CHAPTER

Case Studies of Static Analysis

In this chapter, you will perform the following case studies:

• Static Analysis of a Rectangular Plate

• Static Analysis of a Bracket with Mesh Control
• Static Analysis of a Symmetrical Model
• Static Analysis of a Torispherical Head with Shell Elements
• Static Analysis of a Weldment Frame with Beam Elements
• Static Analysis of a Beam Support
• Static Analysis of a Bearing House

In the earlier chapter, you have learned about various assumptions for considering the linear static
analysis problems. You have also learned various options to assign material properties, applying
boundary conditions (fixtures and loads), meshing a geometry, and so on. In this chapter, you will
perform various case studies of linear static analysis.

Case Study 1: Static Analysis of a Rectangular Plate

In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a rectangular plate shown in Figure 3.1
and determine the stress under a tensile load.

3.1
 98 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Project Description
The rectangular plate is fixed at its one end, see Figure 3.2 and the 5000 Newton load is
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uniformly distributed along the other (opposite) end face of the plate, see Figure 3.2. The plate
is made up of AISI 1020 steel material.

3.2

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run two static studies, in the first study, you will generate the
high quality standard mesh with default mesh parameters and in the second study, you will
generate the curvature-based mesh with default parameters to compare the difference in the
results. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2
(MPa) units.

Learning Objectives
In this case study, you will learn the following:

1. Downloading Files of Chapter 3

2. Starting SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation
3. Starting the First Static Study
4. Defining Units and Results Settings
5. Assigning the Material
6. Applying the Fixture
7. Applying the Load
8. Generating the Mesh
9. Running the Analysis
10. Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results
11. Annotating Maximum and Minimum Stresses
12. Displaying the 1st Principal Stress Plot
13. Displaying the von Mises Stress in the True Scale
14. Saving Results
15. Running the Second Static Study
16. Comparing Results of two Static Studies
17. Saving Results

Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 3

1. Login to the CADArtifex website (www.cadartifex.com) by using your user name and password.
If you are a new user, first you need to register on CADArtifex website as a student.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 99

2. After login to the CADArtifex website, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation > SOLIDWORKS
Simulation 2018. All resource files of this textbook appear in the respective drop-down lists.

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For example, all part files used in the illustration of this textbook are available in the Part Files
drop-down list and all case study files are available in the Case Studies drop-down list.

3. Click on Case Studies > C03 Case Studies. The downloading of Co3 Case Studies file gets
started. Once the downloading is complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file. It is
recommended to create a folder with the name “SOLIDWORKS Simulation” in the local drive
of your computer and then create a sub-folder inside it with the name “Case Studies”.

4. Save the downloaded unzipped C03 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder inside the
SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.

Section 2: Starting SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation

1. Double-click on the SOLIDWORKS icon on your desktop to start SOLIDWORKS.

2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box. The Open dialog box appears. Alternatively,
click on the Open tool in the Standard toolbar to invoke the Open dialog box.

3. In the Open dialog box, browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C03 Case Studies > Case Study 1 in the local drive of your system. Next, select the Rectangular
Plate model and then click on the Open button in the dialog box. The Rectangular Plate model
is opened in SOLIDWORKS, see Figure 3.3.

3.3

Now, you need to invoke SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

4. Click on the Tools > Add-Ins in the SOLIDWORKS Menus, see Figure 3.4. The Add-Ins dialog
box appears, see Figure 3.5.
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3.4

3.5
100 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 101

5. Select the check boxes available on the left and right of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation option
in the Add-Ins dialog box, see Figure 3.5.

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6. Click on the OK button in the dialog box. The Simulation and Analysis Preparation tabs are
added in the CommandManager.

NOTE If the Simulation tab is already added in the CommandManager then you can skip the
above steps 4, 5, and 6.

Section 3: Starting the First Static Study

1. Click on the Simulation tab in the Simulation CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation
CommandManager appear, see Figure 3.6.

2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager, see Figure 3.6. The Study
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.7.

3.6

3.7
 102 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3. Make sure that the Static button is activated in the Study PropertyManager to perform the
linear static analysis on the model.
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4. Enter Standard Mesh Study as the name of the study in the Study name field of the
PropertyManager.

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the Study PropertyManager. The various tools to
perform the static analysis are enabled in the Simulation CommandManager.

Section 4: Defining Units and Results Settings

Before you start with the analysis process, it is important to set the units and results settings for
SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

1. Click on the Simulation > Options in the SOLIDWORKS Menus. The System Options dialog
box appears.

2. In this dialog box, click on the Default Options tab. The name of the dialog box changes to the
Default Options, see Figure 3.8.

3.8

3. Make sure that the Units option is selected in the dialog box.

4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the dialog box. Next, make sure
that the mm unit is selected in the Length/Displacement drop-down list and the N/mm^2
(MPa) unit is selected in the Pressure/Stress drop-down list of the Units area, see Figure 3.9.

3.9
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 103

Now, you need to set the results settings.

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5. Click on the Results option in the dialog box and then select the Automatic radio button in the
Default solver area of the dialog box, see Figure 3.10.

6. Select the Under sub folder check box in the Results folder area of the dialog box and then
enter Results in the field enabled in its front, see Figure 3.10. By doing so, the Results sub-folder
will be created automatically in the same directory where the model is saved to save the results
of the analysis. Note that by default, the Under sub folder check box is cleared. As a result, the
analysis results are saved in the same folder where the model is saved. You can also specify a
folder in the user defined location to save the analysis results by using the User defined radio
button of the Results folder area in the dialog box.

3.10

NOTE By default, for every static analysis, SOLIDWORKS Simulate creates plots for the stress,
displacement, and strain results. It is because in the Static Study Results node of the
dialog box, the three plots (Plot1, Plot2, and Plot3) for stress, displacement, and strain
are added, by default, see Figure 3.10. You can change the plot settings of a plot as required
by clicking on it and then selecting the required result type. You can also add more result
plots for the analysis. For doing so, right-click on the Static Study Results node of the
dialog box and then click on the Add New Plot tool in the shortcut menu appeared. Next,
set the required result type for the newly added plot.

7. After specifying the units and result settings, click on the OK button to accept the change and
exit the dialog box.

Section 5: Assigning the Material

1. Click on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Material dialog box
appears, see Figure 3.11. Alternatively, right-click on the name of the model (Rectangular Plate)
in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Apply/Edit material tool in the shortcut
menu appeared.
 104 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

2. Expand the Steel category of the SOLIDWORKS Materials library in the Material dialog box
and then select the AISI 1020 steel material, see Figure 3.11. The material properties of the
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selected material appear on the right panel of the dialog box.

3.11

3. Click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the dialog box. The material is assigned
to the model.

Section 6: Applying the Fixture

1. Invoke the Fixture flyout by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the Fixtures Advisor tool in
the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Fixed Geometry tool, see Figure 3.12.
The Fixture PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.13. Alternatively, right-click on the Fixtures
option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut
menu appeared to invoke the Fixture PropertyManager.

3.12 3.13
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 105

2. Rotate the model such that the left end face of the model can be viewed and then select it to
apply the Fixed Geometry fixture. The symbol of the Fixed Geometry fixture appears on the

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selected face, see Figure 3.14.

3.14

3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed Geometry fixture is
applied to the selected face of the model.

Section 7: Applying the Load

1. Invoke the External Loads flyout by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the External
Loads Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Force tool,
see Figure 3.15. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.16. Alternatively,
right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Force tool in the shortcut menu appeared to invoke the Force/Torque PropertyManager.

3.15 3.16
 106 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

2. Change the orientation of the model to isometric and then select the right end face of the
model to apply the load. The symbol of the load appears on the selected face, see Figure 3.17.
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3. Make sure that the Normal radio button is selected.

4. Enter 5000 in the Force field of the PropertyManager.

5. Select the Reverse direction button to reverse the direction of force, as shown in Figure 3.17.

3.17

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The 5000 N load is applied on
the selected face of the model.

Section 8: Generating the Mesh

After defining the material properties and boundary conditions (fixtures and loads), you need
to generate the mesh on the model. In this case study, you will first generate the standard
mesh with default parameters and then generate the curvature-based mesh with the default
parameters to compare the difference in the results.

1. Click on the down arrow at the bottom of the Run This Study tool in the Simulation
CommandManager. A flyout appears, see Figure 3.18. Next, click on the Create Mesh tool. The
Mesh PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.19. Alternatively, right-click on the Mesh option
in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu
appeared to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.

