametric. You can:

Read from Excel spreadsheets using the READEXCEL function.

Create an Excel Component within a worksheet.
Write to an Excel spreadsheet.
As described in the previous chapter, Mathcad worksheets can be connected
to Creo Parametric models in the following manner:

Dimensions and parameters are passed from Creo Parametric to

Mathcad.
 Mathcad can perform basic and advanced calculations using those
dimensions and parameters.
Values are then passed back to Creo Parametric.
Relations can then assign those values to other model dimensions
and parameters.

3.2. Mathcad Express

All PTC customers have access to Mathcad Express, which is the free version
of the software. This lite version of the software provides enough
functionality to use for embedded worksheets and Prime Analysis features in
Creo Parametric.

3.2.1. How to Get It

At the time of the writing of this book, Mathcad Express is available from the
following URL:
https://www.mathcad.com/en/try-and-buy/mathcad-express-free-download
After submitting your information, you will be able to download the
software. During the first 30 days, you will have access to the full
functionality available from a commercial license. After that initial month,
the software will downgrade to the Express version.

3.2.2. Limitations
Mathcad Express lacks the following capabilities compared to the full
commercial license:

Ability to use templates when creating new worksheets.

The Solve Block construct available from the Math tab for
solving systems of linear, non-linear, and differential equations.
This prevents you from being able to perform optimizations as
described in Chapter 6.
Programming, which is covered in Chapter 5.
Advanced Engineering Mathematics, including Calculus,
Optimizations, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
 Create the following plot types from Plot > Insert Plot: Polar
Plot, Contour Plot, and 3D Plot.
Symbolic evaluation of math expressions, which is discussed in
section 4.3.3.
Embed Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in your Mathcad worksheets.
Add passwords to Areas created from the Document tab. (Areas
are regions in your worksheet that can be collapsed or expanded to
hide and show your work. Be careful using the Protect Area
functionality – if you forget the password you defined, there’s
nothing anyone can do to help you!)
Wrapping equations that go beyond the width of the sheet. (You
can get around this by using the Math Formatting tab to change
the font size of your math regions so that they will fit. If you’re
okay with your math regions going beyond your page width, you
can also use the Document tab to change your view from Page to
Draft.)
Furthermore, Mathcad Express lacks the following enhancements that were
made available in PTC Mathcad Prime 6.0:

Spell checking.
The ability to add Hyperlinks to text.
Custom margins, headers, and footers.
A full list of the differences between PTC Mathcad Express and PTC
Mathcad Prime can be found at:
https://www.mathcad.com/en/capabilities/comparison-chart

3.3. The Mathcad Interface

Let’s review various parts of the PTC Mathcad Prime interface relevant to
Creo Parametric integration:

The Graph Paper interface. This is where you create your math
and text regions. You can change this to a whiteboard interface
from the Document tab and de-selecting Show Grid.
 Figure 3‑1: The Mathcad Prime interface toolbar.

The Mathcad button in the upper left corner. This opens a

menu with commands for managing your Mathcad worksheets as
well as your recently used worksheets. When embedding a
worksheet, this menu will also contain the Save and Push
command.
The Ribbon. This part of the interface contains the various tabs for
creating and managing your math expressions and plots. The tabs
that will be used a lot for Creo Parametric integration are the
Math, Input/Output, and Functions tabs, so you should become
familiar with them.
The Quick Access toolbar in the upper left corner. The Save icon

becomes the Save and Push icon when embedding a

worksheet.
The Learning Connector and Help icons in the upper right
corner.

The bottom bar, which includes page number of total pages

information; the light indicating whether Auto Calculation is
enabled; text search and options; zoom; and the toggle between the
Page View and the Draft View.

3.4. Plots and Charts

In PTC Mathcad Prime you can graphically depict your math functions and
results using plots and charts. Plots are created from the Plots tab. The
available types are:
 X-Y
Polar
Contour
3D
The Chart Component was introduced in PTC Mathcad Prime 5.0 and
provides additional capability for creating high-end X-Y plots. It provides
functionality for controlling all aspects of the display of your graph and
allows you to generate images that are suitable for publication in reports,
articles, books, and web pages.
Plots and Charts are great tools for checking the results of your engineering
calculations. But since they aren’t necessary for integration Creo Parametric
models with PTC Mathcad Prime worksheets, they are beyond the scope of
this book. For more information on Plots and Charts, please visit
https://help.ptc.com or click the F1 key inside PTC Mathcad Prime.

3.5. Windchill Integration

Your Mathcad worksheets can be stored in Windchill PDMLink. This is
recommended especially if you are going to use Prime Analysis features, in
which the Mathcad worksheet is external to your CAD models.
PTC Mathcad Prime does not integrate directly with Windchill; there is no
embedded browser like in Creo Parametric. Therefore, to manage Mathcad
worksheets in Windchill, you will need to install and configure a separate
application called the Windchill Workgroup Manager. Integrating PTC
Mathcad Prime with Windchill is beyond the scope of this book.
Chapter 4. Mathcad Basics
Key Points:
PTC Mathcad Prime uses real math notation so we can type in
math expressions with our keyboard.
We can document our calculations using Text Blocks and Text
Boxes.
There are different kinds of equals signs in Mathcad. For Creo
Parametric integration the ones that we will use the most are the
Evaluation and Definition operators.
We can create variables that stand for different quantities of
interest.
Mathcad has over 400 built-in functions that we can use for our
engineering calculations. We can also create our own custom math
functions.

4.1. Basic Math

Mathcad has more functionality than can be covered in this book. But in this
chapter, we’ll cover the functionality most relevant to connecting Creo
Parametric parts and assemblies to Mathcad worksheets.
As mentioned in the previous chapter, one of the benefits of PTC Mathcad
Prime is that it uses real math notation and you don’t have to learn any kind
of special programming language. To perform math, simply start typing in
your values, constants, and variables. (More about the latter two later.) Then
simply use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using the
standard keys on the keyboard.
 Figure 4‑1: Basic math in PTC Mathcad Prime.

These functions are also available in the Algebra group from the Operators
drop-down on the Math tab. Using the standard forward slash for division
will provide you with a numerator and denominator. You can use inline
division from the Operators drop-down or the keyboard shortcut of the
Control key CTRL and the forward slash.
To apply an exponent, use either the Exponentation operator in the Algebra
group from the Operators drop-down on the Math tab, or the keyboard
shortcut of the SHIFT key and 6 – which is also known as the caret or hat
key. Again, this is real, intuitive math notation.
To control the order of operations when performing math, you can use
parentheses. Typing an open parenthesis (the SHIFT key and 9) will generate
both the open and closed parentheses on your worksheet for typing your
mathematical expression.

4.2. Text Regions

Another advantage of PTC Mathcad Prime is the ability to document your
process as you perform calculations. This is critical to ensure that you and
others can understand your thinking, logic, and processes later.
In Mathcad you can use Text Regions for documenting your calculations, or
whatever information you want to capture about your product.

A Text Block spans across the width of the page.

A Text Box has drag handles and can be resized and

moved.
Both commands are available from the Regions group on the Math tab. Here
are examples of Text Blocks and Text Boxes on a worksheet:

Figure 4‑2: Text Boxes and Text Blocks.

Both Text Blocks and Text Boxes can be dragged and moved at any time.
Recommendation: use a Text Box to explain new variables and
functions that you introduce.

You can also use the Image command from the Regions group
on the Math tab to insert picture files in your worksheet to add another level
of clarity to your engineering calculations.

4.3. Equals Signs in PTC Mathcad

There are a variety of different kinds of equals signs in PTC Mathcad Prime
that have different uses. The two that come into play most often with
integrating Creo Parametric models to Mathcad Worksheets are:

The Evaluation operator, to calculate and show the value of a

variable, a function, vector, matrix, or program. This is a simple
equals sign (=).
The Definition operator, which defines a variable, function,
 vector, matrix, or program. This is a colon followed by an equals
sign (:=). The keyboard shortcut is the colon : key.

Figure 4‑3: Examples of the Definition Operator for variables and functions.

There are other kinds of equals signs, which are of less use when integrating
Mathcad with Creo Parametric. These include:

The Global Definition operator discussed in the next section.

The Local Assignment operator, which is used inside of
programs. These are discussed in Chapter 5.
The Comparison Equal To operator for evaluating whether a
condition is true. This operator is also used in Solve Blocks. This
is discussed in section 4.3.2.
The Symbolic Evaluation operator, which is discussed in section
4.3.3.

4.3.1. Global Definition Operator

Mathcad worksheets are evaluated the same way that people read in the
Western world: from right to left and then top-to-bottom. Sometimes, though,
you may be several sheets deep and want to define a variable or set of units
that can be used anywhere in the worksheet.
To do this, you can use the Global Definition operator, which appears as
three horizontal bars. The command is available from Math > Operators and
is located in the Definition and Evaluation group. The keyboard shortcut is
the CTRL and SHIFT keys with the tilde character ~.
Any mathematical expressions that use the Global Operator are evaluations at
the beginning of the calculation cycle. Uses for the Global Definition
operator include:

The ORIGIN special variable for defining the index of the first
column and row of a vector or matrix.
A custom unit.
A constant that you want used throughout your document.

Figure 4‑4: The Global Definition operator.

4.3.2. Comparison Equal To Operator

The Comparison Equal To operator is used in the following ways:

Evaluating expressions used in conditionals and loops inside of

programs. Conditionals include If-Then-Else constructs, and loops
include For and While constructs. These are used inside of
programs in Mathcad, which can be thought of as a complex
version of a user-defined function. Programs are covered in
Chapter 5.
Establishing Constraints in Solve Blocks, which are used to solve
systems of equations and perform optimizations. The latter is
covered in Chapter 6.
Documenting your calculations, as shown in Figure 4‑5.
The Comparison Equal To operator can be entered from Math > Operators
and is found in the Comparison group. The keyboard shortcut is the CTRL
key and the equals sign.
 Figure 4‑5: Using the Comparison Equal To operator for documentation.

4.3.3. Symbolic Evaluation

As the name states, the Symbolic Evaluation operator allows you to evaluate
expressions symbolically as opposed to numerically:

Figure 4‑6: Symbolic evaluation of derivatives and integrals.

The Symbolic Evaluation operator is available from Math > Operators and
is found in the Evaluation and Definition group. It looks like an arrow
pointing to the right and the keyboard shortcut is the CTRL key and a period.
The Symbolic Evaluation operator will not be used further in this book.

4.4. Variables
A variable is a placeholder for a number, mathematical evaluation, or other
expression to be evaluated or used in other expressions.
All variables have a name defined by the user, and the names must conform
to the following rules and conditions:

Variable names can consist of upper- and lower- case letters from
the English or Greek alphabets.
Variable names can also contain the Hebrew letters Alef, Bet,
Gimmel, and/or Dalet. These characters are available from the
Symbols drop-down in the Operators and Symbols group on the
Math tab. These characters do not have pre-defined shortcuts.
The numbers 0 through 9, as long as a number is not the first
character in the name of the variable.

They are case-sensitive.

There is no limit to the length of a variable name.
Tip: When defining a variable for the first time, use a Text Box to
explain the variable. Document as you go.
The rules for naming a variable apply to functions as well. See section 4.5 for
more information about functions.

4.4.1. Greek Letters

Upper- and lower- case Greek letters can be accessed from the Symbols
drop-down menu in the Operators and Symbols group on the Math tab:
You can also convert upper- and lower- case English alphabet letter to Greek
by typing the keyboard shortcut of the Control key CTRL and the letter G on
the keyboard. This will convert the immediately previously typed character
into its Greek equivalent.
Do not use Greek letters in the names of variables used as inputs or
outputs for Creo Parametric integration! Creo Parametric does not
support Greek letters.

4.4.2. Pre-Defined Constants

Mathcad has several pre-defined constants from math and physics. The math
constants include:

Infinity ∞, which is evaluated as 10 to the 307th power.

The logarithm base e (approximately 2.71828).
The so-called “circle constant” pi or π, which is the ratio of a
circle’s circumference to its diameter.
Note: As a circle is defined as the set of points in two-
dimensional space that are the same distance from a center
 point. This distance is the radius of the circle. Therefore, Tauists
such as me consider the true circle constant to the ratio of a
circle’s diameter to its radius to be the true circle constant. This
constant tau, or τ, is approximately 6.28318 and equal to 2π.
Notice how often 2π appears in equations and integrals.
The physics constants include, but are not limited to:

The speed of light c.

Planck’s constant h and Planck’s reduced constant h-bar, which is
h divided by 2π.
The atomic mass unit m.u.
Avogadro’s Number N.A.
Note the use of 2π, or τ, in Planck’s reduced constant.
These can be accessed from the Constants drop-down in the Operators and
Symbols group on the Math tab:

Figure 4‑7: Mathcad Constants.

Many of these have a keyboard shortcut, which as always can be viewed

from the tool tip when hovering your mouse over the icon.
When evaluated or used in expressions, these constants will appear by default
in a dark green color:
 Figure 4‑8: Evaluation of the pre-defined constants.

You can override these pre-defined constants with a definition operator:

Figure 4‑9: Overriding a pre-defined constant.

4.4.3. Subscripts vs. Vector and Matrix Indices

Variable names can include subscripts. For example, you may want to have
variables vi and vf to denote initial and final velocity respectively. To create a
subscript, when typing in a variable name, click the Subscript icon
in the Style group on the Math tab. Alternatively, you can use
the keyboard shortcut of the CTRL key and the minus sign to define a
subscript as you are typing the variable name in the graph paper interface.
A variable name can include more than one subscript if so desired.
However, vectors and matrices also use subscripts to indicate individual
elements in the vector or matrix. To define an element in a vector or matrix,
you can use the Matrix Index operator from the Vector / Matrix Operators
drop-down command on the Matrices / Tables tab:

Figure 4‑10: Matrix Index Operator.

The keyboard shortcut for the Matrix Index operator is the left bracket
character [, located next to the letter P on standard keyboards.
Avoid confusion by using different letters and names for different variables
with subscripts and matrix indices.

4.4.4. Implied Multiplication

Mathcad also supports implied multiplication. For example, 100x is evaluated
as 100 multiplied by the variable x, and 2π is evaluated as 2 times pi. There is
no need to use the multiplication operator when typing in these expressions.
(Numbers are not allowed as the first character in the name of a variable or
function for this reason.)

