Atomizer/hq/workspaces/nx-expert/INTROSPECTION_API_GUIDE.md

NXOpen API Guide — Model Introspection Patterns

Author: NX Expert 🖥️
Date: 2026-02-14
Purpose: Technical reference for extracting introspection data using NXOpen Python API

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Quick Reference

This guide provides copy-paste ready code patterns for each introspection layer. All patterns are NXOpen 2512 compatible.

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1. Geometric Parameters — Part-Level Extraction

1.1 Expression Iteration & Filtering

import NXOpen

def extract_expressions(part):
    """Extract all user-defined expressions with metadata."""
    expressions = {
        'user': [],
        'internal': [],
        'total_count': 0
    }
    
    for expr in part.Expressions:
        # Extract basic data
        expr_data = {
            'name': expr.Name,
            'value': expr.Value,
            'formula': expr.RightHandSide if hasattr(expr, 'RightHandSide') else None,
            'units': expr.Units.Name if expr.Units else None,
            'type': str(expr.Type) if hasattr(expr, 'Type') else 'Unknown',
        }
        
        # Determine if internal (p0, p1, p123, etc.)
        name = expr.Name
        is_internal = False
        if name.startswith('p') and len(name) > 1:
            rest = name[1:].replace('.', '').replace('_', '')
            if rest.isdigit():
                is_internal = True
        
        if is_internal:
            expressions['internal'].append(expr_data)
        else:
            expressions['user'].append(expr_data)
    
    expressions['total_count'] = len(expressions['user']) + len(expressions['internal'])
    return expressions

1.2 Expression Dependency Parsing

import re

def parse_expression_dependencies(expr_formula, all_expression_names):
    """Parse RHS formula to find referenced expressions."""
    if not expr_formula:
        return []
    
    dependencies = []
    
    # Find all potential expression names in formula
    # Pattern: word characters followed by optional parentheses/operators
    tokens = re.findall(r'\b([a-zA-Z_][a-zA-Z0-9_]*)\b', expr_formula)
    
    for token in tokens:
        # Check if this token is an expression name
        if token in all_expression_names:
            dependencies.append(token)
    
    return list(set(dependencies))  # Remove duplicates

def build_expression_graph(part):
    """Build dependency graph for all expressions."""
    # Get all expression names first
    all_names = [expr.Name for expr in part.Expressions]
    
    graph = {
        'nodes': [],
        'edges': []
    }
    
    for expr in part.Expressions:
        # Add node
        graph['nodes'].append({
            'name': expr.Name,
            'value': expr.Value,
            'is_user_defined': not expr.Name.startswith('p')
        })
        
        # Parse dependencies
        formula = expr.RightHandSide if hasattr(expr, 'RightHandSide') else None
        deps = parse_expression_dependencies(formula, all_names)
        
        # Add edges
        for dep in deps:
            graph['edges'].append({
                'from': dep,
                'to': expr.Name,
                'relationship': 'drives'
            })
    
    return graph

1.3 Feature Extraction with Parameters

def extract_features(part):
    """Extract feature list with type and parameter info."""
    features = {
        'total_count': 0,
        'by_type': {},
        'details': []
    }
    
    for feature in part.Features:
        feat_type = str(type(feature).__name__)
        feat_name = feature.Name if hasattr(feature, 'Name') else f'{feat_type}_unknown'
        
        feat_data = {
            'name': feat_name,
            'type': feat_type,
            'suppressed': feature.Suppressed if hasattr(feature, 'Suppressed') else False,
            'parameters': {}
        }
        
        # Try to extract parameters based on feature type
        # This is type-specific - examples below
        
        # Extrude features
        if 'Extrude' in feat_type:
            try:
                # Access via builder (read-only)
                # Note: Full parameter access requires feature editing
                feat_data['parameters']['type'] = 'extrusion'
            except:
                pass
        
