SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION

2014

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BLACK BOOK

Matt Weber

CAD/CAM/CAE Expert

Gaurav Verma
Technical Editor

Published by CADCAMCAEWORKS, USA. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form
or by any means, or stored in the database or retrieval system without the
prior permission of CADCADCAEWORKS. To get the permissions, contact at
[email protected]

ISBN # 978-1497401532

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NOTICE TO THE READER

Publisher does not warrant or guarantee any of the products described in the
text or perform any independent analysis in connection with any of the product
information contained in the text. Publisher does not assume, and expressly
disclaims, any obligation to obtain and include information other than that
provided to it by the manufacturer.
The reader is expressly warned to consider and adopt all safety precautions
that might be indicated by the activities herein and to avoid all potential
hazards. By following the instructions contained herein, the reader willingly
assumes all risks in connection with such instructions.
The Publisher makes no representation or warranties of any kind, including
but not limited to, the warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or
merchantability, nor are any such representations implied with respect to
the material set forth herein, and the publisher takes no responsibility with
respect to such material. The publisher shall not be liable for any special,
consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or part, from the
readers use of, or reliance upon, this material.

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DEDICATION
To teachers, who make it possible to disseminate knowledge
to enlighten the young and curious minds
of our future generations
To students, who are the future of the world

THANKS

To my friends and colleagues

To my family for their love and support

iv

SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

Training and Consultant Services

At CADCAMCAE WORKS, we provides effective and affordable one to one online
training on various software packages in Computer Aided Design(CAD), Computer
Aided Manufacturing(CAM), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer
programming languages(C/C++, Java, .NET, Android, Javascript, HTML and so
on). The training is delivered through remote access to your system and voice
chat via Internet at any time, any place, and at any pace to individuals,
groups, students of colleges/universities, and CAD/CAM/CAE training centers.
The main features of this program are:

Training as per your need

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Highly experienced Engineers and Technician conduct the classes on the software
applications used in the industries. The methodology adopted to teach the
software is totally practical based, so that the learner can adapt to the
design and development industries in almost no time. The efforts are to make
the training process cost effective and time saving while you have the comfort
of your time and place, thereby relieving you from the hassles of traveling
to training centers or rearranging your time table.

Current Software Packages on which we provide basic and

advanced training are:
CAD/CAM/CAE: CATIA, Creo Parametric, Creo Direct, SolidWorks, Autodesk
Inventor, Solid Edge, UG NX, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, EdgeCAM, MasterCAM, SolidCAM,
DelCAM, BOBCAM, UG NX Manufacturing, UG Mold Wizard, UG Progressive Die, UG
Die Design, SolidWorks Mold, Creo Manufacturing, Creo Expert Machinist, NX
Nastran, Hypermesh, SolidWorks Simulation, Autodesk Simulation Mechanical,
Creo Simulate, Gambit, ANSYS and many others.
Computer Programming Languages: C++, VB.NET, HTML, Android, Javascript and
so on.
Game Designing: Unity.

Civil Engineering: AutoCAD MEP, Revit Structure, Revit Architecture, AutoCAD

Map 3D and so on.
We also provide consultant services for Design and development on the above
mentioned software packages
For more information you can mail us at:
[email protected]

SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

Table of Contents

Training and Consultant Services iv

Table of Contents v
About Author xii

Chapter 1: Introduction to Simulation

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Simulation 1-2
Types of Analyses performed in SolidWorks Simulation
1-2
Static Analysis 1-2
Dynamic Analysis 1-4
Thermal analysis 1-9
Steady State Thermal Analysis 1-9
Transient Thermal Analysis 1-10
Drop Test Studies 1-10
Fatigue Analysis 1-10
Pressure Vessel Design Study 1-10
Design Study 1-11
FEA 1-11
Starting SolidWorks Simulation 1-14
On clicking Study Advisor 1-15
On clicking New Study 1-16

