TRAINING SolidWorks Simulation intercad wz enerSolidWorks Student Survey In conjunction with your local reseller, we at SolidWorks Corporation are continually striving to improve the quality of our taining material courses, and delivery. We know that the best way to gauge our progress is to get direct feedback from you immediately after your training experience, Completing the survey will take less than 3 minutes and will provide information that will help drive the direction of the course material and its presentation, When you have completed the course through your local reseller please set your interet browser tothe following URL: www.solidworks.com/tmsurvey. In the box labeled ‘Training Manual Serial Number, please enter 26124001240-ENGO025 We appreciate your assistance in helping us to improve the overall educational experience that we deliver in conjunction with your reseller, Dia David Pancoast ‘Training Manager, SolidWorks Corporation COUN 52612400SolidWorks® 2012 SolidWorks Simulation Dassault Systdmes SolidWorks Corporaton 175 Wyman Steet ‘Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 USA{S407520 Da Sys Sens Capron» ‘iti, Sa 0851 USA, Al nema reaed Teter ate ptr get seer Soi Ss Slee Cperson tn ‘une es ie aan DS Ses Tecepeccraless apes trteiee Restneines rapists Soe eect en Sa eeeeesreet emma Soy Stier see Sa Sw Inching wares inte lees sgremen. Pt AOS Se EP Ini16,90 end JP 3.817.863), aoe eevee tan ves OS lence Temata and Product Names for Salwar Prod snd Sonia Sets 3 Fagen 3D Cone tacoma Festa joy ow bee ‘Became cad ‘Chere, feta Xe Woks SConlacais Poeun Fotue¥nseteireent of ome Ser Sos ese Meas Sit sting Peesonal an Soon Ctr bdr prot one tants oped amt Sys tae COMMERCIAL COMPUTER SOFTWARE — ‘The Soars 6 some” tht rm ied PsP a (Ser coating a oon ‘Eecumenaon ss such rs are ed $8 CER 12212 SEF nf pices et a sol eee CER fa; = ‘Blase coniston with ie ples fork na CF. San GNIS andar sess GUN, Ingest youre ust pany apc fe UStgoremmenoprovde Str peo st oe above, oa il nt 08 Sai of he Secs ATES Saves ee) a, Contairhdancte isd Seces Sion Cera 173 Wyo rset aan, ‘Gopyrght Notices for SokdWorks Standar, Fret, rofessionl ana Eaocoton Potts orion of his stare 1986-201 leans Prods iegeieNanagamea Somare ne All sr, isa conig he long sae ome ty (D-Cates™"2D DCM © 291 Sones Sofare ined Al Righr Reseed Sofware Linted AI Rights Resewed. Cinied allRighs Reeves ‘eabed™ CDM € 2011, Siemens Ids Sofie Cine Al Rigs Reed Cubed AE O20, Sens Indy Sore Tipit aligns Ree, Paci ft are © 1998-21] Gene i tin th atte © 19962011 Mice spanning eee Pac fis stare rcpt PX by NVIDIA Siem aon tin tie sofivre ©2001-2011 Lalo ne Al Fikes pac pee Patan of i ofare ©2007-2011 Drivers Li ‘Caps 1984-2010 Adobe Stn I nd ese ‘NR ered Prey Une 099 Soda: gia aot asehsth-acs9s5i 654580 panes pig ‘Aebehe Ado ge Aco the Ade PDF gs, Bead Render gare atcoars rama cf Adobe Sytean inte Sand oe cate Foemore Sais copra formation ep > ‘ou Songer oe enya Notices or SokeWorks Simulation etn fie sate ©2008 Sven Coron CGLSE © 1982010 Conpetonl pps ad Copyright Notices for Enterprise POM Product Ouse Viewer Teena. © 19922010 Once Ferien hig soar © 19962011 Miao cipro Alphas ‘Copyright Notices for Drawings Products Pores his sofa © 20002011 Tech Sf 2. Partin ftir © 1995.1988 JLo Gall a Sinkadier te Poin oft oh © 198-201 3Beonaln, Pui th are © 998-2011 Open Desan Dizi ened atin oft ata © 1995-2010 Spi Copmon Teesnware ste in pron he work of the nde. Tea,Introduction About This Course .- Prerequisites : Course Design Philosophy Using this Book Laboratory Exercises About the Training Files Windows® XP . Conventions Used in this Book Use of Color ........+. What is Solid Works Simulation? What Is Finite Element Analysis? Build Mathematical Model Defeaturing Idealization .