4.4.5. Imaginary Numbers

Mathcad supports the use of complex- and imaginary- numbers, which are
denoted by the letters i and j. Both are evaluated to the square root of -1.
If i and j are used as variable names, implied multiplication is not supported.
That is, if you want to evaluate 3 times the variable i, you will have to type
the multiplication operator after typing in the number 3. Otherwise, 3i is
evaluated as 3 times the square root of -1.

Figure 4‑11: Imaginary Numbers and Implied Multiplication.

4.5. Functions
A function is a defined operation that performs math on inputs and returns an
output. The outputs can be real numbers, imaginary and complex numbers,
strings, vectors, and matrices.
In PTC Mathcad there are two different kinds of functions that you can use:

Over 400 different built-in functions from a variety of different

areas of mathematics.
User-defined functions that combine math and built-in functions.

4.5.1. Built-In Functions

PTC Mathcad Prime contains over 400 built-in functions that you can use in
math regions, functions, programs, solve blocks, and any other mathematical
expressions.
To use a function, you can type it in directly in the worksheet if you know its
name and arguments. Otherwise, you can click on the Functions tab.
Functions can be selected from popular groups including:

Differential Equations
File Access
Solving
Statistics
Vector and Matrix
If you click on the All Functions icon, a panel will open on the
left side of the screen listing all the functions grouped into 32 categories.
Popular categories include:

String editing.
Interpolation and Prediction
Log and Exponential
Trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent.
The Functions bar can be switched to list functions alphabetically instead of
by category. It also contains a search field.

4.5.2. User-Defined Functions

In PTC Mathcad, you can create your own custom user-defined functions.
These functions have a name and the variables that are passed to them inside
parentheses. For example:
f(x,y) := x + y
The same rules for variable names, as described in section 4.4, apply to the
name of functions. The inputs to a function can be numbers, strings,
variables, vectors, and matrices.
The variables in the parentheses in the function definition do not need to exist
prior to the definition. These variable names are used locally within the
function definition.
As with defining variables, you will use the Definition operator to define the
mathematical expression you want the function to perform on the right-hand
side of the expression.
Chapter 5. Programming
Key Points
Programs perform a specified set of actions on inputs and return an
output.
Programs are defined using the Definition operator. Within the
program, the Local Assignment operator is used to define
variables.
The power of programs come from the ability to use if-then-else
constructs and for and while loops.

5.1. Essentials of Programs

I like to think of programs in PTC Mathcad Prime as user-defined functions
but with a higher level of complexity. A user-defined function performs a
specified mathematical expression that can include Mathcad’s built-in
functions and any other mathematical operations. The inputs sent to a
function or program can be numbers, strings, variables, vectors, and matrices.
Programs have additional levels of complexity because they include the
following additional functionality:

Conditionals. These evaluate whether a condition like equals, less

than, or greater than is true.
Loops. These perform a set of operations multiple times.
Processing and construction of vectors and matrices. The inputs to
a program can be a vector or a matrix (just like built-in and user-
defined functions), but you can write code in your loops that will
construct a new vector or matrix.
In addition, just like popular programming languages Java, C, Python, and
Ruby, programs in PTC Mathcad Prime support recursion – a program can
call itself. For example, Figure 5‑1 shows recursion used to calculate a
Fibonacci number.
I most often use programs for processing large amounts of information,
typically read into PTC Mathcad Prime from Excel files. I write blogs for
PTC’s Mathcad website. I use programs to process Excel spreadsheets
containing sports data from NCAA March Madness, the National Football
League, and World Cup.

Figure 5‑1: Recursion in a program to calculate Fibonacci numbers.

5.2. Initiating a Program

The same rules for naming variables, as explained in section 4.4, applies to
the names of programs.
After the name, you will use parentheses to define the inputs to the program,
just like a user-defined function. These inputs in the program definition are
used locally inside of the program.
The next step in defining the program is to use the Definition operator, which
is the keyboard shortcut of the colon key.
To begin defining the actions that will take place inside of the program, click
on the Math tab, the Programming drop-down, and the Program operator.
It looks like two vertical bars. The keyboard shortcut is the right bracket.

Figure 5‑2: Program Operator.

5.3. Initializing the Return Variable
The program will return a variable at the completion of its run. This variable
is local to the program. Often the first line of the program will create and
initialize this local variable. This will define the default value to be returned
by the program in the case that none of the actions in the program occur. For
example:

Figure 5‑3: Initializing a new result for a program.

However, this is not necessary in many cases. If the output of a program is a

vector or a matrix, it will be created automatically when the elements of the
matrix or vector are created.

5.4. Local Assignment Operator

Within the program, the Local Assignment operator is used for definitions.
Attempting to use the standard Definition operator (keyboard shortcut colon :
) will result in an error. Figure 5‑3 above shows the Local Assignment
operator being used to set the initial value of the result that will be returned
from the program.
The Local Assignment Operator looks like a left arrow. It can be selected
from Math > Programming. The keyboard shortcut is the left brace {.

5.5. If-Then-Else Constructs

If-Then-Else constructs are used to evaluate a condition and perform
operations based on whether the condition is true or false. There is not
actually a keyword for then used in programs; the operations and expressions
following the if evaluation are the actions to be performed when evaluated to
be true.
The available keywords for if-then-else constructs include:
 if: to evaluate a condition.
else: actions to be performed if the condition evaluated is false.
Else and its actions are optional; you are not required to use else
within the construct.
else if: an additional evaluation you can perform if the preceding if
or else if statement is evaluated to be false.
also if: this allows you to evaluate an additional condition after a
previous if or also if statement. The also if conditions are
evaluated regardless of the result of the previous if or also if
statement.
An if statement cannot contain both else if and also if statements.
These different keywords can NOT be typed in directly within a program.
You must use the appropriate command from the Math > Programming
drop-down or type in the corresponding keyword. For example, the keyboard
shortcut for if is the right brace character { and the keyboard shortcut for else
are the CNTRL, SHIFT, and right brace characters.
The conditions that are evaluated for Creo Parametric integrations with PTC
Mathcad Prime include:

Equal to.
Not equal to.
Greater than.
Greater than or equal to.
Less than.
Less than or equal to.
In addition, you can use Logical AND, NOT, and OR operators from the
Comparison group in the Operators drop-down on the Math tab to modify
the conditions you are evaluating.

5.6. For Loops

A for loop is used to perform an operation or a set of operations for a
specified number of iterations.
The elements of the for loop include:
 The for keyword.
The counter variable.
The starting index. This can be a number or a variable.
The stopping index. This can be a number or a variable.
The for keyword cannot be typed directly. It is placed in the program using
Math > Programming > for. The keyboard shortcut is the CTRL, SHIFT,
and quotation mark “ keys.
When the for keyword is invoked, it will automatically create placeholders
for the counter variable and the range variable separated by the “is an element
of” symbol. Below the for statement an additional line will be added in the
program with two vertical bars to indicate the operation(s) that will take place
during the loop:

To specify the starting and stopping indices, use the Range Variable. Type in
the starting index and then hit the period key twice. A placeholder will be
created where you can enter the stopping index.

5.7. While Loops

A while loop is used to perform an operation or set of operations depending
on the evaluation of a mathematical expression.
The while keyword cannot be typed in directly. It is entered by selecting
Math > Programming > while. The keyboard shortcut is the CTRL key and
the right bracket ].
When the while keyword is entered, another line is automatically created
below it. The operations to be performed while the condition is true are
entered here.

5.8. The Break Operator

The break operator is used to exit the current loop based on some evaluated
condition.
It cannot be typed directly into the program. It can be entered by selecting
Math > Programming > break. The keyboard shortcut is CONTROL +
SHIFT + left brace {.

5.9. The Continue Operator

The continue operator is used when the result of an evaluation should not
result in any operation actually taking place.
Like the other keywords used in programs, it cannot be typed directly into the
program. It can be entered from Math > Programming > continue. The
keyboard shortcut is CTRL + SHIFT + colon :.

5.10. The Return Operator

The return keyword is used at the end of the program to specify which of the
local variables should be sent back as the result of the program call.
You cannot type in the return keyword directly. You can enter it by selecting
Math > Programming > return. The keyboard shortcut is CTRL and the
backslash \ key.

5.11. Calling the Program

A program can be called directly and evaluated, or assigned to a variable
using the Definition operator.

Figure 5‑4: Calling a program.

5.12. Example Program
Here is an example of a program that incorporates many of these functions,
including:

Variable and vector initialization.

A for loop.
A while loop.
The break operator.
The return operator.
One day I was thinking about prime numbers, and I realized that if a number
is not evenly divisible by any number less than its square root, then it’s
prime. (Erastosthenes of Greece figured that out over two millennia ago.)
We can write a program that returns a vector of all the prime numbers within
a given range:

Figure 5‑5: Prime numbers program.

Let’s take a look at some results:

 Figure 5‑6: Results of the prime number program.

Programs can be used to devise some pretty interesting engineering

calculations. This particular program returned a vector. A Prime Analysis
feature can actually generate datum features like datum points, coordinate
systems, and curves. This will be discussed in section 12.4.
Chapter 6. Optimization
Key Points
The functions maximize and minimize are used in a Solve Block
to perform optimizations for an engineering problem.
The evaluated variables from an optimization can then be used as
output variables from PTC Mathcad Prime to Creo Parametric.

6.1. Optimization Concept

Often in product development, our goal is to take our initial designs and then
iterate towards the best possible solution. Usually this means maximizing or
minimizing one or more quantities in our models. Examples of optimization
goals include:

Lightest weight.
Maximum interior volume.
Thinnest walls for specified strength requirements.
Highest margins or factors of safety.
Minimum number of fasteners.
An optimized product can often be directly related to lower costs and higher
customer satisfactions. A plastic injection molded part optimized for lightest
weight means less material per unit, and therefore lower raw material costs
for our supply chain. When I was a business traveler, I had a 15-pound
laptop. I was much happier when my company upgraded me to a lighter yet
more powerful model.

6.2. Functions
The functions maximize and minimize are used for optimization. The values
passed to the function are:

The function to be optimized.

The variables to be passed to the optimized function. Note that
these have to be in the correct order as defined by the function.
Note that you can use Maximize and Minimize (with capital letters)
interchangeably with the lowercase versions of the functions.

6.3. Vectors
In the Solver field of the Solve Block, you will use a vector as part of the
optimization.
A vector is an array of values arranged in a single column. Vectors are
created from the Matrices/Tables > Insert Matrix command. (A vector is a
matrix with a single column.) Hover your mouse over the desired number of
elements and click the left mouse button.

Figure 6‑1. Inserting a 5 by 1 vector.

Figure 6‑2. How the vector appears when initially created.

For the purposes of optimization, the elements of our vector are the variables
to be optimized.
PTC Mathcad Prime contains extensive functionality for vectors and
matrices. That information is beyond the scope of this book.
6.4. Solve Blocks
To start a Solve Block, click Math > Solve Block. The following construct
will be created for you automatically on the sheet:

Figure 6‑3: Solve Block construct.

The construct consists of three areas:

Given Values: Suggest guess values for the variables for which
you are trying to solve. If your variables already have values from
Definition math regions, you do not have to enter them here.
Constraints: Enter math regions using Comparison operators that
define the constraints for the optimization. This will include:
Variables or functions that have to achieve certain
values.
Output variables that have to be above, below, or within
certain values.
Solver: this part of the construct will have:
The variable or vector of variables for which you are
trying to solve.
A Definition operator.
The minimize or maximize functions. The inputs are the
function that you are trying to optimize and the
 function’s input variables.
As seen in chapter 2, a Solve Block was used to find the maximum volume
that could be contained in an open top container with a given surface volume:

Figure 6‑4: Example Solve Block for optimization.

The Solve Block construct is an extremely powerful aspect of PTC Mathcad

Prime and provides a simple method of determining the outputs you want to
generate to send back to Creo Parametric.

6.5. Evaluation of Results

Below the Solve Block, use evaluation math regions to see the optimized
values. These evaluations can then be designated as outputs from PTC
Mathcad Prime to be sent back to Creo Parametric in an embedded worksheet
or a Prime Analysis feature. Outputs will be discussed in chapters 11 and 12.

Figure 6‑5: Evaluation of the Solve Block results to use as outputs.

Chapter 7. Mathcad Tips and Tricks
Key Points
Almost all commands and operators in PTC Mathcad Prime have
keyboard shortcuts. Learning these can improve your efficiency
with using Mathcad.
The Ceil and Floor functions can be used to round your results up
and down to appropriate values depending on your circumstance.
The PTC Community website at https://community.ptc.com is an
invaluable resource for novice and experienced Mathcad and Creo
Parametric users.

7.1. Keyboard Shortcuts

Most commands in PTC Mathcad can be executed via a keyboard shortcut to
expedite entering math regions. Some can involve a single keystroke, but
others involve holding down the Control key CTRL and/or the SHIFT key on
the keyboard.
On the Resources tab, you can also click the Keyboard Shortcuts command.

Figure 7‑1: Accessing Help for keyboard shortcuts.

Clicking on this command will open an Adobe Portable Document Format

(PDF) file that explains many, but not all, the PTC Mathcad Prime keyboard
shortcuts.
 Figure 7‑2: Sample of the help for keyboard shortcuts.

Over time. you will most likely memorize the keyboard shortcuts you use
most often.

7.2. Rounding Values

PTC Mathcad can display your values out to 15 decimal places. For design
purposes, this is more than sufficient. However, we often want to round our
values down or up based on our calculations. For example, for improved
structural integrity and ease of documentation and manufacturing, you may
want:

A length dimension to be rounded up to the next half inch.

A hole diameter to be rounded down to the next integer when the
hole is measured in metric units. If using Imperial (or the US
Customary System in Mathcad), we may want to round down to
the nearest quarter inch.
The radius of a fillet (or a “round” in Creo Parametric parlance,
not to be confused with the round function in Mathcad) should be
rounded up to the next millimeter or eighth of an inch.
 A keyway dimension to be rounded up to the next sixteenth of an
inch.
The functions that facilitate these operations can be found in the Truncation
and Round-Off group. There are functions that perform truncating (cutting
off at a certain number of decimal places) and rounding (the nth digit in the
decimal is rounded up or down depending on the value of the next digit in the
decimal).

The ceil function (lowercase) accepts one value as an input and

returns an integer greater than or equal to the input.
The Ceil function (uppercase) accepts two inputs, and returns a
value greater than or equal to the first input in multiples of the
second input.
The floor function (lowercase) accepts one value as an input and
returns an integer less than or equal to the input.
The Floor function (uppercase) accepts two inputs, and returns a
value less than or equal to the first input in multiples of the second
input.
Here are how these functions look in PTC Mathcad:
 Figure 7‑3: Mathcad functions for rounding.

