SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023

A Power Guide for Beginners and

Intermediate Users

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SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023: A Power Guide for Beginners and

Intermediate Users
Author: Sandeep Dogra
Email: [email protected]
Published by
CADArtifex
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Preface
SOLIDWORKS Simulation, a product of Dassault Systemes
SOLIDWORKS Corp., is one of the biggest technology providers to
engineering software solutions that lets you create, simulate, publish,
and manage the data. By providing advanced analysis techniques,
SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps engineers to optimize performance
of products and allows them to cut prototyping cost, create better
and safer products, and save time as well as the development costs.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a Finite Element Analysis tool which
enables critical engineering decisions to be made earlier in the
design process. With this software, engineers have the tools to
easily study the initial design and predict the performance of the
complete digital prototype. The automatic meshing tools of this
software generate mesh with high-quality elements on the first pass.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation makes it possible to quickly validate
design concepts before resources are invested in significant design
changes or new products.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023: A Power Guide for Beginners and
Intermediate Users textbook is designed for instructor-led courses as
well as for self-paced learning. It is intended to help engineers and
designers interested in learning Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using
SOLIDWORKS Simulation. This textbook benefits new
SOLIDWORKS Simulation users and is a great teaching aid in
classroom training. It consists of 10 chapters, with a total of 398
pages covering various types of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) such
as Linear Static Analysis, Buckling Analysis, Fatigue Analysis,
Frequency Analysis, Drop Test Analysis, and Non-linear Static
Analysis.
This textbook covers important concepts and methods used in Finite
Element Analysis (FEA) such as Preparing Geometry, Boundary
Conditions (load and fixture), Element Types, Interactions,
Connectors, Meshing, Mesh Controls, Mesh Check (Aspect Ratio
check and Jacobian check), Adaptive Meshing (H-Adaptive and P-
Adaptive), Iterative Methods (Newton-Raphson Scheme and
Modified Newton-Raphson Scheme), Incremental Methods (Force,
Displacement, or Arc Length), and so on. This textbook not only
focuses on the usage of the tools of SOLIDWORKS Simulation but
also on the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) through
various real-world case studies. The case studies used in this
textbook allow users to solve various real-world engineering
problems by using SOLIDWORKS Simulation step-by-step. Also, the
Hands-on test drives are given at the end of chapters that allow
users to experience themselves the ease-of-use and immense
capacities of SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
Every chapter begins with learning objectives related to the topics
covered in that chapter. Moreover, every chapter ends with a
summary which lists the topics covered in that chapter followed by
questions to assess the knowledge gained.
Who Should Read This Textbook
This textbook is written with a wide range of SOLIDWORKS
Simulation users in mind, varying from beginners to advanced users
and SOLIDWORKS Simulation instructors. The easy-to-follow
chapters of this textbook allow you to easily understand concepts of
Finite Element Analysis (FEA), SOLIDWORKS Simulation tools, and
various types of analysis through case studies.
What Is Covered in This Textbook
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023: A Power Guide for Beginners and
Intermediate Users textbook is designed to help you learn everything
you need to know to start using SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 with
straightforward, step-by-step case studies. This textbook covers the
following topics:
Chapter 1, “Introduction to FEA and SOLIDWORKS Simulation,”
introduces SOLIDWORKS Simulation, various types of analysis,
introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and different phases
of Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Pre-processing, Solution, and
Post-processing. It also explains various terms and definitions used
in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in addition to different types of
elements, the application areas of FEA, system requirements for
installing SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and SOLIDWORKS interface.
Besides, this chapter discusses how to invoke different
SOLIDWORKS documents and how to start with SOLIDWORKS
Simulation.
Chapter 2, “Introduction to Analysis Tools and Static Analysis,” introduces
various assumptions for considering the linear static analysis
problem and how to start with it in SOLIDWORKS Simulation. This
chapter also explains how to define the analysis unit and material
properties for geometry, adding a new material and customizing the
material properties. Besides, it introduces boundary conditions
(fixtures and loads), meshing geometry, and identifying poor quality
mesh elements.
Chapter 3, “Case Studies of Static Analysis,” discusses various case
studies of linear static analysis: 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, and Static Analysis of a Weldment Frame with Beam
Elements.
Chapter 4, “Interactions and Connectors,” discusses various interactions
and connectors available in SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It introduces
how to perform the static analysis of various case studies having
interaction problems: Static Analysis of a Hook Assembly with
Interactions, Static Analysis of a Flange Assembly with Bolt
Connectors, and Static Analysis of an Assembly with Edge Weld
Connectors.
Chapter 5, “Adaptive Mesh Methods,” discusses different Adaptive
meshing methods (H-Adaptive and P-Adaptive) and how to setup an
analysis with them.
Chapter 6, “Buckling Analysis,” introduces the concept of the buckling
analysis and how to perform the buckling analysis of different case
studies: Buckling Analysis of a Pipe Support, Buckling Analysis of a
Beam.
Chapter 7, “Fatigue Analysis,” discusses about the failure of a design
due to fatigue when the design undergoes cyclic loads. It also
introduces how to perform the fatigue analysis.
Chapter 8, “Frequency Analysis,” introduces how to perform the
frequency analysis to calculate the natural/resonant frequencies, the
mode shapes associated to each natural frequency, and the mass
participations in X, Y, and Z directions.
Chapter 9, “Drop Test Analysis,” introduces how to perform the drop
test analysis to calculate the impact of a part or an assembly with a
rigid or flexible floor.
Chapter 10, “Non-Linear Static Analysis,” introduces various
assumptions for considering the non-linear static analysis problems.
It discusses different iterative methods (Newton-Raphson (NR)
scheme and Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) scheme) and
incremental methods (Force, Displacement, and Arc Length) to find
the equilibrium solutions for the non-linear analysis. The chapter also
discusses different types of non-linearities (material non-linearities,
geometric non-linearities, and contact non-linearities) and how to
perform the non-linear analysis of various case studies: Non-Linear
Static Analysis of a Shackle, Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Handrail
Clamp Assembly, and Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilever
Beam.
Some of the Icons/Terms used in this Textbook
The following icons and terms are used in this textbook:
Note
Notes highlight information requiring special attention.
Tip
Tips provide additional advice, which increases the efficiency of the users.
Drop-down List
A drop-down list is a list in which a set of options are grouped
together, see Figure 1.
Rollout
A rollout is an area in which drop-down list, fields, buttons, check
boxes are available to specify various parameters, see Figure 1. A
rollout can either be in an expanded or in a collapsed form. You can
expand or collapse a rollout by clicking on the arrow available on the
right side of its title bar, see Figure 1.
Field
A Field allows you to select entities from the graphics area, see
Figure 1. Also, it allows you to enter a new value or modify an
existing/default value.
Check box
A Check box allows you to turn on or off the uses of a particular
option, see Figure 1.
Flyout
A Flyout is a list in which a set of tools are grouped together, see
Figure 2.

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Chapter 1: Introduction to FEA and SOLIDWORKS Simulation

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Introduction to SOLIDWORKS Simulation
• Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Working with Different Phases of FEA
• Important Terms and Definitions used in FEA
• Different Areas of Application in FEA
• Installing SOLIDWORKS Simulation
• Getting Started with SOLIDWORKS Simulation
• Identifying SOLIDWORKS Documents
• Adding CommandManager Tabs
• Invoking SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Welcome to the world of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) with

SOLIDWORKS Simulation. SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a product
of Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Corp., one of the biggest
technology providers of engineering software solutions that let you
create, simulate, publish, and manage data. By providing advanced
analysis techniques, SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps engineers to
optimize the performance of products and allows them to cut
prototyping cost, create better and safer products, and save time as
well as development costs.
Introduction to SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a Finite Element Analysis software
which enables to arrive at critical engineering decisions early on in
the design process. With the tools of this analysis software,
engineers are enabled to easily study the initial design and predict
the performance of the complete digital prototype. The automatic
meshing tools of this software generate mesh with high-quality
elements on the first pass. It also enables engineers to directly edit
the mesh for accurate placement of loads and constraints, and
simplifies geometry by using its powerful modeling capabilities.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation makes it possible to quickly validate the
design concepts before resources are invested in significant design
changes or new products.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides a wide range of linear and non-
linear materials for better understanding of the real-world behavior of
products; in addition, it provides engineers the knowledge of how a
product will perform in the real-world environment.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is fully integrated with SOLIDWORKS
and supports efficient workflow in today’s multi-CAD environments
by providing direct exchange of geometry with other CAD
applications such as Creo Parametric, CATIA V5, NX (Unigraphic),
Solid Edge, Autodesk Inventor and so on. This feature of
SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps you make iterative design changes
without redefining material, loads, constraints, or other simulation
data when working with the native CAD format. You can also import
geometry of universal file formats such as ACIS®, IGES, STEP, and
STL for solid models as well as import the CDL, DXF™, and IGES
for wireframe models.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides a broad range of simulation
tools to perform various types of analysis, which helps engineers to
integrate product performance knowledge in the early stages of the
design cycle.
The various types of analysis that can be carried out by using
SOLIDWORKS Simulation are discussed below.
Linear Static Analysis
Linear static analysis is used to calculate displacement, strain,
stress, and reaction forces of an object under the impact of applied
load. In linear static analysis, the material properties of an object are
assumed to behave linearly under the impact of applied load and the
object returns to its original configuration once the load has been
removed. Also, the load is assumed to be constant and does not
vary with respect to time. In this analysis, the displacement is
assumed to be smaller due to the applied load.
Frequency Analysis
Frequency analysis is used to calculate the natural or resonant
frequencies and the associated mode shapes of a structure. Natural
or resonant frequency is the frequency of an object at which it
vibrates when disturbed from its rest position. By knowing the natural
frequencies of an object, you can ensure that the actual operating
frequency of the object does not coincide with any of its natural
frequencies to avoid the failure of the object due to resonance.
Buckling Analysis
Buckling analysis is used to calculate the buckling load, which is also
known as critical load, when the model can start buckling, even if
maximum stress developed in the model is within the yield strength
of the material. Buckling refers to occurrence of a larger deformation
due to axial loads exerting on structures such as long slender
columns and thin sheet components.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis is used for calculating the temperature distribution
in an object as a result of conduction, convention, and radiation. It
helps to avoid over-heating and melting conditions. Apart from
calculation of temperature distribution, this analysis also determines
the related thermal quantities such as thermal distribution, amount of
heat loss and gain, thermal gradients, and thermal fluxes.
Drop Test Analysis
Drop test analysis is used for calculating the response of an object
when it is dropped on a rigid or flexible floor.
Fatigue Analysis
Fatigue analysis is used for calculating the stress at which an object
fails, when it undergoes through repeated loading and unloading
conditions which weakens the object after a period of time and
causes failure of the object even at a stress value is within the
allowable stress limit. Using this analysis, you can also predict the
whole life span and total damage of the object due to repeated
loading and unloading conditions.
Non-linear Analysis
Non-linear analysis is used for calculating displacement, stress,
strain, and reaction forces of the non-linear mechanical problems,
which includes large deformation, plasticity, creep and so on. In this
analysis, the material properties of an object are assumed to exceed
its elastic region under the impact of applied load and experience
plastic deformation. This means the object will not return to its
original configuration even after removing the applied load. Non-
linear analysis can undergo static analysis (applied load or field
conditions do not vary with respect to time) and dynamic analysis
(applied load or field conditions vary with respect to time).
Linear Dynamic Analysis
Linear dynamic analysis is used for calculating the response of an
object in dynamic loading environment. In this analysis, the load or
boundary conditions vary with time due to the exertion of sudden
load on an object. Also, the material of the object is assumed to
behave linearly under the impact of the applied load and the object
will return to its original shape once the load has been removed from
the object. This analysis includes oscillating loads, impacts,
collisions, and random loads. The linear dynamic analysis is
classified into four main categories, which are discussed below.
Modal time history
The modal time history analysis is used for analyzing the response
to load as the function of time.
Harmonic
The harmonic analysis is used for analyzing the response of an
object to harmonically time varying loads.
Random vibration
The random vibration analysis is used for calculating maximum
stresses caused due to vibration, which occurs in response to non-
deterministic loads including the loads generated on the wheel of a
car while running on a rough road, base accelerations generated by
earthquakes, pressure generated by air turbulence, and other similar
types of load. In random vibration analysis, the input entered in the
system is in the form of ‘Power Spectral Density (PSD)’, which is
represented as vibration frequencies.
Response Spectrum
The Response spectrum analysis is used for calculating the
response of a structure which undergoes sudden forces or shocks
due to earthquakes, wind loads, ocean wave loads and so on. It is
also assumed that the shocks or forces occur in a fixed area.
Pressure Vessel Design Analysis
The pressure vessel design analysis is used for analyzing pressure
vessels. In this analysis, you can combine the results of static
analysis with a different set of loads such as dead loads, live loads,
thermal loads, seismic loads and so on.
Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) uses a numerical technique that is
known as Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve engineering
problems. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is the most widely used
and accepted method to solve engineering problems such as stress
analysis, deflections, reactions, vibrations, fluid flow, heat transfer,
electrical, magnetic fields, and so on because of its suitability,
numerical efficiency, and generality for computer application.
The whole concept of FEM can be explained with a small example of
measuring the area of an unknown geometry of a plate, see Figure
1.1. There are many ways to measure the area of an unknown
geometry, however, the best way to measure the area of the
geometry by dividing the entire geometry into different known
geometries whose areas can be easily calculated, see Figure 1.2.
After measuring the area of each individual known geometry, you
can assemble them together to get the total area of the geometry.

The same concept is used in FEM to calculate stresses,

displacements, strains, reaction forces, temperature, frequency,
vibrations, and so on of a complex structure. FEM divides the entire
complex structure into finite number of pieces of simple geometric
shapes called elements, see Figure 1.3. It replaces a complex
engineering problem with multiple simple problems that can be
solved easily.

It is clear from the above figure that a FEM model consists of a

number of finite elements that collectively represents the entire
structure. Note that the geometries of the real-world mechanical
structures are complex and to accurately represent their shapes,
more number of finite elements are required due to which the
computational time to calculate the response of all elements gets
increased. Therefore in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a proper
balance needs to be maintained between the accuracy of results and
the computational time. This makes the Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) a suitable method for finding approximate solutions to the
engineering problems.
Working with Different Phases of FEA
Before you start performing an analysis, it is important to understand
the different phases of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). As discussed,
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool
which uses a numerical technique known as Finite Element Method
(FEM) to solve engineering problems. In Finite Element Analysis
(FEA), the entire process of analyzing an engineering design is
divided into three phases: Pre-processing, Solution, and Post-
processing. The phases are discussed below.
Pre-processing
The Pre-processing phase involves creating/importing CAD models,
simplifying geometry, selecting analysis type, assigning material
properties, defining boundary conditions (external loads and
supports), and meshing the model, see Figure 1.4.
Solution
The Solution phase is completely automatic in SOLIDWORKS
Simulation. In this phase, the system generates matrices for
individual finite elements, which are then assembled to generate a
global matrix equation for the structure. Further, it solves the global
matrix equation to compute displacement, which is then used to
compute stress, strain, and reaction forces. Note that in this phase
the computed results are stored in numerical form.
Post-processing
In the Post-processing phase, the results generated in the Solution
phase appear in graphical form for checking or analyzing them, see
Figure 1.4. You can also animate the structure response based on
the results obtained from the Solution phase. The graphical
representation of results is very useful in understanding the correct
behavior of the structure.

Important Terms and Definitions used in FEA

Some of the important terms and definitions used in Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) are discussed below.
Stress
Stress is defined as the force per unit area. When an object is
subjected to an external force, the internal resistance offered by the
object is known as stress.
Ϭ = F/A
Where,
Ϭ = Stress
F = External force acting on the object
A = Cross-sectional area of the object
Stress has various forms, however, they are mainly categorized into
three types: Tensile Stress, Compressive Stress, and Shear Stress,
all of which are discussed below.
Tensile Stress
When an object is subjected to tensile forces, the internal resistance
applied by the object against the increase in its length is known as
tensile stress, see Figure 1.5.

Compressive Stress
When an object is subjected to compressive forces, the internal
resistance applied by the object against the decrease in its length is
known as compressive stress, see Figure 1.6.
Shear Stress
Shear stress occurs when two objects tend to slide over one another
due to the application of external forces, which are parallel to the
plane of shear, see Figure 1.7.

Strain
Strain is defined as the ratio of change in length to the original length
of the object when it undergoes deformation due to the application of
an external force, see Figure 1.8.

ε = dl/L
Where,
ε = Strain
dl = Change in length of the object
L = Original length of the object
Load
Load is defined as the external force acting on an object.
Displacement
Displacement is defined as the change in length or position of an
object.
Hooke’s Law
According to Hooke’s Law, the ratio of stress to strain is constant. It
states that stress is directly proportional to strain within the elastic
region of the stress-strain curve of a material, when the material is
subjected to an external load, see Figure 1.9.
Constant = Stress (Ϭ) /Strain (ε) [within the elastic region]

Yield Strength
Yield strength is defined as the maximum stress (yield stress) up to
which a material deforms elastically under the impact of an applied
load and returns to its original configuration once the load is
removed. It is also defined as the stress under which a material
begins to deform plastically.
Ultimate Strength
Ultimate strength is defined as the maximum stress that a material
can withstand when it is subjected to an external load. It is also
defined as the stress beyond which a material begins to fail or
weaken.
Fracture Strength
Fracture strength is defined as the breaking stress under which a
material fails due to fracture or breakage.
Young’s Modulus
Young’s modulus is also known as the modulus of elasticity or the
elastic modulus. It defines the relationship between stress and strain
of a material as per Hooke’s law. It measures the stiffness of a
material.
E = Stress (Ϭ) / Strain (ε)
E = F*L / A*dl
F = E*A*dl / L
F = (E*A / L) * dl
F=K*X
Where,

K = Stiffness (E*A / L)
E = Young’s modulus
A = Cross-section area
L = Original length
X = Change in length (dl)
F = Applied force

Stiffness
Stiffness is defined as the property of a material that offers
resistance against its deformation when it is subjected to an external
force.
K = F / dl
Where,

K = Stiffness
F = Applied external force
dl = Displacement (change in length)
Poisson’s Ratio
Poisson’s ratio is defined as the ratio of lateral strain to the axial or
longitudinal strain of a material in the direction of the applied load,
see Figure 1.10. The Poisson’s ratio of a material within the elastic
limit is constant. This implies that the ratio of lateral strain to the axial
or longitudinal strain of a material within the elastic limit is constant.
μ = εlateral / εaxial
Where,
μ = Poisson’s ratio
εlateral = Lateral strain
εaxial = Axial or longitudinal strain
Axial or Longitudinal strain (εaxial) = ΔL - L / L = dla / L

Where,
L = Initial/Original length
ΔL = Final length
dla = Change in length in axial direction

Lateral strain (εlateral) = ΔD - D / D = dll / D

Where,
D = Initial/Original width
ΔD = Final width
dll = Change in width in lateral direction

Creep
Creep is defined as the tendency of a material to deform slowly or
gradually. It increases with time under the impact of stress which is
below the yield strength of the material, see Figure 1.11. It is a
material property, which depends on both stress and temperature.

Meshing
Meshing is defined as the process of dividing an object into a finite
number of pieces with simple geometric shapes called elements, see
Figure 1.12.

Elements
Elements are small pieces of simple geometric shapes into which an
object is divided while meshing. Elements are mainly categorized
into three types: 1D elements, 2D elements, and 3D elements, see
the table given below:

Element Element Shape

Type

1D
Element

2D
Element
3D
Element

Nodes
Elements are connected to each other at common points called
nodes, see Figures 1.13 and 1.14. The nodes define the shape of
elements. If you move a node of an element, the shape of the
element will change depending on the new position of the node.

Different Areas of Application of FEA

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was developed for the nuclear
research and aerospace industries. However, with the advent of
modern technologies, it is now widely used as the accepted method
in all engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, electrical, and
automobile, etc.). The areas of applications of FEA include:
1. Structure analysis
2. Thermal analysis
3. Buckling analysis
4. Fluid flows analysis
5. Frequency analysis
6. Mould flow analysis
7. Drop test
8. Pressure vessel design
9. Fatigue analysis
10. Vibrations
11. Electromagnetic analysis
12. Biomechanics, and many more
Installing SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is fully integrated with SOLIDWORKS. To
install SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you must have SOLIDWORKS
installed on your system. If these software are not installed on your
system, you first need to install them. However, before installing the
software, you need to evaluate the system requirements and ensure
that your system is capable of running SOLIDWORKS and
SOLIDWORKS Simulation adequately. The system requirements for
installing the same are listed below:
1. Operating Systems: Windows 10 - 64-bit, Windows 11 - 64-bit
2. RAM: 8 GB or more (16 GB or more recommended)
3. Disk Space: 10 GB or more
4. Processor: 3.3 GHz or higher
5. Graphics Card: SOLIDWORKS certified graphics cards and
drivers
For more information about the system requirements for
SOLIDWORKS, visit at:
solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html
Getting Started with SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Once SOLIDWORKS 2023 and SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023
have been installed on your system, start by double-clicking on the
SOLIDWORKS 2023 icon on your desktop screen. Then the system
prepares for starting SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Simulation
by loading all the required files. Once all the required files have been
loaded, the initial screen of SOLIDWORKS 2023 appears along with
a Welcome dialog box, see Figure 1.15. If you are starting
SOLIDWORKS for the first time after installing the software, the
SOLIDWORKS License Agreement window appears. Click on the
Accept button in the SOLIDWORKS License Agreement window to
accept the license agreement and start SOLIDWORKS.