        # Shell features
        elif 'Shell' in feat_type:
            try:
                feat_data['parameters']['type'] = 'shell'
            except:
                pass
        
        features['details'].append(feat_data)
        
        # Count by type
        if feat_type in features['by_type']:
            features['by_type'][feat_type] += 1
        else:
            features['by_type'][feat_type] = 1
    
    features['total_count'] = len(features['details'])
    return features

1.4 Mass Properties Extraction

def extract_mass_properties(part):
    """Extract mass, volume, COG using MeasureManager."""
    # Get all solid bodies
    solid_bodies = [body for body in part.Bodies if body.IsSolidBody]
    
    if not solid_bodies:
        return {
            'error': 'No solid bodies found',
            'success': False
        }
    
    try:
        measureManager = part.MeasureManager
        
        # Build mass units array
        uc = part.UnitCollection
        mass_units = [
            uc.GetBase("Area"),
            uc.GetBase("Volume"),
            uc.GetBase("Mass"),
            uc.GetBase("Length")
        ]
        
        # Compute mass properties
        measureBodies = measureManager.NewMassProperties(mass_units, 0.99, solid_bodies)
        
        result = {
            'mass_kg': measureBodies.Mass,
            'mass_g': measureBodies.Mass * 1000.0,
            'volume_mm3': measureBodies.Volume,
            'surface_area_mm2': measureBodies.Area,
            'center_of_gravity_mm': [
                measureBodies.Centroid.X,
                measureBodies.Centroid.Y,
                measureBodies.Centroid.Z
            ],
            'num_bodies': len(solid_bodies),
            'success': True
        }
        
        # Clean up
        measureBodies.Dispose()
        
        return result
        
    except Exception as e:
        return {
            'error': str(e),
            'success': False
        }

1.5 Material Extraction

def extract_materials(part):
    """Extract all materials with properties."""
    materials = {
        'assigned': [],
        'available': []
    }
    
    # Get materials assigned to bodies
    for body in part.Bodies:
        if not body.IsSolidBody:
            continue
        
        try:
            phys_mat = body.GetPhysicalMaterial()
            if phys_mat:
                mat_info = {
                    'name': phys_mat.Name,
                    'body': body.Name if hasattr(body, 'Name') else 'Unknown',
                    'properties': {}
                }
                
                # Common material properties
                prop_names = [
                    'Density',
                    'YoungModulus',
                    'PoissonRatio',
                    'ThermalExpansionCoefficient',
                    'ThermalConductivity',
                    'SpecificHeat',
                    'YieldStrength',
                    'UltimateStrength'
                ]
                
                for prop_name in prop_names:
                    try:
                        val = phys_mat.GetPropertyValue(prop_name)
                        if val is not None:
                            mat_info['properties'][prop_name] = float(val)
                    except:
                        pass
                
                materials['assigned'].append(mat_info)
        except:
            pass
    
    # Get all materials in part
    try:
        pmm = part.PhysicalMaterialManager
        if pmm:
            all_mats = pmm.GetAllPhysicalMaterials()
            for mat in all_mats:
                mat_info = {
                    'name': mat.Name,
                    'properties': {}
                }
                
                prop_names = ['Density', 'YoungModulus', 'PoissonRatio']
                for prop_name in prop_names:
                    try:
                        val = mat.GetPropertyValue(prop_name)
                        if val is not None:
                            mat_info['properties'][prop_name] = float(val)
                    except:
                        pass
                
                materials['available'].append(mat_info)
    except:
        pass
    
    return materials

---

2. FEA Model Structure — FEM Part Extraction

2.1 Mesh Statistics (NXOpen CAE)

import NXOpen.CAE

def extract_mesh_stats(fem_part):
    """Extract basic mesh statistics."""
    mesh_info = {
        'total_nodes': 0,
        'total_elements': 0,
        'element_types': {},
        'success': False
    }
    
    try:
        fe_model = fem_part.BaseFEModel
        if not fe_model:
            return mesh_info
        