Chapter 2: Basics of Analyses

Starting Analysis 2-2

Applying Material 2-3
Defining Fixtures
2-4
Fixtures Advisor 2-4
Fixed Geometry 2-5
Roller/Slider 2-10
Fixed Hinge 2-11
Elastic Support 2-13
Advanced Fixtures 2-14
External Load Advisor 2-23
External Load Advisor 2-23
Force 2-24
Torque 2-26
Pressure 2-28
Gravity 2-29
Centrifugal Force 2-31
Bearing Load 2-33
Remote Loads/Mass 2-34
Distributed Mass 2-34
Temperature 2-35
Flow Effects/Thermal Effects 2-37
Connections Advisor 2-39
Connections Advisor 2-40
Contact Sets 2-41

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Component Contact 2-48

Contact Visualization Plot 2-49
Spring 2-50
Pin 2-51
Bolt 2-53
Spot Weld 2-55
Edge Weld 2-56
Link 2-58
Bearing 2-58
Rigid Connection 2-60
Meshing 2-61
Running Analysis 2-64
Results Advisor 2-65
Results Advisor 2-65
Model Only(No Results) 2-67
New Plot 2-67
List Stress, Displacement and Strain 2-69
Result Force 2-71

Chapter 3: Static Analysis

Linear static analysis 3-2

Assumptions 3-2
Performing Static Analysis 3-5
Starting the Static Analysis 3-5
Applying Material 3-6
Applying Fixtures 3-7
Applying Loads 3-9
Meshing the model 3-11
Running the Analysis 3-14
Results 3-15
Optimizing product 3-17
Performing Static Analysis Using Study Advisor
3-19
Starting the Static Analysis 3-19

Chapter 4: Non-Linear Static Analysis

Non Linear Static Analysis 4-2

Starting Nonlinear Static Analysis 4-3
Applying Material 4-4
Applying Fixtures 4-5
Applying Time Varying Force 4-6
Running the analysis 4-11
Performing Nonlinear Static analysis on an assembly
4-11
Starting Non-Linear Static Analysis 4-11
Applying the Material 4-12
Applying Fixtures 4-12
Applying Forces 4-13

SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

Applying Connections 4-13
Running the analysis 4-17
Performing Nonlinear Static analysis on a
ring under application of Torque 4-19
Starting Non-Linear Static Analysis 4-19
Applying the Material 4-20
Applying Fixtures 4-20
Applying Forces 4-22
Running the analysis 4-23

Chapter 5: Non-Linear Dynamic Analysis

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Non Linear Dynamic Analysis 5-2

Starting Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis 5-3
Applying Material 5-4
Applying Fixtures 5-5
Applying Time Varying Force 5-6
Applying Connections 5-9
Running the analysis 5-11

Chapter 6: Linear Dynamic Analysis

Linear Dynamic Analysis 6-2

Modal Time History Analysis 6-3
Harmonic Analysis 6-4
Random Vibration Analysis 6-5
Response Spectrum Analysis 6-6
Starting Random Vibration Analysis 6-7
Applying Material 6-8
Applying Fixtures 6-8
Applying Force Vibrations 6-9
Applying Global Damping 6-9
Running the analysis 6-10

Chapter 7: Thermal Analysis

Important terms related to Thermal Analysis

7-2
Thermal Loads 7-4
Temperature 7-5
Convection 7-8
Heat Power 7-10
Heat Flux 7-12
Radiation 7-12
Contact Set 7-14
Practical on Steady State 7-15
Thermal Analysis 7-15
Starting the analysis 7-15
Applying Material 7-16

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Applying temperature on the face 7-16

Applying heat generated by gas combustion on the head of the piston
7-18
Running the Analysis 7-19
Switching from steady state analysis to
transient thermal analysis 7-22
Specifying Initial Temperature 7-24
Running the analysis 7-25
Using Probe to find out temperature 7-25

Chapter 8: Frequency Analysis

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Introduction 8-2
Starting Frequency Analysis 8-3
Applying Material 8-3
Applying Fixtures 8-4
Applying Forces 8-4
Setting Parameters for the analysis 8-6
Running the analysis 8-7

Chapter 9: Buckling Analysis

Introduction 9-2
Use of Buckling Analysis 9-4
Starting the Buckling Analysis 9-4
Applying Material 9-4
Applying Fixture 9-5
Applying the Force 9-7
Running the Analysis 9-8
Page left blank intentionally for notes
9-10