In SOLIDWORKS 2023, the Welcome dialog box appears every time

you start SOLIDWORKS and is a convenient way to invoke new
SOLIDWORKS documents or environments, open existing
documents, view recent documents and folders, access
SOLIDWORKS resources, and stay updated on SOLIDWORKS
news.
The Welcome dialog box has four tabs: Home, Recent, Learn, and
Alerts. The options in the Home tab are used to invoke new
SOLIDWORKS documents, open existing documents, view recent
documents and folders, and access SOLIDWORKS resources. The
Recent tab displays a longer list of recent documents and folders.
The Learn tab is used to access instructional resources such as
tutorials, sample models, access to 3D Content Center, certification
program and many more, to help you learn more about
SOLIDWORKS. The Alerts tab keeps you updated with
SOLIDWORKS news and providing different types of alerts in
different sections including Troubleshooting and Technical Alerts.
Tip: If the Welcome dialog box does not appear on the screen then you can
invoke it by clicking on the Welcome to SOLIDWORKS tool in the
Standard toolbar. Alternatively, you can click on Help > Welcome to
SOLIDWORKS in the SOLIDWORKS Menus or the Welcome to
SOLIDWORKS option in the SOLIDWORKS Resources Task Pane to invoke
the Welcome dialog box. You will learn more about Standard toolbar,
SOLIDWORKS Menus, and Task Pane later in this chapter.
Note that SOLIDWORKS Simulation can be invoked within the Part
modeling and Assembly environments of SOLIDWORKS, therefore, it is
important to get familiar with different environments of
SOLIDWORKS. The methods for invoking different environments of
SOLIDWORKS are discussed below.
Invoking the Part Modeling Environment
The Part modeling environment is used to create 3D solid models, surface
models, and sheet metal models. In Part modeling environment, you can
also access SOLIDWORKS Simulation to perform Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) on a part/component. To invoke the Part modeling environment,
click on the Part button in the Welcome dialog box. The Part modeling
environment gets invoked and the initial screen of the Part modeling
environment appears, as shown in Figure 1.16. Alternatively, to invoke the
Part modeling environment, click on the New tool in the Standard
toolbar; the New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box appears, see Figure
1.17. In this dialog box, ensure that the Part button is activated and then
click on the OK button to invoke the Part modeling environment. You will
learn how to invoke SOLIDWORKS Simulation within the Part modeling
environment later in this chapter.

Note: If you are invoking the Part modeling environment for the first time
after installing the software, the Units and Dimension Standard dialog box
will appear, see Figure 1.18. In this dialog box, you can specify the unit
system as the default unit system for SOLIDWORKS.
It is evident from the initial screen of the Part modeling environment
that SOLIDWORKS is very user-friendly and easy to operate. Some
of the components of the initial screen are discussed below.
Standard Toolbar
The Standard toolbar contains a set of the most frequently used tools such
as New, Open, and Save, see Figure 1.19.

SOLIDWORKS Menus
The SOLIDWORKS Menus contain different menus such as File, View,
and Tools for using different tools of SOLIDWORKS, see Figure 1.20.
Note that the SOLIDWORKS Menus appear when you move the cursor
over the SOLIDWORKS logo, which is available at the top left corner of
the screen. You can keep the SOLIDWORKS Menus visible all the time by
clicking on the push-pin button available at the end of the
SOLIDWORKS Menus. Note that the availability of the tools in different
menus depends upon the type of environment invoked.
SOLIDWORKS Search
The SOLIDWORKS Search is a search tool, which is used to search for
commands, tools, knowledge database (help topics), community forum,
files, models and so on, see Figure 1.21.

CommandManager
CommandManager is available at the top of the graphics area. It provides
access to different SOLIDWORKS tools. There are various
CommandManagers such as Features CommandManager, Sketch
CommandManager, Evaluate CommandManager, and so on which are
available in the Part modeling environment. When the Features tab is
activated in the CommandManager, the Features CommandManager
appears, which provides access to different tools for creating 3D solid
models, see Figure 1.22. On clicking on the Sketch tab, the Sketch
CommandManager appears, which provides access to different tools for
creating sketches.

Note that the tabs of some of the CommandManagers such as Surfaces

CommandManager and Sheet Metal CommandManager are not displayed
in the CommandManager by default. You will learn about adding these tabs
later in this chapter.
Note: Different environments (Part, Assembly, and Drawing) of
SOLIDWORKS are provided with different sets of CommandManagers.
FeatureManager Design Tree
FeatureManager Design Tree appears on the left side of the graphics area, it
keeps a record of all the operations or features used for creating a model,
see Figure 1.23. Note that the first feature appears at the top and the
subsequently created features appear one after the other in the
FeatureManager Design Tree. Also, in the FeatureManager Design Tree,
three default planes and an origin appear by default, see Figure 1.23.

Tip: Features are logically performed operations for creating a component.

In other words, a component can be designed by creating a number of
features such as extrude, sweep, hole, fillet, draft, and so on.
View (Heads-Up) Toolbar
The View (Heads-Up) toolbar is available at the top center of the graphics
area, see Figure 1.24. It is provided with different sets of tools, which are
used to manipulate the view and display of a model available in the
graphics area.
Status Bar
The Status Bar is available at the bottom of the graphics area, and it
provides information about the action to be performed based on the
currently active tool. Also, it displays the current state of a sketch being
created, coordinate system and so on.
Task Pane
Task Pane appears on the right side of the screen with various tabs
such as SOLIDWORKS Resources, Design Library, File Explorer, View
Palette, Appearances, Scenes, and Decals, Custom Properties, and
3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace for accessing various online resources
of SOLIDWORKS, several applications, subscription services, library and
so on, see Figure 1.25.

Invoking the Assembly Environment

The Assembly environment is used for assembling different components of
an assembly with respect to each other by applying the required mates, see
Figure 1.26. You can also access SOLIDWORKS Simulation within the
Assembly environment to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on an
assembly or assembly components. To invoke the Assembly environment,
click on the Assembly button in the Welcome dialog box. Then the
Assembly environment is invoked with the Open dialog box along with the
Begin Assembly PropertyManager, see Figure 1.27. You will learn how to
invoke SOLIDWORKS Simulation within the Assembly environment later
in this chapter.

Alternatively, to invoke the Assembly environment, click on the New tool

in the Standard toolbar. A New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box
appears. In this dialog box, click on the Assembly button and then click on
the OK button.
Invoking the Drawing Environment
The Drawing environment of SOLIDWORKS is used to create 2D
drawings of a parts or an assemblies, see Figure 1.28. To invoke the
Drawing environment, click on the New tool in the Standard toolbar. The
New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box appears. In this dialog box,
click on the Drawing button and then click on the OK button. Then the
Sheet Format/Size dialog box appears. After the dialog box having
appeared, you can use the options in this dialog box to select the sheet
size/format to be used for creating drawings. You can also invoke the Sheet
Format/Size dialog box by clicking on the Drawing button in the Welcome
dialog box. Once you have defined sheet size and format in the Sheet
Format/Size dialog box, click on the OK button. The initial screen of the
Drawing environment appears with the Model View PropertyManager on
the left of the drawing sheet, see Figure 1.29. The Model View
PropertyManager is used to insert a component or an assembly into the
Drawing environment for creating its drawing views.

Identifying SOLIDWORKS Documents

The documents created in different environments (Part, Assembly, and
Drawing) of SOLIDWORKS have a different file extension, see the table
given below:
Environments File Extension

Part Modeling Environment *.sldprt

Assembly Modeling Environment *.sldasm

Drawing Modeling Environment *.slddrw

Adding CommandManager Tabs

Apart from the display of the default CommandManagers such as Features
CommandManager and Sketch CommandManager, you can also add
additional CommandManagers. To add a CommandManager, right-click on
any of the available CommandManager tabs. A shortcut menu appears. In
this menu, move the cursor over the Tabs option. A cascading menu
appears, see Figure 1.30. This cascading menu displays a list of
CommandManagers. A tick-mark in front of the CommandManager
indicates that the respective CommandManager has already been added.
Click on the required CommandManager in the cascading menu, the
respective CommandManager tab is added to the CommandManager.
Invoking SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation can be invoked within the Part modeling and
Assembly environments of SOLIDWORKS to perform various types of
Finite Element Analysis (FEA). To start SOLIDWORKS Simulation, click
on the Tools > Add-Ins in the SOLIDWORKS Menus, see Figure 1.31. The
Add-Ins dialog box appears, see Figure 1.32.

Note: You may need to expand the Tools menu of the SOLIDWORKS Menus
by clicking on the arrow at its bottom to display the Add-Ins tool, as shown
in Figure 1.31.
In the Add-Ins dialog box, click on the check boxes available on the
left and right of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation option, see Figure 1.32.
Next, click on the OK button. SOLIDWORKS Simulation is invoked
and the Simulation menu gets added to the SOLIDWORKS Menus,
see Figure 1.33. Also, the Simulation tab gets added to the
CommandManager, see Figure 1.33. The Simulation menu and
Simulation tab have now different sets of simulation tools to perform
various types of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

If the Simulation tab is not added in the CommandManager by

default, you need to add it manually. To do so, right-click on any of
the tabs in the CommandManager. A shortcut menu appears. In this
shortcut menu, move the cursor over the Tabs option and then click on the
Simulation option in the cascading menu that appears. Alternatively,
click on the SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins tab in the CommandManager to
display the tools of the SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins CommandManager, see
Figure 1.34. Next, click on the SOLIDWORKS Simulation tool.

Note: If you select the check box available to the right of the
SOLIDWORKS Simulation option in the Add-Ins dialog box then
SOLIDWORKS Simulation will be invoked each time on starting
SOLIDWORKS, automatically. However, if you select the check box
available to the left of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation option then
SOLIDWORKS Simulation will be invoked only for the current session of
SOLIDWORKS. To invoke SOLIDWORKS Simulation for the current
SOLIDWORKS session as well as for each new session of SOLIDWORKS,
you need to select both these check boxes in the Add-Ins dialog box.
If the SOLIDWORKS Simulation option is not available in the Add-Ins
dialog box then you first need to install SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
After invoking SOLIDWORKS Simulation, click on the Simulation tab
in the CommandManager. The Simulation CommandManager appears,
see Figure 1.35. This CommandManager contains tools to perform
various types of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Note that initially,
most of the tools of the Simulation CommandManager are not enabled
and they will get enabled only after you have defined the type of
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to be performed. You can define the
type of analysis by using the New Study tool of the Simulation
CommandManager.
Note that before defining the type of analysis to be performed by
using the New Study tool, you need to create or import a geometry in
SOLIDWORKS for performing the analysis on it. You will learn about
performing different types of analysis in later chapters.

Summary
This chapter provided an introduction to SOLIDWORKS Simulation,
various types of analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and different
phases of Finite Element Analysis (FEA); Pre-processing, Solution, and
Post-processing, explaining various terms and definitions used in Finite
Element Analysis (FEA). The chapter also discussed on different types of
elements, application areas of FEA, system requirements for installing
SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and SOLIDWORKS interface, invoking of
different SOLIDWORKS documents and getting started with
SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• In the linear static analysis, the material properties of an object are
assumed to behave ________ under the impact of applied load.
• The ________ analysis is used for calculating the natural or
resonant frequencies and the associated mode shapes of a
structure.
• The ________ analysis is used for calculating the stress at which
 an object fails when it undergoes repeated loading and unloading
processes.
• The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) uses a numerical technique
known as ________ to solve engineering problems.
• In the Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the entire process of
analyzing the engineering design is divided into three phases
________, ________, and ________.
• ________ is defined as the process of dividing an object into a
finite number of pieces with simple geometric shapes called
elements.
• Elements are mainly categorized into ________, ________, and
________.
• The ________ strength is defined as the maximum stress that a
material can withstand when subjected to an external load.
• ________ is defined as the ratio of change in length to the original
length of the object when it undergoes deformation due to the
application of external load.
• The ________ strength is defined as the maximum stress up to
which a material deforms elastically under the impact of applied
load and returns to its original configuration once the load is
removed.
• ________ is defined as the property of a material which offers
resistance against the deformation of a material when it is
subjected to an external force.
Chapter 2: Introduction to Analysis Tools and Static Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Making Assumptions for Linear Static Analysis
• Working with Linear Static Analysis
• Defining Analysis Units
• Assigning Material Properties
• Creating New Material Library, Category, and Material
• Editing Properties of a Standard Material
• Deleting Material Library, Category, and Material
• Defining Boundary Conditions
• Applying Fixtures/Restraints
• Applying Loads
• Meshing a Geometry
• Identifying Poor Quality Mesh Elements

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you need to have a model available in

the graphics area for performing an analysis. SOLIDWORKS
Simulation is fully integrated inside SOLIDWORKS software. As a
result, you can create any real world mechanical 3D model in
SOLIDWORKS and then perform the required analysis on it by using
the SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It helps engineers to take advantage
of 3D CAD data such as materials, assembly mates, and
configurations which are stored within the model. SOLIDWORKS
being a parametric 3D modeling software allows you to create or edit
any real world mechanical design, as required. To learn about
creating real-world 3D mechanical models using SOLIDWORKS,
refer to SOLIDWORKS 2023: A Power Guide for Beginners and
Intermediate Users textbook published by CADArtifex.
In addition to creating a model in SOLIDWORKS, you can also
import a model created in another CAD software and perform the
required analysis on it. SOLIDWORKS Simulation supports a wide
range of CAD formats: CATIA V5 (*.catpart;*.catproduct), ProE/Creo
(*.prt;*.asm), Inventor (*.ipt;*.iam), Solid Edge (*.par;*.asm), and so on.
Moreover, you can also import models saved in neutral file formats
such as *.SAT, *.STP, *.IGES, and *.STEP to perform an analysis by
using the SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
Note: When you import a model created in another CAD software or saved
in a neutral file format such as *.STP, *.IGES, and *.STEP, the
SOLIDWORKS message window appears. This message window confirms
whether you wish to run import diagnostics on the model. The import
diagnostics is used for repairing broken faces and removing gaps between
the faces of the model to make it a valid solid model for analysis. Note that
while importing a model created in another CAD software or saved in a
neutral file, you may find some topological issues in the geometry. These
problems need to be resolved by using the Import Diagnostics feature of
SOLIDWORKS before you can carry out any analysis. Click on the Yes
button in the SOLIDWORKS message window to run the import diagnostics
on the model. If the SOLIDWORKS message does not invoke automatically,
click on the imported model in the FeatureManager Design Tree and then
right-click. A shortcut menu appears. In this shortcut menu, click on the
Import Diagnostics option to invoke the Import Diagnostics
PropertyManager.
After creating or importing a CAD model in SOLIDWORKS, the most
important step is to select the most appropriate type of analysis to be
performed. Selection of analysis to be performed depends upon the
type of engineering problem to be solved. In Finite Element Analysis
(FEA), you need to make some engineering assumptions to
understand the problem and then based on the assumptions made,
you can select the type of analysis to be performed. Discussed
below are some of the important engineering assumptions that can
be made for selecting the Linear Static analysis.
Making Assumptions for Linear Static Analysis
Linear static analysis is used for calculating displacements, strains,
stresses, and reaction forces under the effect of applied loads in a
geometry. You can perform linear static analysis, if the following
assumptions are valid for the engineering problem to be solved.
1. Load applied to a structure does not vary with respect to time.
2. Load is applied slowly and gradually to a structure until it reaches
its full magnitude and once it reaches its full magnitude, it remains
constant.
3. Displacement assumed to be smaller due to the applied load.
4. Change in stiffness assumed to be negligible due to the small
displacement, applied load and so on.
5. Material assumed to behave linearly, that is, it obeys Hook’s Law
(stress is proportional to the strain and the structure will return to
its original configuration once the load has been removed), see
 Figure 2.1.
6. Change in material properties assumed to be negligible due to the
small displacement and linear behavior of material.
7. Material assumed to be within the elastic region of the stress-
strain curve due to the applied load, see Figure 2.2.
8. Boundary conditions do not vary due to the application of load.

If the above mentioned assumptions are valid for the problem to be

solved, you can go ahead and perform the linear static analysis. In
linear static analysis, the linear finite element equilibrium equation to
be solved is as follows:
[F] = [K ][X]
Where,
F = Applied load
K = System stiffness (stiffness is constant)
X = Displacement
Note: In linear static analysis, if the force doubles, the displacement is
assumed to be doubled, see Figure 2.3.
Working with Linear Static Analysis
To start with linear static analysis, first create or import a 3D model in
SOLIDWORKS and then click on the Simulation tab in the
CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation CommandManager
appear, see Figure 2.4. If the Simulation tab is not available in the
CommandManager, click on the SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins tab in the
CommandManager. The tools in the SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins
CommandManager appear. Next, click on the SOLIDWORKS
Simulation tool, see Figure 2.5. The Simulation tab gets added to the
CommandManager. Alternatively, click on Tools > Add-Ins in the
SOLIDWORKS Menus to invoke the Add-Ins dialog box and then
select the check boxes on the left and right of the SOLIDWORKS
Simulation option in the dialog box. Next, click OK.

Initially, most of the tools in the Simulation CommandManager are not

enabled, refer to Figure 2.4. All these tools will get enabled only after
defining the type of analysis to be performed. To define the type of
analysis, click on the New Study tool in the Simulation
CommandManager, see Figure 2.6. The Study PropertyManager
appears on the left of the graphics area, see Figure 2.7.

Note: Before you start any analysis in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you need
to ensure that the geometry to be analyzed is available in the graphics area.
If the geometry is not available then on clicking the New Study tool, the
Simulation window appears which informs you that there is no geometry for
simulation to analyze, see Figure 2.8. Click on the OK button in this
window and then create or import a geometry to be analyzed.

In the Study PropertyManager, you can select the type of analysis to

be performed. By default, the Static button is activated in the General
Simulation rollout of the PropertyManager, refer to Figure 2.7. This
button is used for performing the linear static analysis. By using this
PropertyManager, you can choose the required type of analysis to be
performed. In this chapter, you will learn about linear static analysis.
Therefore, ensure that the Static button is activated in the
PropertyManager. Next, specify the name of the analysis in the Name
field of the PropertyManager and then click on the green tick-mark
button. The initial screen of SOLIDWORKS Simulation appears on
starting the linear static analysis, see Figure 2.9.

It is evident from the above figure that after selecting the type of
analysis, all the tools of the Simulation CommandManager are enabled.
Also, the Simulation Study Tree appears on the left of the graphics
area, see Figure 2.9. The Simulation Study Tree keeps a record of
the analysis data used and displays the analysis results.
After defining the type of analysis to be performed on the geometry,
you need to define its material properties, boundary conditions
(fixtures and loads), generate mesh, and so on. However, before you
do so, it is important to learn about defining analysis units in
SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
Defining Analysis Units
SOLIDWORKS Simulation allows you to define analysis units as per
your requirement. For doing so, click on Simulation > Options in the
SOLIDWORKS Menus, see Figure 2.10. The System Options dialog
box appears.

In the System Options dialog box, click on the Default Options tab. The
name of the dialog box changes to Default Options, see Figure 2.11.
Next, click on the Units option in the Default Options dialog box. The
options related to defining units appear on the right side of the dialog
box, see Figure 2.11. Now, you can select the required predefined
standard unit system: SI (MKS), English (IPS), or Metric (G) in the Unit
system area of the dialog box. For example, to set the metric unit
system, click on the Metric (G) radio button. By default, in the metric
unit system, the length is measured in centimeters, temperature is
measured in celsius, angular velocity is measured in hertz, and
pressure/stress is calculated in kgf/cm^2.
You can also customize the units of the predefined unit systems by
using the drop-down lists available in the Units area of the dialog
box. After defining the analysis units in the dialog box, click on the
OK button.

Assigning Material Properties

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is provided with the SOLIDWORKS
Materials library which contains various types of standard materials.
In the library, the different sets of materials are arranged in different
categories. For example, the various types of steel materials are
available in the Steel category and the various types of iron materials
are available in the Iron category. You can assign a required
standard material to the model by using the SOLIDWORKS Materials
library. On assigning a material to a model, all its material properties
such as elastic modulus, density, tensile strength, and yield strength
get assigned to the model and define its physical characteristics.
To assign a material, click on the Apply Material tool of the Simulation
CommandManager, see Figure 2.12. The Material dialog box appears,
see Figure 2.13.

Alternatively, to invoke the Material dialog box, right-click on the name

of the model in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears,
see Figure 2.14. In this shortcut menu, click on the Apply/Edit
Material option.

In the Material dialog box, the SOLIDWORKS Materials library

appears on the left. Expand it by clicking on the > sign available in
front of it, if not expanded by default. On expanding the
SOLIDWORKS Materials library, all the available material categories
such as Steel, Iron, and Aluminum Alloys appear. Next, expand the
required material category by clicking on the > sign available in front
of it to display the list of materials available in it. Figure 2.15 shows
the expanded view of Steel material category.

In the expanded material category, click on the required material to

assign it to the model. The material properties of the selected
material appear on the right panel of the dialog box, see Figure 2.16.
Note that the material properties are read only. As a result, you can
not edit them. After selecting the required material, click on the Apply
button and then the Close button to close the dialog box. The
material properties of the selected material get assigned to the
model and the material name appears next to the model name in the
Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 2.17.
Tip: You can also search the material to be assigned by entering its name in
the Search box that is available at the top left corner of the Material dialog
box.
As discussed, the materials available in the SOLIDWORKS Materials
library are read only and you cannot edit or modify their material
properties. However, by using the Custom Materials library of the
Material dialog box, you can create custom materials and edit the
properties of the existing materials. In the Custom Materials library,
you can create a new material category and then create new custom
materials in it. In addition to the default material libraries such as
SOLIDWORKS Materials and Custom Materials, you can also create
new material libraries and store customized materials in it. The
methods for creating a new material library, a new material category,
and a custom material are discussed next.
Creating New Material Library, Category, and Material

To create a new material library in the Material dialog box, click on an

existing material library and then right-click. A shortcut menu
appears, see Figure 2.18. In the shortcut menu, click on the New
Library option. The Save As dialog box appears. In this dialog box,
enter the name of the material database for the material library in the
File name field and then click on the Save button. The material
database of the specified name is saved and the material library gets
added to the Material dialog box, see Figure 2.19. In this figure, the
CADArtifex_Materials library is added to the Material dialog box. After
adding a material library, you can add material categories and
customized materials. The methods for adding material categories
and customized materials are discussed next.

Creating a New Material Category

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can create a material category in
a user defined material library or the Custom Materials library. To
create a material category, right-click on a material library (user
defined or Custom Materials). A shortcut menu appears, see Figure
2.20. In this shortcut menu, click on the New Category option. A new
category is created in the selected material library and its default
name New Category appears in an edit field. You can edit or change
the default name of the newly created material category and then
click anywhere in the dialog box. Figure 2.21 shows the Material
dialog box with the Steel MFG material category created in the
CADArtifex_Materials library. Similarly, you can create multiple
material categories. After creating a material category, you can
create custom materials in it. The method for creating custom
materials is discussed next.