- Clean-up Build Finite Element Model Solve Finite Element Model Analyze Results Errors in FEA ContentsContents Lesson 1: ‘The Analysis Process Finite Elements Element Types Available in SolidWorks Simulation. First Order Solid Tetrahedral Elements ‘Sevond Order Solid Tetrahedral Elements First Order Triangular Shell Elements Second Order Triangular Shell Elements Beam Elements - 7 ‘Choosing Between Sold and Shell Elements. Draft vs. High Solid and Shell Elements Degrees of Freedom . Calculations in FEA Interpretation of FEA Results... Principal Stresses: Pl, P2, and P3 Units of Measurement Limitations of SolidWorks Simulation Linear Material Small Structural Deformations Static Loads Summary Objectives ....-...- ‘The Analysis Process ‘Stages in the Process. Case Study: Stress in a Plate Project Deseription SolidWorks Simulation Interface SolidWorks Simulation Options Plot Setings : Preprocessing "New Study” Assigning Material Properties Fixtures inure Types... Display/Hide Symbols External Loads Size and Color of Symnbols Preprocessing Summary Meshing ec ‘Curvature Based Mesh Mesh Density Element Sizes Minimum Number of Elements in a Circle Ratio... Mesh QualitySotaworks 2042 Lesson 2: Postprocessing . Result Pots Editing Plots Nodal vs. Element Stresses, ‘Show as Tensor Plot Option Modifying Result Pots. Other Plot Controls Other Plots Multiple Studies Creating New Studies Copy Parameters. ‘Check Convergence and Accuracy. Results Summary Compatiton With Anica! Rents Reports Summary References. Questions Exercise 1: Bracket Exercise 2: Compressive Spring Stites Exercise 3: Container Handle Mosh Controls, Stress Concentrations and Boundary Conditions Objectives Mesh Contral ‘Case Study: The L Bracket Project Description ‘Stages in the Process Run All Studies. Analysis with Local Mesh Refinement. Mesh Contes Results, Results Comparison Stress Singularities Case Study: Analysis of Bracket with a Fillet . Case Study: Analysis ofa Welded Bracket, . Understanding the Fifect of Boundary Conditions Conclusion . Summary Questions : Exercise 4: C-bracket Exercise 5: Bone Wrench Exercise 6: Foundation Bracket 103, 19Contents ‘Sotiorks 2012 Lesson ‘Assembly Analysis with Contacts Objectives 29 Contact Analysis. ..2.... ceca Bo Case Study: Pliers with Global Contact 130 Project Description . . 130 ‘Stages in the Pracess. : Bo Applying Materials to Assemblies G1 Component Contact ..2.2.+.2e+.000+ 132 Component Contact: Options 133, ‘Component Contaet: Default setting... 134 Component Contact: Hierarchy and Conflicts -...2...0...2. 134 Viewing Assembly Results. 1B? mn oe ae Handle Contact 138 Required Forces... e000 139 Pliers with Local Contact 39 Local Contact 140 Local Contact Types Su No Penetration Locel Contact Options. 142 ‘No Penetration Local Contact: Accuracy... 143 ‘No Penetration Local Contact: Remarks M3 Contact Stresses ee 145, Summary. as Questions 146 Exercise 7: Two Ring Assembly ...- fect MT Lesson 4: ‘Symmetrical and Free SeitEquilbrated Assorbites Objectives : 151 Shrink Fit Parts... 132 Case Suudy: Shrink FIC as Project Description 132 Symmetry... ee — 132 Stages inthe Proce. isl Defeaturing.......- 5 : 153 Rigid Body Mode .- iss Shrink Fit Contact Condition 156 Plot Results in Local Coordinate System... 158 Cylindrical Coordinate Systems... : 158 Saving All Plots 162 ‘What's Wrong Feature 22.2020... cieeeeee 2162Soliaorks 2012 ‘contents ‘Analysis with Soft Springs cate 162 Soft Springs. 163 Inertial Relief = : 163 ‘Summary . 166 [Exercise 8: Chain Link iG Exereise 9: Chain Link 2 7 182 Lesson 5: Assembly Analysis with Connectors Objectives... 187 Connecting Components. Peoria) Connectors... +. 188 Connector Types. Soi 188 Case Study: Vise Grip Pliers. 190 Project Description 00) Stages inthe Process. : oo 190 Spring Connector Types. 196 Spring Connector Options co 196, PinvBolt Force : 201 Summary. : 203 Exercise 10: Lift Assembly... = 205 Exercise 11: Analysis with Base (optional) cad Exercise 12: Shock Absorber coe 215 Exercise 13: Spot Welds-Solid Mesh 219 Lesson 6: Compatible/incompatible Meshes Objectives... 227 Compatible Incompatible Meshing. 28 Case Study: Rotor... : 28 Project Description : 228 Compatible Mesh... ..s. sss. 229 Incompatible Mesh 232 ‘Automatic Switch o incompatible Mesh... 22 Incompatible Bonding Options. 