        # Get node count
        try:
            mesh_info['total_nodes'] = fe_model.FenodeLabelMap.Size
        except:
            pass
        
        # Get element count
        try:
            mesh_info['total_elements'] = fe_model.FeelementLabelMap.Size
        except:
            pass
        
        # Iterate elements to count by type
        # Note: Full element type extraction requires pyNastran BDF parsing
        
        mesh_info['success'] = True
        
    except Exception as e:
        mesh_info['error'] = str(e)
    
    return mesh_info

2.2 Mesh Quality Audit (NXOpen CAE)

import NXOpen.CAE.QualityAudit

def extract_mesh_quality(fem_part):
    """Run quality audit and extract metrics."""
    quality = {
        'aspect_ratio': {},
        'jacobian': {},
        'warpage': {},
        'skew': {},
        'success': False
    }
    
    try:
        # Create quality audit builder
        qa_manager = fem_part.QualityAuditManager
        
        # Note: Full quality audit requires setting up checks
        # This is a simplified example
        
        # Get quality audit collections
        # (Actual implementation depends on NX version and setup)
        
        quality['success'] = True
        
    except Exception as e:
        quality['error'] = str(e)
    
    return quality

2.3 Mesh Collector Extraction

def extract_mesh_collectors(fem_part):
    """Extract mesh collectors with element assignments."""
    collectors = []
    
    try:
        fe_model = fem_part.BaseFEModel
        if not fe_model:
            return collectors
        
        # Iterate mesh collectors
        for collector in fe_model.MeshCollectors:
            collector_info = {
                'name': collector.Name if hasattr(collector, 'Name') else 'Unknown',
                'type': str(type(collector).__name__),
                'element_count': 0
            }
            
            # Try to get elements
            try:
                elements = collector.GetElements()
                collector_info['element_count'] = len(elements) if elements else 0
            except:
                pass
            
            collectors.append(collector_info)
    
    except Exception as e:
        pass
    
    return collectors

---

3. pyNastran BDF Parsing — Detailed FEA Data

3.1 Element Type Distribution

from pyNastran.bdf.bdf import BDF

def extract_element_types(bdf_path):
    """Extract element type distribution from BDF file."""
    model = BDF()
    model.read_bdf(bdf_path)
    
    element_types = {}
    
    for eid, elem in model.elements.items():
        elem_type = elem.type
        if elem_type in element_types:
            element_types[elem_type] += 1
        else:
            element_types[elem_type] = 1
    
    return {
        'total_elements': len(model.elements),
        'total_nodes': len(model.nodes),
        'element_types': element_types
    }

3.2 Material Properties

def extract_materials_from_bdf(bdf_path):
    """Extract all materials from BDF file."""
    model = BDF()
    model.read_bdf(bdf_path)
    
    materials = []
    
    for mat_id, mat in model.materials.items():
        mat_info = {
            'id': mat_id,
            'type': mat.type,
            'properties': {}
        }
        
        # MAT1 (isotropic)
        if mat.type == 'MAT1':
            mat_info['properties'] = {
                'E': mat.E,  # Young's modulus
                'G': mat.G,  # Shear modulus
                'nu': mat.nu,  # Poisson's ratio
                'rho': mat.rho,  # Density
            }
        
        # Add other material types (MAT2, MAT8, etc.) as needed
        
        materials.append(mat_info)
    
    return materials

3.3 Property Cards

def extract_properties_from_bdf(bdf_path):
    """Extract property cards (PSHELL, PSOLID, etc.)."""
    model = BDF()
    model.read_bdf(bdf_path)
    
    properties = []
    
    for prop_id, prop in model.properties.items():
        prop_info = {
            'id': prop_id,
            'type': prop.type,
            'parameters': {}
        }
        
        # PSHELL
        if prop.type == 'PSHELL':
            prop_info['parameters'] = {
                'thickness': prop.t,
                'material_id': prop.mid1
            }
        