Creating a Custom Material

To create a new custom material, right-click on a material category. A
shortcut menu appears, see Figure 2.22. In this shortcut menu, click
on the New Material option. The new material is added in the
selected material category and its default name Default appears in
an edit field. You can edit or change the default name of the newly
added material and then click anywhere in the dialog box. The
default material properties of the newly added material appear on the
lower right panel of the dialog box in the Properties tab, see Figure
2.23. By using the options in the right panel of the dialog box, you
can specify material properties of the selected material such as
elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, density, and yield strength, as
required. In addition to specifying material properties, you can also
define other properties such as type of model, units for material
properties, and creep effect by using the options available on the
upper right panel of the dialog box, see Figure 2.23. The options
available in the Properties tab of the Material dialog box are discussed
later in this chapter. After specifying the required material properties
for the newly added material, click on the Apply button. The material
with specified material properties is created in the selected material
category. Similarly, you can create multiple materials in a material
category.
Editing Properties of a Standard Material
As discussed, the standard materials available in the SOLIDWORKS
Materials library are read- only materials and you cannot edit their
material properties. However, you can copy a standard material from
the SOLIDWORKS Materials library and paste it in a custom material
library to make the necessary changes in its material properties. For
doing so, select a standard material in the SOLIDWORKS Materials
library and then right-click to display the shortcut menu. Next, click
on the Copy option in the shortcut menu. The selected material is
copied. Now, expand a custom material library and then select a
category to paste the copied material. Next, right-click to display the
shortcut menu and then click on the Paste option. The copied material
is added in the selected material category of the custom material
library. Now, you can edit its material properties such as elastic
modulus, Poisson’s ratio, density, and yield strength by using the
options in the right panel of the Properties tab in the dialog box. Some
of the options of the Properties tab in the Material dialog box are
discussed next.
Model Type
The Model Type drop-down list of the Properties tab is used for
selecting the type of material such as linear elastic isotropic, linear
elastic orthotropic, non-linear elastic, or plasticity - von mises. Note
that the availability of material types in this drop-down list depends
upon the type of analysis being performed. Figure 2.24 shows the
Model Type drop-down list for the linear static analysis and Figure
2.25 shows the Model Type drop-down list for the non-linear static
analysis.
Save model type in library
On selecting the Save model type in library check box in the dialog
box, the type of material selected in the Model Type drop-down list for
the custom material will be saved in the material database such that
the next time you apply this custom material to a different study, the
same model type will be selected by default in the Model Type drop-
down list of the dialog box.
Units
The Units drop-down list is used for selecting a unit system such as
SI - N/m^2 (Pa), English (IPS), or Metric (MKS) for defining the values
of the material properties, see Figure 2.26.

Include Creep Effect

Creep is the plastic deformation of a material when the material is
subjected to stress which is below the yield strength of the material.
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can include the effect of creep in
the material by selecting the Include creep effect check box, refer to
Figure 2.25. Note that this check box is available while performing
the non-linear analysis for Linear Elastic Isotropic, Non-linear Elastic,
Plasticity - von Mises, Plasticity - Tresca, Plasticity - Drucker Prager,
Hyperelastic - Blatz Ko, Hyperelastic - Mooney Rivlin, or
Hyperelastic - Orgden material types. You will learn about performing
non-linear analysis in later chapters.
Reference Geometry
The Reference Geometry field is available only when the Linear Elastic
Orthotropic material type is selected in the Model Type drop-down list.
This field is used for defining orthogonal directions of the orthotropic
material by selecting a reference geometry. Note that the material
properties of an orthotropic material are not constant and vary in the
orthogonal directions. As a result, you need to select a reference
geometry to define the orthogonal directions of the material. You can
select a plane, an axis, or a coordinate system as the reference
geometry to define the orthogonal directions of an orthotropic
material.
Category
The Category field displays the name of the category of the selected
material. You can update or rename the category name by entering a
new name in this field. Note that the new name of the category
entered in this field will be applied when you click on the Apply
button in the Material dialog box.
Name
The Name field displays the name of the selected material. You can
enter a new name for the material in this field.
Default failure criterion
The Default failure criterion drop-down list is used for setting the
default failure criterion factor for computing the factor of safety. Note
that the selected failure criterion factor is used for computing the
factor of safety only when you compute the factor of safety by using
the Automatic option. You will learn more about computing factor of
safety in later chapters.
Description
The Description field is used for adding a description or comment
about the material. You can enter a description or comment
containing upto 256 characters in this field.
Source
The Source field is used for specifying the source of reference of the
custom material.
Properties table
The Properties table of the Material dialog box is used for specifying
the properties of the material such as elastic modulus, Poisson ratio,
density, and yield strength. You can specify physical properties of the
material in the respective fields of the Properties table, see Figure
2.27. Note that the material properties highlighted in red indicate that
they are mandatory to be specified and the material properties in
blue are optional based on the currently active analysis study and
the material type.
Deleting Material Library, Category, and Material
You can delete a custom material library, a material category, or a
material using the Material dialog box. To delete a custom material
library, select the material library in the Material dialog box and then
right-click. A shortcut menu appears, see Figure 2.28. In this shortcut
menu, click on the Delete option. The SOLIDWORKS message
window appears, which informs that you are about to delete ‘name of
the material library’ and its contents, see Figure 2.29. Click on the Yes
button in the SOLIDWORKS message window to confirm the action
of deleting the selected material library, after which it is no longer
available in the dialog box. Similarly, you can delete a custom
material category and a material. Note that you cannot delete the
SOLIDWORKS Materials library or its categories and materials.
Defining Boundary Conditions
Defining boundary conditions is one of the most important steps in
the pre-processing phase of an analysis. Boundary conditions
represent the effect of surrounding environment on the model which
includes the application of external load and restraints. In
SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can define the boundary conditions
by applying fixtures and external load such as force, torque, and
pressure. The fixtures are also known as restraints or constraints
which are used for removing the degrees of freedom of a model.
Depending upon the application of the model in the real-world
conditions, you need to apply fixtures and load to it. For example, in
case of cantilever beam, one end is fixed with the wall while the
other end is free and an external force of 100 N is acting on its top
face in the real conditions, see Figure 2.30. In such a case, you need
to apply a fix restraint to the fixed end and a 100 N force on the top
face of the cantilever beam in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, see Figure
2.31.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides you with various types of fixtures
and external load in order to satisfy the real-world conditions of a
model.
Applying Fixtures/Restraints
Fixtures are also known as restraints and constraints, and act as a
rigid support. By applying fixtures, you can remove the required
degrees of freedom of the model. SOLIDWORKS Simulation
provides you with two type of fixtures: Standard and Advanced. Both
these types of fixtures are discussed next.
Applying Standard Fixtures
Standard fixtures include Fixed Geometry, Roller/Slider, Fixed Hinge,
and Immovable (No translation) fixtures. Standard fixtures are
available in the Fixtures flyout of the Simulation CommandManager, see
Figure 2.32. Alternatively, to access the Standard fixtures, right-click
on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on
the required Standard fixture in the shortcut menu that appears, see
Figure 2.33. The Standard fixtures are discussed next.
Fixed Geometry Fixture
The Fixed Geometry fixture is used for fixing or removing all
translational and rotational degrees of freedom of a solid model, see
Figure 2.34. You can apply the Fixed Geometry fixture to vertices,
edges, and faces of a model. Note that the effect of the Fixed
Geometry fixture depends on the type of geometry selected. It is
important to understand it in order to make a stable model for
analysis. If you apply Fixed Geometry fixture to a vertex of a solid
model then all degrees of freedom of the model will not get fixed and
the model can rotate about the fixed vertex. Similarly, if you fix an
edge of a 3D model by using this fixture, the model can rotate about
the fixed edge. On the other hand, if you fix a face of a 3D model
then all the degrees of freedom of the model become fixed and the
model cannot rotate or translate in any direction.

To apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, 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 2.35. The Fixture PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 2.36. Select the required geometry of the model such as a
face, an edge, or a vertex to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture. You
can select a single or multiple geometries to apply the fixture. The
symbol of the Fixed Geometry fixture appears on the selected
geometry in the graphics area, see Figure 2.37. Also, the name of
the selected geometry appears in the Faces, Edges, Vertices for
Fixture field of the Fixture PropertyManager. Next, click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed Geometry
fixture is applied to the selected geometry of the model.

Roller/Slider Fixture
The Roller/Slider fixture is used for applying a restraint to a planar
face such that its movement in the direction normal to the planar
face gets restricted and it allows movement within the plane of the
face, see Figure 2.38.

To apply the Roller/Slider fixture, invoke the Fixture flyout in the

Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Roller/Slider
tool. The Fixture PropertyManager appears, see Figure 2.39. Select
a planar face of the model to apply the Roller/Slider fixture. You can
also select multiple planar faces to apply this fixture. After selecting a
face, the symbol of Roller/Slider fixture appears on the selected face
in the graphics area, see Figure 2.40. Also, the name of the selected
face appears in the Faces for Fixture field of the PropertyManager.
Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.
The Roller/Slider fixture is applied. The selected planar face can
move freely within its plane of face and its movement along the
direction normal to the planar face gets restricted.
Fixed Hinge Fixture
The Fixed Hinge fixture is used for applying restraints to a cylindrical
face such that it can only rotate about its axis of rotation. In other
words, on applying the Fixed Hinge fixture to a cylindrical face, all
degrees of freedom of the component get fixed except its rotational
degree of freedom about the axis of the selected cylindrical face, see
Figure 2.41.

To apply the Fixed Hinge fixture, invoke the Fixture flyout and then
click on the Fixed Hinge tool. The Fixture PropertyManager appears,
see Figure 2.42. Select a cylindrical face of the model to apply the
Fixed Hinge fixture. You can also select multiple cylindrical faces.
After selecting a cylindrical face, a symbol of the Fixed Hinge fixture
appears on it in the graphics area, see Figure 2.43. Next, click on the
green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed Hinge
fixture is applied.
Immovable (No translation) Fixture
The Immovable (No translation) fixture is used for fixing or removing
all the translational degrees of freedom of a shell, beam, or truss
geometry. You can apply the Immovable (No translation) fixture to
vertices, edges, faces, and beam joints of a geometry. Note that this
fixture is not applicable to 3D solid models.
To apply the Immovable (No translation) fixture, invoke the Fixture
flyout in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Fixed
Geometry tool. The Fixture PropertyManager appears. In this
PropertyManager, click on the Immovable (No translation) button, see
Figure 2.44. Note that the Immovable (No translation) button is only
available for a shell, beam, or truss geometry. Next, select faces,
edges, vertices, or joints to apply the Immovable (No translation)
fixture. A symbol of the Immovable (No translation) fixture appears
on the selected geometry in the graphics area, see Figures 2.45 and
2.46. In Figure 2.45, the Immovable (No translation) fixture is applied
on the edges of a shell geometry and in Figure 2.46, the Immovable
(No translation) fixture is applied on the joints of a beam geometry.
You will learn more about shell, beam, and truss geometries later in
this chapter. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Immovable (No translation) fixture is applied.

Applying Advanced Fixtures

In addition to the Standard fixtures such as Fixed Geometry,
Roller/Slider, and Fixed Hinge, SOLIDWORKS Simulation also
provides Advanced fixtures: Symmetry, Cyclic Symmetry, Use
Reference Geometry, On Flat Faces, On Cylindrical Faces, and On
Spherical Faces. To access these advanced fixtures, invoke the
Fixtures flyout in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on
the Advanced Fixtures tool, see Figure 2.47. The Fixture
PropertyManager appears with the expanded Advanced rollout, see
Figure 2.48. Note that the name of the Advanced rollout depends
upon the type of advanced fixture selected. For example, by default,
the Use Reference Geometry button is selected in this rollout. As a
result, the name of the Advanced rollout appears as Advanced (Use
Reference Geometry). Alternatively, to access the Advanced fixtures,
right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Advanced Fixtures option in the shortcut menu that
appears. The advanced fixtures are discussed next.

Symmetry Fixture
The Symmetry fixture is used for analyzing one half of the model
which is symmetric about a symmetric plane and the results can be
obtained for the complete model. Figure 2.49 shows a complete
model and Figure 2.50 shows one half of the model that can be
analyzed to obtain the results of the complete model. Note that
because of the symmetry, you can analyze one half of the model
instead of analyzing the complete model to reduce the computational
time of the analysis and to obtain accurate results for the complete
model. On applying the Symmetry fixture, the symmetric face of the
model cannot move in its normal direction.

To apply the Symmetric fixture, click on the Symmetry button in the

Advanced rollout of the Fixture PropertyManager. The Planar Faces for
Fixture field becomes available in the PropertyManager, see Figure
2.51. This field is used for selecting symmetric faces of the model.
Select a symmetric face of the model in the graphics area. A preview
of the other symmetric half of the model appears in the graphics area
and a symbol of the Symmetric fixture appears on the selected face,
see Figure 2.52. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Symmetry fixture is applied.

Cyclic Symmetry Fixture

The Cyclic Symmetry fixture is used for analyzing a portion of a
circular model having a 360-degrees angle and the results are
obtained for the complete circular model. In the Cyclic Symmetry
fixture, a portion of the circular model is considered to be repeated or
patterned about the axis of revolution of the symmetry to form the
complete model. Figure 2.53 shows a circular model and Figure 2.54
shows a portion of the model that can be analyzed to obtain the
results for the complete model. To analyze a portion of a circular
model by using the Cyclic Symmetry fixture, you need to select its
cutting faces and the axis of revolution. Note that on applying the
Cyclic Symmetry fixture, the cutting faces of the model cannot move
in their normal direction.

To apply the Cyclic Symmetry fixture, click on the Cyclic Symmetry

button in the Advanced rollout of the Fixture PropertyManager. The
Selection (Face) and Axis fields become available in the rollout, see
Figure 2.55.

The Selection (Face) fields of the PropertyManager are used for

selecting cutting faces of the circular model and the Axis field is used
for selecting the axis of revolution of the model. By default, the first
Selection (Face) field is activated in the PropertyManager. As a result,
you are prompted to select the first cutting face. Select the first
cutting face, see Figure 2.56. Next, click on the second Selection
(Face) field in the Advanced rollout to activate it and then select the
second cutting face, see Figure 2.56. Next, click on the Axis field in
the Advanced rollout and then select the axis of revolution. A preview
of the complete model appears by patterning the portion of the
model around the axis of revolution, see Figure 2.57. Note that the
axis of revolution must lie at the intersection of two selected cutting
faces so that the portion of the model can be patterned around it to
represent the complete model. Next, click on the green tick-mark
button in the PropertyManager. The Cyclic Symmetry fixture is
applied.

Use Reference Geometry Fixture

The Use Reference Geometry fixture is used for restricting degrees
of freedom of faces (planar or curved), edges, and vertices of a solid
model with respect to a reference geometry. You can select a plane,
an axis, an edge, or a planar face as the reference geometry to
restrict degrees of freedom of faces, edges, and vertices of a solid
model. Note that the number of degrees of freedom that can be
restricted depends on the reference geometry selected. For
example, if you select a plane or a planar face as the reference
geometry then the translational degrees of freedom of faces, edges,
or vertices of a model will be restricted in the X axis, Y axis, and in
the direction normal to the plane or planar face selected as reference
geometry. If you select an edge as the reference geometry then the
translational degrees of freedom in the direction of the selected edge
will be restricted. Similarly, if you select an axis then the translational
degrees of freedom in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions
will be restricted. Note that in case of the beam and shell, you can
also restrict the rotational degrees of freedom by using the Use
Reference Geometry fixture. You will learn more about shell, beam,
and truss geometries later in this chapter.
To apply the Use Reference Geometry fixture, click on the Use
Reference Geometry button in the Advanced rollout of the Fixture
PropertyManager. The Faces, Edges, Vertices for Fixture and Face, Edge,
Plane, Axis for Direction fields get enabled in the Advanced rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 2.58. Also, the Faces, Edges, Vertices
for Fixture field is activated, by default. As a result, you are prompted
to select faces, edges, or vertices of a model. Select faces, edges, or
vertices of the model to apply the Use Reference Geometry fixture,
see Figure 2.59. In this figure, a planar face is selected to restrict its
translational movements. Next, click on the Face, Edge, Plane, Axis for
Direction field in the PropertyManager and then select a reference
geometry. You can select a plane, a planar face, an edge, or an axis
as the reference geometry, see Figure 2.59. In this figure, the Top
plane is selected as the reference geometry. Now, by using the
Translations rollout of the PropertyManager, you can define the
directions in which you wish to restrict the translational movements
of the selected face with respect to the reference geometry, see
Figure 2.60.

In the Translations rollout of the PropertyManager, click on a required

button: Along Plane Dir 1, Along Plane Dir 2, or Normal to Plane to
activate it, see Figure 2.60. In this figure, the Along Plane Dir 1 and
Normal to Plane buttons are activated. Note that as soon as you click
on one of these buttons, an edit field is enabled with 0 (zero) value
entered in it, see Figure 2.60. The 0 (zero) value means that the
translational motion for the selected faces, edges, or vertices is
restricted along the respective direction. You can also enter any
value other than 0 (zero) in the edit fields to allow permissible motion
for the selected faces, edges, or vertices in the respective directions.
Note that if you do not activate any of the mentioned buttons, and
leave it unspecified in the Translations rollout then the selected faces,
edges, or vertices are allowed to translate freely along the respective
direction. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The Use Reference Geometry fixture is applied to
the selected faces, edges, or vertices.
Note: In case of the shell, beam and truss, you can also restrict or allow
permissible rotational motions for faces, edges, vertices, or joints of the
model by using the Rotation rollouts of the Fixture PropertyManager. This
rollout is only available for shells, beams, and trusses. You will learn more
about shell, beam, and truss geometries later in this chapter.

On Flat Faces Fixture

The On Flat Faces fixture is same as the Use Reference Geometry
fixture with the only difference that the On Flat Faces fixture can only
be applied to the planar faces. It is used for restricting or allowing
permissible motions to the selected faces relative to their directions
(Direction 1, Direction 2, and Normal), see Figure 2.61. In this figure,
the translational movements along the Direction 1 and in the
direction normal to the selected face are restricted by specifying 0
(zero) in the Along Face Dir 1 and Normal to Face fields of the
Translation rollout in the PropertyManager, respectively.
On Cylindrical Faces Fixture
The On Cylindrical Faces fixture is used for restricting cylindrical
faces of a model to translate in its radial, circumferential, and axial
directions, see Figure 2.62. In this figure, the On Cylindrical Faces
fixture is applied to a cylindrical face of the model such that its
movements in the radial and circumferential directions are restricted.

To apply the On Cylindrical Faces fixture, click on the On Cylindrical

Faces button in the Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager and then
select one or more cylindrical faces of the model to apply this fixture.
Next, select the required direction button (Radial, Circumferential, or
Axial) in the Translations rollout and then specify the translation value
in the enabled edit field. Note that on entering 0 (zero) translation
value, the translational motion gets restricted along the respective
direction. Also, the direction left unspecified will be free for
movements. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The On Cylindrical Faces fixture is applied.

On Spherical Faces Fixture

The On Spherical Faces fixture is used for restricting spherical faces
of a model to translate in its radial, longitudinal, and latitudinal
directions, see Figure 2.63. In this figure, the On Spherical Faces
fixture is applied to a spherical face of the model such that its
movement in the radial direction is restricted and the model is free to
move in its longitudinal and latitudinal directions around the center
point of the selected spherical face.

To apply the On Spherical Faces fixture, click on the On Spherical

Faces button in the Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager and then
select one or more spherical faces to apply this fixture. Next, select
the required direction button (Radial, Longitude, or Latitude) in the
Translations rollout and then specify the translation value in the edit
field enabled. Note that on entering 0 (zero) translation value, the
translational motion gets restricted along the respective direction.
Also, the direction left unspecified will be free for movements. Next,
click on the green tick-mark button of the PropertyManager. The On
Spherical Faces fixture is applied.
Applying Loads
The internal and external forces such as force, pressure, and
temperature, acting on an object are known as loads. Defining loads
is a very important step in FEA to evaluate the response of an object
under the given loading condition. In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the
tools used for applying different types of loads are available in the
External Loads flyout, see Figure 2.64. You can invoke this flyout by
clicking on the arrow available at the bottom of the External Loads
Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager. Alternatively, to
access the different types of loads, right-click on the External Loads
option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the required
load in the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 2.65. The
different types of loads are discussed next.
Applying the Force
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can apply a uniformly or non-
uniformly distributed external force on faces, edges, reference
points, vertices, beams, and beam joints by using the Force tool.
To apply an external force, invoke the External Loads flyout, refer to
Figure 2.64 and then click on the Force tool. The Force/Torque
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 2.66. Alternatively, right-click
on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then
click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that appears, refer to
Figure 2.65. The options of the Force/Torque PropertyManager are
discussed next.
Force/Torque Rollout
The options in the Force/Torque rollout of the PropertyManager are
used for specifying parameters for defining the uniformly distributed
force or torque. By default, the Force button is activated in this
rollout, see Figure 2.66. As a result, the options available in this
rollout are used for defining the uniformly distributed force. The
options are discussed next.
Note: On activating the Torque button in the Force/Torque rollout,
you can apply the torque to the faces of the model. You will learn
more about applying torque later in this chapter.
Faces and Shell Edges for Normal Force
By default, the Faces and Shell Edges for Normal Force field is activated
in the Force/Torque rollout. As a result, you can select faces, edges,
vertices, and reference points of the model to apply the force, see
Figure 2.67. In this figure, a face of the model is selected to apply
the force. Note that in case of a beam structure, you can select
 beams, joints, and vertices for applying the force.

Normal
By default, the Normal radio button is selected in this rollout. As a
result, on selecting a face of the model, the force is applied in the
direction normal to the selected face, automatically, refer to Figure
2.67. You can also define the direction of force other than the
normal direction by using the Selected direction radio button. Note
that if you have selected an edge, a reference point, or a vertex for
applying the force, then the direction of force will not be defined
automatically and you need to define it by using the Selected
direction radio button, which is discussed below.
Selected direction
The Selected direction radio button is used for defining the direction of
the force. On selecting this radio button, the Face, Edge, Plane for
Direction field and the Force rollout appear, see Figure 2.68. The
Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field is used to select a face, an edge,
or a plane, as the reference geometry for defining the direction of
force. After selecting a reference geometry, click on the required
button: Along Plane Dir 1, Along Plane Dir 2, or Normal to Plane in the
Force rollout to define the direction of force with respect to the
reference geometry selected. After selecting a direction button
(Along Plane Dir 1, Along Plane Dir 2, or Normal to Plane), the
 respective field is enabled in front of it, where you can enter the
magnitude of the force.