Chapter 10: Fatigue Analysis

Introduction 10-2
Stages of Failure Due to Fatigue
10-2
Starting Fatigue Analysis 10-3
Initiating Fatigue Analysis 10-5
Applying or Editing S-N data 10-8
Modifying the Static Analysis earlier performed
10-9
Running the Fatigue Analysis 10-10
Changing Properties of Fatigue Analysis
10-12
Page left Blank Intentionally 10-14

Chapter 11: Drop-Test

Introduction 11-2
Starting Drop Test 11-2
Applying Material 11-3
Creating Mesh 11-4
Parameters for Drop 11-6
Running the Analysis 11-10

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Chapter 12: Pressure Vessel Design and Design Study

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Introduction 12-2
Thermal Analysis 1 12-2
Static Analysis 1 & 2 12-3
Starting Pressure Vessel Design Study
12-4
Setup for Design Study 12-5
Running the Design Study 12-7
Design Study 12-10
Starting Design Study 12-11
Setting options for Design Study 12-12
Specifying parameters that are to be changed
12-13
Specifying restrictions for changes 12-16
Setting Goal for the study 12-19
Running the Study 12-20

Chapter 13 Fundamentals of FEA

Introduction 13-2
General Description Of The Method
13-2
A Brief Explanation Of Fea For A Stress Analysis Problem
13-4
Finite Element Method V/S Classical Methods
13-7
Fem Vs Finite Difference Method (FDM)
13-9
Need For Studying FEM 13-10
Warning To FEA Package Users 13-11
Geometric Discontinuities 13-12
Discontinuity of Loads 13-13
Discontinuity of Boundary conditions 13-13
Material Discontinuity 13-14
REFINING MESH 13-15
Use Of Symmetry 13-15
HIGHER ORDER ELEMENTS V/S 13-15
REFINED MESH 13-15
Optimum process of FEA through
13-16
SolidWorks Simulation 13-16

Chapter 14: Project on Analysis

Project 14-2
Starting Simulation 14-4
Performing the Static Analysis 14-4
Performing the Frequency Analysis 14-9
Performing Fatigue Study 14-10

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SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

Preface

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SolidWorks Simulation 2014 is an extension to SolidWorks package. Easy-touse CAD-embedded analysis capabilities enable all designers and engineers to
simulate and analyze design performance. You can quickly and easily employ
advanced simulation techniques to optimize performance while you design, to
cut down on costly prototypes, eliminate rework and delays, and save you time
and development costs.
The SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book, is written to help professionals as
well as learners in performing various tedious jobs in Finite Element Analysis.
The book follows a step by step methodology. This book is more concentrated
on making you able to use tools at right places. The book covers almost all
the information required by a learner to master the SolidWorks Simulation.
The book starts with basics of FEA, goes through all the simulation tools and
ends up with practical examples of analysis. Chapters on manual FEA ensure
the firm understanding of FEA concepts through SolidWorks Simulation. Some of
the salient features of this book are :

In-Depth explanation of concepts

Every new topic of this book starts with the explanation of the basic concepts.
In this way, the user becomes capable of relating the things with real world.

Topics Covered

Every chapter starts with a list of topics being covered in that chapter. In
this way, the user can easy find the topic of his/her interest easily.

Instruction through illustration

The instructions to perform any action are provided by maximum number of

illustrations so that the user can perform the actions discussed in the book
easily and effectively. There are about 800 illustrations that make the
learning process effective.

Tutorial point of view

The book explains the concepts through the tutorial to make the understanding
of users firm and long lasting. Each chapter of the book has tutorials that
are real world projects.

SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

xi

Project

Free projects and exercises are provided to students for practicing.

For Faculty

If you are a faculty member, then you can ask for video tutorials on any of
the topic, exercise, tutorial, or concept.

Formatting Conventions Used in the Text

All the key terms like name of button, tool, drop-down etc. are kept bold.