2234 Discussion, 236 Summary : 236Contents Lesson SolcWorks 2012 Assembly Analysis Mesh Refinement Lesson 8: Objectives Mesh Contol in an Assembly Case Study: Cardan Joint... Problem Statement Part 1: Draft Quality Coarse Mesh Anslysis Remote Load, Bolt Tight ft and Diameter. Bolt Pre-load : Local Contact Sets ‘No Penetration Local Contact Options Rotational and Axial Stiffness Knowledge Base. Part 2: High Quality Mesh Analysis. ....- [Required Number of Solid Elements in Thin Features. Aspect Ratio Plot Jacobian Summary. Questions... Exercise ld: Bolt Connectors Exercise 15: Awning, Analysis of Thin Components Objectives. Thin Components Case Study: Pulley Project Description Part 1: Mesh with Solid Elements. Symmety Fixtures... Pact 2: Refined Solid Mech Solid vs. Shell Creating Shell Elements. Part 3: Shell Elements - Mid-plane Surface .. Thin vs, Thick Shells. Shell Mesh Colors. Changing Mesh Orientation Shell Element Alignment Automatic Shell Surface Re-alignment Applying Symmetry Restraints Deformed Results 237 238 238 29 240 243 Dad 248 248 254 236 259 2260 260 262 268 268 269 23 215 276 276 2 285SolidWorks 2012 Lesson 9: Results Comparison ‘Computational Effort Case Study: Joist Hanger Project Description Summary Questions Exercise 16: Bracket. Exercise 17: Shell Mesh Using Outer/nner Faces. Exercise 18: Spot Welds - Shell mesh .. Exercise 19: Edge Weld Connector [Exercise 20: Container Handle Weld Mixed Meshing Shells & Solids Objectives Mixed Meshing Solids and Shells Bonding Shells and Solids Mixed Mesh: Supported Analysis Types: Case Study: Pressure Vessel Project Description .. Analyze the Assembly Preparing the Model Material : Steel Identification Systems UNS Index Other Indies, Bulk and Shear Moduli Bonding Entities with Clearance Shell Face to Shell Face Bonding. . Shell Edge to Shell Face Bonding Shell Solid Bonded Contact Failure Diagnostics Meshing Small Features ‘Summary Questions Exercise 21: Mixed Mesh Analysis contents 297 1297 208 299 305 307 313 317 318 327 330 3a 341 347 347 349Contents Lesson 10: Mixed Meshing Solids, Beams & Shells Lesson 11: Design Study ‘Objectives: Mixed Meshing Case Study: Particle Separator Project Description Element Choices Beam elements Stages inthe Process. Beam Mesh ‘Beam Joints: Locations Beam Joint Types Section Properties. Connected and Disconnected Joints Sphere Diameter Defining Beam Joint Render Beam Profile. ‘Beam imprint ‘Cross-section Ist and 2nd Directions Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagrams. ‘Summary. aoe Exercise 22: Beam Elements Slendemess ratio. Exercise 23: Cabinet Exercise 24: Frame Rigidity Objectives Design Study Case Study: Suspension Design .- Project Description Suaes inthe Process. Part 1: Multiple Load Cases - Design Studies Parameters. Design Study Results Design Study Options. Part 2: Geometry Modification Design Study Graph ‘Summary. Exercise 25: Design Study Soliorks 2012 359 361 373 375 376 377 378 387 396 417Soltaworks 2012 Lesson 12: ‘Thermal Stress Analysis Lesson 13: ‘Adaptive Meshing Objectives ‘Thermal Stress Analysis. Case Study: Bimetallic Strip Project Description Material Properties .- Importing Temperatures Averaging Stress Question Examining Results in Local Coordinate Systems (Optional) Saving Mode in its Deformed Shape. Summary. Objectives: ‘Adaptive Meshing... Case Study: Support Bracket Project Description .. Geometry Preparation b-Adaptivity Study hn-Adaptivity Options b-Adaptive Plots Convergence Graph : Review h-adaptive Solution Strain Energy Ervor is NOT Stress Error p-Adaptivity Smdy Adaptive Solution Method hays. p Elements Method Comparison hhvs.p Blements - Summary : ‘Which Solution Method is Beter? Summary — ‘contents 3 444 erry 445 438 432 482 433 484 455 435 1461| Solon 2012 Losson 14: Large Displacoment Analysis Objectives 465 Small vs, Large Displacement Anais. 466 Case Study: Clamp : 461 Project Description... 