Unit
The Unit drop-down list is used for selecting the unit for the
magnitude of the force. You can select the SI, English (IPS), or
Metric (G) unit by using this drop-down list, see Figure 2.69.

Force Value
The Force Value field is used for entering the magnitude of the force.
Note that this field is available only when the Normal radio button is
selected.
Per item
On selecting the Per item radio button, the specified magnitude of the
force is applied to all the selected geometries. For example, if you
have specified 100 N as the magnitude of the force on two vertices
of the model, then on selecting this radio button, a magnitude of
100 N is applied on each of the selected vertices (100 + 100 = 200
N). So, the total magnitude acting on the complete body becomes
 200 N.
Total
On selecting the Total radio button, the specified magnitude of the
force is distributed among all the selected geometries, equally. For
example, if you have specified 100 N as the total magnitude of the
force on two vertices of the model, then on selecting this radio
button, a magnitude of 50 N is applied on each of the selected
vertices (50 + 50 = 100 N). So, the total magnitude acting on the
body remains the same that is 100 N.
Reverse direction
The Reverse direction check box is used for reversing the direction of
the force applied.
Nonuniform Distribution Rollout
The Nonuniform Distribution rollout of the PropertyManager is used
for applying a non-uniformly distributed load. By default, this rollout is
collapsed. To expand this rollout, click on the check box available in
its title bar, see Figure 2.70. The options in this rollout are discussed
below:

Select a Coordinate System

The Select a Coordinate System field of the Nonuniform Distribution
 rollout is used for selecting a coordinate system to measure a non-
uniform load. After selecting a coordinate system, you need to
define the non-uniform distribution equation of the load. You will
learn about non-uniform distribution equation later in this chapter.
Tip: To create a coordinate system, first exit the PropertyManager and then
click on the Features tab in the CommandManager. Next, click on Reference
Geometry > Coordinate System in the Features CommandManager, see
Figure 2.71. The Coordinate System PropertyManager appears, see Figure
2.72. Select a vertex or a point of the model as the origin of the coordinate
system. You can also define the origin by specifying coordinates of the
desired point. The preview of the coordinate system appears in the graphics
area. Select an edge or a linear entity to define the X axis direction of the
coordinate system. You can flip the direction of the X axis by using the
Reverse X Axis Direction button available in front of the X axis field. Next,
select an edge or a linear entity to define the Y axis direction of the
coordinate system. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. The coordinate system is created.

Type of Coordinate System

The Type of Coordinate System area of the Nonuniform Distribution
rollout is used for selecting the type of coordinate system, refer to
 Figure 2.70. You can select the Cartesian (X, Y, Z), Cylindrical
(radial “r”, circumferential “t”, axial “z”), or Spherical (radial “r”,
longitude “t”, latitude “p”) type coordinate system by clicking on the
respective button in this area. Note that depending upon the type
of coordinate system selected [Cartesian (X, Y, Z), Cylindrical ( r, t,
z), or Spherical (r, t, p)], you can define the equation for the non-
uniform distribution of force by using the Edit Equation button,
which is discussed below.
Edit Equation
The Edit Equation button is used for displaying the Edit Equation
dialog box for defining the equation of the non-uniformly distributed
force. Click on the Edit Equation button. The Edit Equation dialog
box appears, see Figure 2.73.

In the Edit Equation dialog box, you can define the equation for the
non-uniform distribution of force. Note that for the Cartesian
coordinate system, you can enter an equation by using x, y, and z as
coefficients. Similarly, for the Cylindrical coordinate system, you can
enter an equation by using r, t, and z as coefficients and for the
Spherical coordinate system, you can enter an equation by using r, t,
and p as coefficients. Examples of non-uniform distribution equations
based on different coordinates are given below:

Non-uniform distribution equations based on F (x, y, z) = 2 * “x” +

Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) 1 * “y” + 1 * “z”

Non-uniform distribution equation based on F (r, t, z) = 1 * “r” +

Cylindrical coordinate system (r, t, z) 3* “t” + 1 * “z”

Non-uniform distribution equation based on F (r, t, p) = 3 * “r” +

Spherical coordinate system (r, t, p) 1 * “t” + 1 * “p”

Note: While entering the equation, a drop-down list appears, see

Figure 2.74. In this drop-down list, you can select the mathematical
functions and coefficients. You need to enter coefficients inside
quotation marks. For example, F = 1 * “x” + 2 * “y” + 1 * “z”, where, F
is the relative magnitude of the force at an integration point along the
force varying direction.

After entering the equation for the non-uniformly distributed force,

click on the green tick-mark button in the Edit Equation dialog box.
The non-uniformly distributed force is applied on the selected face of
the model, see Figure 2.75. In this figure, the force is non-uniformly
distributed along the X-axis of the coordinate system. Note that you
cannot apply a non-uniformly distributed force on an edge or a vertex
of the model.

Symbol Settings Rollout

The Symbol Settings rollout is used for specifying the color and size
of the force symbols that appear in the graphics area. By default, this
rollout is collapsed. To expand this rollout, click on the arrow in its
title bar, see Figure 2.76.

After specifying the required parameters for defining the force in the
Force/Torque PropertyManager, click on the green tick-mark button
in the PropertyManager. The force of the specified parameters is
applied on the selected geometry of the model.
Applying the Torque
You can apply a uniformly or non-uniformly distributed torque on
faces of a model by using the Torque tool. The torque is a rotational
force which causes an object to rotate about an axis.
To apply the torque, invoke the External Loads flyout, see Figure
2.77 and then click on the Torque tool. The Force/Torque
PropertyManager appears with the Torque button activated in it, see
Figure 2.78. Alternatively, right-click on the External Loads option in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Torque tool in the
shortcut menu that appears. The options in the PropertyManager are
discussed next.

Force/Torque Rollout
In the Force/Torque rollout of the PropertyManager, the Torque
button is activated, see Figure 2.78. As a result, the options available
in this rollout are used for defining the uniformly distributed torque.
The options are discussed below.
Note: You can apply a force or torque by activating the Force or
Torque button in the Force/Torque rollout of the PropertyManager,
respectively.
Faces for Torque
The Faces for Torque field of the rollout is activated, by default. As a
result, you can select one or more cylindrical faces of the model to
apply the torque, see Figure 2.79.
Axis, Cylindrical Face for Direction
The Axis, Cylindrical Face for Direction field is used for selecting an
axis, an edge, or a cylindrical face to define the axis of torque, see
Figure 2.79.

Unit
The Unit drop-down list is used for selecting a unit for measuring the
torque magnitude. You can select SI, English (IPS), or Metric (G)
unit by using this drop-down list.
Torque Value
The Torque Value field is used for specifying the magnitude of the
torque.
The remaining options in this rollout are same as discussed earlier.
Nonuniform Distribution Rollout
The options in the Nonuniform Distribution rollout of the
PropertyManager are used for defining the equation for non-
uniformly distributed torque. The options in this rollout are same as
discussed earlier.
After specifying the required parameters for defining the uniform or
non-uniform torque in the Force/Torque PropertyManager, click on
the green tick-mark button. A torque with specified parameters is
applied on the selected cylindrical face or cylindrical faces of the
model.
Applying the Pressure
You can apply the uniformly or non-uniformly distributed pressure on
faces of a model by using the Pressure tool. The pressure is an
exertion of the force applied on a face per unit area.
To apply the pressure on faces of a model, invoke the External
Loads flyout, see Figure 2.80 and then click on the Pressure tool.
The Pressure PropertyManager appears, see Figure 2.81.
Alternatively, right-click on the External Loads option in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Pressure tool in the
shortcut menu that appears to invoke the Pressure
PropertyManager. The options in the PropertyManager are
discussed below.
Type
The options in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager are used for
selecting faces of the model to apply pressure and to define the
direction of pressure applied. The options are discussed below.
Faces for Pressure
By default, the Faces for Pressure field is activated in the Type rollout of
the PropertyManager. As a result, you can select one or more
faces of the model to apply the pressure.
Normal to selected face
By default, the Normal to selected face radio button is selected in the
rollout. As a result, the pressure is applied in a direction normal to
the selected face or faces of the model, see Figure 2.82.

Use reference geometry

The Use reference geometry radio button is used for applying the
pressure in a direction, which is defined by a reference geometry.
When you select this radio button, the Face, Edge, Plane, Axis for
Direction field and Direction drop-down list become available in the
rollout, see Figure 2.83.
The Face, Edge, Plane, Axis for Direction field is used for selecting a
face, an edge, a plane, or an axis as the reference geometry for
defining the direction of the pressure. The Direction drop-down list
is used for defining the direction of pressure with respect to the
selected reference geometry. Note that the availability of options in
the Direction drop-down list depends on the type of reference
geometry selected. For example, if you select a planar face or a
plane as the reference geometry, then you can select the Along
Plane Dir 1, Along Plane Dir 2, or Normal to Plane option in the
Direction drop-down list to define the direction of the pressure. If
you select a cylindrical face or an axis as the reference geometry,
then you can select the Radial, Circumferential, or Axial option to
define the direction of the pressure. If you select an edge as the
reference geometry, then the Direction drop-down list will not be
enabled and you can define the direction of the pressure along the
selected edge.
Pressure Value
The Unit drop-down list of the Pressure Value rollout is used for
selecting the unit for pressure, see Figure 2.84. The Pressure Value
field of the rollout is used for defining the value of pressure. The
Reverse direction check box is used for reversing the direction of
pressure.
Nonuniform Distribution
The options in the Nonuniform Distribution rollout are used for
defining the equation for the non-uniformly distributed pressure. The
options in this rollout are the same as discussed earlier.
After specifying the required parameters for defining the uniform or
non-uniform pressure in the PropertyManager, click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. A pressure with specified
parameters is applied on the selected face or faces of the model.
Applying the Gravity
Gravity is defined as the gravitational force, which is acting on all
objects in the universe and causes objects to fall toward the earth.
You can apply the gravitational force on a model by using the Gravity
tool.
To apply gravity on a model, invoke the External Loads flyout in the
Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Gravity tool.
The Gravity PropertyManager appears, see Figure 2.85. The options
are discussed below.
Selected Reference
The Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field of the Selected Reference
rollout is used for selecting a planar face, a plane, or an edge to
define the direction of the gravitational force. By default, the Top
Plane is selected in this field to define the direction of the
gravitational force. Note that the gravitational force is applied normal
to the selected planar face or the plane, see Figure 2.86. However, if
you have selected an edge, then the gravitational force is applied
along the selected edge.

The Apply Earth’s gravity field is used for specifying the value of
gravity of the earth. By default, the gravity of earth is 9.81 m/s^2.
The Reverse direction check box is used for reversing the direction
of the gravitational force applied.
Advanced
In addition to applying a gravitational force normal to the selected
planar face or the plane, you can also apply it in other directions of
the selected planar face or plane by using the Along Plane Dir 1 and
Along Plane Dir 2 fields of the Advanced rollout. By default, this
rollout is in collapsed form. To expand this rollout, click on the arrow
available in its title bar, see Figure 2.87.

After specifying the required parameters for defining the gravity in

the PropertyManager, click on the green tick-mark button. The
gravity with specified parameters is applied on the object.
Applying the Centrifugal Force
The Centrifugal force is defined as the force, which is acting on a
rotating object in the outward direction from its axis of rotation. You
can apply the centrifugal force by using the Centrifugal Force tool.
To apply the centrifugal force on a rotating object, invoke the
External Loads flyout in the Simulation CommandManager and then
click on the Centrifugal Force tool. The Centrifugal PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 2.88. Alternatively, right-click on the External
Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Centrifugal tool in the shortcut menu that appears. The options in the
PropertyManager are discussed below.
Selected Reference
The Axis, Edge, Cylindrical Face for Direction field of the Selected
Reference rollout is used for selecting an axis, an edge, or a
cylindrical face to define the axis of rotation of the object, see Figure
2.89. In this figure, the cylindrical face of the model is selected to
define the axis of rotation.

Centrifugal Force
The options in the Centrifugal Force rollout are used for specifying
the angular velocity and acceleration of the object. The options are
discussed below.
Unit
This drop-down list is used for selecting units for defining the angular
velocity and acceleration values.
Angular Velocity
This field is used for specifying the value of the angular velocity.
Angular Acceleration
This field is used for specifying the value of the angular acceleration.
Reverse direction
You can reverse the direction of angular velocity and angular
acceleration by using the respective Reverse direction check box of
the rollout.
After specifying the angular velocity and angular acceleration, click
on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
centrifugal force of specified angular velocity and angular
acceleration is applied on the object.
Applying the Bearing Load
Bearing load is defined as the load that occurs in the cylindrical
faces having contact with each other. For example, the contact
between shafts and bearings/bushings. In SOLIDWORKS
Simulation, you can apply the bearing load by using the Bearing
Load tool.
To apply the bearing load, invoke the External Loads flyout in the
Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Bearing Load
tool. The Bearing Load PropertyManager appears, see Figure 2.90.
Alternatively, right-click on the External Loads option in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Bearing Load tool in the
shortcut menu that appears. The options in the PropertyManager are
discussed below.

Selected Entities
The options in the Selected Entities rollout of the PropertyManager
are used for selecting cylindrical faces to apply the bearing load. The
options are discussed below.
Cylindrical Faces or Shell Circular Edges for Bearing Load
The Cylindrical Faces or Shell Circular Edges for Bearing Load field of
the Selected Entities rollout is used for selecting one or more
cylindrical faces of same radius to apply the bearing load. Note
that the cylindrical faces do not need to be full 360-degrees. You
can split the faces by using the Split tool of the Features
CommandManager.
Select a Coordinate System
The Select a Coordinate System field is used for selecting a coordinate
 system, which defines the direction of bearing load. Note that the
z-axis of the coordinate system must be aligned with the axis of
cylindrical face selected, see Figure 2.91.

Bearing Load
The options in the Bearing Load rollout are used for specifying the
bearing load along the X-axis or Y-axis of the coordinate system. The
options are discussed below.
Unit
The Unit drop-down list is used for selecting the unit for defining the
bearing load.
X-Direction
The X-Direction field is used for specifying the bearing load value
along the X-axis of the coordinate system.
Y-Direction
The Y-Direction field is used for specifying the bearing load value
along the Y-axis of the coordinate system. To activate the Y-
Direction field, click on the Y-Direction button available in front of
it in the rollout.
Reverse direction
The Reverse direction check box is used for reversing the direction of
 the bearing load.
Sinusoidal distribution
On selecting the Sinusoidal distribution radio button, the applied
bearing load follows the sinusoidal load distribution on the selected
cylindrical face.
Parabolic distribution
On selecting the Parabolic distribution radio button, the applied
bearing load follows the parabolic load distribution on the selected
cylindrical face.
After specifying the bearing load on one or more cylindrical faces,
click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
bearing load is applied on the object.
Applying the Remote Loads/Mass
The Remote Loads/Mass is defined as the load which originates at a
remote location in the space and its effects are transferred to the
model geometry, see Figure 2.92. To define the remote location in
the space, you can specify the X, Y, and Z coordinates with respect
to the global coordinate system or a user defined coordinate system.

To apply the remote load, invoke the External Loads flyout in the
Simulation CommandManager and then click on the Remote
Loads/Mass tool. The Remote Loads/Mass PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 2.93. Alternatively, right-click on the External
Loads option in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Remote Loads/Mass tool in the shortcut menu that appears. The
options in the PropertyManager are discussed below.

Faces for Remote Load

The Faces for Remote Load field of the Selection rollout is used for
selecting faces of the model to apply the remote load.
Reference Coordinate System
The options in the Reference Coordinate System rollout are used for
selecting a coordinate system to define the location and direction of
the remote load. By default, the Global radio button is selected in this
rollout. As a result, you can define the location and direction of the
remote load with respect to the global coordinate system. To define
the location and direction of remote load with respect to a user
defined coordinate system, select the User defined radio button. On
doing so, the Select a Coordinate System field gets enabled in the
rollout which is used for selecting a coordinate system from the
graphics area.
Location
The options in the Location rollout are used for specifying the X, Y,
and Z coordinates of the remote location with respect to the
coordinate system selected (global or user defined).
Translational Components
The options in the Translational Components rollout are used for
specifying the remote forces or translation values along X, Y, and Z
axes by activating the respective direction buttons such as X-
Direction , Y-Direction , and Z-Direction . Note that on activating a
direction button (X-Direction, Y-Direction, or Z-Direction), the Force
and Translation buttons become enabled in front of it for specifying
the force or translation value in the respective direction, see Figure
2.94. Of these two buttons, the Force button is activated by default.
As a result, you can specify the force value in the field that appears
in front of the activated direction button. To specify the translation
value, you need to activate the Translation button. You can also
reverse the direction of force or translation by clicking on the Reverse
direction button. Note that defining the force or translation value
depends upon whether the load or displacement is to be applied at
the remote location.
Tip: You can define the units for force and translation values by
using the Force Unit and Translation Unit drop-down lists in the
Translation Components rollout of the PropertyManager,
respectively.
Rotational Components
By default, the Rotational Components rollout is collapsed. To
expand this rollout, select the check box that is available in its title
bar. After expanding the Rotational Components rollout, you can
specify the remote moment or rotation values about X, Y, and Z axes
by activating the respective direction buttons such as X-Direction ,
Y-Direction , and Z-Direction . Note that when you activate a
direction button (X-Direction, Y-Direction, or Z-Direction), the
Moment and Rotation buttons become enabled in front of it for
specifying the moment or rotation value in the respective direction,
see Figure 2.95. Of these two buttons, the Moment button is
activated by default. As a result, you can specify the moment in the
field that appears in front of the activated direction button. To specify
the rotation value, you need to activate the Rotation button. You
can also reverse the direction of moment or rotation by clicking on
the Reverse direction button.
Note: Defining the moment or rotation value depends upon whether
the load or displacement is to be applied at the remote location.
Connection Type
The Connection Type rollout is used for defining the type of
connection between the remote load/displacement location and the
faces of the model. The options in this rollout are discussed below.
Distributed
On selecting the Distributed radio button in this rollout, you can define
the connection between the remote location and the faces of the
model as Default (constant), Linear, Quadratic, or Cubic by selecting
the respective option in the Weighting Factor drop-down list. Note
that this drop-down list is enabled in the Connection Type rollout
only when the Distributed radio button is selected. The options in
this drop-down list are discussed below.
Default (constant): On selecting the Default (constant) option, the
weight factors of the applied remote load is assumed to be
uniformly distributed on the faces of the model and connection
between the remote location and the faces of the model is
considered to be adequately flexible. SOLIDWORKS Simulation
calculates equivalent forces (shear force and moment) and applies
them on the faces of the model based on the applied remote load
and the distance between the remote load location and the faces
of the model, see Figure 2.96.
Linear: On selecting the Linear option, the weight factors of the
applied load are assumed to be linearly decreasing with distance
from the remote location.
Quadratic: On selecting the Quadratic option, the weight factors of
the applied load are assumed to be decreasing with distance from
the remote location following a quadratic polynomial formulation.
Cubic: On selecting the Cubic option, the weight factors of the
applied load are assumed to be decreasing with distance from the
remote location following a cubic polynomial formulation.
Rigid
On selecting the Rigid radio button in the Connection Type rollout, you
can define the connection between the remote location and the
faces of the model as rigid. In this connection type, the applied
remote load/moment/mass is transferred to the faces of the model
by considering that the remote load location and the faces of the
model are connected with rigid bars, see Figure 2.97. It develops
high stress near the selected faces of the model.
Mass
By default, this rollout is in collapsed form. To expand this rollout,
click on the check box available in its title bar. The Remote Mass
field of this rollout is used for specifying the value of the remote
mass and the remaining fields are used for specifying the mass
moment of inertia in the respective directions. The Unit drop-down
list of this rollout is used to specify the unit for the mass values.
After specifying the required parameters for the remote load, click on
the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The remote load
is applied.
Meshing a Geometry
Meshing is a very important process of an analysis in which a given
geometry is divided into a number of discrete finite elements which
are connected at common points called nodes, see Figure 2.98. In
SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the type of elements used for dividing the
geometry depends on the type of geometry being meshed. For
example, to mesh a 3D solid geometry, tetrahedral solid elements
are used. To mesh a surface or sheet metal geometry (2D planar
geometry), triangular shell elements are used. Similarly, to mesh a
weldment/structure geometry (1D line geometry), beam/truss
elements are used. SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses an automatic
mesher for meshing a geometry. As a result, it is limited to
tetrahedral solid elements for 3D solid geometries and triangular
shell elements for 2D planar geometries (surface and sheet metal).
In automatic meshers, these element types are most reliable for
meshing geometries.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses five types of elements for meshing a

geometry: First Order Solid Tetrahedral elements, Second Order
Solid Tetrahedral Elements, First Order Triangular Shell elements,
Second Order Triangular Shell elements, and Two Node elements.
These elements are discussed below:
Different Types of Elements

Element Description
Type

First Order The First Order Solid Tetrahedral elements are also
Solid known as Draft elements. Each First Order Solid
Tetrahedral Tetrahedral element is defined by four corner nodes
Elements which are connected by six straight edges, see Figure
2.99. Each node has three degrees of freedom
(translations). Due to the straight edges of draft
 elements, they do not map properly on curved
boundaries, see Figure 2.100. Also, draft elements do
not provide accurate results. However, due to less
number of nodes and degrees of freedom, the draft
elements require less computational time and are
generally used for quick evaluation of a model.