Free Resources

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Link to the resources used in this book are provided to the users via email.
To get the resources, mail us at [email protected] with your contact
information. With your contact record with us, you will be provided latest
updates and informations regarding various technologies. The format to write
us e-mail for resources is as follows:
Subject of E-mail as Application for resources of ________book.
Also, given your information like
Name:
Course pursuing/Profession:
Contact Address:
E-mail ID:

For Any query or suggestion

If you have any query or suggestion please let us know by mailing us on

[email protected]. Your valuable constructive suggestions will be
incorporated in our books and your name will be addressed in special thanks
area of our books.

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SolidWorks Simulation Black Book

About Author

The author of this book, Matt Weber, has written many books on CAD/CAM/CAE
books available already in market. One of his well-known books, SolidWorks 2014
Black Book, is already available on Amazon. The author has hand on experience
on almost all the CAD/CAM/CAE packages. Besides that he is a good person
in his real life, helping nature for everyone. If you have any query/doubt
in any CAD/CAM/CAE package, then you can contact the author by writing at
[email protected]

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The technical editor of the book, Gaurav Verma, has written books on CAM
packages. One of his most selling books, Creo Manufacturing 2.0 for Designer and
Machinists is available on Amazon for sale.
With the support of CreateSpace, we assure the best books and support to the
education on latest technologies.
We recommend you to use SolidWorks 2014 Black Book as SolidWorks CAD companion
with this book for best results.

Introduction to
Simulation

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Chapter 1

Topics Covered

The major topics covered in this chapter are:

Simulation.

Types of Analyses performed in SolidWorks Simulation.

FEA

User Interface of SolidWorks Simulation.

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SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book

SIMULATION

In a lay mens language simulation is predicting the effect

of some work in visual form. In engineering, we count
simulation as real time animation of an engineering study
performed on an object. In SolidWorks, we apply forces on
a properly constrained object in a specific environment and
check the result(visually and in the form of tabular data).
The types of analyses that can be performed in SolidWorks
are given next.

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TYPES OF ANALYSES PERFORMED IN

SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION

SolidWorks Simulation performs almost all the general

analyses that are performed in Industries. These analyses
and their use are given next.

Static Analysis

This is the most common type of analysis we perform. When

loads are applied to a body, the body deforms and the
effects of the loads are transmitted throughout the body.
To absorb the effect of loads, the body generates internal
forces and reactions at the supports to balance the applied
external loads. These internal forces and reactions cause
stress and strain in the body. Static analysis refers to the
calculation of displacements, strains, and stresses under
the effect of external loads, based on some assumptions.
The assumptions are as follows.
All loads are applied slowly and gradually until they
reach their full magnitudes. After reaching their full
magnitudes, load will remain constant (i.e. load will
not vary against time).
Linearity assumption: The relationship between loads
and resulting responses is linear. If you double the
magnitude of loads, for example, the response of the model
(displacements, strains and stresses) will also double.
You can make linearity assumption if:
a. All materials in the model comply with Hookes Law that
is stress is directly proportional to strain.

SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book

1-3

b. The induced displacements are small enough to ignore the

change is stiffness caused by loading.
c. Boundary conditions do not vary during the application
of loads. Loads must be constant in magnitude, direction
and distribution. They should not change while the model
is deforming.

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If the above assumptions are valid for your analysis,

then you can perform Linear Static Analysis. For example, a
cantilever beam fixed at one end and force applied on other
end; refer to Figure-1.

Figure-1. Linear static analysis example

If the above assumptions are not valid, then you need to

perform the Non-Linear Static analysis. For example, an object
attached with a spring being applied under forces; refer
to Figure-2.