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 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 107

2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on the check box in its
title bar, see Figure 3.20.

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3.19 3.20

3. Make sure that the Standard mesh radio button is selected in the expanded Mesh Parameters
rollout. The Global Size and Tolerance fields of the rollout display the default global mesh size
and tolerance values, respectively, see Figure 3.20. SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically
calculates the default mesh parameters based on the volume, surface area, and other details of
the model.

4. Expand the Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on the arrow in its title bar,
see Figure 3.21.

3.21

5. Make sure that the Draft Quality Mesh check box is cleared in the Advanced rollout to generate
the mesh with high quality tetrahedral solid elements.

6. Accept the default mesh parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button in
the PropertyManager. The Mesh Progress window appears which displays the progress of
generating the mesh in the model, see Figure 3.22. After the process of meshing the model is
complete, the meshed model appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.23.

3.22 3.23
 108 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Section 9: Running the Analysis

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After defining the material properties, boundary conditions (fixtures and loads), and generating
the mesh, you can run the analysis.

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Standard Mesh
Study (name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis, see Figure 3.24.
Note that the computational time to complete the analysis depends on the number of elements,
nodes, and degrees of freedom to be solved by the solver. After the process of running the
analysis is complete, the Results folder is added in the Simulation Study Tree with the stress,
displacement, and strain results, see Figure 3.25. By default, the Stress result is activated in the
Results folder. Consequently, the stress distribution on the model and the von Mises stress plot
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.26.

3.24

3.25 3.26
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 109

NOTE In Figure 3.26, the Number Format for the stress result values is set to floating. For doing

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so, double-click on the von Mises stress plot in the graphics area. The Stress plot
PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area. In this PropertyManager, click
on the Chart Options tab and then select the floating option in the Number Format
drop-down list of the Position/Format rollout in the PropertyManager. Next, click on the
green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.

Section 10: Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results

1. Double-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree to display the von Mises stress results, if not displayed by default, refer to Figure 3.26.
The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load is 66.161 N/mm^2 (MPa)
which is significantly within the yield strength of the material that is 351.571 N/mm^2 (MPa).
The area of the model having the maximum von Mises stress is marked in red, see Figure 3.27.

2. To display the displacement result and the resultant displacement (URES) plot, double-click
on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Figure 3.28 shows the displacement distribution on the model and the resultant displacement
(URES) plot. The maximum resultant displacement of the model under the applied load is
0.01086 mm (1.086e-002 mm) which is a considerably small displacement. Also, the area of the
model having the maximum resultant displacement is marked in red, see Figure 3.28.

3.27 3.28

3. Similarly, to display the strain result and the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot, double-click on
the Strain1 (-Equivalent-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. Figure 3.29
 110 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

shows the strain distribution on the model and the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot. It is evident
from the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot shown in Figure 3.29 that the maximum equivalent
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strain on the model under the applied load is 0.0002534 (2.534e-04). Note that the strain
results are unit less.

3.29

NOTE You may find slight difference in the result values depending on the service pack installed
on your system.

Section 11: Annotating Maximum and Minimum Stresses

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can annotate the maximum and minimum stresses in the
model by editing the stress plot settings.

1. Double-click on the Stess1 (-vonMises-) option in the in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree to display the stress results.

2. Right-click on the Stess1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study
Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see Figure 3.30.

3. click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu, see Figure 3.30. The Stress plot
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.31. Alternatively, double-click on the von Mises stress
plot appeared in the graphics area to display the Stress plot PropertyManager.

4. Click on the Chart Options tab in the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.31.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 111

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3.30 3.31

5. Select the Show min annotation and Show max annotation check boxes in the Display Options
rollout of the PropertyManager.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The minimum and maximum
stresses are annotated in the model, see Figure 3.32.

3.32
 112 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

NOTE Similar to annotating maximum and minimum stresses in the model, you can annotate
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the maximum and minimum displacement and strain in the model.

Section 12: Displaying the 1st Principal Stress Plot

1. Double-click on the von Mises stress plot in the graphics area. The Stress plot PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.33. Alternatively, right-click on the Stess1 (-vonMises-) option in the
Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the
shortcut menu appeared to invoke the Stress plot PropertyManager.

2. Click on the Definition tab in the Stress plot PropertyManager. The options of the Definition
tab of the PropertyManager appear, see Figure 3.33.

3. Invoke the Component drop-down list in the Display rollout of the PropertyManager, see
Figure 3.34 and then select the P1: 1 st Principal Stress option.

3.33 3.34

NOTE The options in the Component drop-down list of the Display rollout are used to select
a stress component to display its corresponding stress result. You can also change the
unit of the stress measurement by using the Units drop-down list of the Display rollout.
The options of the Advanced Options and Deformed shape rollouts are discussed later
in this chapter.

4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The 1st Principal Stress plot
appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.35.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 113

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3.35

It is evident from the Figure 3.35 that the maximum 1st principal stress is 66.969 N/mm^2
(MPA) which is close to the maximum von Mises stress value that is 66.161 N/mm^2 (MPa). It is
because, the uniformly distributed tensile load mainly result tensile stress along the longitudinal
direction of the model.

NOTE Instead of editing the von Mises stress plot to display the 1st principal stress on the model,
you can add a new plot. For doing so, right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation
Study Tree and then click on the Define Stress Plot tool in the shortcut menu appeared,
see Figure 3.36. The Stress plot PropertyManager appears. In this PropertyManager,
select the P1: 1 st Principal Stress option in the Component drop-down list of the Display
rollout. Next, click on the green tick-mark button. The new stress plot is added in the
Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree with the name Stress2 (-1st principal-) and
the 1st Principal Stress plot appears in the graphics area.
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3.36

Section 13: Displaying the von Mises Stress in the True Scale
1. By default, the deformed shape of the model is appeared in Automatic scale. To display the von
Mises stress in the True scale, double-click on the von Mises stress plot in the graphics area.
The Stress plot PropertyManager appears..

2. Click on the Definition tab in the Stress plot PropertyManager. The options of the Definition
tab of the PropertyManager appear, see Figure 3.37.

3.37
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 115

3. Select the True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of the PropertyManager, see
Figure 3.37.

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Tip: You can also display the deformed shape of the model as per the user defined scale by
selecting the User defined radio button and then entering the scale value in the Scaled
Factor field enabled below this radio button in the rollout.

4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The deformed shape of the
model in the True scale appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.38.

3.38

Similarly, you can display the deformed shape of the model in the True scale for the displacement
and strain results.

Section 14: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the model with results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results are saved in the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive
of your system. The results saved in the Results sub-folder, which is created automatically inside
the Case Study 1 folder.

Section 15: Running the Second Static Study

After completing the static study with standard mesh, you need to run the new static study
with the curvature-based mesh as mentioned in this Case Study description to compare the
difference in the results.

1. Right-click on the Standard Mesh Study tab (name of the study) in the lower left corner of the
graphics area, see Figure 3.39. A shortcut menu appears.
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3.39

2. Click on the Copy Study tool in this shortcut menu to create a duplicate copy of the existing
study. The Copy Study PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.40.

3.40

3. Enter Curvature-based Mesh Study in the Study name field of the PropertyManager and
then click on the green tick-mark button. The new static study is created with the same
parameters as that of the existing static study and a new tab “Curvature-based Mesh Study” is
added next to the tab of the existing study (Standard Mesh Study) in the lower left corner of
the graphics area.

NOTE The newly created study is activated, by default. You can switch between the studies by
clicking on the respective tab available at the lower left corner of the graphics area.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 117

Tip: You can also create a new study from scratch and then drag the required parameters such

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as material, fixtures, and loads from the Simulation Study Tree of the existing study to the
tab of the new study.

Now, you need to run the analysis with curvature-based mesh. Note that all other parameters
such as material, fixtures, and loads are same as that of the existing study.

4. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree of the newly created study
(Curvature-based Mesh Study). A shortcut menu appears, see Figure 3.41.

5. Click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu. The Simulation window appears which
informs you that the remeshing will delete the results, see Figure 3.42.

3.41 3.42

6. Click on the OK button in the Simulation window. The Mesh PropertyManager appears.

7. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager by selecting the check box in its
title bar, see Figure 3.43.
 118 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

8. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh Parameters rollout.
The Maximum element size, Minimum element size, Min number of elements in a circle, and
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Element size growth ratio fields appear with default parameters in the rollout, see Figure 3.43.