Second The Second Order Solid Tetrahedral elements are also

Order known as High quality elements. Each Second Order
Solid Tetrahedral element is defined by four corner nodes and
Tetrahedral six mid-side nodes which are connected by six
Elements curvilinear edges, see Figure 2.101. Due to the
curvilinear edges of high quality elements, they map
properly on curved boundaries, see Figure 2.102. Also,
high quality elements provide better results than draft
elements. However, due to higher number of nodes and
degrees of freedom, the high quality elements require
greater computational time and are mostly
recommended for final evaluation of a model.
First Order Similar to the First Order Solid Tetrahedral elements, the
Triangular First Order Triangular Shell elements are also known as
Shell Draft elements with the only difference that the First
Elements Order Triangular Shell elements are defined by three
corner nodes which are connected by three straight
edges, see Figure 2.103. Each node has six degrees of
freedom (three translations and three rotations). Due to
the straight edges, the draft elements do not map
properly on curved boundaries, see Figure 2.104 and
the results are not accurate. However, the draft
elements require less computational time and are used
for quick evaluation. The Triangular Shell elements are
2D elements and are used for meshing surface and
sheet metal geometries, see Figure 2.104. This figure
shows a surface geometry meshed with the First Order
Triangular Shell elements (Draft elements).

Second The Second Order Triangular Shell elements are High

Order quality elements having three corner nodes and three
Triangular mid-side nodes which are connected by three curvilinear
Shell edges, see Figure 2.105. Due to the curvilinear edges of
Elements high quality elements, they map properly on curved
boundaries and provide better results than draft
elements. However, the high quality elements require
greater computational time and are recommended for
final evaluation. The Triangular Shell elements are 2D
elements and are used for meshing surface and sheet
metal geometries, see Figure 2.106. This figure shows a
sheet metal geometry meshed with the Second Order
Triangular Shell elements (High quality elements). Note
that in case of a sheet metal geometry, the thickness of
the shell elements is automatically extracted from the
geometry. However, in case of a surface geometry, you
need to define the thickness of the shell elements.

Two Node The Two Node Beam elements are also known as Line
Beam elements. As the name suggests, each beam element is
Elements connected end-to-end with two nodes, see Figure 2.107.
Each node has six degrees of freedom (three
translations and three rotations). The Two Node Beam
elements are 1D elements and are used for meshing
weldment/structure geometries. When you mesh a
 weldment geometry, the beam elements are
represented by hollow cylinders similar to the one
shown in Figure 2.108. The beam elements can resist
axial, bending, torsional, and shear loads.
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can also mesh a
weldment/structure geometry with the truss elements.
The truss elements are a special type of beam elements
which resist axial loads only.

Creating Mesh on a Geometry

SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses an automatic mesher for meshing a
geometry based on the mesh parameters such as global element
size and tolerance. To mesh a geometry, click on the down arrow at
the bottom of the Run This Study tool in the Simulation
CommandManager, see Figure 2.109. A flyout appears. In this flyout,
click on the Create Mesh tool. The Mesh PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 2.110. Alternatively, right-click on the Mesh option in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Create Mesh tool in the
shortcut menu that appears to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.

The options in the Mesh PropertyManager are used for defining the
mesh parameters and are discussed below.
Mesh Density
The Slider in the Mesh Density rollout is used for setting the global
mesh element size and tolerance by dragging it. By default,
SOLIDWORKS Simulation calculates the default global element size
for a geometry based on its volume, surface area, and other
geometric details. You can drag the Slider toward right to set the fine
global mesh element size and toward the left to set the coarse mesh
element size. Figure 2.111 shows a geometry with fine mesh and
Figure 2.112 shows the geometry with coarse mesh. The Reset
button in this rollout is used for resetting the global mesh element
size to the default settings.
Note: The mesh size directly affects the accuracy of results. The smaller
(finer) the element size, more accurate are the results you get. However, the
computational time to generate the results gets increased. On the other
hand, the larger (coarser) the element size, less accurate are the results you
get. However, the computational time gets decreased.
Issue warning for distorted elements
On selecting this check box, SOLIDWORKS issues a warning when
distorted elements are detected in a mesh. Distorted elements are
the elements having negative Jacobian ratio. The concept of
Jacobian Ratio is discussed later in this chapter.
Note: The Issue Warning for distorted elements check box is available only
for high quality mesh. You can choose draft or high quality mesh of a body
by using the options available in the Mesh Quality tab of the
PropertyManager, which are discussed later in this chapter.
Mesh Parameters
The options in the Mesh Parameters rollout is used for defining the
mesh parameters. By default, this rollout is in collapsed form. To
expand this rollout, click on the check box in its title bar, see Figure
2.113. The options of this rollout are discussed below.
 Standard mesh
By default, the Standard mesh radio button is selected in the Mesh
Parameters rollout. As a result, you can specify the global element
size and tolerance value in the Global Size and Tolerance fields of
the rollout, respectively. Note that the standard mesh keeps the
mesh element size uniform throughout the geometry as per the
global element size and tolerance value specified. It does not
refine the mesh in the curvature areas or small features of the
geometry which may have high stress, see Figure 2.114. It can
affect the accuracy of results. The Automatic transition check box is
used for applying mesh controls automatically to high curvature
areas or small features of the geometry to generate a fine mesh in
such areas, see Figure 2.115. Figure 2.114 shows a mesh
geometry with the Automatic transition check box cleared and
Figure 2.115 shows the mesh geometry with the Automatic
transition check box selected.

Curvature-based mesh
On selecting the Curvature-based mesh radio button, you can specify
the maximum element size, minimum element size, minimum
number of elements in a circle, and element size growth ratio in
the respective fields of the rollout. Note that the curvature-based
mesh automatically refines the mesh based on the specified
parameters such that it creates more number of small elements in
the curvature areas or small features of the geometry to get more
accurate results, see Figure 2.116. It is used for creating a mesh
with variable element size, varying between the maximum and
minimum element sizes specified in the respective fields of the
rollout.

Blended curvature-based mesh

The Blended curvature-based mesh radio button is used for creating a
blended curvature-based mesh for a geometry which fails to mesh
with the standard mesh or curvature-based mesh. It is used for
creating a mesh with high quality elements having low Aspect
Ratio. On selecting this radio button, you can specify the maximum
element size, minimum element size, minimum number of
elements in a circle, and element size growth ratio in the
respective fields of the rollout for creating the blended curvature-
based mesh. Note that the blended curvature-based mesh runs on
a single central processor unit (CPU). As a result, the meshing
 process becomes slow.
Note: In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can define any mesher type as the
default mesher. For doing so, click on Simulation > Options in the
SOLIDWORKS Menus and then click on the Default Options tab in the
dialog box that appears. Next, click on the Mesh option on the left panel of
the dialog box and then select the required radio button (Standard,
Curvature-based, or Blended curvature-based) in the Mesher type area of
the dialog box as the default mesher type for meshing a geometry.
Advanced
The options in the Advanced rollout are used for defining the quality
of mesh in a geometry. Figure 2.117 shows the expanded Advanced
rollout. The options are discussed below.

Jacobian points
The Jacobian points drop-down list is used for setting the number of
integration points (4, 16, 29 gaussian points or At nodes) located
within each element of a mesh to check its quality. The quality of
mesh is important to ensure the accuracy of results.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses Aspect Ratio and Jacobian Points
to check the quality of a mesh. By default, the Aspect Ratio check
is used by SOLIDWORKS Simulation to check the quality of a
mesh. The Aspect Ratio of an element is calculated as the ratio of
the longest edge length to the shortest edge length of the element.
By default, a perfect tetrahedral element has an Aspect Ratio
equal to 1.0, see Figure 2.118. However, meshing a geometry with
 the elements having perfect Aspect Ratio is not possible due to its
curved edges or small features. Figure 2.119 shows a tetrahedral
element with a large Aspect Ratio. When the difference between
the edges of an element becomes large, the accuracy of the
results deteriorates.

Similar to the Aspect Ratio check, the Jacobian check is also used
for checking the quality of a mesh as per the Jacobian Ratio. The
Jacobian Ratio of an element is calculated based on the locations
of the mid-side nodes on the edges of the element. A perfect
tetrahedral element has all its mid-side nodes placed exactly at the
middle of the edges. The Jacobian ratio of a perfect tetrahedral
element is 1.0 and it increases as the curvatures of the boundaries
increase. The Jacobian check is available for second order
elements (high quality) since the mid-side nodes of the second
order elements are placed on the curved boundaries to map the
geometry accurately. Based on stochastic studies, a Jacobian ratio
less than 30 is acceptable. However, a good-quality mesh has a
Jacobian ratio between 1 and 10. SOLIDWORKS Simulation
automatically adjusts the placement of mid-side nodes of an
element to ensure it passes the Jacobian check.
Automatic trials for solid
The Automatic trials for solid check box is available when the Standard
Mesh radio button is selected in the Mesh Parameters rollout for
 creating the standard mesh on a geometry. On selecting the
Automatic trials for solid check box, the program automatically
performs the next iteration and re-meshes the geometry with a
smaller global element size, everytime the meshing fails. You can
define the maximum number of mesh trials in the Number of trials
field that appears below the Automatic trials for solid check box.
Also, the ratio by which the global element size reduces in every
iteration is 0.8.
Options
The Save settings without meshing check box of the Options rollout is
used for saving the parameters specified in the PropertyManager
without meshing the geometry. The Run (solve) the analysis check box
is used for running the analysis immediately after meshing the
geometry. By default, both these check boxes are cleared.
Note: SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically defines the type of elements
to be used for meshing the geometry depending on its type. For a 3D solid
geometry, it uses tetrahedral solid elements and for a surface/sheet metal
geometry, it uses triangular shell elements. Also, for a weldment/structure
geometry, it uses beam elements.
Besides using tetrahedral solid elements for a 3D solid geometry, you can
also use triangular shell elements and beam elements for meshing a 3D
solid geometry. For example, if the 3D solid geometry is having uniform
thickness then you can treat it as a 2D geometry and use the shell elements
for meshing it to reduce the computational time. The method for meshing a
3D solid geometry by using the shell and beam elements is discussed in
later chapters.
Mesh Quality
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can create a hybrid mesh by
choosing both draft and high quality mesh for different bodies in a
single mesh definition. For doing so, activate the Mesh Quality tab in
the Mesh PropertyManager, see Figure 2.120. By default, the high
quality mesh is specified for all the bodies or parts of an assembly.
You can choose to apply draft quality mesh for selected or all bodies
by choosing the Apply draft mesh quality or Apply draft mesh quality
to all button, respectively in the Specify rollout in the Mesh Quality
tab in the Mesh PropertyManager. In Figure 2.120, the high quality
mesh is specified to Piston Head, Piston Pin, and Shaft and the draft
quality mesh is specified to Piston Rod and Piston Rod Cap.

Note: The hybrid mesh that has both draft and high quality mesh elements,
is available only for linear static studies with solid bodies.
Tip: The draft quality mesh uses first order tetrahedral or triangular
elements, whereas the high quality mesh uses second order tetrahedral or
triangular elements.
After specifying all the required mesh parameters, click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The Mesh Progress window
appears which displays the progress of meshing the geometry, see
Figure 2.121. After the geometry is meshed, the Mesh Progress
window is closed automatically and the meshed geometry appears in
the graphics area, see Figure 2.122. Also, a folder named “Mesh
Quality Plot” with the mesh quality result gets added under the Mesh
node in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 2.123.

Tip: To mesh a surface geometry, you first need to define the

thickness of the shell elements. Similarly, to mesh a weldment
geometry, first you need to define the number of joints. You will learn
more about meshing a surface, a sheet metal, and a weldment
geometry in later chapters.
Identifying Poor Quality Mesh Elements
After generating the mesh on a geometry, you can identify its poor
quality mesh elements based on the defined failure criterion by using
the Mesh Quality Diagnostics PropertyManager. For doing so, right-click
on the Mesh node in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Mesh Quality Diagnostics option in the shortcut menu that appears,
see Figure 2.124. The Mesh Quality Diagnostics PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 2.125. Next, select the required method for
measuring the quality of mesh elements in the Mesh element quality
criterion drop-down list of the Display rollout. Depending upon the
method selected for defining the quality of mesh elements, specify
the criterion parameters in the Criterion rollout of the
PropertyManager. In the Poor Quality if greater than field of the
PropertyManager, you need to define the minimum threshold for the
selected method to determine the quality of the mesh elements. For
example, by default, the value 20 is entered in this field. As result,
the mesh elements with a jacobian ratio or aspect ratio greater than
20 will be treated as poor-quality elements. Next, click on the green
tick-mark button. The Mesh Quality Diagnostic plot with defined failure
criterion appears in the graphics area, refer to Figure 2.126. Also, it
is added in the Mesh Quality Plot folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Note that if poor quality mesh elements get detected based on the
defined failure criterion as shown in Figure 2.126, then the Mesh
Quality Diagnostic plot appears along with the Probe and Diagnose
PropertyManager, see Figure 2.127, since the Switch to Probe and
Diagnose when poor quality elements are detected check box is selected
in the Advanced Options rollout of the Mesh Quality Diagnostics
PropertyManager, by default, refer to Figure 2.125.
The options in the Probe and Diagnose PropertyManager are used for
probing poor quality mesh elements in the graphics area and for
taking appropriate action for improving them. By default, the Isolate
poor quality elements radio button is selected in the Options rollout of
the PropertyManager. As a result, all the poor quality elements get
isolated or probed in the graphics area and their respective results
get displayed in the Results rollout of the PropertyManager. You can
select the required option in the Options rollout to probe the poor
quality elements in the graphics area and display their results in the
Results rollout. The Show Mesh Helper button in the Results rollout is
used for displaying the Mesh Helper rollout to take appropriate
actions for improving the mesh quality. The Summary rollout is used
for displaying a summary of poor quality elements, which includes
total number of poor quality elements, mesh quality criterion, and
failure criterion. Also, the options in the Report Options rollout are
used to generate a report and save the results data as .csv file,
capture image, and copy result to clipboard. After reviewing the poor
quality mesh elements or taking the appropriate actions to improve
them, exit the PropertyManager.
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, after defining the material properties,
boundary conditions (loads and fixtures), and generating the mesh
on a geometry, you can run the analysis to get the results. You will
learn about performing different types of analysis in later chapters.
The various step-by-step case studies on the linear static analysis
are discussed in the next chapter.

Summary
This chapter discussed various assumptions for considering the linear static
analysis problem and how to get started with it in SOLIDWORKS
Simulation. It explained how to define the analysis unit and the standard
material properties for a geometry in addition to adding a new material
library, a new material category, and a custom material with user-defined
material properties. The chapter also described methods for editing the
properties of a standard material and deleting a custom material library,
category, and material. Further, description of boundary conditions,
applying fixtures/restraints, loads, meshing on a geometry, and identifying
poor quality mesh elements were also discussed in this chapter.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• To perform linear static analysis, the material is assumed to be
within the ________ region of the stress-strain curve due to the
applied load.
• The materials available in the ______ library are read only
materials.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides two type of fixtures: ______
and ______ .
• Standard fixtures include ______ , ______ , ______ , and ______ .
• The ______ fixture is used for applying restraints to a cylindrical face
such that it can only rotate about its axis of rotation.
• The ______ fixture is used for analyzing one half of the model
which is symmetric about a symmetric plane and the results are
obtained for the complete model.
• By default, the gravity of the earth is ______ m/s^2.
• The ______ is defined as the load which originates at a remote
location in the space and its effect transfers to the model
geometry.
• The ______ process is used for dividing a geometry into a number
of discrete finite elements.
• By default, the ______ elements are used for meshing a 3D solid
geometry.
• The First Order Solid Tetrahedral elements are also known as
 ______ elements.
• In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the ______ and ______ checks are
used for checking the quality of a mesh.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically defines the type of
elements to be used for ______ the geometry.
• In a ______ geometry, the thickness of the shell elements is
automatically extracted from the geometry.
Chapter 3: Case Studies of Static Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• 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 previous chapter, you have learned about various assumptions

for considering the linear static analysis problems. You have also
learned about 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.
 Project Description
The rectangular plate is fixed at one end (see Figure 3.2) and the
5000 Newton load is 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.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run two static studies. In the first study,
you will generate a high quality standard mesh with a global
element size of 6 mm and tolerance value of 0.3 mm as the mesh
parameters and in the second study, you will generate a curvature-
based mesh with a maximum element size of 1.5 mm and
minimum element size of 1 mm as the mesh parameters to
compare the difference in the results. Specify the unit system as SI
(MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa)
units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
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. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login/) and login
using your user name and password. If you are a new user, first
you need to register on CADArtifex website as a student
(cadartifex.com/register).

2. After logging in, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation >

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE TEXTBOOKS section of
 the left menu. All resource files of this textbook appear on the right
side of the page in their respective drop-down lists. For example,
all part files used in the illustration of different chapters of this
textbook are available in the Part Files drop-down list and all case
study files of different chapters are available in the Case Studies
drop-down list.
3. Select the C03 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
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.
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.

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.

6. Click on the OK button in the dialog box. The Simulation and

Analysis Preparation tabs are added to the CommandManager.
Note: If the Simulation tab is already added in the CommandManager then
you can skip the steps 4, 5, and 6.
Section 3: Starting the First Static Study
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the 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. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the General Simulation

rollout of the Study PropertyManager to perform the linear static
 analysis on the model.
4. Enter Standard Mesh Study as the name of the study in the Study
name field of the Name rollout in the PropertyManager.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the Study PropertyManager.
The various tools for performing 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. Ensure that the Units option is selected in the left panel of the
dialog box.
4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the
dialog box. Next, ensure 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.

Now, you need to set the results settings.

5. Click on the Solver and 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 Save Results area of
the dialog box and then enter Results in the field enabled in front of
it, 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
Save Results area in the dialog box.

7. After specifying the units and result settings, click on the OK

button to accept the changes and exit the dialog box.
Note: By default, for every static analysis, SOLIDWORKS Simulation
creates plots for the stress, displacement, and strain results. This happens
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 that appears. Next, set the required
result type for the newly added plot.
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 that appears.
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 selected material
appear on the right panel of the dialog box.

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 that appears to
invoke the Fixture PropertyManager.
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 selected
face, see Figure 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 that appears to invoke the Force/Torque
PropertyManager.

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.
3. Ensure that the Normal radio button is selected.
4. Enter 5000 in the Force Value field of the PropertyManager.
5. Select the Reverse direction button to reverse the direction of force
like the one shown in Figure 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 and
then generate the curvature-based mesh 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 that appears to invoke the Mesh
PropertyManager.

2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager by

clicking on the check box in its title bar, see Figure 3.20.

3. Ensure 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. SOLIDWORKS Simulation
automatically calculates the default mesh parameters based on the
volume, surface area, and other details of the model.
4. Enter 6 mm as the global element size in the Global Size field of
the Mesh Parameters rollout. Also, ensure that the tolerance value is
specified as 0.3 mm in the Tolerance field of the rollout, see Figure
3.20.
5. Click on the Mesh Quality tab in the PropertyManager, see Figure
3.21.

6. Ensure that the name of the model (Rectangular Plate) appears in

the High Quality Mesh field for generating a mesh with high quality
tetrahedral solid elements, see Figure 3.21.
7. After defining all the mesh parameters, 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.
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,
see Figure 3.24. The Standard Mesh Study (name of the study)
window appears which displays the progress of analysis, see
Figure 3.25. 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 3.26. 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 3.27.
Note: In Figure 3.26, the Number Format for the stress result values is set
to floating. For doing 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 3.27. The
maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load is
61.299 (6.130e+01) 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 3.28.

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 3.29 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 1.084e-02 mm (0.01084 mm)
which is a considerably small displacement. Also, the area of the
model having maximum resultant displacement is marked in red,
see Figure 3.29.

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 3.30 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 3.30, that the maximum equivalent strain on the
model under the applied load is 2.110e-04 (0.000211) . Note that
the strain results are unitless.
Note: You may find slight differences 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
3.31.
3. Click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu, see Figure
3.31. The Stress plot PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.32.
Alternatively, double-click on the von Mises stress plot that appears in
the graphics area to display the Stress plot PropertyManager.
4. Click on the Chart Options tab in the PropertyManager, see Figure
3.32.
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 3.33.

Note: Similar to annotating maximum and minimum stresses in the model,

you can also annotate the maximum and minimum displacement and strain
in the model.

Section 12: Displaying the 1st Principal Stress Plot

Now, you need to display the 1st Principal stress plot.

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 that
appears, see Figure 3.34. 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.
3. In the Display rollout of the PropertyManager, invoke the
Component drop-down list (see Figure 3.35) and then select the P1:
1st Principal Stress option.

Note: The options in the Component drop-down list of the Display rollout
are used for selecting 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
3.36. Also, it is added in the Results folder of the Simulation Study
Tree with the name Stress2 (-1st principal-).
It is evident from Figure 3.36 that the maximum 1st principal stress is
63.512 (6.351e+01) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is close to the maximum
von Mises stress value of 61.299 (6.130e+01) N/mm^2 (MPa). This
is because the uniformly distributed tensile load mainly results in
tensile stress along the longitudinal direction of the model.

Tip: You can also edit an existing stress plot for displaying the 1st principal
stress results on the model. For doing so, right-click on the name of the
stress plot to be edited in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu that appears.
Next, select the P1: 1st Principal Stress option in the Component drop-
down list of the Display rollout in the Stress plot PropertyManager. Next,
click on the green tick-mark button.
Section 13: Displaying the von Mises Stress in the True Scale
By default, the deformed shape of the model appears in Automatic
scale in the graphics area. In this section, you will display the
deformed shape of the model in True scale for von Mises stress
result.
1. Double-click on the Stress1 (-von Mises-) option in the Results folder
of the Simulation Study Tree to display the von Mises stress plot in
the graphics area. Next, double-click on the von Mises stress plot.
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. Select the True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.37.
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 Scale 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.

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 are 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 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.

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. Enter Curvature-based Mesh Study in the Study name field of the
PropertyManager and then click on the green tick-mark button. A
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 tabs available at
the lower left corner of the graphics area.
Tip: You can also create a new study from scratch and then drag the
required parameters such 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 a 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 re-meshing will delete the
results, see Figure 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.
8. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh
Parameters rollout, see Figure 3.43. The Maximum element size,
Minimum element size, Min number of elements in a circle, and
Element size growth ratio fields appear with default parameters in
the rollout.
9. Enter 1.5 mm as the maximum element size in the Maximum
element size field and 1 mm as the minimum element size in the
Minimum element size field of the PropertyManager, see Figure
3.43. Also, accept the default values entered in the Min number of
elements in a circle and Element size growth ratio fields, refer Figure
 3.43. Next, 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.