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1-4

Figure-2. Non-linear static analysis example

Dynamic Analysis

In general, we have to perform dynamic analysis on a

structure when the load applied to it varies with time.
The most common case of dynamic analysis is the evaluation
of responses of a building due to earthquake acceleration
at its base. Every structure has a tendency to vibrate
at certain frequencies, called natural frequencies. Each
natural frequency is associated with a certain shape, called
mode shape that the model tends to assume when vibrating at
that frequency. When a structure is excited by a dynamic
load that coincides with one of its natural frequencies, the
structure undergoes large displacements. This phenomenon is
known as resonance. Damping prevents the response of the
structures to resonant loads. In reality, a continuous model
has an infinite number of natural frequencies. However, a
finite element model has a finite number of natural frequencies
that is equal to the number of degrees of freedom considered
in the model. The first few modes of a model (those with the
lowest natural frequencies), are normally important. The
natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes depend
on the geometry of the structure, its material properties,
as well as its support conditions and static loads. The
computation of natural frequencies and mode shapes is known

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1-5

as modal analysis. When building the geometry of a model, you

usually create it based on the original (undeformed) shape
of the model. Some loading, like a structures self-weight,
is always present and can cause considerable changes in the
structures original geometry. These geometric changes may
have, in some cases, significant impact on the structures
modal properties. In many cases, this effect can be ignored
because the induced deflections are small.

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The following few topics Random Vibration, Response

Spectrum analysis, Time History analysis, Transient vibration
analysis and Vibration modal analysis are extensions of
dynamic analysis.

Random Vibration

Engineers use this type of analysis to find out how a device

or structure responds to steady shaking of the kind you
would feel riding in a truck, rail car, rocket (when the
motor is on), and so on. Also, things that are riding in the
vehicle, such as on-board electronics or cargo of any kind,
may need Random Vibration Analysis. The vibration generated
in vehicles from the motors, road conditions, etc. is a
combination of a great many frequencies from a variety of
sources and has a certain random nature. Random Vibration
Analysis is used by mechanical engineers who design various
kinds of transportation equipment.

Response Spectrum Analysis

Engineers use this type of analysis to find out how a device

or structure responds to sudden forces or shocks. It is
assumed that these shocks or forces occur at boundary points,
which are normally fixed. An example would be a building, dam
or nuclear reactor when an earthquake strikes. During an
earthquake, violent shaking occurs. This shaking transmits
into the structure or device at the points where they are
attached to the ground (boundary points).
Mechanical engineers who design components for nuclear
power plants must use response spectrum analysis as well.
Such components might include nuclear reactor parts, pumps,

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SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book

valves, piping, condensers, etc. When an engineer uses

response spectrum analysis, he is looking for the maximum
stresses or acceleration, velocity and displacements that
occur after the shock. These in turn lead to maximum stresses.

Time History Analysis

This analysis plots response (displacements, velocities,

accelerations, internal forces etc.) of the structure against
time due to dynamic excitation applied on the structure.

Transient Vibration Analysis

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When you strike a guitar string or a tuning fork, it goes

from a state of inactivity into a vibration to make a musical
tone. This tone seems loudest at first, then gradually dies
out. Conditions are changing from the first moment the note is
struck. When an electric motor is started up, it eventually
reaches a steady state of operation. But to get there, it
starts from zero RPM and passes through an infinite number
of speeds until it attains the operating speed. Every time
you rev the motor in your car, you are creating transient
vibration. When things vibrate, internal stresses are created
by the vibration. These stresses can be devastating if
resonance occurs between a device producing vibration and
a structure responding to. A bridge may vibrate in the wind
or when cars and trucks go across it. Very complex vibration
patterns can occur. Because things are constantly changing,
engineers must know what the frequencies and stresses are
at all moments in time. Sometimes transient vibrations are
extremely violent and short-lived. Imagine a torpedo striking
the side of a ship and exploding, or a car slamming into a
concrete abutment or dropping a coffeepot on a hard floor.
Such vibrations are called shock, which is just what you
would imagine. In real life, shock is rarely a good thing and
almost always unplanned. But shocks occur anyhow. Because
of vibration, shock is always more devastating than if the
same force were applied gradually.

Vibration Analysis (Modal Analysis)

By its very nature, vibration involves repetitive motion.

Each occurrence of a complete motion sequence is called a

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cycle. Frequency is defined as so many cycles in a given

time period. Cycles per seconds or Hertz. Individual
parts have what engineers call natural frequencies. For
example, a violin string at a certain tension will vibrate
only at a set number of frequencies, which is why you can
produce specific musical tones. There is a base frequency
in which the entire string is going back and forth in a
simple bow shape.

