Basically I have two plates on top of each other. I want to split the bottom plate into the exposed part and the part that is covered by the top plate.
I need these seperate surfaces for analysis in another program (Ansys).
I am using configuration of the bottom plate because it varies in size and so the location of the top plate changes.
Would it be possible to split the bottom plate at the location where the top plate meets and could this split line update withe the new location
While in the assembly, edit the lower plate that you want to split to a smaller size, open a new sketch on the face on the larger lower plate, convert entities of the edge of the top plate you want to drive where this split will occur, then Insert>Features>Split. This will make the larger lower plate into 2 bodies and if the position of the upper plate moves the other plate will update. The plates are not flush though and you will need to edit your mates if you are trying to make them flush.
James,
If you just need to split the top face on the lower plate so that you can apply a restraint or a pressure or force in ANSYS, the you can use the Split Face command. You would use Convert Entities like Jesse suggested, but rather than splitting the part into two bodies, which may not be what you want, you just have a separate face that you can use to apply boundary conditions.
Jerry S.
Is this a single part in the assemble. if it is make 2 seperate parts and mate them together.