Note: As discussed in earlier chapters, 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 Figure 3.45 that in the curvature-based mesh study,
the maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 66.484 (6.648e+01) 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.
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.
2. Click on the Compare Results tool in the shortcut menu. The
Compare Results PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.47.
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.
4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
graphics screen of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation gets divided and
displays the stress and displacement results of both the studies,
see Figure 3.48.

Now, you can compare the stress and displacement results of both
the studies. The table given below summarizes the results of both
the studies.
 Study Mesh Type Max. Stress Max. Max.
[N/mm^2 Displacement Strain
(MPa)] [mm]

Standard Mesh Standard 61.299 0.01084 0.000211

Study Mesh

Curvature- Curvature- 66.484 0.01087 0.000269

based based
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 a small difference in the results, since the mesh parameters
affect the results. The difference in results can be large, if the geometry is
complex. Note that finer the mesh density, more accurate the results are but
the computational time will increase due to increase in number of 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
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 are 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.

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

Project Summary
In this case study, you will first generate a 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 mesh control. Specify the unit system as SI
(MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa)
units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
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
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 3
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login/) by using
your user name and password and then download the files of this
chapter, if not downloaded in Case Study 1. Note that if you are a
new user, then first you need to register on CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/register) 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 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
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.

Section 3: Starting the Static Study

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

Note: If the Simulation tab is not added in the CommandManager then you
need to customize it as discussed earlier.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.53.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager to perform the linear static analysis on the Bracket
model.
4. Enter Bracket Static 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. Also, the static study with the name
Bracket Static Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 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. Ensure that the Units option is selected in the dialog box and the
options for specifying the units appear on the right panel of the
dialog box, see Figure 3.55.

4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the
dialog box. Next, ensure 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.

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 that appears.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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 the Fixtures
options in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 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 that appears. 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.

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.

3. Ensure that the Normal radio button is selected to apply the load
normal to the face.
4. Enter 1200 in the Force Value 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: 1,200 N:)] of the applied load is
added under the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree, see Figure 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 that appears. 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 a mesh on the model. In
this case study, you will first generate a 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 and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
aappears, see Figure 3.66. The Mesh PropertyManager appears,
see Figure 3.67. Alternatively, click on the 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 that appears.

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 sets the
default mesh with the medium mesh density.
4. Accept the default mesh parameters in the respective fields of the
Mesh Parameters rollout.
5. Click on the Mesh Quality tab in the PropertyManager, see Figure
3.69.
6. Ensure that the name of the model (Bracket) appears in the High
Quality Mesh field to mesh the model with high quality (second
order) tetrahedral solid elements, see Figure 3.69.
7. After defining all the mesh parameters, 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.

Note: As discussed in the previous 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.
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.
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 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.
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 3.73. It is evident
from Figure 3.73 that the maximum von Mises stress in the model
under the applied load is 3.857e+01 (38.573) 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 5.210e-02
(0.052) mm which is a considerably small displacement. Also, the
 area of the model having the maximum resultant displacement is
marked in red.
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 1.382e-04
(0.0001382). Note that the strain results are unitless.
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 that appears 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.

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.

It is evident from 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 accurate results at the corner where the
maximum stresses are located.
Section 12: Applying the Mesh Control and Running the Analysis
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. 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.
4. Drag the Slider toward the extreme right in the Mesh Density rollout
of the PropertyManager to create a fine mesh on the selected
edge of the model, see Figure 3.82. Note that as you drag the
Slider, the element size in the Element Size field of the Mesh
Parameters gets reduced.

5. Click on the Create Mesh button in the Selected 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 3.83. Note that smaller elements (fine mesh) are
created along the selected edge.

Now, you need to run the analysis again to get the results after
applying 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 3.84.
Section 13: Comparing Stress Results Before and After Mesh
Control
1. Ensure that the von Mises stress result is displayed in the
graphics area, refer to Figure 3.84. If it is not displayed, then you
need to double-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree to display the von Mises stress
results. It is evident from the above figure that the maximum von
Mises stress in the model after applying the mesh control is
6.187e+01 (61.868) 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 3.857e+01
(38.573) N/mm^2 (MPa) whereas, after applying the mesh control,
the maximum von Mises stress is 6.187e+01 (61.868) N/mm^2
(MPa). This is because a fine mesh is created along the edge of
the model having high stress. The fine mesh generates higher
number of small elements which gives more accurate results but
 the computational time increases due to higher 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 61.686 N/mm^2 (MPa)
range in the model.
Note: The Iso plot is used for displaying the user-defined range of results in
portions of the model.
1. Click on the Plot Tools in the Simulation CommandManager. The Plot
Tools flyout appears, see Figure 3.85. In this flyout, click on the Iso
Clipping tool. The Iso Clipping PropertyManager appears, see Figure
3.86. Alternatively, click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) option in the
Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Iso
Clipping tool.

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 3.87 and then drag the Slider
toward extreme right to display the maximum von Mises value in
the Iso value field of the rollout, see Figure 3.87. Notice that the
 portions of the model where the von Mises stress is between the
specified range gets displayed in the graphics area, see Figure
3.88.

Note: In Figure 3.88, 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 that appears. 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 that appears.
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
61.686 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 for turning 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.

Case Study 3: Static Analysis of a Symmetrical Model

In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a
symmetrical model shown in Figure 3.89 and determine the stress
under a uniformly distributed load.

Project Description
The model is fixed at two holes and a 65200 Newton load is applied
on its top face, see Figure 3.90. The model is made up of AISI
1035 Steel (SS) material.

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 a high quality curvature-based mesh with a maximum
element size of 3 mm and minimum element size of 0.5 mm. You
will 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 as SI
(MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa)
units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
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 on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login). The
path to download files is SOLIDWORKS Simulation > SOLIDWORKS
Simulation 2023> Case Studies > C03 Case Studies. Note that if you
are a new user, first you need to register on CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/register) as a student to download the files.

2. Save the unzipped C03 Case Studies file in the location >
SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > 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 on 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 3.91.
Section 3: Starting the Static Study
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear, see Figure 3.92.

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 to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure 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 for performing the static analysis are enabled in the
Simulation CommandManager. Also, the Symmetrical Static Study is
added in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 3.93.
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 3.94.
3. Ensure that the Units option is selected in the dialog box and the
options for specifying the units appear on the right panel of the
dialog box, see Figure 3.94.
4. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the
dialog box. Next, ensure 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 3.94.

5. After specifying the units, click on the OK button to accept the

changes 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)
material, see Figure 3.95. The properties of the selected material
appear on the right panel of the dialog box.

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 one of its halves and obtain the results for
the complete model. Performing analysis on one half of the
symmetrical model reduces the computation time.
1. Click on the Analysis Preparation tab in the CommandManager and
then click on the Split tool, see Figure 3.96. The Split
 PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.97.

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 3.98.

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 3.99.
4. Select the check box corresponding to the first body in the
Resulting Bodies rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.99.
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 3.100.
Section 7: Applying the Fixture
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 3.101. The Fixture
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.102.

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 3.103. Next, click on the green tick-mark
button in the PropertyManager to apply the Fixed Geometry
fixture.
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, see Figure 3.104. The
Fixture PropertyManager appears with the expanded Advanced
rollout.
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. A preview of the
other symmetric half of the model appears in the graphics area
and the symbol of the Symmetry fixture appears on the selected
face, see Figure 3.105.

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

Symmetry fixture is applied on the selected face of the model.
Section 8: Applying the Load
Now, you need to apply the load.
1. Invoke the External Loads flyout in the Simulation CommandManager
(see Figure 3.106) 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 3.107. The symbol of the load appears on the selected
face.
3. Ensure that the Normal radio button is selected to apply the load
normal to the face.
4. Enter 32600 (65200/2 = 32600) in the Force field of the
PropertyManager.

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

32600 N load is applied on the selected face of the model.
Section 9: Generating the Mesh
As mentioned in the project summary, you need to generate a
 curvature-based mesh with a maximum element size of 3 mm and
a minimum element size of 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 that appears
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 3.108.

4. Accept the other default mesh parameters and then click on the
green tick-mark button . The Mesh Progress window appears
which displays the progress of meshing in the model. After the
meshing is complete, the meshed model appears, see Figure
3.109. Note that SOLIDWORKS Simulation generates mesh with
tetrahedral solid elements for solid geometry.
Section 10: Running the Analysis
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 displays 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 3.110.

Section 11: Displaying Stress, Displacement, and Strain Results

1. Display the von Mises stress results if not displayed by default,
refer to Figure 3.107. Notice that the maximum von Mises stress in
the model under the applied load is 2.134e+02 (213.442) N/mm^2
(MPa) which is within the yield strength of the material that is
2.827e+02 (282.685) N/mm^2 (MPa). Note that you may find a
slight difference in the result values depending on the service pack
installed on your system.
Note: If the maximum von Mises stress of the model exceeds the yield
strength of the material, your design is likely to fail under the applied load.
You may need to optimize the design and 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 that appears. The Stress plot PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.111.
3. Ensure that the Definition tab is activated in the PropertyManager.
Next, expand its Advanced Options rollout by clicking on the arrow
in its title bar, see Figure 3.112.
4. Select the Display symmetric results check box in the Advanced
Options rollout, see Figure 3.112.
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 3.113.

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 1.693e-01 (0.169) mm and the
maximum equivalent strain on the model is 8.782e-04 (0.001).
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 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 3.114. Also, the
animated effects of the deformed shape of the model start in the
graphics area with default settings. You can change the animation
settings by using the PropertyManager.

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.
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 3.115.
2. Click on the Define Factor Of Safety Plot tool in the shortcut menu.
The Factor of Safety PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.116.

3. Select the Display symmetric results option in the Advanced Options

rollout of the PropertyManager to display the results for 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 its
plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.117.
Notice that the minimum Factor of Safety of the model is 1.324e+00
(1.324), which indicates that the model is safe and can withstand
 the applied load. The Factor of Safety is the ratio of the allowable
stress to the actual stress.
Note: If the Factor of Safety equals to 1, it indicates that the stress is
exactly at the allowable limit and the model can withstand only the design
load. A Factor of Safety less than 1 indicates that the failure of the model is
likely under the design load, whereas, a Factor of Safety greater than 1
indicates that the stress is within the allowable limit. Greater the Factor of
Safety, stronger is the design. However, a higher 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.

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

Elements
In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a
Torispherical Head with shell elements shown in Figure 3.118 and
determine the stress under a uniformly distributed pressure.

Project Description
The torispherical head is fixed at its top face and a 500 psi pressure
is uniformly distributed along its inner faces, see Figure 3.119. The
model is made up of Alloy Steel (SS) material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study on the torispherical
head having a uniform thickness of 18 mm. As the torispherical
head has uniform thickness, you need to mesh the model with
shell elements which help reducing the computational time without
compromising on the quality of results. You need to generate a
high quality curvature-based mesh with a maximum element size
of 50 mm and a minimum element size of 1 mm. Also, you need to
determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor of safety of
 the model under the applied pressure. Specify the unit system as
SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in PSI units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
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 on to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier. If you are a new user,
you first 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 CommandManager. The tools of the
Simulation CommandManager appear, see Figure 3.120.
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 to the left of the graphics area.
4. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager to perform the linear static analysis on the model.
5. Enter Torispherical Head Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
various tools for performing 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
3.121.
2. Click on the Define Shell By Selected Faces tool in the shortcut
menu, see Figure 3.121. The Shell Definition PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 3.122.

Tip: The options in the Type rollout of the Shell Definition

PropertyManager are used for defining the type of 2D geometry (thin, thick,
or composite) for representing the 3D model. The Thin radio button of this
rollout is used for defining thin 2D geometry when the 3D model has a
thickness-to-span ratio equal to or less than 0.05. The Thick radio button is
used for defining thick 2D geometry when the 3D model has thickness-to-
span ratio more than 0.05. The Composite radio button is used for defining
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 3.123. The options in
this rollout are used for defining the arrangement of different material
layers as symmetric or as asymmetric 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 for defining the
number of layers of materials. The Rotate 0° Reference check box is used
for setting the rotational angle of the layers to 0 degree. By default, it is set
to 90 degrees. The Thickness, Angle, and Material columns of the Table in
this rollout are used for specifying the thickness, angle, and material of a
layer by double-clicking on the respective fields.

3. Ensure that the Thin radio button is selected in the Type rollout of
the PropertyManager.
4. Ensure that the Full preview radio button is selected to display the
preview of the geometry in the graphics area.
5. Select the inner faces (three faces) of the model. The color of the
selected faces changes in the graphics area, see Figure 3.124.
6. 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.
7. Expand the Offset rollout of the PropertyManager by clicking on
the arrow in its title bar, see Figure 3.125.

Tip: 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.
8. Click on the Bottom surface button in this rollout to add thickness
on the outer side of the selected faces of the model.
9. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
2D geometry (shell) is defined with specified thickness and the
geometry type is updated in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure
3.126.

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 that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
2. Select the inner circular edge of the model to apply the Fixed
Geometry fixture, see Figure 3.127 as 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.

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 that
appears. The Pressure PropertyManager appears.
4. Ensure 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 pressure.
6. Enter 500 in the Pressure Value field of the PropertyManager.
7. Select the inner faces (three faces) of the model to apply a
uniformly distributed pressure of 500 psi, see Figure 3.128.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. A
uniformly distributed pressure of 500 psi is applied on the inner
faces of the model.
Now, you need to define the material of the geometry.
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 a
curvature-based mesh with a maximum element size of 50 mm
and a minimum element size of 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 that
appears 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 3.129.

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 that appears.
The Mesh Details window appears, see Figure 3.130. 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.

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 3.131.

Note: By default, the deformed shape on the geometry does not appear in its
actual shape. To 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 that appears 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 3.132 shows
the deformed shape of the geometry with stress distribution in the true
scale.
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 3.154e+02 (315.354) 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 2.691e+00 (2.691) mm and
the maximum equivalent strain on the model is 1.012e-03 (.001).
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 3.133.
2. Click on the Define Factor Of Safety Plot tool in the shortcut menu.
The Factor of Safety PropertyManager appears, see Figure 3.134.
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 its plot
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 3.135.

Notice that the minimum Factor of Safety of the model is 1.334e+00

(1.334), which indicates that the model is safe and can withstand
the applied pressure. The Factor of Safety is the ratio of the
allowable stress to the actual stress.
Note: If the Factor of Safety equals to 1, it indicates that the stress is
exactly at the allowable limit and the model can withstand only the design
load. A Factor of Safety less than 1 indicates that failure of the model is
likely under the design load, whereas, a Factor of Safety greater than 1
indicates that the stress is within the allowable limit. Greater the Factor of
Safety, stronger is the design. However, a higher 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 3.136 and
determine the stress under a uniformly distributed load.

Project Description
All the legs of the Weldment Frame are fixed at its bottom and a
 48000 N load is uniformly distributed along all the beams of the top
frame, see Figure 3.137. The model is made up of Plain Carbon
Steel material.

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.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
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 on to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. After the Weldment Frame model is open in SOLIDWORKS, click
on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of the
Simulation CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
4. Ensure 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 3.138. Also, the joints appear on the members of the frame
in the graphics area, see Figure 3.139.

Notice that the joints appearing on the members in the graphics area
are of two colors: magenta and yellow. A magenta joint is
connected to two or more than two members, whereas a yellow
 joint is connected to a single member only and represents an open
end connection. You need to fix the yellow joints by applying
fixtures or by connecting 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 3.138) as 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 that appears. Similarly, you can
treat a solid body as a beam member by selecting the Treat as Beam tool in
the shortcut menu which appears 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 that appears,
see Figure 3.140. The Edit Joints PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 3.141.
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
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 that
appears. 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 3.142. 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 3.142.

Now, you need to apply the load.

4. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears, see Figure
3.143.
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 3.144.
7. Click on the Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field of the Selection
rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 3.144.

8. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree which is now at the top

left corner of the graphics area, see Figure 3.145 and then click on
 the Top Plane as the reference plane to define the 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 3.146.

10. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout to
reverse the direction of force to 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 that
appears. 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 3.147.
Note: SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically meshes the weldment
structure with beam 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 to 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 3.148.

2. To display the resultant displacement, double-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 that
appears. 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 3.149. Notice that the maximum axial stress
(tensile value) is 1.368e+00 (1.368) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is
relatively low.

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 Beam Diagrams tool in the shortcut menu
that appears. 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 3.150.

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 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 3.151.

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 are saved in the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case
Studies > C03 Case Studies > Case Study 5.

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

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

Project Description
The Beam Support is fixed at both its side bottom faces and a 12000
N load is uniformly distributed along its top middle face, see Figure
3.153. The model is made up of Alloy Steel (SS) material.
 Project Summary
Run a static study on the Beam Support model. You need to
generate a high quality curvature-based mesh with a maximum
element size of 5 mm and a minimum element size of 1 mm. Also,
determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor of safety of
the model under the applied load, and 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.
Hands-on Test Drive 2: Static Analysis of a Bearing House
Perform the linear static analysis of a Bearing House, see Figure
3.154 and determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor of
safety under a sinusoidal distribution bearing load.

Project Description
The Bearing House is fixed at its bottom face and a 48500 N
sinusoidally distributed load is applied along the lower half circular
face of the model in the Y-direction, see Figure 3.155. The model
is made up of AISI 304 steel material.
 Project Summary
Run a static study on the Bearing House. You need to generate a
high quality curvature-based mesh with default mesh parameters.
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.

Summary
In this chapter, you have performed linear static analysis of various case
studies. In 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. Examining of different results have been discussed such
as stress, displacement, strain, 1st principal stress, and annotating the
maximum and minimum stress areas of the model under the applied load.
In Case Study 2, you have learned how to apply mesh control on an area
where high stresses are located and compared 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 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.
Examining of different results have been discussed 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 Case Study 4, you have learned how to define shell elements for a 3D
solid geometry, generate a mesh with shell elements and display 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 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
Complete the following sentences:
• The ________ and ________ check boxes of the Stress plot
PropertyManager are used for annotating the maximum and
minimum stresses in the model.
• The ________ tool is used for applying mesh control where high
stresses are located in the model.
• You can save the animation of a result in the ________ file format.
• A ________ less than 1 indicates that the failure of the model is
likely under the design load.
• In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the ________ elements are
generated in meshing a 3D solid geometry.
• 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 for defining the bending moment
diagram of a beam.
• The ________ tool is used for displaying the user-defined range of
stresses in portions of the model.
• The Shell Definition PropertyManager is used for defining the 2D
geometry as ________, ________, and ________.
• The ________ tool is used for comparing the results of multiple
 studies.
• The ________ tool is used for running the current analysis study.
Chapter 4: Interactions and Connectors

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Working with Interactions
• Applying Interactions
• Working with Connectors
• Static Analysis of a Hook Assembly with Interactions
• Static Analysis of a Flange Assembly with Bolt Connectors
• Static Analysis of an Assembly with Edge Weld Connectors
• Static Analysis of a Leaf Spring Assembly
• Static Analysis of a Car Jack Assembly

In the previous chapter, you have learned about various case studies
for linear static analysis of components. In this chapter, you will learn
about performing static analysis of assemblies having multiple
components. However, before you start performing the analysis of an
assembly, it is important to understand about interactions and
connectors since an assembly is made-up of multiple components
and you need to define how the components of the assembly interact
with each other before you start the analysis. In SOLIDWORKS
Simulation, you can define various types of interactions between the
components of an assembly such as Contact, Bonded, Free, and
Virtual Wall. Besides defining the interactions between the
components, you can also define the type of connection between the
components. For example, if two components of the assembly are
connected with bolt connections then instead of creating the actual
geometry of bolts, you can apply the Bolt connections between the
components to reduce the computational time and speed up the
analysis process. Various types of interactions and connectors are
discussed next.
Working with Interactions
As discussed, before you start an analysis of an assembly, you need
to define how the components of the assembly interact with each
other. In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can define various types of
interactions between the components: Contact, Bonded, Free,
Shrink Fit, and Virtual Wall. The different types of interactions are
discussed next.
Different Types of Interactions

Types of Interactions

Contact The Contact interaction is used for preventing interference

between the selected components. On defining this
interaction, the touching faces of the components can slide
over each other or come apart, but cannot penetrate each
other during simulation, see Figure 4.1.

Bonded The Bonded interaction is used for applying a bonded

connection between the touching faces of the components.
On applying this interaction, the contacting components
 together act as a single component with the only difference
that you can apply different material properties to the
components, see Figure 4.2. By default, the Bonded
interaction is applied between the components of an
assembly.

Free The Free interaction is used for allowing interference

between the selected components. On defining this
interaction, the touching faces of the components can
cause interference with each other during simulation, see
Figure 4.3.

Shrink The Shrink Fit interaction is used for determining the

Fit stresses between the components having interference with
each other. For example, when you insert a shaft of 100
mm diameter into a hub of 99.95 mm diameter, then a 0.05
mm interference occurs between the components. To
analyze such components, you need to apply the Shrink Fit
interaction between the interference faces of the
components, see Figure 4.4.
Virtual The Virtual Wall interaction is used for defining an
Wall interaction between a component and a virtual wall which is
represented by a reference plane. Note that a virtual wall
can be rigid or flexible and you can define its friction
coefficient.

Applying Interactions
When you perform an analysis of an assembly, the Connections node
is added automatically in the Simulation Study Tree and the Bonded
component contact is applied as the global contact between all the
components of the assembly, by default, see Figure 4.5. In
SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the interactions are divided into two
categories: Component Interaction and Local Interaction. The
Component Interaction includes Bonded, Contact, and Free,
whereas the Local Contact includes Contact, Bonded, Free, Shrink
Fit, and Virtual Wall. You can apply a Component Interaction
between a set of components or the entire components of the
assembly. However, a Local Interaction can only be applied between
a set of touching faces of the components or the faces that are within
the specified minimum and maximum clearance values. Note that
the Local Interaction has precedence over the Component
Interaction and it overrides the Component Interaction conditions.
The methods for applying the Component Interaction and Local
Interaction are discussed next.

Applying a Component Interaction

To apply a Component Interaction, click on the arrow at the bottom of
the Connections Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The
Connections flyout appears, see Figure 4.6. In this flyout, click on the
Component Interaction tool. The Component Interaction PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 4.7. Alternatively, right-click on the Connections
node in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Component
Interaction tool in the shortcut menu that appears to invoke the
Component Interaction PropertyManager. The options in this
PropertyManager are discussed next.