These functions can also be used with variables and units.

The uppercase versions of the functions can also be used to find upper or
lower values in other units. For example:
 Figure 7‑4: Rounding functions with units.

You may want to use the rounding functions to change the outputs of certain
variables before you send them back to Creo Parametric. For example, you
may want to create a new variable that rounds the result of an optimization,
and then designate this new variable as the output to Creo Parametric.

7.3. Password Protected Areas

By clicking Document > Area, you can create a collapsible area in your
Mathcad worksheet. The area indicator in the left side of the sheet margin
shows a plus sign when the area is collapsed; clicking on it will expand the
area. When the area is expanded, the indicator changes to a minus sign,
allowing you to collapse it.
By right clicking on the area indicator, you can choose Protect Area to add a
password:
 Figure 7‑5: Password protecting an area.

Be careful using this functionality; if you forget the password, there are no
means to unlock the password protected areas.

7.4. Equation Wrapping

Sometimes in PTC Mathcad Prime, you may want to define a math region
expression or function that extends beyond the length of your graph paper
interface. In this situation, you have two options:

Change from the Page View to the Draft View on the Document
tab.
Break the math region. (This was implemented in PTC Mathcad
Prime 4.0.)
To break an equation, you have a couple choices:

While writing the equation, use Math > Operators and select the
appropriate Equation Break operator. Each has its own keyboard
shortcut, which is the operation you are trying to perform
(addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division), but with the
CNTRL and SHIFT keys held down.
After clicking outside of the equation, select an addition,
subtraction, multiplication, or division operator in the math region
and click Math > Equation Break (located in the Style group).
 Figure 7‑6: Location of the Equation Break operators.

7.5. Additional Resources

PTC provides resources that can get you started performing engineering
calculations quickly and easily:

The Help Center includes math regions that can be copied and
pasted directly into your worksheet.
Sample worksheets on the PTC website.
Starting in Mathcad Prime 4.0, users can purchase a library based
on Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain.

7.5.1. PTC Community

The PTC Community website has an entire section devoted to PTC Mathcad
Prime. It can be found at:
https://community.ptc.com/t5/PTC-Mathcad/ct-p/PTCMathcad
Alternatively, you can go to the PTC Community
(https://community.ptc.com) and navigate to the PTC Mathcad community
from the home page. It is divided into three main sections:
 PTC Mathcad: here you can submit questions and other Mathcad
users from around the world will help you.
PTC Mathcad Ideas: if you have an idea for an enhancement or
improvement to the software, post it here and others in the
community can vote on it. Trust me, the program managers at PTC
pay attention to these requests.
PTC Mathcad Tips: suggested techniques and announcements
from PTC.

7.5.2. YouTube Creo Parametric Channel

I have a YouTube channel for Creo Parametric and I have a Playlist for PTC
Mathcad Prime videos. This channel can be found at
https://www.youtube.com/CreoParametric.
 Part II – Creo Parametric Integration
Chapter 8. Creo Parametric Overview
Key Points
Creo Parametric is a feature-based parametric modeler. The order
of features in a model and parent-child relationships determine
how changes are propagated.
Features often contain dimensions.
Parameters can be used to control our features and models. Real
number and integer parameters can be inputs to and outputs from
PTC Mathcad Prime.
Relations are equations that control dimensions and parameters in
our model as a function of other dimensions, parameters, or
numbers.

8.1. Computer Aided Design with Creo Parametric

Creo Parametric is a feature-based parametric modeler. Let’s break that down
to discuss the implications and ramifications:

Creo is history-based; the order in which features appear in the

Model Tree determines how your geometry is constructed.
Part models consist of features. When creating new features, you
have to reference existing features to define the new feature’s
location and possibly attributes like size.
The new feature that you’re creating is the child of the
features that you reference.
The existing features that you reference are the parents
of the new feature you are creating.
These parent-child relationships are extremely important
in Creo Parametric. Changes to a parent will be
propagated to the children. This is one aspect of your
model being parametric.
 Features are driven by dimensions and parameters.
Features also have options and attributes that determine the
geometry that is created.
When we talk about models being parametric, we’re really talking about how
we make changes and how those changes are propagated to geometry, parts,
and assemblies. The changes are propagated based on the parent-child
relationships.
Creo Parametric is also associative. That means a change made at any level is
propagated automatically to all other levels.

Changes to your parts are propagated to the assemblies that

contain them and the drawings that reference them upon retrieval
and regeneration.
Changes to the assemblies are propagated to the parts and
drawings.
Changes made in the drawing – for example, to model dimensions
and tolerances – are propagated to the parts and assemblies that
own those dimensions and tolerances.

8.2. Features and Dimensions

Features are the basic building blocks of parts in Creo Parametric. There are
several different classes of features, including but not limited to:

Datum Features like Datum Planes, Datum Axes, Datum Points,

Datum Coordinate Systems, and Datum Curves.
Sketch-Based Features like Extrudes and Revolves.
Engineering Features like Holes, Rounds, and Chamfers.
Surface Features like Boundary Blend, Fill, and Style.
Data Sharing Features like Copy Geometry and Publish Geometry.
Editing Features like Pattern, Mirror, Trim, and Merge.
Most features have dimensions, which are numeric values that describe the
size or location of geometry, or the quantity of instances in a pattern.
All dimensions have two forms:
 The numeric form, which is the value of the dimension.
The symbolic form, which is the name of the dimension.
Model dimensions initially have a name that starts with the letter d followed
by a number. The symbolic form of the dimension can be renamed to
something more intuitive and user friendly. It is highly recommended that
you rename dimensions that will be used in Relations as discussed in section
8.4 and 3D Annotations discussed in section 10.3.

8.3. Parameters
In addition to dimensions, in Creo Parametric we can create parameters for
additional information that we want to capture in our models or that we want
to help drive our models. Examples of parameters include:

Manufacturing or sourcing information.

Numerical values that we want to drive dimensions.
Data management information, like a model’s creator, version
information, and life cycle state.
There are four different kinds of parameters that you can create:

Integers. These are whole numbers. For example, you can use
integer parameters to control the number of instances in a pattern.
Real Numbers. These are numbers that can include a decimal
point.
String. These are parameters that can contain text.
Yes / No. For example, you could have a parameter for
Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components.
Only Integer and Real Number parameters can be passed from Creo
Parametric to PTC Mathcad Prime.

The Parameters dialog box can be accessed from:

The Tools tab in part- and assembly- modes.

The Model tab in assembly mode.
The Model Intent overflow menu on the Model tab in part mode.
The Command Search in the upper right corner.
Here is an example of the Parameters dialog box:

Figure 8‑1: The Parameters dialog box.

8.4. Relations
In Creo Parametric, often we want to write equations in our model so that if
some dimension or quantity changes, then other dimensions or quantities
change automatically. For example, we may want:

A part’s length to change with its width.

The number of holes in a pattern to update with changes to the
model.
The radius of one fillet to match that of another round feature.
Gear tooth dimensions to change with the root circle diameter.
These equations between dimensions and parameters are called Relations.
The Relations command can be accessed from:

The Tools tab in part- or assembly- mode.

The Model tab in the Model Intent group on the ribbon in
assembly mode.
The Model Intent overflow menu on the Model tab in part mode.
 The Command Search in the upper right corner.
The Relations command will open this dialog box:

Figure 8‑2: The Relations dialog box.

Integrating Mathcad worksheets with Creo Parametric models makes heavy

use of Relations. We use Relations to assign the output values from the
calculations in our Mathcad worksheets to Creo Parametric dimensions and
parameters.
Recommendation: the forward slash and asterisk /* makes the
rest of any line a comment. Document your Relations with
comments to make your model user-friendly to others trying to
understand your Design Intent later.
Figure 8-3 shows an example of the Relations dialog box performing this
function for an embedded worksheet. Inputs and outputs from the embedded
PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet have the name of the alias followed by a
colon and the word MATHCAD. The inputs are driven by model parameters
and the outputs drive model dimensions.

Figure 8‑3: Relations using Mathcad inputs and outputs.

8.5. Regeneration
Creo Parametric models are history-based. Your geometry is dependent on
the order in which features appear in the Model Tree. That order determines
how your model regenerates, or how Creo Parametric builds your model.
Creo Parametric automatically regenerates your model in many situations:

Upon retrieval.
After creating or editing the definition of new features.
After editing the dimensions of features.
However, there are situations in which you will have to regenerate your
model manually. The potential causes are too varied to be listed here, but
often result when you have both properly- and improperly- constructed
dependencies between models and features. In these situations, you will see
the following indication in the lower left corner of the screen:
 Figure 8‑4: Regeneration notification in the lower right corner.

The keyboard shortcut for regeneration is the Control key CTRL and the
letter G.
(In Mathcad, this keyboard shortcut will convert letters from the English
alphabet to their Greek letter equivalent. If you’re wondering why the
keyboard shortcut in Creo Parametric for regeneration is not the Control key
CTRL and the letter R, that’s because that combination is the shortcut for
repainting the screen. That updates the display of the Graphics Area, in cases
such as something still appears selected after you’ve de-selected it, or
dimensions are displayed on screen after you’ve completed an editing
operation.)
Sometimes changes to your model result in geometry that cannot be
constructed properly. This results in a regeneration failure. The features that
are failing appear in bold red in the Model Tree, and children of those
features appear in a fainter red.

8.6. Notification Center

Warnings will show as yellow flags in the lower right-hand corner of the
Creo Parametric interface. By default, these include when embedded
Mathcad analyses are out of date.

Which notifications appear in the Notification Center and how they appear
can be configured during your session from File > Options > Notification
Center:
Each of these settings has a corresponding config.pro option. The one for
outdated embedded PTC Mathcad worksheet is nmgr_outdated_mathcad.
Chapter 9. Units
Key Points
Units are automatically built-in to PTC Mathcad Prime.
PTC Mathcad Prime performs engineering calculations in the units
of the worksheet.
When creating a Prime Analysis feature, the inputs between Creo
and Mathcad can be in different units. The outputs are returned in
the worksheet’s units, but in the Prime Analysis feature dialog box
you can specify the units for the resulting parameter and the value
will be converted.
Embedded worksheets output the results in the worksheet’s units.
The Unit Sensitive option in the Creo Parametric Relations dialog
box allows Creo to understand the output variable units.

9.1. Importance of Units Compatibility

On December 11, 1998, NASA launched the Mars Climate Orbiter space
probe from Cape Canaveral in Florida as part of the Mars Surveyor 98 project
to study the climate history of the planet.
Contact with the lander was lost on September 23, 1999. The search was
called off the next day, and the day after that, the vehicle and mission were
declared lost.
A subsequent investigation determined that the spacecraft was most likely
lost after a planned correction maneuver for Mars orbital insertion brought it
much lower than the mission plan. At a much lower altitude, the vehicle
would either have been destroyed in the Martian atmosphere or severely
damaged and sent off into space.
What caused the Mars Climate Orbiter to be at the wrong altitude? The
wrong commands for the correction maneuver were sent to the vehicle.
NASA is on the metric system. The vehicle was expecting the impulse values
to be in newton-seconds. However, the software used by Lockheed Martin to
calculate impulse provided values in pounds-force seconds. Therefore, the
impulse that the correction maneuver delivered was 4.45 times
The total project cost was $327.6 million.
Almost a third of a billion dollars, not to mention how many thousands of
people-hours of development and ten months of mission time, were wasted.

Because of a units mismatch error.

How much could that kind of error cost you and your product development
organization?
In this chapter we will look at how units are managed in both PTC Mathcad
Prime and Creo Parametric, and discuss how to make sure you are
communicating the correct units in both.

9.2. Units in Mathcad

To apply units to a number, simply use the multiplication operator and type
in the abbreviation for the unit. For example:
 Figure 9‑1: Applying units to numbers.

If you are unaware of which units are available or what the abbreviation is,
simply click on the Units drop-down in the Units group on the Math tab:

Figure 9‑2: The Units drop-down menu.

All calculations are evaluated in terms of the worksheet’s set of units:

Figure 9‑3: Evaluating in the worksheet units.

Note the issue with evaluating temperature. Performing math with

temperature units will be discussed in section 9.4.5.
To express results in a different set of units than those from the default unit
system, position your cursor at the end of the unit, hit the backspace key, and
either type in the desired units or use the Units drop-down menu.
You can perform math using different units for the same quantity. Mathcad
will report the result in the worksheet’s units:

Figure 9‑4: Resolving math to the worksheet units.

Mathcad will also report an error when you attempt to perform math with
incompatible units, such as trying to add length, force, mass, time, and
current.

Figure 9‑5: Error for incompatible units.

Mathcad will automatically correct the units if you attempt to evaluate to the
wrong quantity. For example, here I attempted to calculate force in units for
stress (N/mm2). Mathcad automatically added square meters to the units to
resolve to units for force. This is called units balancing.

Figure 9‑6: Automatic units balancing.

9.2.1. Mathcad Default Units Systems

PTC Mathcad Prime comes with three default systems of units:

SI: International System of Units.

USCS: United States Customary System.
CGS: Centimeter Gram Second.
To change the default unit system for the worksheet, simply click Math >
Unit System and select the desired default unit system.

Figure 9‑7: Changing the worksheet unit system.

The base units of each system are as follows:

Table 1: Units Systems Base Units
System Length Mass Time
SI meter (m) kilogram (kg) second (s)
USCS foot (ft) pound (lb) second (s)
CGS centimeter (cm) gram (gm) second (s)

The other additional base units for other quantities for the SI unit system
include:
Table 2: SI Units
Current Ampere (A)
Luminous Intensity Candela (cd)
Currency Dollar ($)
Substance Mole (mol)
Temperature Kelvin

9.2.2. Defining a New Custom Unit in Mathcad

In PTC Mathcad Prime, you can create your own custom unit. For example,
let’s say I want to use the Physics 101 velocity unit of furlongs per fortnight.
 Figure 9‑8: Furlongs per fortnight.

However, to use the new variable as a unit, you have to change its label. By
default, PTC Mathcad Prime considers the new expression to define a
variable. If you click on the variable name and then on the Labels drop-down
list on the Math tab, you will see that the new expression is considered a
variable:

Figure 9‑9: The Labels drop-down menu.

