{"id":6060,"date":"2019-08-02T14:18:08","date_gmt":"2019-08-02T13:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solidapps.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6060"},"modified":"2019-08-02T14:18:08","modified_gmt":"2019-08-02T13:18:08","slug":"solidworks-simulation-quick-easy-and-accurate-design-validation-for-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solidapps.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/08\/solidworks-simulation-quick-easy-and-accurate-design-validation-for-all\/","title":{"rendered":"SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION \u2013 Quick & Easy\u2026 and Accurate Design Validation for ALL"},"content":{"rendered":"

I remember back 18 years ago when Dassault Syst\u00e8mes acquired SRAC<\/a> and the concept of Design Validation began. The idea that Designers & Engineers could use FEA software as an integral \u2013 almost daily part of the design process was in it\u2019s infancy. This is where SOLIDWORKS has always been a leader, making difficult activities quick and easy to solve, for ALL.<\/p>\n

This year I got to experience this first hand. Mark Schneider was busy preparing Model Mania\u00ae 2019<\/a>. As we were going through the part, he asked me a simple question.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny thoughts on a quick and easy simulation for this year\u2019s model?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I quickly gave my best, non-committal answer\u2026 \u201cIt depends\u201d. The \u201cdepends\u201d is the story. Let\u2019s have a look!<\/p>\n

Depends #1 \u2013 Super Quick & Easy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thought was to do something very quick and easy. This IS Model Mania after all. The point is more about modeling and design change speed than an in depth simulation. A simple LOAD on the attachment holes in the arms and a FIXED back face.<\/p>\n

I<\/p>\n

While this setup gives an answer back in seconds, it\u2019s just not realistic at all. The FIXED back face basically represents that the entire part is glued to a large structure \u2013 not the case here with the mounting holes.<\/p>\n

Depends #2 \u2013 Quick & Easy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taking a second look at the setup, a better but still fast way to setup the problem is to use a FIXED restraint on the cylindrical face of the mounting hole. Using COPY STUDY takes all the effort out of creating this new setup, just copy, change the restraint, and run again.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This time the results looked pretty reasonable. A lot of stress at the mounting hole, which is easy to understand, but the stress and deformation look like I would expect.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Even better, the solver was finished in just a few seconds! The entire process from setup through results was done in under a minute. This looks to be the perfect setup for Model Mania!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Depends #3 \u2013 Even Better & Still Fast:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like many, although the previous results looked good and an ideal solution for Model Mania, there was a lingering question \u2013 could I make it even better and still just as fast. Thinking more about the setup, rather than using a FIXED constraint on the cylindrical face of the mounting holes, a FIXED-HINGED restraint should be better. Additionally, the mounting face would certainly be attached to a large flat surface which would prevent it from deforming in that direction, a perfect use case for a VIRTUAL WALL. Again, using COPY STUDY, this third setup was fast, simply edit the fixture and add the VIRTUAL WALL.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The stress results from this setup were higher than the previous setup, with concentrations in the mounting holes like the previous setup. They also have a different pattern, more evenly dispersed from mounting holes to the large fillets between the base and the arms. The displacement was also different due to the VIRTUAL WALL allowing for separation but not penetration.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This study took longer to run due to the VIRTUAL WALL, however; not an excessive amount of time at 1 minute 40 seconds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Depends #4 \u2013 Perfection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having gone this far, we all face the \u201cGOOD ENOUGH\u201d versus \u201cPERFECTION\u201d scenario. Since SOLIDWORKS Simulation makes it so easy to try one more setup, it was time try the most realistic setup possible. This required removing the FIXED-HINGED restraint and adding FOUNDATION BOLTS to the mounting holes. FOUNDATION BOLTS use the VIRTUAL WALL from the previous setup and allow for material selection, fastener strength data, and even a pre-load.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This solve time for this setup was longer, to be expected with both the VIRTUAL WALL and FOUNDATION BOLTS, although not excessive at just under 4 minutes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The results from this setup showed stress at the same level as the second study and displacement matching the third setup due to the VIRTUAL WALL. These results are clearly the best with the model showing the expected behavior in the simulation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

An additional bonus to this setup, SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides BOLT CHECK results. A quick check shows whether each bolt will support the load or fail and complete details of shear, axial, and bending stress are also delivered. This is valuable information and helps users make decisions early in the design process.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Design Validation for All \u2013 Wrapping up all the Depends<\/strong><\/p>\n

Without a question, in 2019, simulation and design are permanently connected as a single discipline. It is almost impossible to be competitive in any market today without using simulation tools in the design process. Simulation users are always balancing speed and accuracy, demanding simultaneous improvements to both. This is where SOLIDWORKS Simulation really shines brightest!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Comparing the four scenario\u2019s is a great example. The first setup is simply not realistic. No work was lost using COPY STUDY and selecting new fixed faces for the second attempt and most importantly, all of this was done in minutes if not seconds! While not perfect, these results are more than adequate for early design validation as we did for Model Mania 2019. The final step is what really shows the power of SOLIDWORKS Simulation as a tool for ALL. Leveraging the initial \u201cDesign Validation\u201d study and making simple changes to the setup delivered high fidelity results on the design model plus bonus results on the bolt connectors, all in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

SOLIDWORKS make simulation \u201cQuick and Easy\u201d while delivering accurate results fast.<\/p>\n

Try SOLIDWORKS Simulation on your next project and share your feedback with us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Originally posted in the SOLIDWORKS Tech Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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