467 Part 1: Small Displacement Linear Analysis... 467 Results Discussion ...- 469 Contact Soltion in Small and Large Displacement Analyses 469, Part 2: Large Displacement Nonlinear Analysis 469 Permanent Deformation a7 SolidWorks Simulation Premium DN Nan Summary 5 an Questions San Appendix ‘Meshing, Solvers, and Tips & Tricks Meshing Strategies . . 414 Geometry Preparation... 00... 44 Defeaturing......- Pas Tdealization a 416 Clean-up... 7 a Mesh Quality ma an ‘Aspect Ratio Check <0... 47 Jacobian Check. : 478 Mesh Controls = 480 ‘Automatic Trials for Solids 2482 ‘Meshing Stages on 482 Trilure Diagnostics... 0.2... 1483 ‘Tips for Meshing Pars ne 484 Tips for Meshing Assemblies... 484 Tips for Using Shell Elements 485 Hardware Considerations in Meshing... 7 486 Solvers in Solid Works Simulation 2487 ‘Choosing @ Solver. . : 487 Appendix B: Customer Help and Assistance Customer Help and Assistance . 490 Werk perennepla BO ee of > ~ D pecmnderder 10! webe Tee ThA pla Here ale. ae ~ entice aplits ip al aba steplacte, RP, Act Sta mod eel oe ee i . Bape site. pe para oN Adee tio © Uses apm a4 i. O38 stl Introduction ped Piste ee CES 24 patel peer Pe Gt es So ee) fen o ae Ted on pr he Cen [a ‘ ' =a 7 ax -ohe ce eS 4B WEE cooly wu eet @ — i mt ee paleo PIRT, eed canTrol + i ott Zale et be eos yii—p by rat iss 1B? al poet Spe wer dat eet ph w J tho Apart daap-leret LT ekleeet fetIntroduction About This Course Prorequisites Course Design Philosophy Recommended Length Using this Book Laboratory Exercises Solidworks 2012 ‘The goal of this course isto teach you how to use the Solid Works. Simulation software to help you analyze static stuctural behavior of -your Solid Works part and assembly models, ‘The focus ofthis course is onthe fundamental skills and concepts central to the suecessl use of Solid Works Simulation 2011. You should view the training course manual as @ supplement to, and not a replacement for, the system documentation and on-line help. Once you have developed a good foundation in basic skills, you ean refer to the on-line help for information on ess frequently used commane! options. Students attending this course are expected to have the following: = Mechanical design experience ‘a Experience with the Windows™ operating system. ‘© Complete the course SolidWorks Essentials ‘= Completed the on-line Solid Works Simulation tutorials that are available under Help. You can access the on-line tutorials by clicking Help, SolidWorks Simulation, Tutorials This course is designed around a process- or task-based approach to training. Rather than focusing on individual features and functions, & process-based training course emphasizes processes and procedures ‘you should follow to complete a particular task. By utilizing ease ‘Studies toillustrate these processes, you Team the necessary commands, ‘options, and menus in the context of completing a design task ‘The minimum recommended length of this eourse is three days. ‘This training manual i intended tobe used in a classroom environment under the guidance of an experienced Solid Works Simulation instructor. It snot intended tobe a selfpaced tutorial, The examples and case studies are designed to be demonstrated “live” by the instructor, ‘There may be slight differences in results in certain lessons due to service pack upgrades, ete Laboratory exercises give you the opportunity to apply and practice the ‘material covered during the lecture/demonstration potion oftheSoidWorks 2012 About the Training Files Windows® xP Conventions Used in this Book ‘A complete set ofthe various files used throughout this course can be ‘downloaded from the Solid Works website, www.solldwarks.com, Click on the link for Support, then Training, then Training Files, hen SolidWorks Simulation Training Files. Select the link for the desired file set. There may be more than one version ofeach file set available Direct URL: wwrw.solidvorks.com/trainingflessimulation ‘The files are supplied in signed, self-extracting executable packages ‘The files are organized by lesson number. The Cage Study folder within each lesson contains te files your instructor uses while presenting the lessons. The Exercises folder contains any files that are Fequited for doing the laboratory exercises. The screen shots in this manual were made using SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation running oa Windows? 