With the cursor still positioned on the name of the variable, select Unit from
the drop-down list.

Figure 9‑10: Changing the region label to Unit.

The color of the furlongs per fortnight unit has changed to the default color
blue for units. Now the newly defined unit can be used in mathematical
expressions and results.
When creating a custom unit, you may want to use the Global Definition
operator. This enables you to use the new unit to evaluate other expressions
anywhere in the worksheet, including prior to where the unit itself is defined.
Here is an example:

Figure 9‑11: Using the Global Definition operator for a custom unit.

9.3. Units Systems in Creo Parametric

Unit systems in Creo Parametric are based around basic units for mass (or
force), length, time, and temperature. Derived units for other quantities, like
area, volume, and force, are generated from these basic units.
Creo Parametric comes out of the box with seven different Systems of Units:

Centimeter Gram Second (CGS)

Foot Pound Second (FPS)
Inch lbm Second (Creo Parametric Default)
Inch Pound Second (IPS)
Meter Kilogram Second (MKS)
Millimeter Kilogram Second (mmKs)
Millimeter Newton Second (mmNs)
Note that some of these unit systems are based around mass units (CGS, Inch
lbm Second, MKS, and mmKS), while the others are based around force units
(FPS, IPS, and mmNs).
To access or change the unit system for your model, click File > Prepare >
Model Properties. This will open the Model Properties dialog box:
 Figure 9‑12: The Model Properties dialog box.

Click on the blue change hyperlink to the right of Units. This will open the
Units Manager dialog box. The actions you can perform here include:

Set: apply a different unit system to the model.

New: create a new unit system.
Copy: create a new unit system based on an existing one.
Info: opens an information window to list the basic and derived
quantities of the selected unit system.
The Units tab in this dialog box allows you to see all the possible units
available in Creo Parametric. You can filter from All to a specific type of
quantity.
 Figure 9‑13: The Units Manager dialog box.

9.3.1. Units for Dimensions

Length dimensions have the appropriate unit for your unit system. The units
are included for input parameters sent to PTC Mathcad. Angle dimensions
are discussed in section 9.4.4.

9.3.2. Units for Parameters

User-defined parameters in Creo Parametric can have units. In the Parameters
dialog box, the two columns on the right allow you to specify Unit Quantity
and Unit.
 Figure 9‑14: The Parameters dialog box.

It’s helpful to select a Unit Quantity first to narrow down the available units,
but this is not required.

Figure 9‑15: Specifying a unit quantity for a parameter.

Then you can select the appropriate unit for the parameter.
 Figure 9‑16: Selecting the unit for Young's modulus.

Parameters generated by Datum Analysis Features (DAF) automatically have

units. For example, if you use Analysis > Mass Properties to generate a
Datum Analysis Feature, the parameters for mass, volume, surface area, and
so on, will have the appropriate units.

9.4. Units Compatibility Between Creo Parametric and PTC

Mathcad
When planning your strategy for using engineering calculations in PTC
Mathcad Prime to drive model geometry in Creo Parametric, one of your first
steps should be to identify the units of the inputs and outputs that you will be
passing back and forth. First let’s look at some of the units you can use in
both applications.

9.4.1. Fundamental Units

The following table shows the corresponding units between Creo Parametric
and PTC Mathcad Prime for the basic quantities.
Table 3: Fundamental Units in Creo and Mathcad
Quantity Unit Creo Parametric PTC Mathcad
Prime
 Mass gram g gm
kilogram kg kg
pound-mass lbm lb
slug slug slug
Metric ton tonne tonne
Length millimeter mm mm
centimeter cm cm
meter m m
Inch in In
Foot ft ft
Time second sec s
minute min min
hour hr hr
day day day
Temperature Celsius C °C
Fahrenheit F °F
Kelvin K K
Rankine R R
Additional information regarding performing calculations with temperature
units will be discussed in section 9.4.5.

9.4.2. Derived Units

The following table shows the corresponding units between Creo Parametric
and PTC Mathcad Prime for some relevant engineering derived quantities.
Table 4: Derived Quantities.
Quantity Unit Creo Parametric Mathcad
Force pound-force lbf lbf
ton-force ton tonf
dyne dyne dyne
newton N N
kilonewton kN kN
 Area square millimeter sq_mm mm2
square centimeter sq_cm cm2
square meter sq_m m2
square inch sq_in in2
square foot sq_ft ft2
Volume cubic millimeter cu_mm mm3
cubic centimeter cm_cm cm3
cubic meter cu_m m3
cubic inch cu_in in3
cubic foot cu_ft ft3
Pressure Pascal Pa Pa
Mega Pascal MPa MPa
Giga Pascal GPa GPa
pound per square psi psi
inch
kips (1000 psi) ksi ksi
Energy erg erg erg
Joule J J
calorie cal cal
BTU BTU BTU
Note: Do not confuse tons and tonnes. A ton is a unit of force
(weight) and a tonne is a unit of mass.
For a complete list of units compatibility between Creo Parametric and
Mathcad, please see:
https://support.ptc.com/help/creo/creo_pma/r7.0/usascii/#page/model_analysis%2Fbemod

9.4.3. Mathcad Evaluation in Base Units

PTC Mathcad Prime understands units and can reconcile the result in the
appropriate units. Let’s take a look at a simple engineering calculation for
voltage:
Voltage is equal to current times resistance and the result is reported in volts.
However, users have the option to turn off unit conversion and report the
result in base units. Here is the result with the Base Units option turned on:

In this case, the Voltage is calculated in terms of base units for mass, length,
time, and current, as opposed to the generally more familiar and intuitive
volts unit.
For the sake of integrating Mathcad worksheets with Creo Parametric,
make sure that the evaluation in the Base Units option is turned OFF!
Evaluating in the Base Units can cause problems when outputting results
from Mathcad to Creo Parametric.

9.4.4. Angle Dimensions

Angles in Creo Parametric are measured in degrees, whereas angles in
Mathcad are measured in radians. (Interestingly, in all the PTC-supplied
Systems of Units, the derived units for angular velocity and angular
acceleration use radians.)
Therefore, when passing angular dimensions between Creo Parametric and
Mathcad, you will want to perform conversions in Creo Parametric. First, you
will want to convert Creo Parametric angular dimensions to radians to send
as an input to Mathcad, and then convert outputs in radians back to degrees.
Let’s take a look at a very simple example. I have a Dimension pattern for
holes located in a circle. My model has a parameter for the number of holes.
That input will be sent to PTC Mathcad Prime, which will then output the
angle. (Yes, we can do this very easily in Creo Parametric without a Mathcad
worksheet. This can be done in the Axis Pattern tool.)
Here is the model:

Figure 9‑17: Part model for angle conversion.

Here is the Mathcad worksheet:

 Figure 9‑18: Mathcad worksheet for angles.

Here is the Prime Analysis feature:

Figure 9‑19: Prime Analysis feature for angle conversion.

Note that the drop-down list for Unit for the Creo Parametric output
parameter is empty. The Relations for converting inputs and outputs as well
as assigning the output to the model dimension are:
 Figure 9‑20: Relations dialog box for converting radians and degrees.

Note that the conversion factor for converting the input from degrees to
radians is (pi / 180) and the conversion factor for the output from radians to
degrees is (180 / pi).

9.4.5. Temperature Units

The following units are available in PTC Mathcad Prime for temperature:

Figure 9‑21: Temperature units in Mathcad.

There are the Kelvin and Rankine scales, but Celsius and Fahrenheit have
additional Delta units for difference in temperature. There are problems with
trying to perform calculations in PTC Mathcad Prime with the Celsius and
Fahrenheit temperature scales.
Let’s take a look at an example. In this case, we’ll calculate the thermal
stresses in steel resulting from a temperature differential:

Figure 9‑22: Temperature units example.

The worksheet contains the following:

We establish our Young’s Modulus.

We define the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion. Note that the
unit is per Delta degrees Celsius; PTC Mathcad gives an error
when degrees Celsius is used in the denominator.
The function for thermal stress due to a temperature differential is
defined.
Three inputs are defined.
Note that the first input shows an error. It is “This value
must be a scalar or a matrix.”
The second input in Delta degrees Celsius is fine.
The third input in Kelvin is fine.
The results:
Stress for the first input registers incorrectly as zero
Pascals.
The results for both Delta degrees Celsius and Kelvin
 are correct.
The Coefficient of Thermal Expansion can be defined in units of
per degree Kelvin.
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy or an object or a
system. The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have arbitrary zero points above
absolute zero. A negative temperature on those scales doesn’t indicate a
negative value of kinetic energy. A doubling in temperature in those scales
does not mean the kinetic energy of the system is doubled. Therefore,
performing math using degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit causes
problems. Even simple math using those units results in incorrect values.
Most of the time in PTC Mathcad Prime, you have to use the Delta versions
of those units when performing math.
The Kelvin and Rankine scales do not have these problems. The zero point
for those scales are located at absolute zero instead of the arbitrary value of
the freezing point of water or the freezing point of an ice-water brine
solution. (Seriously, that’s what the Fahrenheit scale is based on.)
Here are some evaluations using the Kelvin and Rankine scales:

Figure 9‑23: Calculations with Kelvin and Rankine.

If you need to perform engineering calculations using temperature, use the

Kelvin and Rankine scales where you can. If possible, change the units of
your Creo Parametric model to use these scales instead of Celsius and
Fahrenheit.

9.5. Mathcad and Creo Parametric Integration

9.5.1. Prime Analyses

Managing units in a Prime Analysis feature is quite easy. Let’s take a look at
one example:
 Figure 9‑24: Prime Analysis with dimension inputs.

Our model is in inches but the worksheet uses the USCS unit for
length of feet.
The worksheet returns the result in feet.
Clicking on the Unit drop-down for the radius output parameter
under “Prime to Creo Parametric” provides a list of all available
length units in Creo Parametric:
 Figure 9‑25: Length units available in Creo Parametric.

Here is a second example where the inputs are parameters instead of

dimensions:

Figure 9‑26: Prime Analysis with parameter inputs.

Our model is in imperial units but the Mathcad worksheet is in SI.

 Our inputs are parameters that have units applied to them.
The outputs are returned in meters, the worksheet unit for length.
We can use the Unit drop-down to convert the resulting
parameters to inches, our model’s unit for length.
Then it’s simply a matter of writing our Relations between model
dimensions.

Figure 9‑27: Relations for driving model geometry from Prime Analysis feature outputs.

9.5.2. Embedded Worksheets

For embedded worksheets, the parameters are returned in the worksheet’s
units. Length dimensions are in feet for USCS; meters for SI; and centimeters
for CGS. Therefore, you want to make sure that the Unit Sensitive option is
turned on in the Relations dialog box.
9.5.2.1. Unit Sensitive Option
If Unit Sensitive is turned on, Creo Parametric will recognize and factor in
the output parameter units in your calculation. To do this, click Utilities and
check Unit Sensitive:

Figure 9‑35: Unit Sensitive Option.

This can be controlled by the configuration option relations_unit_sensitive.

This should be set to yes, which is the default value. This could also be
turned off – accidentally or intentionally – in your model templates.
Why wouldn’t everyone have the Unit Sensitive option turned on?
Sometimes people do funny math in the Relations dialog box in order to get
an intended result. Having Unit Sensitive turned on can sometimes cause
issues with that.
9.5.2.2. Repercussions: Unit Sensitive Turned Off
Let’s take a look at a simple scenario that shows the effects when Unit
Sensitive is turned off:
 Figure 9‑28: Test scenario for embedded worksheets.

This is the model:

This part consists of two Bodies: a block and a sphere. (Multibody

modeling was introduced in Creo Parametric 7.0.)
The block is 1 inch by 2 inches by 3 inches.
The sphere has a radius of 2 inches.
The Analysis > Mass Analysis tool was used to calculate the mass
properties of each body. The mass property calculation was
created as a feature in the model that generates a parameter for the
volume.
Annotate > Show Model Annotations was used to display the
model dimensions as 3D Annotations in the Graphics Area.
Annotate > Note was used to create Flat to Screen notes. The
volume note includes parameters for the volume calculated in the
mass property Datum Analysis Features.
A PTC Mathcad worksheet calculates the radius of the sphere that has the
same volume as the block:
 Figure 9‑29: Mathcad worksheet for the test scenario.

The resulting parameters are in the Mathcad units for feet:

Figure 9‑30: Embedded Mathcad output parameters for test scenario.

Let’s write Relations between our model dimension assuming that the output
parameter will be converted:
 Figure 9‑31: Initial Relations for the test scenario.

When we regenerate the model, we get the following result:

Figure 9‑32: Incorrect results for the test scenario.

The radius of the sphere is way too small (by a factor of 12). Therefore, the
volume is incorrect by a factor of 1728! (Shades of Mars Climate Orbiter.)
Let’s change the Relations to convert from feet to inches:
 Figure 9‑33: Scaling to convert units in the Relations dialog box.

Now when we regenerate the model, we get the correct result:

Figure 9‑34: Test scenario working correctly.

Thus, having Unit Sensitive turned off is a huge problem.

9.5.2.3. Additional Strategies
There are a few alternate strategies if you must have Unit Sensitive set to no:
 Send unitless parameters as inputs to PTC Mathcad Prime and
receive unitless parameters back from the worksheet. This radius
calculation in the previous scenario could have been performed
entirely without units. The same strategy was employed in the box
example in chapter 2.
Perform a conversion to the results to scale them to Creo
Parametric model units by dividing the results by the Creo
Parametric model units. This will be discussed in more detail in
the next section. Look at the calculations in the next figure to see
examples of dividing by units to convert the Rout and Tout
variables.

Figure 9‑36: Dividing by Units.

Convert the embedded Mathcad output parameters to the Creo

model dimensions in the Relations dialog box. This is the method
shown in the previous scenario.

9.5.2.4. Dividing by Units

If the Unit Sensitive option is turned off and your embedded worksheet uses
different units than your model, you can convert the outputs to the model
units in either the Relations dialog box in Creo Parametric or the PTC
Mathcad Prime worksheet. To convert an output variable from worksheet
units to CAD model units, divide the results by the model’s units:
 Figure 9‑37: Dividing by Unit.