        # PSOLID
        elif prop.type == 'PSOLID':
            prop_info['parameters'] = {
                'material_id': prop.mid
            }
        
        properties.append(prop_info)
    
    return properties

3.4 Boundary Conditions & Loads

def extract_bcs_from_bdf(bdf_path):
    """Extract SPCs and loads from BDF file."""
    model = BDF()
    model.read_bdf(bdf_path)
    
    bcs = {
        'spcs': [],
        'forces': [],
        'pressures': []
    }
    
    # SPCs (Single Point Constraints)
    for spc_id, spc in model.spcadds.items():
        spc_info = {
            'id': spc_id,
            'type': 'SPC',
            'node_ids': [],
            'dofs': []
        }
        # Parse SPC details
        bcs['spcs'].append(spc_info)
    
    # Forces
    for force_id, force in model.forces.items():
        force_info = {
            'id': force_id,
            'type': 'FORCE',
            'node_id': force.node,
            'magnitude': force.mag,
            'direction': [force.xyz[0], force.xyz[1], force.xyz[2]]
        }
        bcs['forces'].append(force_info)
    
    # Pressures (PLOAD4)
    for pload_id, pload in model.pressures.items():
        pload_info = {
            'id': pload_id,
            'type': 'PLOAD4',
            'element_ids': [pload.eid],
            'pressure': pload.pressures[0]
        }
        bcs['pressures'].append(pload_info)
    
    return bcs

3.5 Subcases & Solution Configuration

def extract_subcases_from_bdf(bdf_path):
    """Extract subcase information from BDF."""
    model = BDF()
    model.read_bdf(bdf_path)
    
    subcases = []
    
    # Access case control deck
    for subcase_id, subcase in model.subcases.items():
        if subcase_id == 0:
            continue  # Skip global subcase
        
        subcase_info = {
            'id': subcase_id,
            'name': subcase.params.get('SUBTITLE', [''])[0],
            'load_set': subcase.params.get('LOAD', [None])[0],
            'spc_set': subcase.params.get('SPC', [None])[0],
            'output_requests': []
        }
        
        # Check for output requests
        if 'DISPLACEMENT' in subcase.params:
            subcase_info['output_requests'].append('DISPLACEMENT')
        if 'STRESS' in subcase.params:
            subcase_info['output_requests'].append('STRESS')
        if 'STRAIN' in subcase.params:
            subcase_info['output_requests'].append('STRAIN')
        
        subcases.append(subcase_info)
    
    return subcases

---

4. Result Extraction — pyNastran OP2

4.1 Displacement Results

from pyNastran.op2.op2 import OP2

def extract_displacement_results(op2_path, subcase_id=1):
    """Extract displacement results from OP2 file."""
    op2 = OP2()
    op2.read_op2(op2_path)
    
    # Get displacement for subcase
    displ = op2.displacements[subcase_id]
    
    # Get max displacement
    data = displ.data[0]  # First time step (static)
    magnitudes = np.sqrt(data[:, 0]**2 + data[:, 1]**2 + data[:, 2]**2)
    
    max_idx = np.argmax(magnitudes)
    max_node = displ.node_gridtype[max_idx, 0]
    
    result = {
        'max_magnitude_mm': float(magnitudes[max_idx]),
        'max_node': int(max_node),
        'average_mm': float(np.mean(magnitudes)),
        'std_dev_mm': float(np.std(magnitudes))
    }
    
    return result

4.2 Stress Results

def extract_stress_results(op2_path, subcase_id=1):
    """Extract von Mises stress from OP2 file."""
    op2 = OP2()
    op2.read_op2(op2_path)
    