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Harmonics and overtones occur because individual sections

of the string can vibrate independently within the larger
vibration. These various shapes are called modes. The
base frequency is said to vibrate in the first mode, and so
on up the ladder. Each mode shape will have an associated
frequency. Higher mode shapes have higher frequencies. The
most disastrous kinds of consequences occur when a powerdriven device such as a motor for example, produces a
frequency at which an attached structure naturally vibrates.
This event is called resonance. If sufficient power is
applied, the attached structure will be destroyed. Note that
ancient armies, which normally marched in step, were taken
out of step when crossing bridges. Should the beat of the
marching feet align with a natural frequency of the bridge,
it could fall down. Engineers must design so that resonance
does not occur during regular operation of machines. This is
a major purpose of Modal Analysis. Ideally, the first mode
has a frequency higher than any potential driving frequency.
Frequently, resonance cannot be avoided, especially for
short periods of time. For example, when a motor comes up
to speed it produces a variety of frequencies. So it may
pass through a resonant frequency.

Buckling Analysis

If you press down on an empty soft drink can with your hand,
not much will seem to happen. If you put the can on the
floor and gradually increase the force by stepping down on
it with your foot, at some point it will suddenly squash.
This sudden scrunching is known as buckling.

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SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book

Models with thin parts tend to buckle under axial loading.

Buckling can be defined as the sudden deformation, which
occurs when the stored membrane(axial) energy is converted
into bending energy with no change in the externally applied
loads. Mathematically, when buckling occurs, the total
stiffness matrix becomes singular.

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In the normal use of most products, buckling can be

catastrophic if it occurs. The failure is not one because
of stress but geometric stability. Once the geometry of
the part starts to deform, it can no longer support even
a fraction of the force initially applied. The worst part
about buckling for engineers is that buckling usually occurs
at relatively low stress values for what the material can
withstand. So they have to make a separate check to see if
a product or part thereof is okay with respect to buckling.
Slender structures and structures with slender parts loaded
in the axial direction buckle under relatively small axial
loads. Such structures may fail in buckling while their
stresses are far below critical levels. For such structures,
the buckling load becomes a critical design factor. Stocky
structures, on the other hand, require large loads to buckle,
therefore buckling analysis is usually not required.
Buckling almost always involves compression; refer to
Figure-3. In mechanical engineering, designs involving thin
parts in flexible structures like airplanes and automobiles
are susceptible to buckling. Even though stress can be very
low, buckling of local areas can cause the whole structure
to collapse by a rapid series of propagating buckling.
Buckling analysis calculates the smallest (critical) loading
required buckling a model. Buckling loads are associated
with buckling modes. Designers are usually interested in
the lowest mode because it is associated with the lowest
critical load. When buckling is the critical design factor,
calculating multiple buckling modes helps in locating the
weak areas of the model. This may prevent the occurrence of
lower buckling modes by simple modifications.

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1-9

Figure-3. Buckling example

THERMAL ANALYSIS

There are three mechanisms of heat transfer. These

mechanisms are Conduction, Convection and Radiation.
Thermal analysis calculates the temperature distribution in
a body due to some or all of these mechanisms. In all three
mechanisms, heat flows from a higher-temperature medium to
a lower temperature one. Heat transfer by conduction and
convection requires the presence of an intervening medium
while heat transfer by radiation does not.
There are two modes of heat transfer analysis.

Steady State Thermal Analysis

In this type of analysis, we are only interested in the

thermal conditions of the body when it reaches thermal
equilibrium, but we are not interested in the time it takes
to reach this status. The temperature of each point in
the model will remain unchanged until a change occurs in
the system. At equilibrium, the thermal energy entering
the system is equal to the thermal energy leaving it.
Generally, the only material property that is needed for
steady state analysis is the thermal conductivity.

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SolidWorks Simulation 2014 Black Book

Transient Thermal Analysis

In this type of analysis, we are interested in knowing the

thermal status of the model at different instances of time.
A thermos designer, for example, knows that the temperature
of the fluid inside will eventually be equal to the room
temperature(steady state), but he is interested in finding
out the temperature of the fluid as a function of time. In
addition to the thermal conductivity, we also need to specify
density, specific heat, initial temperature profile, and the
period of time for which solutions are desired.