Note the initial results on the left are in the worksheet unit feet. The output
designated math regions both divide by the intended model unit of inches and
perform an inline evaluation. In this way, the results are converted to what
should be used in Creo Parametric.
The result will be a unitless quantity that can be used in Relations.
9.5.2.5. SIUnitsOf Function
There’s an interesting little function in PTC Mathcad Prime called SIUnitsOf.
It takes a variable as its argument and will return the unit of that variable in
the SI unit system.
This can be of use for determining:

what the SI unit is for a given quantity.

the conversion factor between one unit and the SI unit.
the unitless value of a variable in SI units.
Honestly, I can’t think of a direct application for this with engineering
calculations, but it’s something to keep in your back pocket in case the
situation arises.
 Figure 9‑38: SIUnitsOf Function

9.6. A Final Word

I can’t stress this enough: when you are developing engineering calculations,
always check your math. Are your results the right order of magnitude? How
big are those values in the real world? Do they make sense. When you make
changes to the model, do the result change the way that they should?
A little bit of checking and double checking can save a lot of time, money,
and effort in the long run.
To summarize:

Identify the units for the input and output variables in Creo
Parametric and PTC Mathcad Prime.
You can convert units of output variables in the Prime Analysis
dialog box.
Having the Unit Sensitive option turned on is highly
recommended for embedded worksheets so that Creo Parametric
takes units into account in Relations.
Chapter 10. Mathcad – Creo Integration Overview
Key Points
Proper planning is essential prior to embedding worksheets or
creating Prime Analysis features.
Changing the names of dimensions and parameters can enable you
to map your Creo inputs to your Mathcad input variables.
3D Annotations and columns added to the Model Tree can help
you understand your model better as you are building engineering
calculations into it.

10.1. Integration Options and Comparison

As described in section 1.2, there are two methods to integrate Mathcad
Prime worksheets with your engineering models in Creo Parametric:

Embedding your worksheet in your Creo Parametric part or

assembly.
Creating a Prime Analysis feature.
Which method do you use? Let’s take a look at the aspects of each.
Embedded Worksheets:

Updating your model is a manual process.

Your model could be out of date with your Mathcad worksheet.
Creo Parametric provides warnings regarding embedded
worksheets in the Notification Center.
There is no additional file to manage.
Prime Analyses:

Depending on your Regeneration Request setting (discussed in

section 12.6), your model can take longer to retrieve and
regenerate.
Your model could potentially update and change when you don’t
want it to. Conversely, your model might not update properly
 when you do.
Your models often need a double regeneration to update the
geometry. This is discussed in section 12.5.
Which method do you choose? That’s largely a personal preference
depending on the following factors:

How you feel about managing files external to your model or how
you manage your data (e.g., Windchill).
How often your models are changing and the level of automation
you need.
Which method you are more familiar or comfortable with.
How you prefer managing units between Creo Parametric and PTC
Mathcad Prime.
Personally, though, I prefer Prime Analyses. However, that doesn’t mean that
I recommend this choice for you. I recognize that a lot of this could be due to
the facts that the Behavioral Modeling Extension (BMX) is my favorite
module and I used it for well over a decade before embedded worksheets
functionality became available.
My best recommendation to you is to try and explore both methods and find
which one works best for your workflows.

10.2. Planning for Integration

Before you start embedding worksheets or creating a Prime Analysis feature,
you should perform the following actions to minimize the chance of
problems:

Building your Mathcad worksheet to have the appropriate

variables and math regions as inputs and outputs with the correct
equals sign operator.
Identify the units for input- and output variables in Creo
Parametric and PTC Mathcad Prime. They can be different. Units
were discussed extensively in Chapter 9.
Change the names of your dimensions. This is especially true for
Prime Analysis features and the Automapping functionality.
Adding user-friendly entities to your Creo Parametric models like
 3D Annotations (section 10.3) and adding columns to the Model
Tree (section 10.4).
Let’s take a deeper look at these tools.

10.2.1. Automapping
When creating a Prime Analysis feature, rather than manually designating
your inputs, Creo Parametric can do that for you. The requirements for
Automapping to work are:

The Creo Parametric dimensions / parameters have the same name

as the Mathcad variables.
The units match.
Note the following rules regarding Automapping:

PTC Mathcad input variables cannot contain Greek or Hebrew

letters.
Literal subscripts in a PTC Mathcad variable are the same as Creo
Parametric parameter or dimension names in regular case.
Names of Mathcad input variables cannot be longer than 32
characters.
Setting the configuration option prime_automapping to yes will
automatically enable the Auto-map function when initiating a Prime Analysis
feature. If you are using Mathcad 15.0 or earlier, the corresponding option is
mathcad_automapping.

10.2.2. Changing Dimension Names in Creo Parametric

To change the names of dimensions in Creo Parametric, perform the
following steps:

1. Select the feature or component either from the Graphics Area or

Model Tree. A Mini Toolbar should open. If the Mini Toolbar
does not open, click the right mouse button. Click the Edit
 Dimensions tool.
2. The tab for the dimension will open. Click in the Name field and
type in the name you want to use for the dimension.
3. Click in the background of the Graphics Area to de-select the
dimension and regenerate the model. You may have to click twice.

10.3. 3D Annotations
It may be helpful to display some or all of your inputs and outputs in the
Graphics Area. This can be done using 3D Annotations. This functionality is
part of Model Based Definition (MBD), in which the Product and
Manufacturing Information (PMI) necessary to fabricate and inspect parts
and assemblies is contained in the models themselves. MBD reduces product
development time by:

reducing the need to create drawings or fully-annotated drawings.

leveraging the models themselves for manufacturing and
inspection.
A study by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has
shown that MBD can reduce the design, manufacturing, and inspection cycle
time by 72%.
To use 3D Annotations to display your inputs and outputs, you will need to
understand Combination States, Annotation Planes, and 3D Notes.

10.3.1. Combination States

Displaying all your 3D Annotations for the PMI in a model can clutter the
screen, resulting in what some people have described as a “bowl of spaghetti”
or “barbershop floor” effect. To improve clarity, 3D Annotations should be
organized into logical groups. For example, you may want to organize the 3D
Annotations that are parallel to the FRONT plane into a group, or the
Annotations related to mounting holes in another groups. These groups of
annotations are called Combination States.
In addition, a Combination State can capture any or all of the following for
visualization and documentation:

Saved Views (the initial orientation of the model).

Simplified Representations.
Style States.
Layer States.
Combination States in assemblies can also contain:

Explode States.
Appearance States.
You may want to update your model templates (start parts and start
assemblies) to contain additional Combination States besides Default All.
You should develop a schema for how you want to organize your initial
Combination States. If you are unsure how to do so, take a look at MIL-STD-
31000, Department of Defense Standard Practice: Technical Data Packages.
A copy of this United States Military Standard can easily be found online via
a Google search.
To create a new Combination State for your 3D Annotations, click on the

Annotate tab and the New icon in the Combination States group.
Alternatively, you can create a new Combination State from the View

Manager icon on the Views tab or in the In Graphics Toolbar:

Figure 10‑1: The In Graphics Toolbar.

10.3.2. Annotation Planes

Your 3D Annotations can be displayed either Flat to Screen or oriented with
respect to a model plane. In the latter case, the 3D Annotation will move,
rotate, and zoom with respect to the model.
To see the available Annotation Planes, click the Annotate tab. They are
listed in the Ribbon:

Figure 10‑2: The Annotate Ribbon tab.

By default, Creo Parametric models come with 6 additional Annotation

Planes:
FRONT
TOP
RIGHT
BACK
BOTTOM
LEFT
However, I generally find that for dimensions and parameters used as inputs
and outputs from PTC Mathcad Prime, I like them to be displayed Flat to
Screen.
Additional Annotation Planes can be created by clicking Annotate >
Annotation Planes > Annotation Plane Manager > New:
 Figure 10‑3: Annotation Plane Manager.

In the Annotation Plane Definition dialog box,

The name of the Annotation Plane.

The orientation, as defined by a reference plane, a named model
orientation (saved view), or flat to screen.
The viewing direction for 3D Annotations.
The text rotation angle.
 Figure 10‑4: Annotation Plane Definition dialog box.

10.3.3. 3D Notes
A 3D Note can contain text, model dimensions, and model parameters. (3D
Notes that contain dimensions and parameters are often referred to as
parametric notes, since the note updates with changes to the model.)
To create a 3D Note, click on the Annotations tab and the Note

icon. If this is an unattached note (no leader), left click to place

the note where you want and start typing in the text you want to appear in the
note. When finished, left click on an empty area of the Graphics Area.
To use a dimension or parameter in the note, type the ampersand character
(the and sign &, available from SHIFT and 7 on standard US keyboards) and
the parameter’s name or the symbolic form of the dimension.
If desired, you can create a note with a leader by clicking on the drop-down
next to the Note icon and selecting Leader Note:

Figure 10‑5: The Note command.

When placing this kind of note, first you will left click on the entity to which
you want the leader to be attached. By holding down the CTRL key you can
attached the leaders to multiple entities. Position your mouse where you want
the note text to appear and click the middle mouse button. Then type your
text. When finished, left click on an empty area of the Graphics Area.
In addition, you can add leaders to a note by selecting the note with the left
mouse button, holding down the right mouse button, and selecting Add
Leader from the pop-up menu.

10.3.4. Adding 3D Annotations to a Combination State

3D Annotations are automatically added to the active Combination State.
They can be added to additional Combination States by selecting them,
clicking on the Annotate tab, and clicking the Assign to State

command in the Managing Annotations group.

This will open the Assign to States dialog box. You can select one or more
states from the list using the CTRL key and then click OK.

Figure 10‑6: Assign to States dialog box.

3D Annotations can be removed from Combination States by clicking on

them with the left mouse button in the Graphics Area and selecting the
Remove from State icon in the lower left corner of the Mini Toolbar:
 Figure 10‑7: Mini Toolbar for 3D Annotations.

Alternatively, you can select the 3D Annotation with the left mouse button,
click on the Annotate tab in the Ribbon, and select the Remove from State

icon from the Manage Annotations group.

10.4. Adding a Column to the Model Tree

During the Mathcad-Creo integration process, at some point you will have to
use Relations to assign the outputs of the Mathcad worksheet to model
dimensions. While working on a model, it is sometimes convenient to display
certain feature dimensions in the Model Tree to see how their values change
as the model updates.
To add columns from the Model Tree, perform the following steps:

1. Identify the names of the model parameters you want to display by

clicking Tools > Parameters.
2. Identify the symbolic names of the model dimensions you want to
display by selecting features and choosing Edit Dimensions from
the Mini Toolbar. Click Tools > Switch Dimensions to toggle the
dimensions between their numeric and symbolic forms.

3. In the Navigator, click on the Model Tree Settings icon.

Select the Model Tree Columns option from the drop-down list.
The Model Tree Columns dialog box will open:
 Figure 10‑8: Adding a column to the Model Tree.

4. Change the Type drop-down list from Info to Model Params.

5. Enter the name of the parameter or the symbolic form of the

dimension in the Name field. Click the Add Column

button.
6. Repeat for any other dimensions or parameters you wish to add.
7. Select any displayed columns from the list and click the Remove

Column button if desired.

8. When finished, click OK.
The Model Tree now displays columns for the dimensions and parameters
that you have specified.
As of Creo Parametric 6.0, any changes to the Model Tree settings are
automatically stored in the creo_parametric_customization.ui file and will be
automatically applied the next time you launch a Creo Parametric session.
Therefore, you may want to remove the additional columns you added to the
Model Tree prior to exiting Creo Parametric.
Chapter 11. Embedded Worksheets
Key Points
Embedding an existing PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet in a Creo
Parametric model creates a copy of the worksheet in the model.
Relations are used to send inputs to the embedded worksheet and
drive model geometry and parameters from the outputs.
The worksheet can be accessed by double clicking the icon in the
Creo Parametric Graphics Area.
In the worksheet the Update Inputs icon is used to receive the
latest values from Creo Parametric.
In the worksheet Save and Push is used to send the outputs back
to Creo Parametric.

11.1. Embedded Worksheets Overview

As the name implies, when you embed a PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet, it
resides inside the model. The Mathcad Worksheet will have:

Input variables, which appear in a Definition statement.

The engineering calculations to be performed to process the inputs
into outputs.
The output variables, which appear in an Evaluation statement.
The general process I recommend for embedding a worksheet is as follows:

Create a PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet with the input and output
variables designated. I find this easier to do outside of Creo
Parametric and I appreciate having a Mathcad worksheet I can
access on its own and share with others.
In Creo Parametric, embed this worksheet. Its contents will be
copied into the model and the copied worksheet will open in the
PTC Mathcad Prime application.

Save and Push the worksheet to Creo Parametric.

The Creo Parametric model will now have the inputs and outputs
 as parameters. These can be viewed by clicking Tools >
Parameters and changing the Look In drop-down list to
Embedded Mathcad.
Connect model dimensions and parameters to these inputs and
outputs using Relations.
Access the embedded worksheet in PTC Mathcad Prime again.

Use Update Inputs to sync the worksheet inputs to the

Creo Parametric model values.

Click Save and Push to send the outputs back to Creo

Parametric.
Close the worksheet.

In Creo Parametric, Regenerate the model.

With the initial settings for the Notification Center, you will receive a
warning when the embedded Mathcad worksheet is out of date. The basic
process for updating the worksheet works as follows:

Access the embedded worksheet. Creo Parametric sends

dimensions and parameters to PTC Mathcad Prime based on
Relations you’ve written to the input parameters.

Click Update Inputs .

Click Save and Push to send the outputs back to Creo

Parametric.
Close the embedded worksheet.
 In Creo Parametric, click Regenerate . The Relations
are recalculated and the model geometry updates.
Let’s cover this in more detail.

11.2. Setup
Before diving into PTC Mathcad Prime or Creo Parametric, you should have
a good idea of what the input and output variables are going to be.
Identify the units for the inputs and outputs for Creo Parametric dimensions
and parameters and the corresponding PTC Mathcad Prime variables.
Only Real Number and Integer values can be passed between Creo
Parametric and Mathcad. In other words, you cannot use Strings (words and
characters) or Yes No parameters.

11.3. Process
This section provides a detailed process that you can follow when embedding
a Mathcad worksheet into a Creo Parametric model. This workflow follows
my recommended process of creating the Mathcad worksheet first with inputs
and outputs designated. Be aware, though, that you can diverge from the
process laid out here significantly.
Generally, when embedding a worksheet, you will find that you will have to
Save and Push from PTC Mathcad Prime a couple times.

