Technicians can collaborate with designers and engineers to select the most suitable simulations by comprehending these simulation capabilities and fundamental principles. This guarantees a comprehensive and efficient design validation and analysis process.
Accurately identifying and applying the appropriate loads is fundamental to obtaining reliable simulation results. Loads can be of various types.
Properly defining the magnitude, direction, and location of these loads is critical. Overlooking or misrepresenting the loads can lead to significant discrepancies between the simulation results and the actual design performance. We must carefully analyze the design's operating environment, intended use, and potential loading scenarios to identify the appropriate loads for the simulation.
Defining the correct constraints is essential to accurately replicate the real-world boundary conditions of the design. Constraints represent how the design is supported, connected, or interacts with its surrounding environment.
Accurately specifying the constraints ensures the simulation correctly captures the design's behavior and response to the applied loads. Overlooking or misrepresenting the constraints can lead to unrealistic simulation results, as the design's deformation and stress patterns may not reflect the actual operating conditions.
When you open SolidWorks and go to the main menu, you should find the simulation tab. You can also find the simulation tab located at CommandManager toolbar tab.
If you cannot find the simulation tab, follow along these steps:
Step 1: Click on the arrow next to Options ( Gear icon) and select Add-Ins.
Step 2: Make sure the SOLIDWORKS Simulation is ticked. Then, click “OK”. Now you should have the simulation tab.
Ensure the CAD model is properly created and free of any errors or inconsistencies. Simplify the geometry by removing unnecessary features or details that do not significantly impact the simulation. Make sure the model is watertight and all the parts are properly mated or assembled.
As an example, we are going to do simple static simulation for an HSS beam. Follow along these steps:
Step 1: Open a new SolidWorks Part file and make the following sketch. Then extrude it by 1000mm. You should end up with a simple HSS beam
You can select materials from the SolidWorks material library or create custom materials by entering the relevant properties.
Step 2: Change the material to “201 Annealed Stainless Steel (SS)”
Identify the loads (forces, pressures, moments) acting on the design based on the operating conditions. Apply the loads to the appropriate surfaces, edges, or vertices of the model. Define the necessary constraints, such as fixed, pinned, or sliding, to accurately represent the boundary conditions of the design.
Step 3: Go to Simulation tab > New Study
Step 4: Choose “Static” and click “OK”. You can rename the simulation as you want.
Choose the appropriate simulation type based on the design requirements and analysis goals.
Structural Analysis To assess stresses, deformations, and safety factors.
Thermal Analysis To evaluate temperature distributions and heat transfer.
Fluid Flow Analysis To study fluid flow patterns and pressure distributions.
Step 5: We assume both ends of the beam are fixed. Right click on “Fixtures” and choose “Fixed Geometry”.
Step 6: Select both end faces of the beam and click “OK”.
Step 7: Now let’s start adding external force on the beam. Go to External Loads > Force
Step 8: Add a force on the top of the beam with a value of 10 N
Define the mesh settings, such as element size, type, and quality, to balance accuracy and computational efficiency.
Step 9: Right click on Mesh > Create Mesh
Once the setup is complete, initiate the simulation run. Monitor the simulation progress and ensure it completes without any errors or warnings.
Step 10: Click on “Run This Study” to start the simulation
Step 11: Now you can observe the displacement, stress and strain on the beam.
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