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Till this point, we have learned the basics of various

analyses that can be performed in SolidWorks. Now, we will
learn about the studies that can be performed in SolidWorks.

DROP TEST STUDIES

Drop test studies simulate the effect of dropping a part

or an assembly on a rigid or flexible floor. To perform this
study the floor is considered as planar and flat. The forces
that are considered automatically for this study are gravity
and impact reaction.

FATIGUE ANALYSIS

The fatigue is more over a study then analysis. But it is

generally named as analysis. This analysis is used to check
the effect of continuous loading and unloading of forces on
a body. The base element for performing fatigue analysis
are results of static, nonlinear, or time history linear
dynamic studies.

PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN STUDY

Pressure Vessel Design study allows you combine the results

of static studies with the desired factors and interpret
the results. The Pressure Vessel Design study combines the
results of the static studies algebraically using a linear
combination or the square root of the sum of the squares.

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DESIGN STUDY

Design Study is used to perform an optimization of design.

Using the Design Study you can:

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Define multiple variables using any simulation parameter,

or driving global variable.
Define multiple constraints using sensors.
Define multiple goals using sensors.
Analyze models without simulation results. For example, you
can minimize the mass of an assembly with the variables,
density and model dimensions, and the constraint, volume.
Evaluate design choices by defining a parameter that sets
bodies to use different materials as a variable.
Till this point, you know that we can perform the above
analyses by using SolidWorks. But, Do you know how the
software analyze the problems. The answer is FEA.

FEA

FEA, Finite Element Analysis, is a mathematical system

to solve real-world engineering problems by simplifying
them. In FEA by SolidWorks, the model is broken into small
elements and nodes. Then, distributed forces are applied on
each element and node. The cumulative result of forces is
calculated and displayed in results. The elements in which
a model can be broken into are given in Figure-4,Figure5,and Figure-6.

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Figure-4. Finite elements list1

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Figure-5. Finite elements list2

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Figure-6. Finite elements list3

We will be now using the information discussed above in

SolidWorks Simulation. The process of starting SolidWorks
Simulation is given next.

STARTING SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION

Before you try to start SolidWorks Simulation, make sure

that you have installed it while installing SolidWorks and
you fed the serial key for it while installing. Then follow
the steps given next.
Start SolidWorks and open the model on which you want to
perform the analyses.
Click on the Office Products tab and select the SolidWorks
Simulation button; refer to Figure-7.

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Figure-7. SolidWorks simulation button

On clicking this button, Simulation tab will be added in

the Ribbon.
Click on the Simulation tab, the Study Advisor drop-down
will be displayed.
There are two buttons available in this drop-down; Study
Advisor and New Study.

On clicking Study Advisor

Click on the Study Advisor button from the drop-down. The

Simulation Advisor pane will display in the right of the
SolidWorks window; refer to Figure-8.

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Figure-8. Simulation advisor pane

Read the text in the Advisor and perform the actions

accordingly. We will learn more about the advisor later
in the book.

On clicking New Study

Click on the New Study button from the drop-down. The Study
PropertyManager will display; refer to Figure-9.

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Figure-9. Study PropertyManager

The buttons available in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager;

refer to individual analyses.
We will discuss these analyses one by one in the upcoming
chapters.

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Basics of
Analyses

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Chapter 2

Topics Covered

The major topics covered in this chapter are:

Starting Analysis.

Applying Material.
Defining Fixtures
Applying loads

Defining Connections
Simulating Analysis.
Interpreting results

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STARTING ANALYSIS

There are two methods to start a analysis in SolidWorks

Simulation; using Study Advisor or using New Study button. We
will use the New Study button throughout the book. Although
we will give short notes for using Study Advisor to perform
the analyses. The steps to start static analysis are given
next.

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Click on the New Study button from the Study Advisor

drop-down in the Simulation tab of Ribbon. The Study
PropertyManager will display.
Click on the Static button from the PropertyManager and
specify the name of analysis as desired in the Name
rollout.
Click on the OK button from the PropertyManager. The
interface will display as shown in Figure-1.