One Save and Push will add the Embedded Mathcad

parameters in the model.
Then in Creo Parametric, write the Relations to (1) send inputs to
PTC Mathcad Prime and (2) drive the model dimensions and
parameters from the Embedded Mathcad parameters.
Access the embedded worksheet to Update Inputs. This will
generate the correct values in the output variables.
 The second Save and Push will send these correct values to
Creo Parametric.
Close the worksheet.

In Creo Parametric, Regenerate the model to update

the geometry based on the engineering calculations.
The following steps reflect this generalized process.

11.3.1. Creating the PTC Mathcad Prime Worksheet

In PTC Mathcad Prime, create your worksheet for the engineering
calculations you want to perform. Your worksheet should have:

Definition math regions at the top to establish variables used in the

analysis that are inputs from Creo Parametric.
Your math regions for the various engineering calculations
necessary to generate your results. These can include functions,
vector- and matrix- operations, Microsoft Excel integrations,
programs, and Solve Blocks.
Evaluation math regions at or near the bottom to be used as
outputs sent back to Creo Parametric.
Perform the following steps after your worksheet has been developed:

Click Input/Output > Show in Worksheet to

identify on the sheet which math regions have been identified as
inputs and outputs.

Click Input/Output > Show as List to open the

 Input/Output Designation dialog box.
Select the desired Definition math regions and click Input/Output

> Assign Inputs . The math region will have a box

around it with the word “In.”

Figure 11‑1: Assigning inputs in the worksheet.

Select the desired Evaluation math regions and click

Input/Output > Assign Outputs . The math region will

have a box around it with the word “Out.”
Change the names of the aliases in the Input/Output Designation
dialog box, especially the outputs sent back to Creo Parametric.

Figure 11‑2: Assigning and renaming outputs.

Save the worksheet. Now you are ready to embed the worksheet in your Creo
Parametric part or assembly.
11.3.2. Embedding the Worksheet
To connect a Creo Parametric model to a Mathcad Worksheet, perform the
following process:

1. If you haven’t already done so, launch Creo Parametric and

retrieve the model in which you wish to embed a worksheet.

2. Click Applications > PTC Mathcad > Insert Worksheet.

3. Navigate to the appropriate folder. Select the worksheet and click
Open.
4. PTC Mathcad Prime launches with a tab that has the worksheet
copied into it. The name of the tab is the name of the CAD model.
5. In the Quick Access toolbar in the upper left corner, click the Save

and Push icon.

Figure 11‑3: The PTC Mathcad Pushing values dialog box.

6. Leave Mathcad open (minimize it if necessary) and click on the

Creo Parametric window.

7. Click Tools > Parameters . Change the Look In

drop-down list to Embedded Mathcad. The Mathcad inputs and
outputs will be listed.

8. Click Tools > Relations .

a. Write Relations where the inputs are assigned the values
of model dimensions, and model dimensions are
assigned the values of Outputs.
i. Embedded Mathcad parameters have the format
 alias:MATHCAD where alias is the alias you
defined in Mathcad for the output.
ii. To ensure you use the correct syntax, click

Insert Parameter Name from List and

change the Look In drop-down list to
Embedded Mathcad.
b. Repeat step a to drive model dimensions and parameters
from the output variables of the embedded Mathcad
worksheet.
9. Return to the PTC Mathcad Prime application.

10. Click Update Inputs and Save and Push .

11. Close the worksheet tab and minimize PTC Mathcad
Prime.

12. In Creo Parametric, click Model > Regenerate .

Your model should be updated to the latest results of the calculations from
PTC Mathcad Prime.

11.4. Updating the PTC Mathcad Prime Worksheet

To access the embedded worksheet, click either:

The embedded worksheet icon located in the upper right-hand

corner of the Graphics Area in Creo Parametric:
 Figure 11‑4: Embedded worksheet indication in the Creo Parametric Graphics Area.

Applications > PTC Mathcad > Open/Create

Worksheet.
Both methods will launch PTC Mathcad Prime if necessary and retrieve the
embedded worksheet into a new tab.

11.5. Updating the Model

To update your model and the outputs from the PTC Mathcad Prime
worksheet, perform the following steps:

1. Update your model using the standard techniques of Edit

Definition, Edit Dimensions, or Tools > Parameters.
2. If this causes your embedded Mathcad worksheet to be out of date,
you will see a warning in the Notification Center.

Figure 11‑5: Notification Center warning.

3. Activate the embedded worksheet by clicking either the embedded

worksheet icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Graphics
Area (see image below) or Applications > PTC Mathcad >
Open/Create Worksheet.
4. PTC Mathcad Prime will come to the front with the tab for the
 embedded worksheet active. In the embedded worksheet, click
Update Inputs and Save and Push.
5. Close the embedded worksheet in PTC Mathcad Prime and return
to Creo Parametric.

6. Click Model < Regenerate or CTRL-G.

Your model should be updated with the latest output variables from your
engineering calculations.

11.6. Regeneration Failures

It is entirely possible that your PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet can send
outputs back to Creo Parametric that result in a regeneration failure.
While this may not be completely preventable, there are some actions you
can take that can mitigate this possibility. During testing, you may be able to
identify the acceptable range of inputs that your model can regenerate
successfully. However, if you have multiple variables, especially those that
conflict with each other, you may not be able to determine the ranges for all
dimensions that will result in a successful regeneration.
Some potential actions you can use to mitigate regeneration failures include:

Use Comparison Relations. If these Relations are evaluated to be

false, a notification will appear in the Message Area indicating that
the Relation was violated. Then you can investigate and
implement changes that prevent a regeneration failure.
Use If-Then-Else Relations to limit an output to a maximum or
minimum value.

11.7. Identifying Mathcad Connected Models

There are two ways to identify a Creo Parametric model has an embedded
Mathcad worksheet:

Seeing an icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Graphics Area

 indicating an embedded worksheet.
Filtering the Model Tree to display components with embedded
worksheets.

11.7.1. Graphics Area Icon

When a model has a Worksheet embedded within it, the Mathcad icon will
appear in the upper right corner of the Graphics Area:

Figure 11‑6: Indication of an embedded Mathcad worksheet.

This is the only indication that your model has an embedded Worksheet. Note
the following:

The embedded Worksheet does not appear in the Model Tree.

It does not appear in the Model Properties dialog box.
No file appears in either the Working Directory or the Windchill
Workspace.

11.7.2. Model Tree Filter

In an assembly, you can use the Model Tree filter to identify components that
have an embedded worksheet. Just below the words “Model Tree” you will
see an icon that looks like a Filter and a field that you can type in a search
string. To the right of the field is a triangle that will open a drop-down menu.
Underneath “Queries by state” you can go to the “More Queries” flyout and
select the “Contains Mathcad Worksheet” pre-defined search.
The Model Tree will then be filtered down to only those components that
contain an embedded Mathcad worksheet.
 Figure 11‑7: Filtering Model Tree by embedded worksheets.

11.8. Removing a Worksheet

If you no longer want your model driven from a PTC Mathcad Prime

worksheet, click Applications > PTC Mathcad > Remove

Worksheet. You will receive the following warning:

Figure 11‑8: Warning when removing an embedded worksheet.

Click OK to proceed. You should immediately go to Tools > Relations and

remove all your embedded Mathcad-related expressions.
Figure 11‑9: Relations after removing an embedded worksheet.
Chapter 12. Prime Analyses
Key Points
Create your Mathcad worksheet for engineering calculations
before creating a Prime Analysis feature. Designate your inputs
and outputs in the worksheet.
To create a Prime Analysis, you specify the Mathcad worksheet to
be used; the Creo Parametric dimensions and parameters to be
passed to Mathcad; the corresponding Mathcad input variable; and
the output variables to be received from Mathcad.
The Prime Analysis is created as a feature in the model.
Relations are written to drive model dimensions and parameters
from the Mathcad outputs.
Changes to the model usually require two regenerations to update
the model, although using Post Regeneration Relations can help
with this.

12.1. Background: Datum Analysis Features

Creo Parametric has a module called the Behavioral Modeling Extension
(BMX). This module allows you to build Design Intent directly into your
models. At its core, BMX consists of two main parts:

You can perform measurements in your model, such as length,

distance, diameter, mass properties, and so on. These measures can
be created as features in a part or an assembly, and are known as
Datum Analysis Features (DAF). These features contain
parameters for the result of the measurement, such as a calculated
distance or mass. These features can also generate other Datum
Features. For example, a Datum Analysis Feature for a model’s
mass properties can create a point or coordinate system at the
model’s center or gravity.
Based on the results of Datum Analysis Feature, you can create
Feasibility or Optimization Studies. These are discussed in more
detail in section 12.6. Both Feasibility and Optimization Studies
 can be created as features in your model.
BMX has additional capabilities, like the ability to perform Multi-Objective
Design Studies (MODS), but Datum Analysis Features and Feasibility /
Optimization Studies represent the core functionality.
Mathcad Prime Analysis features are essentially Datum Analysis Features.
However, a license of the BMX module is not necessary to create Mathcad
Prime Analysis features.
A Mathcad Prime Analysis can be created using either Mathcad Prime or
Mathcad Prime Express (the free version).

12.2. The Prime Analysis Dialog Box

Before explaining the process for creating a Prime Analysis feature, it helps
to understand the different parts of the interface. When you click Analysis >
Prime Analysis, the following dialog box will open:

Figure 12‑1: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.

Let’s go through the various sections.

12.2.1. The File Section

The File section under Setup defines the PTC Mathcad worksheet that will be
used in the Prime Analysis.

Figure 12‑2: The Prime Analysis feature File section.

The Load File button allows you to select an existing Mathcad worksheet to
drive the Prime Analysis. This is the method I prefer and I recommend that
the Mathcad worksheet already have Definition math regions designated as
inputs and Evaluation math regions designated as outputs.
The New File button allows you to create a new Mathcad worksheet when
you create the Prime Analysis feature.
The Reload File button allows you to re-read the Mathcad worksheet in case
it has been changed since the last time the Prime Analysis feature was
updated.
The field underneath these buttons lists the name of the Mathcad Worksheet.

12.2.2. The Inputs Section: Creo Parametric to Prime

This section allows you to specify which dimensions and parameters are sent
from Creo Parametric to PTC Mathcad Prime.
 Figure 12‑3: The Prime Analysis feature Inputs section.

There are five columns for the inputs:

Creo Parametric: this field lists the name of the Creo Parametric
dimension or parameter to be sent to Mathcad and the name of the
model that owns the dimension or parameter.
Value: the current value of that dimension or parameter.
Unit: the unit for the Creo Parametric dimension or parameter.
Prime: the name of the Mathcad variable used as an input that will
receive the value of the dimension.
Unit: the unit of the Mathcad input variable.
In addition, after a row has been added, when you right click over the first
three columns, you have the following choices from the menu:

Add New creates a new row in the table.

Delete: honestly, I’ve never seen this choice not greyed out.
Select Creo Parametric dimension allows you to select a feature
from the Graphics Area or Model Tree. The feature’s dimensions
are displayed in the Graphics Area and can be selected.
Select Creo Parametric parameter opens the Parameter
Selection dialog box from which the user can select the model
parameter to be used as an input.
When you right mouse click over the last two columns, you have the
following choices from the menu:

Add New.
Delete.
Select Prime input opens the Input Selection dialog box listing
any available Mathcad inputs.
Select inputs in Prime: this opens the Mathcad Select Menu
Manager. The user can select an input math region from the PTC
Mathcad Prime application, and it will be copied into the Prime
column.
 Figure 12‑4: The Mathcad Select Menu Manager.

The plus sign button allows you to add a row for another input and
the minus sign button removes the currently selected row.
The Add Mapping drop-down list provides choices that control the actions
that occur when the end user clicks the plus sign icon to add a new row to the
list of inputs. With the default value of Add Mapping, the user right clicks
over cells to specify how they will select inputs from Creo Parametric and
Mathcad. The drop-down list contains the following choices, which result in

the following actions when the user clicks the plus sign button to add
a row:

Creo Parametric Dimension: the user can select features in the

Graphics Area or Model Tree. This will display the feature’s
dimensions, which can then be selected and added as an input.
Creo Parametric Parameter: the Parameter Selection dialog box
opens listing any valid real number or integer parameters that exist
in the model.
Prime Variable: the Input Selection dialog box opens listing any
available Mathcad inputs.
Select in Prime: the Mathcad Select Menu Manager will open and
the user can select an input math region from the PTC Mathcad
Prime application. Then clicking Done Sel from the Menu
Manager will paste it into Prime column cell.
 Figure 12‑5: The Mathcad Select Menu Manager.

The Clear All button will remove any dimensions or parameters that have
been added as inputs.
The Auto-map button will look for any Creo Parametric dimensions or
parameters that have the same name as a Mathcad input. If any are found,
they will be added to the list of inputs. Automapping is discussed in section
10.2.1.

12.2.3. The Outputs Section: Prime to Creo Parametric

This section allows you to define which Mathcad outputs are received by
Creo Parametric.

Figure 12‑6: The Prime Analysis Feature Outputs section.

The columns for the outputs are:

Prime: the name of the Mathcad variable.

Value: the current value of the Mathcad variable. Note that until
the Compute button is clicked, the value does not reflect the
results of the calculation with the inputs from Creo Parametric.
 Unit: the units for the Prime variable.
Creo Parametric: the name of the parameter that will be created
in Creo. This field can be edited from the default name generated
automatically,
Unit: the units for the Creo Parametric output parameter. This has
a drop-down that allows you to select a different unit for the
quantity type.
When you right click over the first three columns, the following choices will
be available from the pop-up menu:

Add New.
Delete.
Select Prime output opens the Input Selection dialog box listing
the math regions designated as outputs.
Select outputs in Prime opens the Mathcad Select Menu
Manager. The user can then select an output math region from the
PTC Mathcad Prime application and then Done Sel from the Menu
Manager to copy it into the Prime cell.

Right clicking over the last two columns only gives the Add New and Delete
choices.
The Add Mapping drop-down list has three choices that determine what

happens when the user clicks the plus sign button. With the default
choice Add Mapping, the user can right click over a table cell to select the
method for selecting an input. The other choices from the drop-down menu

result in the following happening when the plus sign button is

clicked:
 Prime Variable. The Outputs Selection dialog box opens.
Select in Prime. The Mathcad Select Menu Manager opens.
The Clear All button will remove any dimensions or parameters that have
been added as inputs.
Info, in theory, provides information regarding the selected output. However,
when I click it, I tend to get a fatal error resulting in a crash. Therefore, I
recommend not clicking this button.
A Mathcad worksheet can actually create datum geometry such as datum
coordinate systems, datum points, and datum curves. The Csys for datum
creation field allows you to select a different coordinate system than the
default as the reference for these datum features. This datum creation
functionality is covered in section 12.4.