9. Accept the default parameters of the curvature-based mesh and then click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Mesh Progress window appears which
displays the progress of generating the mesh in the model. After the process of meshing the
model is complete, the meshed model appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.44.

3.43 3.44

NOTE As discussed in earlier chapter, SOLIDWORKS Simulation generates mesh with

tetrahedral solid elements, automatically for solid geometry.

10. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Curvature-based
Mesh Study (name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis. After
the process of running the analysis completes, the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree
is updated as per the new mesh parameters. Also, the stress distribution on the model and the
von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.45.

It is evident from the Figure 3.45 that in the curvature-based mesh study, the maximum von
Mises stress in the model under the applied load is 67.528 N/mm^2 (MPa).

11. To display the displacement and strain results, click on the Displacement (-Res disp-) and
Strain1 (-Equivalent-) options in the Simulation Study Tree, respectively.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 119

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3.45

Section 16: Comparing Results of two Static Studies

After performing two studies with different mesh parameters, you can compare the results. In
this case study, you will compare the stress and displacement results of both the studies.

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 3.46.

3.46
 120 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

2. Click on the Compare Results tool in the shortcut menu. The Compare Results PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.47.
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3. Select the All studies in this configuration radio button and then select the Stress1 (-vonMises-)
and Displacement1 (-Res disp-) check boxes of the Standard Mesh Study and Curvature-based
Mesh Study studies in the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.47.

3.47

4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The graphics screen of the
SOLIDWORKS Simulation divides and displays the stress and displacement results of both the
studies, see Figure 3.48.

3.48
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 121

Now, you can compare the stress and displacement results of both the studies. The table given
below summarizes the results of both the studies.

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Study Mesh Type Max. Stress Max. Displacement
[N/mm^2 (MPa)] [mm]
Standard Mesh Study Standard Mesh 66.161 0.01086
Curvature-based Curvature-based 67.528 0.01087
Mesh Study Mesh

NOTE In both the studies, all the properties such as materials and boundary conditions (fixtures
and loads) are same except the type of mesh due to which there is difference in the
results. It indicates that the mesh parameters affects the results. Finer the mesh density,
more accurate the results you get but the computational time will increase due to increase
in elements, nodes, and degrees of freedom in the fine mesh.

5. After comparing the results, click on the Exit Compare button in the Compare Results window
which appears in the graphics area.

Section 17: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results are saved in the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive
of your system. The results saved in the Results sub-folder, which is created automatically inside
the Case Study 1 folder.

Case Study 2: Static Analysis of a Bracket with Mesh Control

In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a Bracket shown in Figure 3.49 and
determine the stress under a uniformly distributed load.

3.49
 122 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Project Description
The Bracket is fixed at its four holes and the 1200 Newton load is uniformly distributed along its
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top face, see Figure 3.50. The Bracket is made up of AISI 304 steel material.

3.50

Project Summary
In this case study, you will first generate the high quality curvature-based mesh with default
parameters and then refine the mesh at the upper corner of the Bracket where the high stresses
are located by applying the mesh control. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement
in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.

Learning Objectives
In this case study, you will learn the following:

1. Downloading Files of Chapter 3

2. Opening the Bracket Model
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Defining Units
5. Assigning the Material
6. Applying the Fixture
7. Applying the Load
8. Generating the Mesh
9. Running the Analysis
10. Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results
11. Annotating Maximum and Minimum Stresses
12. Applying the Mesh Control and Running the Analysis
13. Comparing Stress Results Before and After Mesh Control
14. Creating the Iso Plot
15. Saving Results
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 123

Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 3

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1. Login to the CADArtifex website (www.cadartifex.com) by using your user name and password
to download the files of this chapter, if not downloaded in the Case Study 1. The path to
download the files is SOLIDWORKS Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 > Case Studies
> C03 Case Studies. Note that if you are a new user, then first you need to register on CADArtifex
website as a student to download the files.

2. After downloading the C03 Case Studies file, create a folder with the name “SOLIDWORKS
Simulation” in a local drive of your computer and then create a sub-folder inside it with the
name “Case Studies”, if not created in the Case Study 1.

3. Save the unzipped C03 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder of the SOLIDWORKS
Simulation folder.

NOTE If you have downloaded the C03 Case Studies file of this chapter in the Case Study 1 and
saved it in the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies then you can skip the
above steps 1, 2, and 3.

Section 2: Opening the Bracket Model

1. Double-click on the SOLIDWORKS icon on your desktop to start SOLIDWORKS, if not already
started.

2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box. The Open dialog box appears. Alternatively,
click on the Open tool in the Standard toolbar to invoke the Open dialog box.

3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case
Study 2 of the local drive of your system. Next, select the Bracket model and then click on
the Open button in the dialog box. The Bracket model is opened in SOLIDWORKS, see
Figure 3.51.

3.51
 124 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Section 3: Starting the Static Study

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1. Click on the Simulation tab in the Simulation CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation
CommandManager appear, see Figure 3.52.

3.52

NOTE If the Simulation tab is not added in the CommandManager then you need to customize
it to add as discussed earlier.

2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Study PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.53.

3.53

3. Make sure that the Static button is activated in the Study PropertyManager to perform the
linear static analysis on the Bracket model.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 125

4. Enter Bracket Static Study in the Study name field of the PropertyManager.

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5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the Study PropertyManager. The various tools
to perform the static analysis are enabled in the Simulation CommandManager. Also, the
static study with the name Bracket Static Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 3.54.

3.54

Section 4: Defining Units

Before you start with the analysis process, it is important to set the units for SOLIDWORKS
Simulation.

1. Click on the Simulation > Options in the SOLIDWORKS Menus. The System Options dialog
box appears.

2. In this dialog box, click on the Default Options tab. The name of the dialog box changes to the
Default Options, see Figure 3.55.

3. Make sure that the Units option is selected in the dialog box and the options to specify the
units appear on the right panel of the dialog box, see Figure 3.55.

3.55

4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the dialog box. Next, make sure
that the mm unit is selected in the Length/Displacement drop-down list and the N/mm^2
(MPa) unit is selected in the Pressure/Stress drop-down list of the Units area, see Figure 3.56.
Evaluation Chapters provided by CADArtifex are for review only - www.cadartifex.com 126 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3.56

5. After specifying the units, click on the OK button to accept the change and exit the dialog
box.

Section 5: Assigning the Material

1. Click on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Material dialog
box appears, see Figure 3.57. Alternatively, right-click on the name of the model (Bracket) in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Apply/Edit material tool in the shortcut menu
appeared.

2. Expand the Steel category of the SOLIDWORKS Materials library in the Material dialog box
and then select the AISI 304 steel material, see Figure 3.57. The material properties of the
selected material appear on the right panel of the dialog box.

3.57

3. Click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the dialog box. The material is assigned
to the model.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 127

Section 6: Applying the Fixture

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1. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears,
see Figure 3.58. In this shortcut menu, click on the Fixed Geometry tool. The Fixture
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.59. Alternatively, invoke the Fixture flyout by clicking
on the arrow at the bottom of the Fixtures Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager
and then click on the Fixed Geometry tool.

3.58 3.59

2. Select the inner circular face of all the holes of the model one by one to apply the Fixed
Geometry fixture. The symbol of the Fixed Geometry fixture appears on the selected faces, see
Figure 3.60.

3.60
 128 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed Geometry fixture is
applied to the holes of the model. Also, the Fixed Geometry fixture (Fixed-1) is added under
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the Fixtures options in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 3.61.

3.61

Tip: To edit an applied fixture, right-click on the name of the fixture listed under the Fixtures
option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut
menu appeared. The Fixture PropertyManager appears. By using this PropertyManager, you
can edit the selected fixture and then click on its green tick-mark button to accept the
change and close the PropertyManager.

Section 7: Applying the Load

1. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu
appears, see Figure 3.62. In this shortcut menu, click on the Force tool. The Force/Torque
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.63. Alternatively, invoke the External Loads flyout
by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the External Loads Advisor tool in the Simulation
CommandManager and then click on the Force tool.

3.62 3.63
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 129

2. Select the top face of the model to apply the load, see Figure 3.64. The symbol of the load
appears on the selected face, see Figure 3.64.