7. Ifyou are running on Windows Vista, or XP, you may notice differences inthe appearance of the menus and windows. These differences do not affect the performance ofthe software This manual uses the following typographic conventions: ‘Convention | Meaning ‘Bold Sans Serif | SolidWorks Simulation commands and ‘options appear inthis style. For example, External Loads Advisor > Force -4: means | click the External Loads Advisor ican on the ‘Simulation tab ofthe Command Manager. ‘Typewriter Feature names and file names appear in this style, For example. Fixed Geometry: Double lines precede and follow sections of ae the procedures. This provides separation teP | peices the steps ofthe procedure and large blocks of explanatory text. The steps themselves are numbered in sans serif bol.Introduetion Use of Color Saliaworks 2012 The Solid Works and SolidWorks Simulation use interface make extensive use of color to highlight selected geometry and to provide you with visual feedback. This greatly increases the intitiveness and ‘ease of use of the SolidWorks Simulation software. To take maximum ‘advantage ofthis, the training manuals are printed in full color ‘Also, in many eases, we have Rus Soren used additional color inthe illustrations to communicate ‘concepts, identify features, and ‘otherwise convey important information. For example, we might show the filet areas of @ part ina different color to highlight areas for mesh control, eventhough by default, the Solid Works Simulation software would not display the results in that way. ade SmSoliWorks 2042 What is SolidWorks Simulation? SolidWorks Simulation isa design analysis tool based on a numerical technique called Finite Element Analysis or FEA. SolidWorks ‘Simulation belongs to the family of engineering analysis software products developed by SRAC, now part of SolidWorks Corporation. Established in 1982, SRAC pioneered the implementation of FEA into ‘desktop computing. In 1995, SRAC entered the emerging mainstream FEA software market by partnering with Solid Works Corporation and creating COSMOS Works software, one ofthe frst SolidWorks Gold Produets. COSMOS Works soon became the top-selling, add-in analysis software for Solid Works Corporation. The commercial success of ‘COSMOS Works integrated with SolidWorks CAD software resulted in the acquisition of SRAC in 2001 by Dassault Systemes, the parent company of SolidWorks Corporation. In 2003, SRAC merged with SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOS Works was renamed for 2008 10 SolidWorks Simulation. SolidWorks isa parametric, solid, feature-based CAD system. As ‘opposed to many other CAD systems that were originally developed in a UNIX environment and only later ported to Windows, SolidWorks has, from the very beginning, been developed specifically forthe ‘Windows operating system, SolidWorks Simulation has also been specifically developed forthe Windows operating system Full integration between SolidWorks and Solid Works Simulation is possible because both of the programs are native Windows OS applications. SolidWorks Simulation comes indifferent “bundles”, of applications, ‘designed to best suit the needs of different users. With the exception of SolidWorks SimulationXpress, which is an integral part of SolidWorks, all SolidWorks Simulation bundles ae add-ins, A bret deseription of the capabilities of different bundles is as follows: SolidWorks SimulationXpress ‘The static analysis of ports with simple types of loads and supports SolidWorks Simulation The static analysis of parts and assemblies. SolidWorks Simulation Professional ‘The static, thermal, buckling, frequency, drop test, optimization and fatigue analysis of parts and assemblies. ‘SolidWorks Simulation Premium All capabilities of Solid Works Simulation Professional plus nonlinear and dynamic analyses. In this volume, we introduce Solid Works Simulation through a series of| Fhands-on lessons intermixed with FEA fundamentals, We recommend that you study the lessons in the order presented in the text. As you go through the lessons, note that explanations and steps deseribed in detail in earlier lessons are not repeated laterIntroduction What Is Finite Element Analysis? SolaWorks 2012 Each subsequent lesson assumes familiarity with software functions and the FEA background discussed in previous lessons, Each lesson builds on the skills and experience gained from the previous lessons. Betore we proceed withthe lessons, let us construct a foundation for ‘ur skills in SolidWorks Simulation by taking a closer look at what, Finite Element Analysis ig and how it works. [In mathematical terms, FEA, also known as the Finite Element Method, i a numerical technique of solving field problems described by a set of partial differential equations. Those types of problems are commonly ound in many engineering disciplines, such as machine design, acoustics, electromagnetism, soil mechanies, uid dynamics, and others. In mechanical engineering, FEA is widely used for solving. struetural, vibration, and thermal problems. FEA is not the only tool availabe for numerical analysis. Other ‘numerical methods used in engineering include the Finite Difference Method, Boundary Element Method, or Finite Volumes Method, However, due to its versatility and high numerical efficiency, FEA has ‘come to dominate the software market for engineering analysis, while ‘other methods have been relegated to niche applications. Using FEA, ‘we can analyze any shape, use various ways to idealize geometry and produce results with the desired accuracy. FEA theory, numerical problem formulation, and solution methods become completely transparent to users when implemented into modern commercial software, including Solid Works Simulation. A powerful tool for engineering analysis, FEA is used to solve problems ranging from very simple to very complex. Design engineers use FEA during the product development process to analyze the desiga-in-progress. Time constraints and limited availability of product data call for many simplifiations of the analysis models. At the other ‘end of scale, specialized analysts implement FEA to solve very ‘advanced problems, such as vehicle erash dynamics, meta forming, of snalysis of biostructures.Soliawocks 2012 Introduetion Regardless of the project complexity or the field of application, the fundamental steps in any FEA project are always the same, be it for example a structural, thermal, or acoustic analysis. The stating point for any analysis is the geometric model. In our case, this is @ SolidWorks model of a part or an assembly. To this model, we assign material properties, and define loads and restraints. Next, a always the ‘ase when using a tool based on the method of numerical approximations, we diseretize the model intended for analysis. ‘The discretization process, beter known as meshing, splits the ‘geometry into relatively small and simply-shaped entities, called finite elements. The elements are called “finite” to emphasize the fact that they are not infinitesimally small, but only reasonably small in comparison to the overall model size. When working with finite elements, the FEA solver approximates the ‘wanted solution (for example, deformations or stresses) for the entire ‘model with the assembly of simple solutions for individual elements, From the perspestive of FEA software, each application of FEA requires three steps: Proprocessing ‘The type of analysis (¢g., static, thermal, frequency), material properties, loads and restraints are defined and the model i sp Finite elements Solution ‘Computing