    # Try to get element stress (CTETRA, CQUAD4, etc.)
    if subcase_id in op2.ctetra_stress:
        stress = op2.ctetra_stress[subcase_id]
        vm_stress = stress.data[0][:, 6]  # Von Mises column
    elif subcase_id in op2.cquad4_stress:
        stress = op2.cquad4_stress[subcase_id]
        vm_stress = stress.data[0][:, 7]  # Von Mises column
    else:
        return {'error': 'No stress results found'}
    
    max_idx = np.argmax(vm_stress)
    max_elem = stress.element_node[max_idx, 0]
    
    result = {
        'max_von_mises_MPa': float(vm_stress[max_idx]),
        'max_element': int(max_elem),
        'average_MPa': float(np.mean(vm_stress)),
        'std_dev_MPa': float(np.std(vm_stress))
    }
    
    return result

4.3 Frequency Results (Modal)

def extract_frequency_results(op2_path, num_modes=10):
    """Extract modal frequencies from OP2 file."""
    op2 = OP2()
    op2.read_op2(op2_path)
    
    # Get eigenvalues
    eigenvalues = op2.eigenvalues
    
    frequencies = []
    for mode_id in sorted(eigenvalues.keys())[:num_modes]:
        eig_data = eigenvalues[mode_id]
        freq_hz = eig_data.eigenvalues[0]  # First value is frequency
        
        frequencies.append({
            'mode': mode_id,
            'frequency_hz': float(freq_hz)
        })
    
    return frequencies

---

5. Solver Configuration — SIM File Introspection

5.1 Solution Detection

def extract_solutions(sim_simulation):
    """Extract all solutions from simulation object."""
    solutions = []
    
    # Try common solution name patterns
    patterns = [
        "Solution 1", "Solution 2", "Solution 3",
        "Static", "Modal", "Buckling", "Thermal"
    ]
    
    for pattern in patterns:
        try:
            sol = sim_simulation.FindObject(f"Solution[{pattern}]")
            if sol:
                sol_info = {
                    'name': pattern,
                    'type': str(type(sol).__name__)
                }
                
                # Try to get solver type
                try:
                    sol_info['solver_type'] = str(sol.SolverType)
                except:
                    pass
                
                # Try to get analysis type
                try:
                    sol_info['analysis_type'] = str(sol.AnalysisType)
                except:
                    pass
                
                solutions.append(sol_info)
        except:
            pass
    
    return solutions

5.2 Boundary Condition Detection (Exploratory)

def extract_boundary_conditions(sim_simulation):
    """Extract boundary conditions (exploratory)."""
    bcs = {
        'constraints': [],
        'loads': []
    }
    
    # Try common BC name patterns
    constraint_patterns = [
        "Fixed Constraint[1]", "Fixed Constraint[2]",
        "SPC[1]", "SPC[2]",
        "Constraint Group[1]"
    ]
    
    load_patterns = [
        "Force[1]", "Force[2]",
        "Pressure[1]", "Pressure[2]",
        "Load Group[1]"
    ]
    
    for pattern in constraint_patterns:
        try:
            obj = sim_simulation.FindObject(pattern)
            if obj:
                bcs['constraints'].append({
                    'name': pattern,
                    'type': str(type(obj).__name__)
                })
        except:
            pass
    
    for pattern in load_patterns:
        try:
            obj = sim_simulation.FindObject(pattern)
            if obj:
                bcs['loads'].append({
                    'name': pattern,
                    'type': str(type(obj).__name__)
                })
        except:
            pass
    
    return bcs

---

6. Master Introspection Orchestrator

6.1 Full Introspection Runner

import json
import os
from datetime import datetime

def run_full_introspection(prt_path, sim_path, output_dir):
    """Run comprehensive introspection and generate master JSON."""
    