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3. Make sure that the Normal radio button is selected to apply the load normal to the face.

4. Enter 1200 in the Force field of the PropertyManager.

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The 1200 N load is applied
on the selected face of the model. Also, the default name [Force-1 (:Per item: 1200 N:)] of
the applied load is added under the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 3.65.

3.64 3.65

Tip: To edit an applied load, right-click on the name of the load listed under the External Loads
option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut
menu appeared. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears. By using this PropertyManager,
you can edit the load parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button to accept
the change and close the PropertyManager.

Section 8: Generating the Mesh

After defining the material properties and boundary conditions (fixtures and loads), you need to
generate the mesh on the model. In this case study, you will first generate the curvature-based
mesh with default parameters and then apply the mesh control at the upper corner of the
Bracket, where the high stresses are located.

1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 3.66. In this shortcut menu, click on the Create Mesh tool. The Mesh PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.67. Alternatively, click on the down arrow at the bottom of the Run This
Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Create Mesh tool in the
flyout appeared.
Evaluation Chapters provided by CADArtifex are for review only - www.cadartifex.com 130 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3.66 3.67

2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on the check box in its
title bar, see Figure 3.68.

3. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh Parameters rollout, see
Figure 3.68. The Maximum element size, Minimum element size, Min number of elements in
a circle, and Element size growth ratio fields appear in the rollout with the default parameters,
see Figure 3.68. SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically calculates the mesh parameters
based on the volume, surface area, and other details of the model and set the default mesh
with the medium mesh density.

3.68
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 131

4. Expand the Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.69 and then make sure that
the Draft Quality Mesh check box is cleared to mesh the model with the high quality (second

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order) tetrahedral solid elements.

5. Accept the default mesh parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Mesh Progress window appears which displays the progress of meshing
the model. After the process of meshing the model is complete, the meshed model appears in
the graphics area, see Figure 3.70.

3.69 3.70

NOTE As discussed in earlier chapter, SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically generates mesh

with tetrahedral solid elements for solid geometry.

Section 9: Running the Analysis

After defining the material properties, boundary conditions (fixtures and loads), and generating
the mesh, you can run the analysis.

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Bracket Static Study
(name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis, see Figure 3.71.

3.71

NOTE The computational time to complete the analysis depends on the number of elements,
nodes, and degrees of freedom to be solved by the solver.
 132 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

2. After the process of running the analysis is completed, the Results folder is added in the
Simulation Study Tree with the stress, displacement, and strain results, see Figure 3.72. By
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default, the Stress result is activated in the Results folder. Consequently, the stress distribution
on the model and the von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.73.

3.72

3.73
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 133

Section 10: Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results

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1. Double-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree to display the von Mises stress results, if not displayed by default, refer to Figure 3.73.
It is evident from the Figure 3.73 that the maximum von Mises stress in the model under the
applied load is 3.831e+01 (38.313) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is significantly within the yield stress
of the material that is 2.068e+02 (206.807) N/mm^2 (MPa). The area of the model having the
maximum von Mises stress is marked in red.

2. To display the displacement result and the resultant displacement (URES) plot, double-click
on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Figure 3.74 shows the displacement distribution on the model and the resultant displacement
(URES) plot. It is evident from the resultant displacement (URES) plot that the maximum
resultant displacement of the model under the applied load is 5.209e-02 (0.05209) mm which
is considerably a small displacement. Also, the area of the model having the maximum resultant
displacement is marked in red.

3.74

3. Similarly, to display the strain result and the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot, double-click on
the Strain1 (-Equivalent-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. Figure 3.75
shows the strain distribution on the model and the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot. It is evident
from the equivalent strain (ESTRN) plot that the maximum equivalent strain on the model is
1.393e-04 (0.0001393). Note that the strain results are unit less.
Evaluation Chapters provided by CADArtifex are for review only - www.cadartifex.com 134 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3.75

Section 11: Annotating Maximum and Minimum Stresses

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can annotate the maximum and minimum stresses in the
model by editing the stress plot settings.

1. Double-click on the Stess1 (-vonMises-) option in the in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree to display the stress results.

2. Right-click on the Stess1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study
Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see Figure 3.76.

3. Click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu. The Stress plot PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.77. Alternatively, double-click on the von Mises stress plot appeared in
the graphics area to display the Stress plot PropertyManager.

4. In the Stress plot PropertyManager, click on the Chart Options tab to display the options
available in this tab, see Figure 3.77.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 135

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3.76 3.77

5. Select the Show min annotation and Show max annotation check boxes in the Display Options
rollout of the PropertyManager.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The minimum and maximum
stresses are annotated in the model, see Figure 3.78.

3.78

It is evident from the Figure 3.78 that the maximum von Mises stress is located near the upper
corner of the Bracket. Therefore, we need to refine the mesh to get the accurate results at the
corner where the maximum stresses are located.
 136 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Section 12: Applying the Mesh Control and Running the Analysis
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1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 3.79.

2. Click on the Apply Mesh Control tool in the shortcut menu, see Figure 3.79. The Mesh Control
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.80.

3.79 3.80

3. Select the upper intersecting edge of the model to apply the mesh control, see Figure 3.81.
The name of the selected edge appears in the Faces, Edges, Vertices, Reference Points,
Components for Mesh Control field of the Selected Entities rollout in the PropertyManager.
Also, a callout gets attached to the selected edge in the graphics area, see Figure 3.81.

3.81
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 137

4. Drag the Slider toward extreme right in the Mesh Density rollout of the PropertyManager to
create the fine mesh on the selected edge of the model. Note that as you drag the Slider, the

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element size in the Element Size field of the Mesh Parameters gets reduced.

5. Click on the Create Mesh button in the Selected 3.82

Entities rollout of the PropertyManager. The
Simulation message window appears. In this
window, click on the Yes button to continue
meshing the selected entity. The Mesh Progress
window appears which displays the progress of
meshing the model. After the process of meshing
the model completes, the meshed model appears
in the graphics area, see Figure 3.82. Note that the
smaller elements (fine mesh) are created along
the selected edge.

Now, you need to run the analysis again to get the

results after applying the mesh control.

6. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Bracket Static
Study (name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis. After the
process of running the analysis is complete, the Results folder gets updated in the Simulation
Study Tree with updated stress, displacement, and strain results. Also, the stress distribution on
the model and the von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.83.

3.83
 138 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Section 13: Comparing Stress Results Before and After Mesh Control
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1. Double-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree to display the von Mises stress results, if not displayed by default, refer to Figure 3.83.
It is evident from the above figure that the maximum von Mises stress in the model after
applying the mesh control is 6.039e+01 (60.388) N/mm^2 (MPa).

Notice the difference between the maximum von Mises stress in the model before and after
applying the mesh control. Before applying the mesh control, the maximum von Mises stress
was 3.831e+01 (38.313) N/mm^2 (MPa) whereas, after applying the mesh control, the maximum
von Mises stress is 6.039e+01 (60.388) N/mm^2 (MPa). It is because of the fine mesh created
along the edge of the model has high stresses. The fine mesh generates more number of small
elements which results in more accurate results but the computational time increases due to
more number of elements, nodes, and degrees of freedom.

Section 14: Creating the Iso Plot

Now, you need to create the Iso plot to display the von Mises stresses between the 30 N/mm^2
(MPa) and 60.388 N/mm^2 (MPa) range in the model.

NOTE The Iso plot is used to display the user-defined range of results in the portions of the
model.

1. Click on the Plot Tools in the Simulation CommandManager. The Plot Tools flyout appears,
see Figure 3.84. In this flyout, click on the Iso Clipping tool. The Iso Clipping PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.85. Alternatively, click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Iso Clipping tool.

3.84 3.85

2. Enter 30 in the Iso value field of the Iso 1 rollout in the PropertyManager.

3. Expand the Iso 2 rollout of the PropertyManager by selecting the check box in its title bar, see
Figure 3.86 and then drag the Slider toward extreme right to display the maximum von Mises
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 139

value in the Iso value field of the rollout, see Figure 3.86. Notice that the portions of the model
where the von Mises stress is between the specified range displayed in the graphics area, see

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Figure 3.87.

3.86 3.87

NOTE In Figure 3.87, the symbols of fixtures and loads are hidden for clarity of image. To hide
the fixture symbols, right-click on the fixture name listed under the Fixtures option in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Hide tool in the shortcut menu appeared.
Similarly, to hide the load symbols, right-click on the load name listed under the External
Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Hide tool in the shortcut
menu appeared.