the desired results. Postprocessing Analyzing the results ‘We follow the preceding three steps every time we use SolidWorks, Simulation, From the perspective of FEA methodology, we lst the following FEA. steps Building the mathematical modet Building the finite element model Solving the finite element model Analyzing the resultsBuild Mathematical Model Defeaturing Idealization Clean-up, [Analysis with SolidWorks Simulation stats with the geometry represented by SolidWorks model of part or assembly: This ‘geometry must be meshable into a correct and reasonably small, finite clement mesh. By small, we do not refer tothe element size, but the ‘number of elements in the mesh. This requirement of meshability has very important implications. We must ensure that the CAD geometry indeed meshes and that the produced mesh provides the correct solution of the data of interest, such as displacements, stresses, temperature distribution, and soon. ‘Often, but not always, this necessity of meshing requires modifications to the CAD geometry. Such modifications can fake the form of efeaturng, idealization, andor clean-up, described as follows: _Defeaturing refers tothe process of suppressing or removing geometry features deemed insignificant for analysis, such as external fillets, rounds, logos, and soon, dealization presents a more agoressive exercise that may depart from, solid CAD geometry as, for example, when representing thin walls ‘with surfaces, Clean-up is sometimes required because the meshable geometry must satisfy much higher quality requirements than those commonly followed in Solid Modeling. For clean-up, we can use CAD quality- control tools to check for problems, lke sliver faces or multiple entities, that the CAD model could tolerate, but Would make meshing ificult or impossible, 113s important to mention that we do nt abeays simplify the CAD model with te sole objective of making it meshable. Often, we ‘Simplify model that would mesh correctly “ass, but the resulting ‘mesh woul be too large and, consequent, the analysis would run too suvly, Geouteey muietions allow for simpler mesh and shorter computing time Successful meshing depends es much onthe quality of the geometry submitted for meshing as onthe sophistication af the meshing tools implemented inthe FEA software Having prepared a meshable, but not yet meshed, geometry, we define material properties, loads, supports and restraints, and provide information on the type of analysis that we wish o perform.Solidworks 2012 Build Finite Element Model Solve Finite Element Model Analyze Results Introduction This procedure completes the creation of a mathematical model, Note that the process of creating the mathematical model is not FEA specific. FEA has not yet entered the picture, (tresses sr FES ae ua 1 vey se - -ea CAO peomety ova sty cAD_FeAPrerocesing ‘We now split the mathematical mode into finite elements through a process of discretization, better known as meshing, Discretization visually manifests itself as the meshing of geometry. However, loads and supports are also discretized and ater the model has been meshed, the discretized loads and supports are applied to nades ofthe finite element mesh. + ‘ mun - 75% - FEA model FEA recite FEA Pre-pocessing FEASolulon FEA Pestprosesting After creating the finite clement model, we use a solver provided in Solid Works Simulation to produce the desired data of interest ‘The analysis of result is often the most difficult step of ll. The analysis provides very detailed results data, which can be presented in almost any format. Proper interpretation of results requires that we appreciate the assumptions, simplifications, and errors introduced in the fist three steps: building the mathematical model, building the finite element model, and solving the finite element modelIntrodution Errors in FEA Finite Elements Element Types Available i ‘SolidWorks ‘simul 0 Soliaworks 2012 ‘The process of creating a mathematical mode! and diseretizing it