Interaction Type
The options in the Interaction Type rollout are used for selecting the
type of component interaction to be applied between a set of
components or the entire assembly. You can apply the Bonded,
Contact, and Free component interactions by selecting the
respective radio button in this rollout. The different types of
interactions have already been discussed.
Note: By default, the Bonded component interaction is applied as the global
interaction between all the components of the assembly. It can be
overridden by applying the sets of component interactions and local
interactions, manually. You will learn about local interactions later in this
chapter.
Components
The Select bodies that can come into interaction with one another field in
the Components rollout is used for selecting the set of components
between which you want to apply the selected component
interaction. You can select components either from the graphics area
or the FeatureManager Design Tree. If you select the Global
Interaction check box of this rollout, then the selected component
interaction will be applied between all the components of the
assembly as the global component interaction.
Properties
The Properties rollout of the PropertyManager is used to define the
conditions for the selected interaction type. This rollout is not
available for Free interaction type. The options in this rollout are
discussed next.
Gap range for bonding
The Gap range for bonding area of the Properties rollout is available
 only when the Bonded radio button is selected in the Interaction
Type rollout of the PropertyManager. The fields (Maximum gap
percent and Maximum gap) in this area are used for specifying the
maximum allowable clearance value or gap between non-touching
faces of the components for considering the bonded interaction. By
default, the 0.01% value is entered in the Maximum gap percent field
of this area. As a result, if the clearance value between the non-
touching faces of the components is less than or equal to 0.01% of
the characteristic length of the model, then they are qualified for
the bonded interaction. Note that the maximum allowable
distance/gap value will automatically be calculated based on the
specified percentage value in the Maximum gap percent field and
the same gets displayed in the Maximum gap field of this area or
vice-versa.
Calculate minimum gap
The Calculate minimum gap button in the Properties rollout is used for
calculating the minimum distance between the non-touching faces
of the selected components, see Figure 4.8. Note that this button
is enabled only after selecting two or more components for
applying the bonded interaction.

Gap range to consider contact

The Gap range to consider contact area in the Properties rollout is
available only when the Contact radio button is selected in the
Interaction Type rollout of the PropertyManager. The fields
 (Maximum gap percent and Maximum gap) in this area are used for
specifying the maximum allowable clearance value or gap between
non-touching faces of the components for considering the contact
interaction. By default, a 10% value is entered in the Maximum gap
percent field of this area, see Figure 4.9. As a result, if the
clearance value between the non-touching faces of the
components is less than or equal to 10% of the characteristic
length of the model, then they are qualified for the contact
interaction. Note that the maximum allowable distance/gap value
will automatically be calculated based on the specified percentage
value in the Maximum gap percent field and the same gets displayed
in the Maximum gap field of this area or vice-versa.
Stabilize the area if the gap is
The Stabilize the area if the gap is area is available in the Properties
rollout when the Contact radio button is selected in the Interaction
Type rollout. The fields (Maximum gap percent and Maximum gap) in
this area are used for specifying the maximum allowable clearance
value between non-touching faces of the components for applying
the contact stabilization, see Figure 4.9. It helps the solver to
overcome instability issues and start the simulation by applying a
small stiffness to the faces of the components that are within the
specified clearance value.
Coefficient of friction
The Coefficient of friction check box is used for specifying the coefficient
of static friction between the faces of the selected components. You can
specify the coefficient of static friction in the range from 0 to 1 in the
Coefficient of friction field that gets enabled on selecting this check box
 in the rollout.
Advanced
The Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager is available only for the
bonded interactions and is used for defining the meshing in the
connecting areas of the selected components, see Figure 4.10. The
options in this rollout are discussed next.

Enforce common nodes between touching boundaries

On selecting this check box, SOLIDWORKS Simulation creates a
smooth mesh transition between the connecting areas of the
selected components. It forms a node-to-node connection such
that the nodes along the connecting areas merge with each other
to ensure a perfect bonding between the components.
Tip: If the Enforce common nodes between touching boundaries check box
is not selected, then SOLIDWORKS Simulation creates a mesh in each
component of the assembly, independently, see Figure 4.11.
Bonding formulation
This area is used for specifying bonding formulations for meshing
components, independently. The Surface to surface radio button is
selected when the components have a large area of interaction
during deformation, whereas, the Node to surface radio button is
recommended when the area of interaction between the
components during deformation reduces to a line or a point. Note
 that the Surface to surface method is slower but mostly gives more
accurate results as compared to the Node to surface method.

After defining the component interaction conditions in the

PropertyManager, click on the green tick-mark button. The selected
component interaction is applied between the selected components.
Applying a Local Interaction
To apply a Local Interaction between a set of touching faces of the
components, click on the arrow at the bottom of the Connections
Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager. The Connections
flyout appears, see Figure 4.12. In this flyout, click on the Local
Interaction tool. The Local Interactions PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 4.13. Alternatively, right-click on the Connections node in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Local Interaction tool in
the shortcut menu that appears. The options of the Local Interactions
PropertyManager are used to apply local interactions by using two
methods: Manual or Automatic. In the Manual method, you need to
select a set of touching faces of the components for applying the
local interaction, whereas in the Automatic method, you can select
the components, and SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically
identifies different sets of touching faces of the selected components
to apply local interactions between them. Both the methods are
discussed next.
Applying a Local Interaction by using the Manual Method
1. After invoking the Local Interactions PropertyManager, select the
Manually select local interactions radio button in the Interaction rollout
of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.13.
2. Select an interaction type: Contact, Bonded, Free, Shrink Fit, or
Virtual Wall in the Type drop-down list, see Figure 4.14.

3. Select a face, an edge, or a vertex of a component as the first set

of interaction entity from the graphics area, see Figure 4.15. The
selected face/edge/vertex is highlighted in blue and its name
appears in the Faces, Edges, Vertices for Set 1 field of the Type rollout
in the PropertyManager. Note that you can also select multiple
faces/edges/vertices as the first set of interaction entities.
Tip: Sometimes it is difficult to select the faces of the touching components
to apply an interaction between them. Therefore, it is recommended to
explode the assembly view and then select the faces, see Figure 4.15. You
can explode the assembly view by using the Exploded view tool of the
Assembly CommandManager.
4. Click on the Faces for Set 2 field in the Type rollout of the
PropertyManager to activate it. Next, select a face of another
component as the second set of interaction entities, see Figure
4.15. You can also select multiple faces as the second set of
interaction entities.

Swap interaction faces: The Swap interaction faces button of the Type
rollout is used for interchanging the selections for the first and
second sets of interaction entities.
Note: For the Contact and Virtual Wall interactions, you can also define the
clearance settings between the components by using the options in the
Properties rollout of the PropertyManager. These options are same as
discussed earlier except the Contact offset check box. When you select the
Contact offset check box, the If gap is less than and Unlimited gap distance
radio buttons get enabled in the Properties rollout, see Figure 4.16. The If
gap is less than radio button is used for ignoring clearance which is within
the clearance value specified in the field enabled below this radio button.
The Unlimited gap distance radio button is used for ignoring the clearance
that exists between the selected set of faces and assuming that the faces are
initially in contact with each other.
Also, for the Contact and Shrink Fit interactions, you can specify the
friction coefficient between the faces of the components by selecting the
Coefficient of friction check box of the Properties rollout. You can specify
friction coefficient value up to 1.
5. After selecting the type of interaction and the set of entities, click
on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager, the selected
interaction type is applied between the selected entities.
Applying a Local Interaction by using the Automatic Method
1. Invoke the Local Interactions PropertyManager and then select the
Automatically find local interactions radio button in the Interaction
rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.17.

By default, the Find faces radio button is selected in the Options

rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.17. As a result, the
faces of the selected components which meet the criteria specified
in the Maximum Clearance field get identified automatically for
applying the local interactions.
2. Select the Find faces radio button in the Options rollout of the
PropertyManager to identify the faces of the components that are
 within the allowable clearance value specified in the Maximum
Clearance field of the Options rollout.
3. Enter the maximum allowable clearance value in the Maximum
Clearance field of the Options rollout, as required.
4. Select the components from the graphics area or the
FeatureManager Design Tree.
5. After selecting the components, click on the Find local interactions
button in the Components rollout of the PropertyManager. All sets of
faces that are within the specified clearance value between the
selected components get identified and are listed in the Results
rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.18.

6. Select a set of faces in the Results rollout of the PropertyManager

by clicking the left mouse button to apply an interaction between
them. You can also select multiple sets of faces in the Results
rollout by pressing the CTRL key. Note that, when you select a set
of faces in the Results rollout, the respective faces of the
components get highlighted in the graphics area.
Tip: On selecting the Transparent view check box in the Results rollout, the
identified faces of the selected set get highlighted in the graphics area in the
transparent view.
7. Select an interaction type: Contact, Bonded, or Free in the Type
drop-down list of the Results rollout in the PropertyManager to
 apply it between the selected set or sets of faces in the Results
rollout.
8. Click on the Create local interactions button in the Results rollout of
the PropertyManager. The selected interaction is applied between
the selected set or sets of faces. Also, the selected set or sets of
faces get removed from the list in the Results rollout. Note that you
can apply different interactions between the different sets of faces.
9. After applying the interactions between the required sets of faces
of the components, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager.
Note: All the applied interactions (component interactions and local
interactions) are listed in sub-nodes under the Connections node of the
Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 4.19. In this figure, the Bonded
component interaction is applied as the global interaction between all
components of the assembly. Also, the Contact local interactions are
applied between the five sets of faces. As discussed, local interactions have
precedence over component interactions and the component interactions
have precedence over global interaction.

Working with Connectors

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can also define the type of
connection such as Pin, Bolt, Bearing, Spot/Edge Welds, and Spring,
between the components. On doing so, you do not need to create
the actual geometry of the connectors. This helps in reducing the
computational time and speed up the analysis process without
compromising on the accuracy of the results. The different types of
connectors are discussed next.
Applying a Bolted connector
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can apply a bolted connector
between two or more components by using the Bolt tool. The method
for applying a bolted connector is discussed below:
1. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the Connections Advisor tool in
the Simulation CommandManager. The Connections flyout appears,
see Figure 4.20. In this flyout, click on the Bolt tool. The Connectors
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 4.21.
In the Type rollout of the PropertyManager, you need to select the
type of bolted connector to be applied between the components by
clicking on the respective button: Standard or Counterbore with Nut,
Countersink with Nut, Standard or Counterbore Screw, Countersink
Screw, Foundation Bolt. By default, the Standard or Counterbore with
Nut button is activated. As a result, the Circular Edge of The Bolt
Head Hole and Circular Edge of The Bolt Nut Hole fields appear in
the Type rollout of the PropertyManager.
2. Ensure that the Standard or Counterbore with Nut button is activated
in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager to apply the counterbore
bolted connection.
Note: The Standard or Counterbore with Nut button is used for applying a
counterbore bolted connection by selecting two circular edges which define
the bolt head and bolt nut location. The Countersink with Nut button is used
for applying a countersink bolted connection by selecting a conical face to
define the bolt head and a circular edge to define the bolt nut location. The
Standard or Counterbore Screw button is used for applying a counterbore
screw connection by selecting a circular edge to define the bolt head and
the hole faces to define the threads. The Countersink Screw button is used
for applying a countersink screw connection by selecting a conical face to
define the bolt head and the hole faces to define the threads. The
Foundation Bolt button is used for applying a bolted connection between a
component and a wall/ground by selecting a circular edge to define the bolt
nut location and a target plane to define the virtual wall.
3. Select a circular edge to define the bolt head location, see Figure
4.22. A callout gets attached to the selected circular edge in the
graphics area with default parameters (head diameter and nominal
 shank diameter) of the bolt, see Figure 4.22. Also, the name of the
selected edge appears in the Circular Edge of The Bolt Head Hole
field of the PropertyManager. Note that when you select a circular
edge, the head diameter and nominal shank diameter of the bolt
get automatically calculated by the program based on the diameter
of the selected circular edge. You can edit these values by using
the Head Diameter and Nominal Shank Diameter fields of the Type
rollout in the PropertyManager.

After defining the bolt head location, you need to define the bolt nut
location.
4. Click on the Circular Edge of The Bolt Nut Hole field in the Type
rollout and then select a circular edge to define the bolt nut
location, see Figure 4.23. By default, the Same head and nut diameter
check box is selected in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager.
As a result, the nut diameter remains the same as the head
diameter. To specify a different diameter for the nut, clear this
check box and then specify the required nut diameter in the Nut
Diameter field that appears in the Type rollout.
5. Select the Distributed or Rigid connection type by selecting the
respective radio button in the Connection Type rollout.
Note: The Distributed connection type allows deformation of the
faces attached, which delivers a more realistic representation of a
connector’s behavior as compared to the Rigid connection type,
where the faces are rigidly connected. Note that the Distributed
connection type is available for linear static studies only.
Now, you need to define the material properties of the bolt.
6. Ensure that the Library radio button is selected in the Material
rollout of the PropertyManager to select a standard material from
the SOLIDWORKS Material Library, see Figure 4.24.
7. Click on the Select Material button in the Material rollout of the
PropertyManager. The Material dialog box appears. In this dialog
box, select a material. Next, click on the Apply button and then the
Close button to apply the selected material to the bolted connection
and close the dialog box, respectively.
Note: You can also apply the custom material properties to the bolted
connection. For doing so, select the Custom radio button in the Material
rollout of the PropertyManager and then specify the custom material
properties in the respective fields that get enabled in the rollout, see Figure
4.25.

8. Specify the known axial or torque pre-load acting on the bolt by

selecting the Axial or Torque radio button respectively, in the Pre-
load rollout of the PropertyManager. The options in this rollout are
used for specifying the known axial or torque pre-load acting on
the bolt. By default, the axial or torque load is defined as 0 (zero).
Means, no axial or torque pre-load is acting on the bolt.
9. Accept the remaining default options in the PropertyManager and
then click on the green tick-mark button. The bolt connection is
applied between the components and its representation appears in
the graphics area, see Figure 4.26. Also, the applied bolt
connection is listed under the Connectors node in the Simulation
Study Tree, see Figure 4.27.

You can also apply a bolted connection between more than two
components. For doing so, follow the steps (1 through 8)
 mentioned above and then expand the Advanced Options rollout of
the Connectors PropertyManager, see Figure 4.28. Next, select the
Bolt series check box and then click on the Allow faces for bolt series
field to activate it in the expanded Advanced Options rollout. Next,
select the cylindrical hole faces of the middle components, see
Figure 4.29. After selecting the cylindrical faces of the middle
components, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. Figure 4.30 shows a bolted connection applied
between more than two components.

Note: The Tight Fit check box of the Advanced Options rollout is used
for defining the tight fit bolt connection when the diameter of the bolt
shank is equal to the diameter of the hole faces. For doing so, you
need to select the Tight Fit check box and then activate the Shank
interaction faces field by clicking on it. Next, you need to select the
hole faces which are in contact with the bolt shank.
Similar to applying a counterbore with nut type bolt connector, you
can apply countersink with nut, counterbore screw, countersink
screw, and foundation bolt by using the Connectors
PropertyManager.
Applying a Pin connector
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can apply a pin connector
between the cylindrical faces of the components that rotate against
the pin by using the Pin tool. The method for applying a pin
connector is discussed below:
1. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the Connections Advisor tool in
the Simulation CommandManager. The Connections flyout appears,
see Figure 4.31. In this flyout, click on the Pin tool. The Connectors
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 4.32. Alternatively, right-click
on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree and then
click on the Pin tool in the shortcut menu that appears.
By default, the Cylindrical Faces/Edges field is activated in the Type
rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result, you can select
cylindrical faces of the components.
2. Select a cylindrical face of the first component, see Figure 4.33.
You can select a single 360-degree cylindrical face or multiple
cylindrical faces of smaller angles to apply the pin connector. The
selected face is highlighted with a callout attached to it in the
graphics area, see Figure 4.33. Also, the name of the selected
face appears in the Cylindrical Faces/Edges field of the rollout. Note
that for shell geometry, you can select a cylindrical edge.
3. After selecting a cylindrical face of the first component, select a
cylindrical face of the second component, see Figure 4.34.

By default, the With retaining ring (No translation) check box is

selected in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result,
the relative axial translation between the selected faces of the
components gets restricted. On selecting the With key (No rotation)
 check box, the relative rotation between the selected faces of the
components gets restricted.
4. Ensure that the With retaining ring (No translation) check box is
selected in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager to restrict the
relative axial translation between the selected faces.
You can specify the rotational stiffness in the Rotational Stiffness field
of the Option rollout in the PropertyManager. Note that this field is
not enabled when the With key (No rotation) check box is selected
in the Type rollout. You can also specify the axial stiffness in the
axial direction in the Axial Stiffness field of the Option rollout. This
field is not enabled when the With retaining ring (No translation)
check box is selected.
5. Select the Distributed or Rigid connection type by selecting the
respective radio button in the Connection Type rollout.
Note: The Distributed connection type allows deformation of the faces
attached, which delivers a more realistic representation of a connector’s
behavior as compared to the Rigid connection type, where the faces are
rigidly connected. Note that the Distributed connection type is available for
linear static studies only.
6. Expand the Strength Data rollout of the PropertyManager and then
specify the yield strength of the pin material in the Pin Strength field
of the rollout.
7. Specify the factor of safety ratio in the Safety Factor field of the
rollout. Note that the pin fails when the combined load of the pin
exceeds the ratio of the specified factor of safety.
You can also specify the known tensile stress location/area of the pin
 in the Tensile Stress Area field of the Strength Data rollout.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
pin is applied between the selected cylindrical faces and its
representation appears in the graphics area, see Figure 4.35. Also,
the applied pin connection gets listed under the Connectors node in
the Simulation Study Tree.

Applying a Link connector

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can apply a link connector
between two components that are connected by a rigid bar (link) with
each other, see Figure 4.36. The method for applying a link
connector is discussed below:

1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree.

A shortcut menu appears, see Figure 4.37. In this shortcut menu,
click on the Link tool. The Connectors PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 4.38. Alternatively, click on the arrow at the bottom of the
 Connections Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager and
then click on Link tool in the Connectors flyout that appears.

To apply a link connector between two components, you need to

specify hinged end locations on both the components. You can do
so by selecting either vertices or reference points, refer to Figure
4.39. In this figure, reference points are created on the hinged end
locations of the components to define the end locations.
2. Select a vertex or a reference point to define the hinged end
location of the first component, see Figure 4.39. In this figure, a
reference point is selected to define the end location of the first
component.
3. Click on the Vertex or Point for Second location field in the
PropertyManager and then select a vertex or a reference point to
define the hinged end location of the second component, see
Figure 4.39. In this figure, a reference point is selected to define
the end location of the second component.
4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
link connector is applied between the selected components, see
Figure 4.40.
Note: The applied link connector acts as rigid bar between two
components and the distance between the specified locations of the
components remains same during the deformation.
Applying a Bearing connector
You can apply a bearing connector between components which
represent shaft and housing mechanism, see Figure 4.41. The
bearing connector is used when the shaft is more rigid than the
housing. The method for applying a bearing connector is discussed
below:
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Bearing tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Connectors PropertyManager appears. Alternatively,
invoke the Connectors flyout in the Simulation CommandManager and
then click on Bearing tool.
By default, the For shaft: Cylindrical face or circular edge of shell field is
activated in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result,
you can select a cylindrical face of the shaft. For shell geometry,
you need to select a circular edge.
2. Select a circular face (of 360-degrees) of the shaft where the
 bearing is connected between the shaft and the housing, see
Figure 4.41.
Note: You need to split the shaft face by creating split lines using the
Split Line tool to define the bearing connector on the portion of the
shaft where the bearing is connected. In Figure 4.41, split lines are
created on the shaft to ensure the proper location of the bearing
connector.
3. Click on the For housing: Cylindrical face or circular edge of shell field
in the Type rollout of the PropertyManager. Next, select a
cylindrical face of the housing where the bearing is resting on it,
see Figure 4.42.

By default, the Allow self-alignment check box is selected in the Type

rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result, self-aligning is defined
for the bearing connector which allows off-axis rotation of the shaft.
4. Ensure that the Rigid radio button is selected in the Stiffness rollout
of the PropertyManager to block any lateral or axial translation for
the selected face of the shaft by applying a high stiffness value to
the connector.
On selecting the Flexible radio button, you can define the total lateral
and axial stiffness values in the respective fields which are
enabled below the radio button. This radio button is used when
 you want to allow the lateral or axial translation for the selected
face of the shaft.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
bearing connector is applied between the shaft and the housing.
Applying a Spot Weld connector
You can apply a spot weld connector between two thin components
which are connected to each other with a spot weld. The method for
applying a spot weld connector is discussed below:
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Spot Welds tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Connectors PropertyManager appears, see Figure 4.43.
Alternatively, invoke the Connectors flyout in the Simulation
CommandManager and then click on Spot Welds tool.

By default, the Spot Weld First Face field is activated in the Type rollout
of the PropertyManager. As a result, you can select a connected
face of the first component to apply the spot weld connector.
2. Select the connected face of the first component, see Figure 4.44.
A callout is attached to the selected face and the name of the face
 appears in the Spot Weld First Face field of the PropertyManager.
3. Click on the Spot Weld Second Face field in the Type rollout and then
select the connected face of the second component, see Figure
4.45. In Figures 4.44 and 4.45, the outer planar faces of the
components are selected to apply the spot weld connector.

After selecting the faces of the components which are connected by

the spot weld, you need to define the weld location on any one of
the selected faces. Note that you can define the weld location by
selecting the vertices or assembly reference points.
4. Click on the Spot Weld Locations field in the Type rollout and then
select vertices or assembly reference points one by one to define
the spot weld locations, see Figure 4.46. In this figure, six (6)
vertices of the first selected face are selected to define the spot
weld locations.
Note: You need to split a face by creating split lines using the Split
Line tool so that you can select the vertices which are created by
split lines. In Figure 4.46, the split lines are created on the first
selected face and their vertices are selected to define the spot weld
locations.
After defining the spot weld location, you need to define the spot
weld diameter.
5. Enter a spot weld diameter value in the Spot Weld Diameter field of
the PropertyManager. Note that the spot weld diameter should be
less than 12.5 mm.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
spot weld connector is applied between the selected faces of the
components.
Applying an Edge Weld connector
You can apply an edge weld connector between two metal
components. By applying an edge weld connector, you can
determine the appropriate weld size required to connect
components. The method for applying an edge weld connector is
discussed below:
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Edge Weld tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Edge Weld Connector PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 4.47. Alternatively, invoke the Connectors flyout in the
Simulation CommandManager and then click on Edge Weld tool.
2. Select a weld type in the Type drop-down list of the Weld Type
rollout in the PropertyManager. You can apply a single-sided or a
double-sided fillet weld or groove weld by selecting the appropriate
weld type in the Type drop-down list, see Figure 4.48.