4. After creating the Iso plot and reviewing the portions of the model where the von Mises stress
is between the 30 N/mm^2 (MPa) and 60.388 N/mm^2 (MPa), click on the Clipping on/off
button in the Options rollout of the Iso Clipping PropertyManager to turn off the display of Iso
plot. This button is used to turn on and off the display of Iso plot in the graphics area.

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.

Section 15: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results are saved in the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 2.
 140 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Case Study 3: Static Analysis of a Symmetrical Model

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In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a symmetrical model shown in Figure 3.88
and determine the stress under a uniformly distributed load.

3.88

Project Description
The model is fixed at its two holes and the 65200 Newton load is applied on its top face, see
Figure 3.89. The model is made up of AISI 1035 Steel (SS) material.

3.89

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study on half of the model and obtain the results for the
complete model. In the study, you will generate the high quality curvature-based mesh with
the maximum element size 3 mm and the minimum element size 0.5 mm. Also, determine the
stress, displacement, strain, and factor of safety of the model under the applied load. You will
also animate the stress distribution on the model. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with
displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 141

Learning Objectives

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In this case study, you will learn the following:

1. Downloading Files of Chapter 3

2. Opening the Model
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Defining Units
5. Assigning the Material
6. Splitting the Model
7. Applying the Fixture
8. Applying the Load
9. Generating the Mesh
10. Running the Analysis
11. Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results
12. Animating the Stress Distribution on the Model
13. Defining the Factor of Safety
14. Saving Results

Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 3
1. Download the files of this chapter, if not downloaded earlier by logging to the CADArtifex
website (www.cadartifex.com). The path to download files is SOLIDWORKS Simulation >
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies. Note that if you are a new
user, first you need to register on CADArtifex website as a student to download the files.

2. Save the unzipped C03 Case Studies file in the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > C03
Case Studies of the local drive of your system. You need to create these folders, if not created
earlier.

NOTE If you have downloaded the C03 Case Studies file of this chapter in the earlier case studies
and saved it in the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies then you can skip
the steps 1 and 2 mentioned above.

Section 2: Opening the Model

1. Double-click on the SOLIDWORKS icon on your desktop to start SOLIDWORKS, if not already
started.

2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or click on the Open tool in the Standard
toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.

3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case
Study 3 of the local drive of your system. Next, select the Symmetrical Model and then click on
the Open button in the dialog box. The Symmetrical Model is opened in SOLIDWORKS, see
Figure 3.90.
Evaluation Chapters provided by CADArtifex are for review only - www.cadartifex.com 142 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3.90

Section 3: Starting the Static Study

1. Click on the Simulation tab in the Simulation CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation
CommandManager appear, see Figure 3.91.

3.91

NOTE If the Simulation tab is not added in the CommandManager then you need to add it as
discussed earlier.

2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Study PropertyManager
appears at the left of the graphics area.

3. Make sure that the Static button is activated in the Study PropertyManager to perform the
linear static analysis on the model.

4. Enter Symmetrical Static Study in the Study name field of the Name rollout in the
PropertyManager.

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The various tools to perform
the static analysis are enabled in the Simulation CommandManager. Also, the Symmetrical
Static Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 3.92.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 143

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3.92

Section 4: Defining Units

Before you start with the analysis process, it is important to set the units.

1. Click on the Simulation > Options in the SOLIDWORKS Menus. The System Options dialog
box appears.

2. Click on the Default Options tab in this dialog box. The name of the dialog box changes to the
Default Options, see Figure 3.93.

3. Make sure that the Units option is selected in the dialog box and the options to specify the
units appear on the right panel of the dialog box, see Figure 3.93.

4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the dialog box. Next, make sure
that the mm unit is selected in the Length/Displacement drop-down list and the N/mm^2
(MPa) unit is selected in the Pressure/Stress drop-down list of the Units area, see Figure 3.93.

3.93

5. After specifying the units, click on the OK button to accept the change and exit the dialog
box.

Section 5: Assigning the Material

1. Click on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Material dialog box
appears.

2. Expand the Steel category of the SOLIDWORKS Materials library in the Material dialog box
and then select the AISI 1035 Steel (SS) steel material, see Figure 3.94. The material properties
of the selected material appear on the right panel of the dialog box.
Evaluation Chapters provided by CADArtifex are for review only - www.cadartifex.com 144 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3.94

3. Click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the dialog box. The material is assigned
to the model.

Section 6: Splitting the Model

As the model geometry and boundary conditions (fixtures and loads) are symmetric about its
mid plane, you can split the model to perform the analysis on its one half and obtain the results
for the complete model. Performing analysis on the one half of the symmetrical model reduces
the computation time.

1. Click on the Analysis Preparation tab in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on
the Split tool, see Figure 3.95. The Split PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.96.

3.95

3.96
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 145

2. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the upper left corner of the graphics
area and then click on the Right Plane as the plane to split the model, see Figure 3.97.

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3.97

3. Click on the Cut Part button in the Trim Tools rollout of the Split PropertyManager. The
model is divided into two bodies, which are listed in the Resulting Bodies rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 3.98.

4. Select the check box corresponding to the first body in the Resulting Bodies rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 3.98.

5. Select the Consume cut bodies check box in the Resulting Bodies rollout of the
PropertyManager.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The selected body of the
model gets deleted and the model appears similar to the one shown in Figure 3.99.

3.98 3.99
 146 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Section 7: Applying the Fixture

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Now, you need to apply the Fixed and Symmetry fixtures to the model.

1. Invoke the Fixture flyout by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the Fixtures Advisor tool in
the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Fixed Geometry tool, see Figure 3.100.
The Fixture PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.101.

3.100 3.101

2. Select the circular face of the hole to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture. The symbol of the
Fixed Geometry fixture appears on the selected face, see Figure 3.102. Next, click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.

3.102

Now, you need to apply the Symmetry fixture on the cutting face of the model.

3. Invoke the Fixture flyout by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the Fixtures Advisor tool in
the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Advanced Fixtures tool. The Fixture
PropertyManager appears with the expanded Advanced rollout.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 147

4. Click on the Symmetry button in the Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager and then
select the cutting face as the symmetric face of the model in the graphics area. The preview

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of the other symmetric half of the model appears in the graphics area and the symbol of the
Symmetric fixture appears on the selected face, see Figure 3.103.

3.103

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Symmetric fixture is
applied on the selected face of the model.

Section 8: Applying the Load 3.104

Now, you need to apply the load.

1. Invoke the External Loads flyout in the Simulation

CommandManager, see Figure 3.104 and then
click on the Force tool. The Force/Torque
PropertyManager appears.

2. Select the top horizontal face of the model to

apply the load, see Figure 3.105. The symbol of the
load appears on the selected face.

3. Make sure that the Normal radio button is selected

to apply the load normal to the face.

4. Enter 65200 in the Force field of the PropertyManager.

3.105
 148 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The 65200 N load is applied on
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the selected face of the model.

Section 9: Generating the Mesh

As mentioned in the project summary, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with
the maximum element size 3 mm and the minimum element size 0.5 mm.

1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Create Mesh
tool in the shortcut menu appeared to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.

2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on the check box in its
title bar.

3. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh Parameters rollout and
then enter 3 mm as the maximum element size and 0.5 mm as the minimum element size in the
respective fields of the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.106.

3.106

4. Accept the other default mesh parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button .
The Mesh Progress window appears which display the progress of meshing in the model. After
the meshing is complete, the meshed model appears, see Figure 3.107. Note that SOLIDWORKS
Simulation generates mesh with tetrahedral solid elements for solid geometry.

3.107
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 149

Section 10: Running the Analysis

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Now, you need to run the analysis.

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Symmetrical Static
Study (name of the study) window appears which display the progress of analysis.

2. After the process of running the analysis is complete, the Results folder is added in the
Simulation Study Tree with the stress, displacement, and strain results. By default, the Stress
result is activated in the Results folder. As a result, the stress distribution on the model and the
von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.108.