into @ finite element model introduces unavoidable errors. Formulation of a ‘mathematical model introduces modeling errors, also called idealization rors, Discretzation of the mathematical model inteoduces discretization errors, and solution introduces numerical Of these three types of errors, only discretization errors are specific to FEA, Therefore, only discretization errors can be controlled using FEA methods, Modeling erors affecting the mathematical model, are introduced before FEA is uilized and can only be controlled by using correct modeling techniques. Solution errors, which are round-ofT crors accumulated by solver, ae difficult o control, but fortunately are usually very low. ‘As we have already sad, the diseetization process, better known as ‘meshing, splits continuous models into finite elements, The type of ‘elements created in tis process depends on the type of geometry meshed, the typeof analysis to be executed, and sometimes on our own preferences SolidWorks Simulation features tetrahedral solid elements for meshing solid geometry, and triangular shell elements for meshing surface geometry, Why are we limited to tetrahedral, and triangular shapes? ‘This is because the automeshers reliably mesh almost any solid or surface geometry using only those shapes of elements. Elements in ‘other shapes, such as hexahedral (brick) elements, cannot be ereated reliably by the present-day automeshers. This imitation is not specific to automeshers used in Solid Works Simulation. A reliable brik ‘element automesher has nat been invented yer Before proceeding, we need o clarity an important terminology issue What in CAD torminology we call solid geometry, in FEA is called volumes. Solid elements are used to mesh those volumes. The term solid has different meanings when itis used as solid geomeary in CAD terminology and when its used as solid element in FEA terminology. Five element types are available in Solid Works Simulation: first order solid tetrahedral elements, second order solid tetrahedral elements, first ‘order triangular shell elements, second order triangular shell elements, and two-node beam elements. The next few paragraphs describe them inthis order. SolidWorks Simulation terminology refers to first order elements as Draft Quality elements and second order elements as High Quality clements.SoliaWorks 2012 First Order Solid Tetrahi Elements Introduction eee ae een aes a aa straight and the faces are flat. These hestaeinen oa "Introduction ‘Second Order Solid Tetrahedral Elements 2 Soliorks 2012 Second order (high quality solid tetrahedral elements model the placements field and, consequently, first rn re gar evetes ote function isa linear function). The second order displacements field ives these elements their name: second order elements Each second order tetrahedral element has ten nodes (our corer nodes and six mi-side nodes) and each node has three degrees of freedom, ‘The edges and faces of second order pe solid elements can assume curvilinear etrmaton shapes ifthe elements need to map to curvilinear geometry and/or during the deformation process when the elements deform under a load. Tina, fe ea ne ets / tocurvilinear geometry as ifstated by SAO the same elbow geometry. Again, for demonstration purposes, excessively large (as compared to ‘the model size) elements are used for this mesh, This mesh isnot sufficiently refined for analysis, even though it uses second order elements that require a significantly ess-refined mesh compared to that for first order elements. [Because oftheir much better mapping capabilites and because of their ability to model the second order displacements field, second order tetrahedral elements are used for the vast majority of analyses with SolidWorks Simulation, even though second order elements are more ‘computationally demanding than first order elements.‘idWorks 2042 First Order Triangular Shell Elements Introduction Analogous to frst order solid elements, first order triangular shell