12.2.4. Saved Analyses Section

This section allows you to create the Prime Analysis as a Saved Analysis as
opposed to a feature. As a feature, the Prime Analysis could potentially run
every time the model regenerates. As a Saved Analysis, the end user
explicitly controls when the Prime Analysis feature operates.

Figure 12‑7: The Prime Analysis feature Saved Analyses section.

The Saved Analyses section is initially collapsed. Click on the black triangle
to expand it.
To create a Saved Analysis, type a name in the Name field and click the Save
icon. The Prime Analysis will now be listed in the white field.
 Figure 12‑8: Example Mathcad Saved Analysis.

The Show/Hide button is irrelevant for a Prime Analysis.

The Retrieve button allows you to populate the Prime Analysis dialog box
with the information for the file, inputs, and outputs from the selected saved
analysis.
The Delete button removes the Saved Analysis from the model.
The Saved Analysis command from the Analysis tab in the Ribbon will open
the Saved Analysis dialog box. It will list any Saved Analyses in the model.
However, the Prime Analysis feature cannot be edited using the pencil icon in
this dialog box.

Figure 12‑9: The Saved Analysis dialog box.

12.2.5. Action Buttons

The bottom of the Prime Analysis dialog box has three buttons:

Compute will run the Prime Analysis, sending the inputs to the
Mathcad worksheet and receive the outputs.
Add Feature will create the Prime Analysis as a feature in the
 Model Tree.
Close closes the dialog box.

12.3. Process
Although you can create a new Mathcad worksheet inside of the Prime
Analysis Feature, I recommend that you create the worksheet first. The
process described here follows that recommendation.

12.3.1. Develop the Mathcad Prime Worksheet

Developing the PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet for a Prime Analysis is
generally the same process as creating one for an embedded worksheet as
described in section 11.3.1.
In PTC Mathcad Prime, create your worksheet for the engineering
calculations you want to perform. There is no set or one way to do this, but
generally your worksheet should have:

Definition math regions at the top to establish variables used in the

analysis that are inputs from Creo Parametric.
Your math regions for the various engineering calculations
necessary to generate your results. These can include functions,
vector- and matrix- operations, Microsoft Excel integrations,
programs, and Solve Blocks.
Evaluation math regions at or near the bottom to be used as
outputs sent back to Creo Parametric.
Then perform the following steps:

Select the desired Definition math regions and click Input/Output

> Assign Inputs.
Select the desired Evaluation math regions and click
Input/Output > Assign Outputs.
Click Input/Output > Show in List to change the names of the
aliases, especially the outputs sent back to Creo Parametric.
As mentioned in section 10.2.1 on Automapping, you can facilitate the
process by using input variables with the same name as the Creo Parametric
dimensions and parameters.
After creating your Mathcad worksheet, be sure to save it.

12.3.2. Set Up the Prime Analysis Feature

There is no one way to create a Prime Analysis feature. This section describes
a general approach. To create a Mathcad Prime Analysis feature, you can
perform the following steps:

1. Click the Analysis tab and Prime Analysis .

Note that this can be performed in either a part or an assembly.
This will open the Prime Analysis dialog box.

Figure 12‑10: The Prime Analysis feature dialog box.

2. Click the Load File button. In the Select Prime Worksheet dialog
box, navigate to your Mathcad Prime worksheet. Select it and click
 Open. A PTC Mathcad Prime session will launch in the
background with the selected worksheet open. You can minimize
this.
3. Define inputs from Creo Parametric to PTC Mathcad Prime:
a. If names of dimensions or parameters in Creo Parametric
match names of Mathcad variables designated as inputs,
click the Auto-map button in the “Creo Parametric to
Prime” section.
b. To define additional mappings of Creo Parametric
dimensions or parameters to Mathcad variables, choose
the desired method:

i. Click the plus sign button to create a

new row.
1. Right click over the first three columns
and choose Select Creo Parametric
dimension or Select Creo Parametric
parameter.
2. Right click over the last two columns
and choose Select Prime input. Select
the desired input variable from the
Input Selection dialog box.
ii. Change the Add Mapping drop-down menu to
Creo Parametric Dimension.

1. Click the plus sign button to

create a new row.
2. Select the desired parameter from the
Parameter Selection dialog box and
click OK.
3. Right click over the last two columns
and choose Select Prime input. Select
the desired input variable from the
Input Selection dialog box and click
OK.
iii. Change the Add Mapping drop-down menu to
 Creo Parametric Dimension.

1. Click the plus sign button to

create a new row.
2. Select a feature and the appropriate
dimension in the Graphics Area.
3. Right click over the last two columns
and choose Select Prime input. Select
the desired input variable from the
Input Selection dialog box and click
OK.
c. Repeat the steps under b for as many input variables that
you want.
4. Define outputs from Creo Parametric to Prime:
a. Under the “Prime to Creo Parametric” section, click the
Add Mapping drop-down to select the method Prime
Variable.
b. Select the desired Mathcad output from the Output
Selection dialog box and click OK.

c. Click the plus sign button to add a new row.

d. Change the names of the automatically generated Creo
Parametric parameter if desired.
5. Click the Compute button to recalculate the outputs based on the
current value of inputs.
6. Click the Add Feature to create the Prime Analysis feature in the
Model Tree. A window will open at the top of the Graphics Area
where you can enter the desired feature name. Note that the name
has to comply with the same rules as other Creo Parametric
features (e.g., no spaces).
7. Click Close to close the Prime Analysis feature dialog box.
You now have a Prime Analysis feature in your model. However, it is not yet
driving model geometry, dimensions, or parameters.

12.3.3. Define Relations

After the Prime Analysis feature has been created, you need to create
Relations in your model to drive the relevant dimensions and parameters.
To see the output parameters that have been created, click Tools >
Parameters, change the Look In drop-down from Part to Feature, and
select the Prime Analysis feature in the Model Tree (see Figure 12‑11).
To write Relations between these output parameters and the model
dimensions and parameters, perform the following steps:

1. Click Tools > Relations.

2. Select the model dimension or parameter that you want to drive
from the output parameters.
a. If you know the parameter name or the symbolic form of
the dimension, you can type it in directly.
b. If it is a model dimension, you can click the feature that
owns the dimension, either from the Model Tree or the
Graphics Area, and then select the dimension from the
Graphics Area.
c. If it is a model parameter, you can click the Insert

Parameter icon from the horizontal toolbar in the

Relations dialog box.
 Figure 12‑11: Parameters generated from a Prime Analysis.

3. Type in the equals sign after the model dimension or parameter.

Use spaces for clarity.
4. To select the output parameters, click the Insert Parameter icon

from the horizontal toolbar in the Relations dialog box.

a. Change the Look In drop-down list from Part to
Feature.
b. Select the Prime Analysis feature from the Model Tree.
c. Select the output parameter you want to use and click
Insert Selected.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for all model dimensions and parameters
that you want to drive.
6. Click OK to close the Relations dialog box.

7. Click Model > Regenerate twice. (Double

Regeneration will be discussed in section 12.5.)
In the Relations dialog box, the output parameters will be listed as the output
parameter name, a colon, and FID_ followed by a number. FID stands for
Feature Identification. The number is the unique identifier in a model given
to a feature when it is created. Creo Parametric uses this number to track the
different features in your model.

12.3.4. Edit Definition of the Prime Analysis Feature

If you need to change the Prime Analysis feature, left click on it in the Model

Tree and choose the Edit Definition icon from the

Mini Toolbar. The following dialog box will open:
 Figure 12‑12: Edit Definition of a Prime Analysis feature.

Typically, the Regeneration Request is the only thing that would be changed
in this dialog box. The Regeneration Request is discussed in section 12.6.
Although you can change the name of the feature from here, you can always
do that from the Model Tree.
Clicking the Next button will take you to the dialog box that you used to
create the Prime Analysis feature. From there, you can:

Change or reload the Mathcad worksheet.

Change the inputs, outputs, and/or their units.
Manually recompute the worksheet.

12.4. Creating Datums in a Prime Analysis

A Prime Analysis feature can create datum coordinate systems, datum points,
and a datum curve. Here is a Mathcad worksheet capable of doing so:

Figure 12‑13: Mathcad worksheet for creating datums.

Note the following in this PTC Mathcad Prime worksheet:

To generate datum features, math regions that evaluate matrices

are designated as outputs.
Coordinate systems are 3 by 4 matrices. The structure will be
discussed in the next section.
Datum point arrays are generated from matrices with 3 columns.
They can have any number of rows. The number of rows
determine how many points are created.
Here is the Prime Analysis feature used to create the datums:
 Figure 12‑14: Prime Analysis feature for generating datums.

Note that this particular Prime Analysis does not send any inputs to PTC
Mathcad. Also, the datums can be created with respect to a different
coordinate system than the default by unchecking the “Use Default Csys”
box.
Here are the resulting datum features in Creo Parametric:
 Figure 12‑15: Datums generated in Creo Parametric.

The feature names are generated from the Mathcad Prime output aliases and
the feature identification number of the Prime Analysis feature.

12.4.1. Datum Coordinate Systems

The matrix for generating a coordinate system has 3 rows and 4 columns. The
first three columns define the orientations of the X, Y, and Z directions of the
coordinate system. The values can be numbers other than 1.
You may want to create a square 3 by 3 matrix for the coordinate system
orientation in order to test the determinant of the matrix. In order to create a
coordinate system, the determinant may need to be positive.
If the coordinate system does not follow the right-hand rule, then the output
will not be available for selection in the Prime Analysis dialog box.
The fourth column defines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the origin of the
coordinate system.

12.4.2. Datum Points

As mentioned earlier, a matrix with three columns corresponding to the X, Y,
and Z coordinates of the point is used to generate the datum points. It can
have any number of rows.
Programs can be used to generate a matrix of points.

12.4.3. Datum Curves

The datum curve is not automatically generated by the Prime Analysis
feature. To generate a datum curve, perform the following steps after the
Prime Analysis feature is created:

1. Select the Prime Analysis feature in the Model Tree and select
Edit Definition from the Mini Toolbar.
2. In the Tree, expand Result datums and the CRV_ branch.

Figure 12‑16: Resulting Datums of the Prime Analysis feature.

3. Double click Create (which is currently set to NO). Select the

radio button for YES. If desired, change the name of the resulting
datum.
 Figure 12‑17: Resulting datums of the Prime Analysis feature.

4. Click the green check mark at the bottom of the dialog box to
complete the Prime Analysis feature.
A curve will be generated as a spline through the points.
 Figure 12‑18: Prime Analysis datum curve.

Alternatively, the Datum > Curve > Curve Through Points command can
be used to generate a datum curve with straight segments if desired.

Figure 12‑19: Datum Curve Through Points.

12.5. Double Regeneration Problem

Creo Parametric is a history-based modeler. Our part features are regenerated
in the order they appear in the Model Tree. Changing the order can change
the resulting geometry.
Our models should update properly with a single regeneration. However, we
often have to regenerate a model twice when using a Prime Analysis feature.
Regeneration in a part model works as follows:

Part-level Relations are calculated.

Features are regenerated in their order in the Model Tree. Any
feature-level Relations are calculated when their corresponding
feature is regenerated.
Post Regeneration Relations are calculated.
Multiple regenerations are not limited to Prime Analysis features. Other
causes include:

Feature-level relations.
External references.
Circular references.
Since the Prime Analysis feature appears as a feature in the Model Tree, its
dimensional values are calculated based on where it appears. However, the
Relations that assign those outputs to model dimensions and parameters have
already been executed. Therefore, after the first regeneration performs the
Mathcad calculations, a second regeneration is needed to update model
geometry.
A possible solution to this is to use Post Regeneration Relations for assigning
the outputs of the Prime Analysis feature to model dimensions.
To change your Relations from Initial to Post Regeneration, perform the
following steps:

1. Click Tools > Relations . Select all the Relations in

the dialog box relevant to the Prime Analysis feature outputs.
Click the right mouse button and select Cut.
 Figure 12‑20: Cutting the Relations.

2. Change the drop-down list in the lower right corner of the dialog
box from Initial to Post Regeneration.

Figure 12‑21: Accessing Post Regeneration Relations.

3. Right click in the Relations editor and select Paste.

 Figure 12‑22: Pasting the Relations.

Your assignments will now be performed after the model has regenerated.
For some reason, even when using these Post Regeneration Relations, the
status in the lower right corner of the Message Area still shows that a
regeneration is needed:

Figure 12‑23: Regeneration status in the lower right corner.

However, when you check the values of the dimensions, the model is updated
and the outdated regeneration status goes away. I have no idea why this
happens.

12.6. Regeneration Request

As discussed in section 12.3.4, when you click on a Prime Analysis feature in

the Model Tree and select Edit Definition from the

Mini Toolbar, the following dialog box will open:
The section under “RegenRequest” has three options:

Always. This is selected by default.

Read Only.
Only Design Study.
When the Regeneration Request is set to Always, model regeneration will
launch PTC Mathcad Prime and recalculate the worksheet. This can slow
down your work day. In an assembly with multiple Prime Analysis features
set to Always, this can slow down your progress significantly.
When set to Read Only, PTC Mathcad Prime won’t launch and recalculate
your outputs. If you change your inputs, use Edit Definition to change the
Regeneration Request to Always and update your model.
Prior to releasing a model, change the regeneration request to Read Only.
This will help prevent unwanted changes to model geometry for released
parts and assemblies.
The third choice is Design Study, which include:

Feasibility Studies.
Optimization Studies.
Multi-Objective Design Studies (MODS).
Statistical Design Studies.
These are parts of the Behavioral Modeling Extension (BMX), one of the
most powerful modules in Creo Parametric.
In a Feasibility Study, you specify:

Design constraints, in which a computed measure from a Datum

Analysis Feature (DAF) must be equal to, less than, or greater than
some specified value.
Design variables and the ranges that Creo Parametric can vary
model dimensions and parameters.
A Feasibility Study will find the first solution that meets the constraints. An
Optimization Study is a Feasibility Study with a design goal – some quantity
to be maximized or minimized, like mass. An Optimization Study is intended
to find the best result over the entire solution space. Therefore, this is very
much like optimization as discussed in Chapter 6.
A Multi-Objective Design Study (MODS) is essentially a trade study. The
best analogy I can think of is buying a house. There are a lot of factors in
your decision. Many conflict with one another. You want the most space but
the lowest price. You want a quiet neighborhood or a cul-de-sac, but you
want a short work commute. You want good schools but low property taxes.
The same conflicts exist in product design. High strength often comes at the
cost of mass. You want durability but low material cost. MODS allows you to
perform that kind of analysis.
A Statistical Design Study is a Multi-Objective Design Study in which a
statistical distribution is applied to both the design variables and the results.
You may want to use the Design Study option if you use any of these kinds
of functions.