Figure-1. Static analysis interface

The first step for this analysis is to apply material on the

model.

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APPLYING MATERIAL

Material is a key input for any analysis. The result of

analysis is directly related to material of the object. There
are a few properties of material like, ultimate strength,
hardness, youngs modulus and so on which play important
role in success/failure of the object under specified load.
Also, material determines the application of object in real
world. The steps to apply material on object are given next.

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Click on the Apply Material button from the Simulation tab

in the Ribbon. The Material box will display as shown in
Figure-2.

Figure-2. Material box

A library of standard materials is available in this box

to select from.
Select the desired material from left pane of the box.
The related parameters will be displayed at the right.
Click on the Apply button to apply the material.

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Click on the Close button to close the box.

DEFINING FIXTURES

To perform any analysis, it is important to fix the object

by some constrains so that the effect of applied forces
can be checked. If you do not apply fixtures then the object
will be free to move in the direction of forces applied
and no stress or strain will be induced in it. There are
various options for fixing the object. All these options are
explained next.

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Fixtures Advisor

This button is used to create fixtures in a guided way. An

interactive pane is used to apply fixtures on the basis of
your responses. You can refer to Simulation Xpress chapter
in one of my book SolidWorks 2014 Black Book for reference.
The steps to use this tool are given next.
Click on the Fixtures Advisor button from the Fixtures
Advisor drop-down in the Ribbon. The Simulation Advisor will
display in the right of the window; refer to Figure-3.

Figure-3. Simulation Advisor

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Follow the information given in the Simulation Advisor

and specify the desired parameters. The fixture options
available through the Simulation Advisor are also available
in the Fixtures Advisor drop-down and are explained next.

Fixed Geometry

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This is the most commonly used fixture type. To apply this

fixture, follow the steps given next.
Click on the Fixed Geometry button from the Fixtures Advisor
drop-down. The Fixture PropertyManager will display as
shown in Figure-4.

Figure-4. Fixture PropertyManager

Make sure that the Fixed Geometry button is selected in

the Standard (Fixed Geometry) rollout.
Select the face that you want to be fixed; refer to
Figure-5.

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Figure-5. Face selected for fixing

Click OK button to define the fixture.

You can also split a face before click OK to precise the

fixture. The steps to do so are given next.
Click on the Split tab from the Fixture PropertyManager.
The PropertyManager will display as shown in Figure-6.
Click on the Create Sketch button from the PropertyManager.
You are asked to select a plane/face for sketching.
Select the desired plane to sketch the splitting line.

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Figure-6. Fixture PropertyManager with split tab

Create the splitting line by using the Line tool; refer

to Figure-7.
Click on the Exit Sketch button displayed in Split box in
viewport. You are asked to select a face.
Select the faces that you want to split by the projection
of drawn sketch line; refer to Figure-8.

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Figure-7. Splitting line drawn

Figure-8. Faces selected for splitting

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Click on the Create Split button from the Selection rollout

of the PropertyManager. The selected faces will get split;
refer to Figure-9.

Figure-9. Faces after splitting

Click on the Type tab of the PropertyManager to display

options related to fixture.
Click on the faces that you want to fix and remove unwanted
faces by right-clicking and then selecting the Delete
option from the shortcut menu; refer to Figure-10.

Figure-10. Splitted faces selected for fixing

Click on OK button from the PropertyManager to fix the

faces.

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Roller/Slider

To option is used to fix a face in such a way that it can

slide/roll in its plane but cannot move perpendicular to
the plane. The steps to fix a face by using this option are
given next.

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Click on the Roller/Slider button from the Fixtures Advisor

drop-down. The Fixture PropertyManager will be displayed
similar to the one discussed earlier but with the Roller/
Slider button selected; refer to Figure-11.

Figure-11. Fixture PropertyManager for roller slider fixture

Select the face that you want to allow for sliding or

rolling. Refer to Figure-12.
Click on the OK button from the PropertyManager to apply
the fixture.