3.108

Section 11: Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results

1. Display the von Mises stress results, if not displayed by default, refer to Figure 3.108. Notice
that the maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load is 4.248e+02 (424.841)
N/mm^2 (MPa) which significantly exceeds the yield strength of the material that is 2.827e+02
(282.685) N/mm^2 (MPa). The yield strength of the material is indicated by the red pointer in
the von Mises stress plot, refer to Figure 3.108. Note that you may find slight difference in the
result values depending on the service pack installed on your system.
 150 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

NOTE When the maximum von Mises stress of the model exceeds the yield strength of the
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material, your design is likely to fail under the applied load. You may need to optimize
the design, validate the boundary conditions (fixtures/loads), or material properties to
make it a valid design to withstand the applied load.

Now, you need to display the stress distribution on the complete model.

2. Right-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Stress plot
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.109.

3.109

3. Make sure that the Definition tab is activated in the PropertyManger. Next, expand its Advanced
Options rollout by clicking on the arrow in its title bar, see Figure 3.110.

4. Select the Display symmetric results check box in the Advanced Options rollout, see
Figure 3.110.

3.110

5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The stress distribution on the
complete model appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.111.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 151

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3.111

6. Similarly, display the displacement and strain results by double-clicking on the respective option
in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. The maximum resultant displacement of the
model under the applied load is 3.387e-01 (0.339) mm and the maximum equivalent strain on
the model is 1.733e-03 (0.002).

Section 12: Animating the Stress Distribution on the Model

Now, you will animate the stress distribution and review the deformed shape of the model.

1. Display the von Mises stress results, if not 3.112

displayed in the graphics area and then
right-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-)
option in the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears. In this
shortcut menu, click on the Animate tool.
The Animation PropertyManager appears,
see Figure 3.112. Also, the animated effects of
the deformed shape of the model starts in the
graphics area with default settings. You can
change the animation settings by using the
PropertyManager.
 152 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

2. To save the animation as AVI file, select the Save as AVI file check box in the PropertyManager.
Next, specify the path to save the file.
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3. After reviewing the animated effects of the deformed shape, click on the green tick-mark button
in the PropertyManager to exit the PropertyManager and save the AVI file in the specified
location.

NOTE By default, the deformed shape of the model does not appear in the true scale. To display
the deformed shape of the model in true scale, you need to edit the plot and select the
True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of the PropertyManager.

Section 13: Defining the Factor of Safety

Now, you need to define the Factor of Safety of the design.

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 3.113.

2. Click on the Define Factor Of Safety Plot tool in the shortcut menu. The Factor of Safety
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.114.

3.113 3.114

3. Select the Display symmetric results option in the Advanced Options rollout of the
PropertyManager to display the results in the complete model.

4. Accept the other default parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Factor of Safety1 (-FOS-) plot is added in the Results folder of the
Simulation Study Tree. Also, the Factor of Safety distribution on the model and the its plot
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.115.
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3.115

Notice that the minimum Factor of Safety of the model is 6.654e-01 (0.665), which indicates
that the failure of model is likely under the design load. The Factor of Safety is the ratio of the
allowable stress to the actual stress.

NOTE The Factor of Safety equal to 1 indicates that the stress is exactly at the allowable limit
and the model can withstand only the design load. The Factor of Safety less than 1
indicates that the failure of the model is likely under the design load, whereas, the Factor
of Safety greater than 1 indicates that the stress is within the allowable limit. Greater the
Factor of Safety, stronger the design. However, the greater Factor of Safety sometimes
leads to over designing of the product.

Section 14: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results are saved in the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 3.
 154 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Case Study 4: Static Analysis of a Torispherical Head with Shell Elements

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In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a Torispherical Head with shell elements
shown in Figure 3.116 and determine the stress under a uniformly distributed pressure.

3.116

Project Description
The torispherical head is fixed at its top face and the 500 psi pressure is uniformly distributed
along its inner faces, see Figure 3.117. The model is made up of Alloy Steel (SS) material.

3.117

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study on the torispherical head having uniform thickness
18 mm. As the torispherical head having uniform thickness, you need to mesh the model with
shell elements which help reducing the computational time without compromising the quality
of results. You need to generate the high quality curvature-based mesh with the maximum
element size 50 mm and the minimum element size 1 mm. Also, determine the stress,
displacement, strain, and factor of safety of the model under the applied pressure. Specify the
unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in PSI units.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 155

Learning Objectives

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In this case study, you will learn the following:

1. Starting the Static Study

2. Defining Shell Elements for 3D Solid Geometry
3. Defining the Fixture, Pressure, and Material
4. Generating the Mesh with Shell Elements
5. Displaying Mesh Details
6. Running the Analysis
7. Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results
8. Defining the Factor of Safety
9. Saving Results

Section 1: Starting the Static Study

1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Torispherical Head model from the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 4.

NOTE You need to download the C03 Case Studies file which contains the files of this chapter
by logging to the CADArtifex website (www.cadartifex.com), if not downloaded earlier.
If you are a new user, first you need to register on CADArtifex website as a student to
download the files.

2. When the Torispherical Head model is open in SOLIDWORKS, click on the Simulation tab in
the Simulation CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation CommandManager appear,
see Figure 3.118.

3.118

NOTE If the Simulation tab is not added in the CommandManager then you need to add it as
discussed earlier.

3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Study PropertyManager
appears at the left of the graphics area.

4. Make sure that the Static button is activated in the Study PropertyManager to perform the
linear static analysis on the model.
 156 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

5. Enter Torispherical Head Study in the Study name field of the Name rollout in the
PropertyManager.
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6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The various tools to perform
the static analysis are enabled in the Simulation CommandManager. Also, the Torispherical
Head Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree.

Section 2: Defining Shell Elements for 3D Solid Geometry

As mentioned in the project summary, the torispherical head has uniform thickness and you
need to define shell elements for meshing it.

NOTE When you perform an analysis on a model, SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically

identifies the type of geometry (3D solid, 2D, or 1D line) and generates mesh elements
accordingly. For example, it generates tetrahedral solid elements for 3D solid geometry,
triangular shell elements for 2D geometry, and beam elements for 1D line geometry.
However, you can change the type of geometry. For example, if a 3D model is having
uniform thickness, you can change its geometry type from 3D solid to 2D geometry for
meshing it with triangular shell elements. It helps in reducing the computational time
without affecting the results.

1. Right-click on the Torispherical Head (name of the model) in the Simulation Study Tree. A
shortcut menu appears, see Figure 3.119.

2. Click on the Define Shell By Selected Faces tool in the shortcut menu, see Figure 3.119. The
Shell Definition PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.120.

3.119 3.120
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 157

Tip: The options in the Type rollout of the Shell Definition PropertyManager are used to define

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the type of 2D geometry (thin, thick, or composite) for representing the 3D model. The Thin
radio button of this rollout is used to define the thin 2D geometry when the 3D model has
thickness-to-span ratio equal to or less than 0.05. The Thick radio button is used to define
the thick 2D geometry when the 3D model has thickness-to-span ratio more than 0.05. The
Composite radio button is used to define the composite 2D geometry having multiple layers
of different materials. This radio button is used when the 3D model has multiple layers of
different materials. On selecting the Composite radio button, the Composite Options rollout
appears in the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.121. The options in this rollout are used to
define the arrangement of different material layers as symmetric or unsymmetrical to the
mid plane of the geometry, or the sandwich type arrangement. You can also define the same
material for all the material layers by selecting the All Plies Same Material check box in this
rollout. The Total Plies field of this rollout is used to define the number of layers of materials.
The Rotate 0 Reference check box is used to set the layers rotational angle to 0-degree. By
default, it is set to 90-degree. The Thickness, Angle, and Material columns of the Table in
this rollout are used to specify the thickness, angle, and material of a layer by double-clicking
on the respective fields.

3.121

3. Make sure that the Thin radio button is selected in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager.

4. Select the inner faces (three faces) of the model. The color of the selected faces changes in the
graphics area, see Figure 3.122.

5. Enter 18 in the Shell thickness field of the PropertyManager as the thickness of the geometry.

Tip: When you perform an analysis on a sheet metal component, SOLIDWORKS Simulation
automatically identifies it as a 2D geometry and the thickness is automatically extracted
from the sheet metal component. On the other hand, for surface component, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation automatically identifies it as a 2D geometry, but you need to define the thickness
manually, as discussed in the above steps.
 158 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

6. Expand the Offset rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on the arrow in its title bar, see
Figure 3.123.
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3.122 3.123

7. By default, the Middle surface button is activated in the Offset rollout. As a result, the
selected faces of the model are used as middle faces of the model and the thickness is added
symmetrically on both the sides. Click on the Bottom surface button in this rollout to add
the thickness on the outer side of the selected faces of the model.