12.7. Mathcad Analysis Feature

If you are using PTC Mathcad 14 or 15, you can create a Mathcad Analysis

from the Analysis tab in part and assembly mode. The

Mathcad Analysis dialog box (on the left) is very similar to the Prime
Analysis dialog box (on the right):
The dialog boxes generally contain the same functionality. The process for
creating a Mathcad Analysis is very close to that of a Prime Analysis.
 Part III – Exercises
Chapter 13. Sample Problems
This chapter contains several design scenarios for you to get additional
practice so you can apply the techniques from this book in your real-world
problems later. These scenarios are designed so that you can quickly and
easily create both the worksheets and the CAD models in a matter of minutes.
(You will find that the CAD models are ridiculously simple to create. This
book is on driving parts and assemblies from CAD modeling, not meticulous
model creation.)
The design scenarios are:

1. Designing and optimizing a pressure vessel for a specified pressure

and surface area.
2. Calculating the size of a key for mating a shaft to a gear.
3. Solid disk flywheel design for engine operating conditions.
4. A transmission shaft that must meet requirements for permissible
angle of twist.
By all means, feel free to deviate from the scenarios to explore additional
areas and to have fun!
Based on the requirements for a design scenario, ask yourself the following
questions:

What are the inputs to the engineering calculations?

What engineering equations and formulas do we need?
What quantities do we want to optimize?
What outputs will be sent back to Creo Parametric?
What Creo Parametric part features would facilitate your Design
Intent?
Should you use an embedded worksheet or a Prime Analysis
feature?
The following sections provide guidance for how you can solve this design
problem, but feel free to solve it on your own.

13.1. Scenario 1: Designing and Optimizing a Pressure Vessel

Figure 13‑1: Pressure vessel model.

The design requirements for this problem are as follows:

We are designing a pressure vessel that must hold a certain volume

of 1 million cubic inches and a given pressure of 1200 psi.
The pressure vessel will be cylindrical with hemispheres (half
spheres) at each end.
The length of the cylindrical portion must be at least 4 times the
diameter of the hemispherical head.
We want to minimize the surface area in order to reduce our raw
material costs.
We want to calculate the inner diameter and the length of the
cylindrical section.
 We want to calculate the thickness based on ASME calculations
for circumferential, longitudinal, and hemispherical head welds.

13.1.1. Developing the Worksheet

Here are some suggestions for how to create your Mathcad worksheet. First,
you could define the inputs from Creo:

Figure 13‑2: Scenario 1 worksheet inputs.

We can set up our functions to calculate the volume and surface area, and
define initial values for the diameter and the length of the cylindrical portion.

Figure 13‑3: Scenario 1 functions and initial values.

We can use the Solve Block construct to find the diameter and length. We
can set up our requirements that include the volume function to be equal to
volume input from Creo Parametric. Note that this uses the Comparison
Equal To operator, not the Evaluation equal sign operator. We also put in
our requirement for the proportion of the main body length to the diameter.
The Solver section uses a vector of the values we want to calculate and the
minimize function.
 Figure 13‑4: Scenario 1 Solve Block.

Then we can evaluate for the diameter and length and designate those as
outputs to Creo Parametric.

Figure 13‑5: Scenario 1 initial results.

Next, we can set up variables for calculating the thickness based on ASME
guidelines.
 Figure 13‑6: Scenario 1 thickness calculation setup.

We can perform calculations for the thickness based longitudinal welds,

circumferential welds, and the hemispherical head welds.

Figure 13‑7: Scenario 1 thickness calculations.

The max function can select the worst case to be output back to Creo
Parametric.

Figure 13‑8: Scenario 1 thickness output.

13.1.2. Developing the CAD Model

To create the CAD model, consider the following:

The first modeling feature should be a surface that represents the

volume of gas to be held.
In order to capture a dimension for the thickness of the pressure
vessel, use the Thicken command to add material to the outside of
the surface.
 Use 3D Annotations to display the hemisphere diameter, length of
the cylindrical portion, and thickness in the Graphics Area.
Add feet and an access port. How can you set up these features to
change parametrically with changes to the size of the pressure
vessel? (Hint: you can use datum features, depth options, and
Relations to build this Design Intent into your model.)

13.1.3. Connecting the Part to the Worksheet

Use either an embedded worksheet or a Prime Analysis feature to connect
your worksheet to your model. If using an embedded worksheet, use
Relations to drive the inputs and outputs. Use Relations to drive the outputs
from the Prime Analysis feature.
Be sure that the Unit Sensitive option is turned on in the Relations dialog
box.

13.1.4. Explorations
For additional practice, try the following:

Use the Ceil function to drive the thickness to the next quarter
inch or millimeter.
How can you change the worksheet to output the outer diameter
and the entire length?
How can you change the Creo Parametric model to use these
values?
13.2. Scenario 2: Square Key for a Gear
You are designing a shaft that will have a square key for connecting to a gear.

Figure 13‑9: Model for scenario 2.

The shaft is 10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.

The key is geared in the middle of the shaft and the gear hub
length is 2 inches.
The shaft is made of steel.
A factor of safety of 2 is required. This can be factored into the
allowable shear strength.
The torque to be transmitted from the gear to the shaft is 5000 in-
lbf.
The width of the key should be a multiple of an eighth of an inch.
You need to calculate the width of the key and drive Creo Parametric from
the value.

13.2.1. Developing the Worksheet

Here are some suggestions for the Mathcad worksheet:

The inputs to the worksheet from Creo Parametric are the shaft
diameter, the hub length, and the material yield strength.
Assume the shear strength is half the yield strength. (Don’t forget
the factor of safety.)
 Use the Ceil function to round the calculated width.
The inputs section could look like:

Figure 13‑10: Scenario 2 worksheet inputs.

The calculations could look like:

Figure 13‑11: Scenario 2 worksheet calculations.

The outputs could look like:

Figure 13‑12: Scenario 2 worksheet outputs.

For more information on these calculations, please see chapter 11 of

“Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Machine Design,” by Allen S.
Hall, Alfred R. Holowenko, and Herman G. Laughlin.

13.2.2. Developing the CAD Model

Here are some recommendations for creating the CAD model:

Use the Inch Pound Second (IPS) unit system.

The first solid feature should be the main shaft. You can create this
with an Extrude with a symmetric depth. Feel free to use a
Revolve instead if desired.
The second feature should be the key. This will be an Extrude
with a symmetric depth. For the sketch, you can use the cylindrical
surface as a Sketch Reference and the Corner Rectangle tool
with an Equal Lengths constraint. The initial value for the width
dimension in the sketch doesn’t matter since the worksheet will
calculate that.
The model should have yield strength as a parameter, which can
be an input.
Rename the following dimensions:
The shaft diameter (input).
The key length (input).
The key width (output).
Be sure the Relations are set to Unit Sensitive.

13.2.3. Prime Analysis Feature

Since units are critical in this problem, use a Prime Analysis feature. The
dialog box could look like:
 Figure 13‑13: Scenario 2 Prime Analysis feature.

13.2.4. Model Relations

The resulting Relations dialog box could look like:
 Figure 13‑14: Relations to drive model.

13.2.5. Explorations
See the results of changing the following:

Torque.
Material / yield strength.
Shaft diameter.
Mating gear hub length.
For outside of the box learning, create plots of the torque, shear stress, and/or
failure index (shear stress divided by the allowable shear stress) as a function
of different inputs like shaft diameter and key width. (Note: this involves use
of a Range Variable.)
13.3. Scenario 3: Solid Disk Flywheel Design
We need to calculate the diameter of a solid disk flywheel given the
following requirements:

The weight is constrained at 25 pounds-force.

During operation, the resisting torque of the machine powered by
the engine results in a change of energy of 500 Newton-meters
needed.
The motor operates at 500 rpm and experiences a 10% drop during
part of one revolution.
For more information on these calculations, please see chapter 26 of
“Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Machine Design,” by Allen S.
Hall, Alfred R. Holowenko, and Herman G. Laughlin.

13.3.1. Developing the CAD Model

Create a part using the millimeter-Newton-second template. The only
geometry you need for this exercise is an extruded circle. The initial diameter
is arbitrary given that the worksheet will calculate the value. Use an initial
symmetric depth of 25 mm.

13.3.2. Developing the Worksheet

Use the SI unit system in your worksheet.
Perhaps you do not send any inputs from Creo Parametric.

Figure 13‑15: Scenario 3 worksheet inputs.

The calculations could look as follows:

 Figure 13‑16: Scenario 3 worksheet calculations.

The outputs could look as follows:

Figure 13‑17: Scenario 3 worksheet outputs.

13.3.3. Connecting the Worksheet and CAD Model

If you do not send any inputs from Creo Parametric, the only things that need
to be configured in the Prime Analysis feature are the worksheet file and the
diameter output.
 Figure 13‑18: Scenario 3 Prime Analysis feature.

Write a Relation to drive the diameter of the extrude from the output
parameter.

13.3.4. Explorations
Explore the following variations for this design scenario:

Send the weight as an input from Creo Parametric.

Given the weight, calculate the thickness of the flywheel for a
given material. Send this as an output from PTC Mathcad Prime to
Creo Parametric.
Change the inputs for energy and angular velocity.
Use an embedded worksheet instead.
13.4. Scenario 4: Designing a Shaft
We are designing a solid transmission shaft. We need to calculate the
diameter based on the permissible angle of twist. The requirements are as
follows:

The shaft is 6 feet long.

The part is made out of steel.
The torsional moment is 5000 inch-pounds-force.
The permissible angle of twist is one degree per foot.
The stock shaft diameter sizes are as follows:
The minimum diameter is 0.5 inches.
The stock is available in 1/16th inch increments up to 2.5
inches.
Between 2.5 and 4 inches, the stock is available in 1/8th
inch increments.
Above 4 inches, the stock is available in1/4th inch
increments.
For more information on these calculations, please see chapter 9 of
“Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Machine Design,” by Allen S.
Hall, Alfred R. Holowenko, and Herman G. Laughlin.

13.4.1. Developing the Worksheet

The inputs for the worksheet might be:

Figure 13‑19: Scenario 4 worksheet inputs.

The calculations could look as follows:

Figure 13‑20: Scenario 4 worksheet calculations.

Since our diameter has to be in stock increments, we can use a program to

round the output appropriately. The outputs might look like:

Figure 13‑21: Scenario 4 worksheet outputs.

Note that the program uses if and also if statements as well as the Ceil
function.

13.4.2. Developing the CAD Model

For the CAD model, use a model template with English units. Create an
Extrude or a Revolve to create a shaft with a length of 6 feet. Initial diameter
is arbitrary since it will be driven by the worksheet.
Include a parameter for the torsional moment to be sent from Creo
Parametric.

13.4.3. Connecting the CAD Model and Worksheet

Use a Prime Analysis feature to send the inputs and receive the outputs.
Write a Relation to drive the shaft diameter from the Prime Analysis output
parameter.

13.4.4. Explorations
For additional exploration, try the following:

Change the torsional moment requirements.

Create a plot or graph of angle of twist per unit length as a
function of diameter.
Chapter 14. Conclusions
We’ve come to the end of the journey with engineering calculations with
Creo Parametric and PTC Mathcad Prime. I hope that you have the
confidence to drive your engineering calculations with embedded worksheets
and/or Prime Analysis features, and that you and your product development
organizations realize the following benefits:

How easy it is to build engineering calculations in your CAD

models.
Capturing Design Intent in your parts and assemblies.
Documenting, communicating, and sharing of engineering
calculations in an electronic format.
The simplicity and efficiency of implementing changes.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps improve your product development
processes.
Appendix A. Creo Parametric Configuration Options
The following configuration options are relevant to connecting Creo
Parametric models with PTC Mathcad worksheets.
Note: the default value is indicated with an asterisk.

prime_analysis_directory no default or initial

value
This option sets the default folder that Creo Parametric looks for Mathcad
worksheets for a Prime Analysis feature.

mathcad_analysis_directory no default or initial

value
This option sets the default folder that Creo Parametric looks for Mathcad
worksheets for a Mathcad Analysis feature (if you’re trying to connect your
models to worksheets from Mathcad 13, 14, or 15).

prime_automapping no*, yes

When set to yes, a Prime Analysis feature will automatically add inputs when
the names of a Creo Parametric dimension or parameter matches the name of
a Mathcad input variable.

mathcad_automapping no*, yes

This performs the same function as prime_automapping, but for a Mathcad
Analysis feature.

relations_unit_sensitive yes*, no
When set to yes, Relations will take into account the units of a parameter
when calculating the value of a Relation. When set to no, the units of an
output parameter will be ignored and the Relation will use the value of the
parameter only. This can be a huge problem with embedded Mathcad
worksheets.

nmgr_outdated_mathcad warning*, do not

show,
warning_with_message,
error
This option specifies what happens when an embedded Mathcad worksheet is
out of date with the Creo Parametric model:

warning: A yellow flag appears in the Notification Center.

warning_with_message: A yellow flag appears in the Notification
Center as well as a “toaster” pop-up with every model
regeneration. Personally, I find this particular choice extremely
annoying.
error: A red flag appears in the Notification Center.
do not show: there are no indications in the Notification Center
when the embedded Mathcad worksheet is out of date with the
Creo Parametric model.
Appendix B. Acronyms
A note on acronyms: I generally despise acronyms. I believe that the use of
them in engineering and the workplace is a detriment to effective
communication and works against inclusion, especially for younger engineers
and newer employees. I have endeavored to limit the use of acronyms in this
book and did my best to explain an acronym wherever one is used.

BMX Behavioral Modeling Extension

CAD Computer Aided Design
CAE Computer Aided Engineering
DAF Datum Analysis Feature
DOE Design of Experiments
MBD Model Based Definition
MCAD Mechanical Computer Aided Design
MRO Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
PDF Portable Document Format
PMI Product and Manufacturing Information
TDD Top Down Design
TLA Three Letter Acronym