    # Initialize result structure
    introspection = {
        'introspection_version': '1.0.0',
        'timestamp': datetime.now().isoformat(),
        'model_id': os.path.basename(prt_path).replace('.prt', ''),
        'files': {
            'geometry': prt_path,
            'simulation': sim_path
        },
        'geometric_parameters': {},
        'fea_model': {},
        'solver_configuration': {},
        'dependencies': {},
        'baseline_results': {}
    }
    
    # Phase 1: Part introspection
    print("[INTROSPECT] Phase 1: Geometric parameters...")
    part_data = introspect_part(prt_path)
    introspection['geometric_parameters'] = part_data
    
    # Phase 2: FEM introspection
    print("[INTROSPECT] Phase 2: FEA model...")
    fem_data = introspect_fem(sim_path)
    introspection['fea_model'] = fem_data
    
    # Phase 3: Solver configuration
    print("[INTROSPECT] Phase 3: Solver configuration...")
    solver_data = introspect_solver(sim_path)
    introspection['solver_configuration'] = solver_data
    
    # Phase 4: Dependency graph
    print("[INTROSPECT] Phase 4: Dependencies...")
    deps = build_dependency_graph(prt_path)
    introspection['dependencies'] = deps
    
    # Phase 5: Baseline results (if available)
    print("[INTROSPECT] Phase 5: Baseline results...")
    # (Only if OP2 exists)
    
    # Write output
    output_file = os.path.join(output_dir, 'model_introspection_FULL.json')
    with open(output_file, 'w') as f:
        json.dump(introspection, f, indent=2)
    
    print(f"[INTROSPECT] Complete! Output: {output_file}")
    return introspection

---

7. Usage Examples

7.1 Part Introspection (Standalone)

# Open NX part
theSession = NXOpen.Session.GetSession()
basePart, status = theSession.Parts.OpenActiveDisplay(
    "/path/to/bracket.prt",
    NXOpen.DisplayPartOption.AllowAdditional
)
status.Dispose()

workPart = theSession.Parts.Work

# Extract expressions
expressions = extract_expressions(workPart)
print(f"Found {len(expressions['user'])} user expressions")

# Extract mass properties
mass_props = extract_mass_properties(workPart)
print(f"Mass: {mass_props['mass_kg']:.4f} kg")

# Build expression graph
graph = build_expression_graph(workPart)
print(f"Expression graph: {len(graph['nodes'])} nodes, {len(graph['edges'])} edges")

7.2 BDF Parsing (Standalone)

from pyNastran.bdf.bdf import BDF

# Read BDF file
model = BDF()
model.read_bdf("/path/to/bracket_fem1.bdf")

# Extract element types
elem_types = extract_element_types("/path/to/bracket_fem1.bdf")
print(f"Elements: {elem_types['total_elements']}")
print(f"Types: {elem_types['element_types']}")

# Extract materials
materials = extract_materials_from_bdf("/path/to/bracket_fem1.bdf")
for mat in materials:
    print(f"Material {mat['id']}: {mat['type']}, E={mat['properties'].get('E')}")

7.3 OP2 Result Extraction

from pyNastran.op2.op2 import OP2
import numpy as np

# Read OP2 file
op2_path = "/path/to/bracket_sim1_s1.op2"
displ = extract_displacement_results(op2_path, subcase_id=1)
print(f"Max displacement: {displ['max_magnitude_mm']:.4f} mm at node {displ['max_node']}")

stress = extract_stress_results(op2_path, subcase_id=1)
print(f"Max von Mises: {stress['max_von_mises_MPa']:.2f} MPa at element {stress['max_element']}")

---

8. Best Practices

8.1 Error Handling

• Always wrap NXOpen API calls in try-except blocks
• Log errors to JSON output for debugging
• Continue execution even if one introspection layer fails

8.2 Performance

• Use lazy loading for large OP2 files
• Cache expression dependency graphs
• Limit mesh quality checks to sample elements for very large meshes

8.3 NX Version Compatibility

• Test on NX 2506+ (guaranteed compatible)
• Use hasattr() checks before accessing optional properties
• Provide fallback values for missing API methods

---

Status: Technical implementation guide complete — ready for development.

Next: Implement enhanced introspect_part.py and new introspect_fem.py based on these patterns.