8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The 2D geometry (shell) is defined
with the specified thickness and the geometry type is updated in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 3.124.

3.124

Section 3: Defining the Fixture, Pressure, and Material

Now, you need to apply the fixture and the pressure on the geometry.

1. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Fixed
Geometry tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.

2. Select the inner circular edge of the model to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 3.125.
It is because you have defined the 2D geometry by selecting the inner faces of the model. Next,
click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 159

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3.125

After applying the fixture, you need to apply the pressure.

3. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Pressure tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Pressure PropertyManager appears.

4. Make sure that the Normal to selected face radio button is selected in the PropertyManager.

5. Select the Psi option in the Unit drop-down list of the Pressure Value rollout in the
PropertyManager as the unit of the pressure.

6. Enter 500 in the Pressure Value field of the PropertyManager.

7. Select the inner faces (three faces) of the model to apply the uniformly distributed pressure of
500 psi, see Figure 3.126.

3.126

8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The uniformly distributed pressure
of 500 psi is applied on the inner faces of the model.
 160 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Now, you need to define the material of the geometry.

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9. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation
CommandManager and then apply the Alloy Steel (SS) material. Next, close the dialog box.

Section 4: Generating the Mesh with Shell Elements

As mentioned in the project summary, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with
the maximum element size 50 mm and the minimum element size 1 mm.

1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Create Mesh
tool in the shortcut menu appeared to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.

2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager.

3. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh Parameters rollout and
then enter 50 mm as the maximum element size and 1 mm as the minimum element size in the
respective fields of the PropertyManager.

4. Accept the other default mesh parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button .
The Mesh Progress window appears. After the meshing is complete, the 2D meshed geometry
with shell elements appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.127.

3.127

NOTE As the geometry of the model is defined as 2D geometry, SOLIDWORKS Simulation

automatically meshes the geometry with shell elements.

Section 5: Displaying Mesh Details

After generating the mesh, you can display the mesh details.

1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Details tool in
the shortcut menu appeared. The Mesh Details window appears, see Figure 3.128. This window
displays the mesh details such as mesh type, mesher used, maximum element size, minimum
element size, mesh quality, total number of nodes, and the total number of elements.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 161

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3.128

Section 6: Running the Analysis

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Torispherical Head
Study (name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis. When it is
complete, the Results folder is added in the Simulation Study Tree with the stress, displacement,
and strain results. By default, the Stress result is activated. As a result, the stress distribution on
the model and the von Mises stress plot appear, see Figure 3.129.

3.129
 162 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

NOTE By default, the deformed shape on the geometry is not appeared in its actual shape. To
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display the actual deformed shape, right-click on a result (stress, displacement, and
strain) in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the
shortcut menu appeared to invoke the respective PropertyManager. Next, select the
True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of the PropertyManager and then
click on the green tick-mark button to close the PropertyManager. Figure 3.130 shows
the deformed shape of the geometry with stress distribution in the true scale.

3.130

Section 7: Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results

1. Display the stress, displacement, and strain results of the model by double-clicking on the
respective option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.

Notice that the maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied pressure is 3.367e+02
(336.692) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is considerably within the yield stress of the material that
is 6.204e+02 (620.422) N/mm^2 (MPa). The maximum resultant displacement of the model
under the applied pressure is 2.721e+00 (2.721) mm and the maximum equivalent strain on the
model is 1.032e-03 (0.00103).

NOTE You may find a slight difference in the result values depending on the service pack installed
on your system.

Section 8: Defining the Factor of Safety

Now, you need to define the Factor of Safety of the design.

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 3.131.

2. Click on the Define Factor Of Safety Plot tool in the shortcut menu. The Factor of Safety
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.132.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 163

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3.131 3.132

3. Accept the default parameters and then click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Factor of Safety1 (-FOS-) plot is added in the Results folder of the
Simulation Study Tree. Also, the Factor of Safety distribution on the model and the its plot
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.133.

3.133
 164 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Notice that the minimum Factor of Safety of the model is 1.293e+00 (1.293), which indicates
that the model is safe and can withstand the applied pressure. The Factor of Safety is the ratio
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of the allowable stress to the actual stress.

NOTE The Factor of Safety equals to 1 indicates that the stress is exactly at the allowable limit
and the model can withstand only the design load. The Factor of Safety less than 1
indicates that the failure of the model is likely under the design load, whereas, the Factor
of Safety greater than 1 indicates that the stress is within the allowable limit. Greater the
Factor of Safety, stronger the design. However, the greater Factor of Safety sometimes
leads to over designing of the product.

Section 9: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results are saved in the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 4.

Case Study 5: Static Analysis of a Weldment Frame with Beam Elements

In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a Weldment Frame with beam elements,
see Figure 3.134 and determine the stress under a uniformly distributed load.

Project Description
All the legs of the Weldment Frame are fixed at its bottom and the 48000 N load is uniformly
distributed along all the beams of the top frame, see Figure 3.135. The model is made up of Plain
Carbon Steel material.

3.134 3.135

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study on the Weldment Frame and determine the stress,
displacement, and factor of safety of the model under the applied load. Also, you need to
determine the axial stress, bending stress, and the bending moment diagram for an inclined
member in the local directions 1 and 2.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 165

Learning Objectives

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In this case study, you will learn the following:

1. Starting the Static Study

2. Defining Beam Joints
3. Defining the Material, Fixture, and Load
4. Generating the Mesh with Beam Elements
5. Running Analysis and Displaying Results
6. Displaying the Axial and Bending Stress Plots
7. Displaying the Bending Moment Diagram
8. Saving Results

Section 1: Starting the Static Study

1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Weldment Frame model from the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 5.

NOTE You need to download the C03 Case Studies file which contains the files of this chapter
by logging to the CADArtifex website (www.cadartifex.com), if not downloaded
earlier.

2. After the Weldment Frame model is open in SOLIDWORKS, click on the Simulation tab in the
Simulation CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation CommandManager appear.

3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Study PropertyManager
appears at the left of the graphics area.

4. Make sure that the Static button is activated in the Study PropertyManager.

5. Enter Weldment Frame Study in the Study name field and then click on the green tick-mark
button in the PropertyManager. The Weldment Frame Study is added in the Simulation
Study Tree, see Figure 3.136. Also, the joints appear on the members of the frame in the graphics
area, see Figure 3.137.

3.136 3.137
 166 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Notice that the joints appeared on the members in the graphics area are of two color: magenta
and yellow. A magenta joint is connected to two or more than two members, whereas a yellow
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joint is connected to a single member only and represents open end connection. You need to
fix the yellow joints by applying fixtures or connect them with the other members manually to
prepare the structure for analysis.

Tip: When you expand the Weldment Frame > Cut list folders in the Simulation Study Tree, you
will notice that the members of the frame are represented by beam icons, refer to Figure 3.136.
It is because, SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically identifies the members of the
weldment structure as beam members (1D line) and calculates the number of joints in the
structure. In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, beam members automatically mesh with beam
elements. However, you can also treat a beam member of the structure as a solid body to
mesh it with solid tetrahedral elements. For doing so, right-click on the beam member in
the respective sub-folders of the Weldment Frame folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Treat as Solid tool in the shortcut menu appeared. Similarly, you can treat
a solid body as a beam member by selecting the Treat as Beam tool in the shortcut menu
which appeared on right-clicking on the solid body.

Section 2: Defining Beam Joints

SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically calculates the joints between the end-to-end
connected members of the structure. You can edit the calculated beam joints or recalculate
them.

1. Right-click on the Joint group option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit
tool in the shortcut menu appeared, see Figure 3.138. The Edit Joints PropertyManager appears,
see Figure 3.139.

3.138 3.139
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 167

By default, the All radio button is selected in the Selected Beams rollout of the PropertyManager.
As a result, the joints between all the end-to-end connected beam members of the structure are

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calculated. However, on selecting the Select radio button, you need to select the members of
the structure between which you want to calculate the joints. Note that in the Treat as joint for
clearance area of the PropertyManager, the equal to zero (touching) radio button is selected,
by default. As a result, the joints are calculated between end-to-end touching members, by
default. However, on selecting the less than radio button, you need to specify a clearance value
in the field enabled below this radio button to create joints between the members which are
within the specified clearance value.

2. Accept all the default parameters and then click on the Calculate button in the PropertyManager.
The joints between the members are calculated and appear in the Results rollout of the
PropertyManager.

3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Simulation window
appears, click on the OK button in this window.

Section 3: Defining the Material, Fixture, and Load

Now, you need to define the material, fixtures, and load on the structure.

1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation
CommandManager and then apply the Plain Carbon Steel material. Next, close the dialog
box.

Now, you need to define the fixtures.

2. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Fixed
Geometry tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.

3. Select the yellow joints (four) which appear at the bottom of each leg (four legs) of the structure,
see Figure 3.140. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed
Geometry fixtures are applied on the joints of the four legs of the structure, see Figure 3.140.

3.140
 168 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Now, you need to apply the load.

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4. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Force tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 3.141.

3.141

By default, the Vertices, Points button is activated in the Selection rollout of the
PropertyManager. As a result, you can select vertices and points of the structure members to
apply the load. On selecting the Joints button , you can select the beam joints to apply the
load, whereas on selecting the Beams button , you can select the beams of the structure to
apply the load.

5. Click on the Beams button in the Selection rollout of the PropertyManager.

6. Select the top horizontal beams (four beams) of the structure one by one. The names of
the selected beams appear in the field of the Selection rollout in the PropertyManager, see
Figure 3.142.

7. Click on the Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field of the Selection rollout in the PropertyManager,
see Figure 3.142.

3.142
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 169

8. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree which is now at the top left corner of the graphics
area, see Figure 3.143 and then click on the Top Plane as the reference plane to define the

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direction of force.

9. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the PropertyManager and then
enter 48000 as the load magnitude, see Figure 3.144.

3.143 3.144

10. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout to reverse the direction of force in
the downward direction.

11. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The specified load is applied on
the selected beams.

Section 4: Generating the Mesh with Beam Elements

1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Create Mesh
tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Mesh Progress window appears and the process of
meshing the structure starts. Once it is complete, the meshing is created with beam elements,
which are represented by hollow cylinders in the graphics area, see Figure 3.145.

3.145
 170 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

NOTE SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically meshes the weldment structure with beam
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elements.

Section 5: Running Analysis and Displaying Results

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Weldment Frame
Study (name of the study) window appears which displays the progress of analysis. When
it is complete, the Results folder is added in the Simulation Study Tree with the stress and
displacement results. By default, the Stress result is activated. As a result, the stress distribution
on the model and the Upper bound axial and bending plot appear, see Figure 3.146.

3.146

2. To display the resultant displacement, click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the
Simulation Study Tree.

Section 6: Displaying the Axial and Bending Stress Plots

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Define
Stress Plot tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Stress Plot PropertyManager appears.

2. Select the Axial option in the Beam Stress drop-down list of the Definition tab in the
PropertyManager and then click on the green tick-mark button. The axial stress plot appears
in the graphics area, see Figure 3.147. Notice that the maximum axial stress (tensile value) is
1.368e+00 (1.368) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is relatively low.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 171

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3.147

3. Similarly, you can display the bending stress in direction 1 and direction 2 by selecting the Upper
bound bending in Dir 1 and Upper bound bending in Dir 2 options, respectively, in the Beam
Stress drop-down list of the Definition tab in the Stress plot PropertyManager.

Section 7: Displaying the Bending Moment Diagram

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Define
Bending Diagrams tool in the shortcut menu appeared. The Beam Diagrams PropertyManager
appears.

2. Select the Moment about Dir1 option in the Component drop-down list of the Definition tab
in the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.148.

3.148
 172 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

3. Select the Select radio button in the Selected Beams rollout of the PropertyManager and then
select the front right inclined beam to display its bending moment diagram. Next, click on the
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green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The bending moment diagram of the selected
beam in the local direction 1 appears in the graphics area, see Figure 3.149.

3.149

4. Similarly, you can display the bending moment diagram of a beam in the local direction 2.

Section 8: Saving Results

Now, you need to save the results.

1. Click on the Save tool in the Standard toolbar. The model and its results saved in the location >
SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 5.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 173

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Static Analysis of a Beam Support

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Perform the linear static analysis of a Beam Support, see Figure 3.150 and determine the stress,
displacement, strain, and factor of safety under a uniformly distributed load.

3.150

Project Description
The Beam Support is fixed at its both sides bottom faces and the 12000 N load uniformly
distributed along its top middle face, see Figure 3.151. The model is made up of Alloy Steel (SS)
material.

3.151

Project Summary
Run a static study on the Beam Support mode. You need to generate the high quality
curvature-based mesh with the maximum element size 5 mm and the minimum element size
1 mm. Also, determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor of safety of the model under
the applied load. Also, animate the displacement distribution on the model in a true scale.
Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa)
units.
 174 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

Hands-on Test Drive 2: Static Analysis of a Bearing House

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Perform the linear static analysis of a Bearing House, see Figure 3.152 and determine the stress,
displacement, strain, and factor of safety under a sinusoidal distribution bearing load.

3.152

Project Description
The Bearing House is fixed at its bottom face and the 48500 N load sinusoidal distributed along
the lower half circular face of the model in the Y-direction, see Figure 3.153. The model is made
up of AISI 304 steel material.

3.153

Project Summary
Run a static study on the Bearing House. You need to generate the high quality curvature-based
mesh with default mesh parameters. Also, determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor
of safety of the model under the applied load. Also animate the displacement distribution on
the model in true scale. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and
stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.

Hint: To apply the bearing load, you need to select a coordinate system which defines the direction of
load. Note that the Z-axis of the coordinate system must be aligned with the axis of cylindrical face
selected for applying the load.
 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: A Power Guide > 175

Summary

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In this chapter, you have performed linear static analysis of various case studies. In the Case Study 1,
you have learned how to perform multiple static studies on a model with different meshes and how to
compare the results of both the studies. While preparing the model of the analysis, you have learned
how to define default units and results settings, material properties, fixtures, and loads. Also, you have
learned about examining different results such as stress, displacement, strain, 1st principal stress, and
annotating the maximum and minimum stress areas of the model under the applied load.

In the Case Study 2, you have learned how to apply the mesh control on an area where the high
stresses are located and compare the difference in the results, before and after applying the mesh
control. In addition to examining the stress, strain, and displacement results, you have also learned
how to create the Iso plot to display a user-defined range of stresses in the portions of the model.

In the Case Study 3, you have learned how to perform the static study on one half of a symmetrical
model and obtain the results for the complete model. You have also learned about examining different
results such as stress, displacement, and strain under the applied load. Besides, you have learned
how to animate the deformed shape of the model with stress distribution and how to define the
factor of safety of the design.

In the Case Study 4, you have learned how to define shell elements for a 3D solid geometry and
generate the mesh with shell elements. Also, you have learned how to display the mesh details such
as number of nodes and elements in the mesh. Besides, you have learned about examining different
results such as stress, displacement, strain, and factor of safety under the applied pressure on the
model.

In the Case Study 5, you have learned how to perform the static analysis on a weldment structure
with beam elements. While preparing the structure for analysis, you have learned how to define the
beam joints, material properties, fixtures, and loads and how to generate mesh with beam elements.
Besides, you have learned about examining different results such as axial and bending stresses on
the structure members under the applied load and how to define the bending moment diagram for
a beam member.

Questions
• The ________ and ________ check boxes of the Stress plot PropertyManager are used to
annotate the maximum and minimum stresses in the model.

• The ________ tool is used to apply the mesh control where the high stresses are located in
the model.

• You can save the animation of a result in the ________ file format.

• The ________ less than 1 indicates that the failure of the model is likely under the design
load.
 176 Chapter 3 > Case Studies of Static Analysis

• In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the ________ elements are generated in meshing a 3D solid

geometry.
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• On performing an analysis on a ________ or a ________ component, SOLIDWORKS

Simulation identifies it as a 2D geometry and generates mesh with shell elements.

• The ________ joints in beam members represent connection with two or more than two
members and the ________ joints represent connection with single member only.

• The ________ tool is used to define the bending moment diagram of a beam.

• The ________ tool is used to display the user-defined range of stresses in the portions of the
model.

• The Shell Definition PropertyManager is used to define the 2D geometry as ________,

________, and ________.

• The ________ tool is used to compare the results of multiple studies.

• The ________ tool is used to run the current analysis study.