After selecting the type of weld, you need to select two faces and an
intersecting edge of the selected faces to apply the weld. By
default, the Face Set1 field is activated in the Weld Type rollout of
the PropertyManager. As a result, you can select a face of a shell
or sheet metal component.
3. Select a face of a shell (surface/2D geometry) or a sheet metal
component as the first face to apply the edge weld, see Figure
 4.49. The face gets selected and its name appears in the Face Set1
field of the PropertyManager.
Note: You can apply an edge weld connector between two
shell/sheet metal components as well as between a shell/sheet
metal component and a solid component. However, the first selected
face should be of a shell/sheet metal component. In Figure 4.49, the
vertical plate is a sheet metal component and the bottom horizontal
plate is a 3D solid component.
4. Click on the Face Set2 field in the Weld Type rollout of the
PropertyManager and then select a face of the another shell/sheet
metal component or the solid component, see Figure 4.49.
Note: For applying a fillet weld, the selected faces of two components
should be perpendicular to each other, whereas for applying a
groove weld, the selected faces of two components should be
parallel to each other.
The intersecting edge between the selected faces gets automatically
selected for the fillet weld and the preview of the weld appears in
the graphics area with the default estimated weld size, see Figure
4.49. You need to select a touching or non-touching edge of the
selected faces as the intersecting edge, if not selected by default.

5. Select a welding standard; American Standard or European

 Standard, by selecting the respective radio button in the Weld
Sizing rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.50. Next,
specify the electrode material properties of the weld.

Note: For American Standard, you need to specify the electrode material.
You can select the required standard electrode material in the Electrode
drop-down list of the Weld Sizing rollout. In case of custom material, you
can select the Custom steel or Custom Aluminum option in the drop-down
list and enter the weld strength of the material in the Weld strength field of
the rollout.
For European Standard, you need to specify the material ultimate tensile
strength and correlation factor in the respective fields of the rollout.
6. Specify the estimated weld size value in the Estimated weld size
field of the Weld Sizing rollout in the PropertyManager. Note that
SOLIDWORKS Simulation automatically calculates the appropriate
weld size required for the weld connector and compares with the
value specified in the Estimated weld size field.
7. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
edge weld connector is applied between the selected faces of the
components, see Figure 4.51.
Applying a Linkage Rod connector
You can apply a linkage rod connector between two components that
are connected to each other with a connecting rod. The method for
applying a linkage rod connector is discussed below:
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Linkage Rod tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Connectors PropertyManager appears, see Figure 4.52.
Alternatively, click on the arrow at the bottom of the Connections
Advisor tool in the Simulation CommandManager and then click on
Linkage Rod tool in the Connectors flyout that appears. Note that,
this connector is not available for non-linear and thermal studies.

To apply a linkage rod connector between two components, you

need to specify end locations on both the components.
2. Select concentric cylindrical faces of the first component for
defining the end location where one end of the connecting rod is to
be connected, refer to Figure 4.53.
Note: By default, the Concentric cylindrical faces or edges (for shells)
button is activated in the End Joint 1 rollout of the PropertyManager. As a
result, you can select concentric cylindrical faces or cylindrical edges (for
shells) of the first component where one end of the connecting rod is to be
connected. To select vertices for defining the end location of the connecting
rod, you need to activate the Vertex button in the End Joint 1 rollout of the
PropertyManager.
3. Specify offset distance of linkage rod connector from the specified
cylindrical faces in the Offset distance field, if required. Note that,
this field is optional and is not available if vertices are selected for
defining the end location of the connecting rod.
4. Specify the type of joint (rigid, pivot, or spherical) for the linkage
rod connector with the first component by selecting the respective
button (Rigid joint, Pivot joint, or Spherical joint) in the End Joint 1
rollout.
Note: Rigid joint restricts all relative motion between the linkage rod and
the first component. Pivot joint allows rotational motion between the
linkage rod and the first component about the axis that is normal to the axis
of linkage rod. Spherical joint acts like a ball and socket joint between the
linkage rod and the first component where the ball can rotate inside the
socket.
5. Click on the Concentric cylindrical faces or edges (for shells) field in
the End Joint 2 rollout of the PropertyManager and then select
 concentric cylindrical faces of the second component for defining
the end location where the other end of the connecting rod is to be
connected, refer to Figure 4.53.

6. Specify the required type of joint (rigid, pivot, or spherical) for the
linkage rod connector with the second component by selecting the
respective button in the End Joint 2 rollout of the PorpertyManager.
7. Specify the required cross-section for the linkage rod by selecting
the respective option (Solid circular, Hollow circular, Solid
rectangular, or Hollow rectangular) in the Type drop-down list of the
Section Parameters rollout.
8. Specify the required parameters or dimensions for the linkage rod
cross-section in the respective fields that appear below the Type
drop-down list of the Section Parameters rollout. A preview of the
linkage rod connector appears, see Figure 4.54. In Figure 4.54, the
solid circular cross-section of the linkage rod is shown.
9. Specify the material for the linkage rod connector in the Material
rollout.
10. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
linkage rod connector is applied between the selected
 components, see Figure 4.55.

Case Study 1: Static Analysis of a Hook Assembly with Interactions

In this case study, you will perform the linear static analysis of a
Hook assembly shown in Figure 4.56 and determine the stresses
under the applied load.

Project Description
The Hook assembly is fixed at one end and the 17000 Newton load
is applied along the other end, see Figure 4.57. All the
components of the assembly are made up of Alloy Steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will generate a high quality curvature-based
 mesh with default parameters. Also, you need to define the
Contact interaction between interacting sets of the assembly
components. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with
displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 4
2. Opening the Hook Assembly
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Defining Units
5. Assigning Materials
6. Applying Fixtures
7. Applying Interactions
8. Applying the Load
9. Generating the Mesh
10. Running Analysis and Displaying Results
11. Displaying Stress Results for one Assembly Component
12. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 4
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and login
using your user name and password. If you are a new user, first
you need to register on CADArtifex website as a student.

2. After logging in, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation >

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023. All resource files of this textbook
appear in the respective drop-down lists. 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 > C04 Case Studies. The downloading of the
Co4 Case Studies file gets started. Once the downloading is
complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C04 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder. You need to create
these folders, if not created earlier.
Section 2: Opening the Hook Assembly
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not started already.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C04 Case Studies > Case Study 1 in the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Hook Assembly and then click on the Open button
in the dialog box. The Hook Assembly is opened in
SOLIDWORKS, see Figure 4.58.

Section 3: Starting the Static Study

1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
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 to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager to perform the linear static analysis on the model.
4. Enter Hook 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 Hook Static Study is added in
the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 4.59.

Section 4: Defining Units

Before you start performing the analysis, it is important to set the
units.
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. Next, ensure that the
 Units options is selected in the dialog box.
3. Select the SI (MKS) radio button in the Unit system area of the
dialog box. Next, ensure that the mm unit is selected in the
Length/Displacement drop-down list and N/mm^2 (MPa) unit is
selected in the Pressure/Stress drop-down list of the Units area.
Section 5: Assigning Materials
As mentioned in the project description, all the components of the
assembly are made up of Alloy Steel material. Therefore, you need
to apply this material to all the components.
1. Right-click on the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Apply Material to All tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Material dialog box appears.
2. Expand the Steel category of the SOLIDWORKS Materials library of
the dialog box and then click on the Alloy Steel material. The
material properties of the selected material appear on the right
panel of the dialog box.
3. Click on the Apply button and then click on the Close button. The
Alloy Steel material is assigned to all the components of the
assembly.
Tip: To apply material to each individual component of the assembly,
expand the Parts node of the Simulation Study Tree. All the components of
the assembly appear in the expanded Parts node, see Figure 4.60. Now, you
can right-click on a component in the expanded Parts node and then click
on the Apply/Edit Material tool in the shortcut menu that appears. On doing
so, the Material dialog box appears. In this dialog box, select a material
and then click on the Apply button. Next, click on the Close button. The
material is assigned to the selected component. Similarly, you can assign a
material to other components of the assembly.

Section 6: Applying Fixtures

Now, you need to apply fixtures to make the assembly suitable for
the analysis.
1. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears to the left of the
graphics area.
2. Rotate the model such that you can view the end face of the left
Hook component of the assembly and then select it to apply the
Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 4.61.
3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Fixed Geometry fixture is applied to the selected face of the
component.
Now, you need to apply the On Flat Faces fixture to the Link
component of the assembly.
4. Change the current orientation of the assembly to Isometric.
5. Right-click on Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Advanced Fixtures tool in the shortcut menu that
 appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears with the expanded
Advanced rollout on the left of the graphics area, see Figure 4.62.

6. Click on the On Flat Faces button in the Advanced rollout of the

PropertyManager.
7. Select the front planar face of the Link component of the assembly
to apply the fixture, see Figure 4.63.
8. Scroll down in the PropertyManager and then click on the Normal
to Face and the Along Face Dir 1 buttons in the Translations rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.64. By default, the 0 value is
specified in the fields enabled in front of both the buttons. This
means that the translation movement is restricted along the
direction 1 and normal to the face selected. However, the
component can move along the direction 2 of the selected face.
9. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
On Flat Faces fixture is applied to the selected face of the
component.
Now, you need to apply the Use Reference Geometry fixture to the
right Hook component of the assembly.
10. Right-click on Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Advanced Fixtures tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
11. Ensure that the Use Reference Geometry button is activated in the
Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager.
12. Select the cylindrical face of the right Hook component to apply
the fixture, see Figure 4.65.
13. Click on the Face, Edge, Plane, Axis for Direction field in the
Advanced rollout of the PropertyManager.
14. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the
top left corner of the graphics area and then click on the Top Plane
of the assembly to define the direction of the fixture, see Figure
4.66.
15. Scroll down in the PropertyManager and then click on the Normal
to Plane and the Along Plane Dir 2 buttons in the Translations rollout
of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.67. By default, the 0 value is
specified in the fields enabled in front of both the buttons. This
means that the translation movement is restricted along the
direction 2 and normal to the plane selected. However, the
component can move along direction 1 of the selected plane.

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

The Use Reference Geometry fixture is applied to the selected
cylindrical face of the component.
Section 7: Applying Interactions
After applying the fixtures, you need to define the interaction
conditions between the components of the assembly.
Tip: By default, the Bonded component interaction is applied as a
global interaction between all the components of the assembly. You
need to apply the Contact interaction between the components of the
assembly.
1. Expand the Component Interactions sub-node in the Connections
node of the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 4.68.
2. Right-click on a Global Interaction option in the expanded
Component Interactions sub-node and then click on the Edit
Definition tool in the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 4.68.
The Component Interaction PropertyManager appears, see Figure
4.69.

3. Select the Contact radio button in the Interaction Type rollout of the
PropertyManager.
4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.
Section 8: Applying the Load
Now, you need to apply the load on the end face of the right Hook
component.
1. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
2. Select the end face of the right Hook component of the assembly
to apply the load, see Figure 4.70. The symbol of the load appears
on the selected face.
3. Ensure that the Normal radio button is selected to apply the load
 normal to the face.
4. Enter 17000 in the Force Value field of the PropertyManager.
5. Select the Reverse direction check box in the PropertyManager to
reverse the direction of force toward right, see Figure 4.70.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The

17000 N load is applied on the selected face of the right Hook
component.
Section 9: Generating the Mesh
Now, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with default
parameters.
1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
appears 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. The default maximum element size and the
minimum element size appear in the respective fields of the rollout,
see Figure 4.71.
4. Accept the other default mesh parameters and then click on the
green tick-mark button . The Mesh Progress window appears
which displays the progress of meshing in the model. After the
meshing is complete, the meshed model appears, see Figure 4.72.

Section 10: Running Analysis and Displaying Results

Now, you need to run the analysis.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Hook Static Study (name of the study) window appears which
displays the progress of analysis.
2. After the process of running the analysis completes, 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 4.73.
The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 3.464e+02 (346.422) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is within the yield
stress of the material that is 6.204e+02 (620.422) N/mm^2 (MPa).
Note that you may find a slight difference in the result values
depending on the service pack installed on your system.
Note: If the maximum von Mises stress of the model exceeds the
yield strength of the material, your design is likely to fail under the
applied load. You may need to optimize the design and validate the
boundary conditions (fixtures/loads) or material properties, to make it
a valid design to withstand the applied load.
3. Double-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree. The displacement distribution
on the assembly and the resultant displacement (URES) plot
appears in the graphics area, see Figure 4.74. The maximum
resultant displacement on the assembly under the applied load is
1.103e+00 (1.103) mm.
4. Similarly, review the strain results by clicking on the Strain1 (-
Equivalent-) option in the Simulation Study Tree.
5. Animate the displacement distribution on the model to review the
deformed shape of the components and the contact conditions by
using the Animate tool. This tool is available in the shortcut menu,
which appears on right-clicking on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-)
option in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 11: Displaying Stress Results for one Assembly Component
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 that
appears. The Stress plot PropertyManager appears.
2. Expand the Advanced Options rollout of the Stress plot
PropertyManager.
3. Select the Show plot only on selected entities check box in the
expanded Advanced Options rollout. The selection field appears in
the rollout, see Figure 4.75.
4. Click on the Select bodies for the plot button on the left of the
selection field in the Advanced Options rollout to select a component
of the assembly for displaying its stress plot.
5. Select the right Hook component of the assembly to display its
stress plot. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the
PropertyManager. All the components of the assembly get hidden
except the selected component, see Figure 4.76.

Note: In Figure 4.76, the display of fixtures and load symbols are hidden for
the clarity of image. To hide a fixture, right-click on the fixture name listed
under the Fixtures node in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the
Hide tool in the shortcut menu that appears. Similarly, to hide a load, right-
click on the load name listed under the External Loads node in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Hide tool in the shortcut menu
that appears.
Now, you can display the maximum and minimum stress areas in the
right Hook component of the assembly.
6. Double-click on the von Mises stress plot that appears in the
graphics area. The Stress plot PropertyManager appears to the left of
the graphics area.
7. Ensure that the Chart Options tab is activated in the
PropertyManager. Next, select the Show max annotation and Show
min annotation check boxes in the Display Options rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 4.77.

8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The

minimum and maximum stresses are annotated on the right Hook
component, see Figure 4.78.
9. Similarly, you can display the stress, strain, or displacement plot
for other components of the assembly and annotate their
maximum and minimum stress, strain, or displacement areas,
respectively.
Section 12: Generating a Word Report
Now, you can generate the report for the current analysis study in a
Word document.
1. Click on the Report tool in the Simulation CommandManager, see
Figure 4.79. The Report Options dialog box appears, see Figure
4.80. The options in this dialog box are discussed next.
Report sections: The Report sections area of the dialog box is used for
including or excluding the required sections such as Descriptions,
Assumptions, Model Information, and Mesh Information in the
report of the current analysis study by selecting or clearing the
respective check boxes.
Section properties: The Section properties area of the dialog box allows
you to customize the properties of the section selected in the
Report sections area of the dialog box.
Header information: The Header information area is used for including
information such as the designer’s name, company’s name, URL,
logo, and address in the report by selecting the respective check
boxes. For example, to include the name of the company in the
report, select the Company check box and then enter the name of
the company in the respective field that gets enabled in front of the
 check box.
Report publish options: The options in the Report publish options area
of the dialog box are used for defining a location to save the file,
file name, and the paper size of the report.
2. In the Report sections area of the dialog box, select the required
section check boxes such as Descriptions, Assumptions, Model
Information, and Mesh Information to be included in the report.
3. Specify all other required information to be included in the report
in the dialog box. Next, click on the Apply button and then click on
the Publish button in the dialog box. The process to publish the
report gets started and once it is done, a Word report gets opened
for the current analysis study.
4. After reviewing the report, you can save and close it.
Section 13: 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 > C04 Case Studies > Case Study 1.

Case Study 2: Static Analysis of a Flange Assembly with Bolt

Connectors
In this case study, you will perform the static analysis of a Flange
assembly with Bolt connectors, see Figure 4.81.
 Project Description
The Flange assembly is fixed at one end and a 8000 Newton
downward load is applied on its other end, see Figure 4.82. Both
the flanges of the assembly are made up of AISI 304 steel material
and the bolts are made up of Alloy Steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study of the Flange assembly
shown in Figure 4.80. In this assembly, the bolts are added by
using the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox. Therefore, you will convert
these bolts into bolt connectors, automatically. Also, generate a
high quality curvature-based mesh with default parameters.
Besides, define Contact interaction as the global component
interaction between the components of the assembly. Specify the
unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in
N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 4
2. Opening the Flange Assembly
3. Starting the Static Study and Defining Bolt Connectors
4. Reviewing Properties of Bolt Connectors
5. Assigning Materials
6. Applying Fixtures
7. Applying Interactions
8. Applying the Load
9. Generating the Mesh
10. Running Analysis and Displaying Results
11. Displaying Bolt Connectors Forces
12. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 4
1. Download the files of this chapter (C04 Case Studies), if not
downloaded earlier, by logging on to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login). The path to download the files is
SOLIDWORKS Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 > Case
Studies > C04 Case Studies.
2. Save the unzipped C04 Case Studies file in the location >
SOLIDWORKS Simulation > 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 C04 Case Studies file of this chapter in
Case Study 1 and saved in the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation >
Case Studies then you can skip steps 1 and 2, discussed above.
Section 2: Opening the Flange Assembly
1. 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 >
C04 Case Studies > Case Study 2 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Flange Assembly and then click on the Open button
in the dialog box. The Flange Assembly opens in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Static Study and Defining Bolt Connectors
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager.
In the Flange assembly, the bolts are added by using the
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox. As a result, you can convert them directly
into bolt connectors.
4. Select the Convert Toolbox fasteners to bolt connectors check box in
the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.83.
5. Enter With Bolt Connectors Study in the Study name field in the
PropertyManager.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Simulation window appears which informs that 6 bolt connectors
have been created successfully, see Figure 4.84.

7. Click on the OK button in the Simulation window. All the bolts of

the assembly are converted into bolt connectors and the assembly
appears in the graphics area, as shown in Figure 4.85. Also, the
six bolt connectors get added under the Connectors node in the
Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 4.86. This figure shows the
expanded view of the Connectors node.
Section 4: Reviewing the Properties of Bolt Connectors
Now, you need to review the properties of bolt connectors.
1. Expand the sub-nodes of the Connectors node in the Simulation
Study Tree, see Figure 4.86.
2. Right-click on a bolt connector in the expanded Connectors node
and then click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu that
appears, see Figure 4.87. The Connectors PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 4.88.

Notice that in the Connectors PropertyManager, the bolt parameters

such as head diameter, nut diameter, nominal shank diameter, bolt
strength data, and axial pre-load are automatically extracted from
the original bolts, since the original bolts were added by using the
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox.
3. Ensure that the Alloy Steel material is assigned to the bolt
connector in the Material rollout of the PropertyManager.
4. Exit the Connectors PropertyManager by clicking on its green tick-
mark button.
Note: If the bolts are not added in the original assembly then you need to
add the bolt connectors manually by using the Bolt tool. For doing so,
right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree and then
click on the Bolt tool in the shortcut menu that appears. The Connectors
PropertyManager appears. In this PropertyManager, you need to define
bolt properties such as bolt head and nut locations, material, and pre-load.
Section 5: Assigning Materials
Now, you need to apply the AISI 304 steel material to the flanges of
the assembly.
1. Right-click on the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Apply Material to All tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Material dialog box appears.
2. In this dialog box, expand the Steel category of the SOLIDWORKS
 Materials library and then click on the AISI 304 material.
3. Click on the Apply button and then click on the Close button. The
AISI 304 steel material is assigned to the flanges of the assembly.
Tip: To apply material to each individual component of the assembly,
expand the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree and then right-click on
a component to display the shortcut menu. Next, click on the Apply/Edit
Material tool in the shortcut menu to display the Material dialog box for
applying the material to the selected component.
Section 6: Applying Fixtures
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture to one end of the
assembly.
1. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears to the left of the
graphics area.
2. Rotate the model such that you can view the end face of the right
Flange component of the assembly and then select it to apply the
Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 4.89.

3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The

Fixed Geometry fixture is applied to the selected face of the
component.
Section 7: Applying Interactions
By default, the Bonded component interaction is applied as the
global interaction between all the components of the assembly.
You need to edit it to apply the Contact component interaction as
the global interaction between the components of the assembly.
1. Expand the Component Interactions sub-node of the Connections
node in the Simulation Study Tree and then right-click on the
Global Interaction (-Bonded-Meshed independently-) option to display
a shortcut menu, see Figure 4.90.
2. Click on the Edit Definition tool in the shortcut menu. The
Component Interaction PropertyManager appears.

3. Select the Contact radio button in the Interaction Type rollout of the
PropertyManager and then click on the green tick-mark button.
The Contact component interaction is applied as the global
interaction between the assembly components.
Section 8: Applying the Load
Now, you need to apply the downward load on the end face of the
left Flange component.
1. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
2. Select the end face of the left Flange component of the assembly,
see Figure 4.91. The symbol of load appears on the selected face.
3. Select the Selected direction radio button in the Force/Torque rollout
of the PropertyManager. The Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field
appears in the rollout.
4. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the top
left corner of the graphics area and then click on Top Plane of the
assembly as the reference plane to define the direction of force,
see Figure 4.92.

5. Scroll down in the PropertyManager and then click on the Normal

to Plane button in the Force rollout, see Figure 4.93.
6. Enter 8000 in the field enabled in front of the Normal to Plane
button, see Figure 4.93.
7. Select the Reverse direction check box in the PropertyManager to
reverse the direction of force downward, see Figure 4.94.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
8000 N load is applied on the selected face of the left Flange
component.
Section 9: Generating the Mesh
Now, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with default
parameters.
1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Mesh PropertyManager appears.
2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager.
3. Select the Curvature-based mesh radio button in the expanded Mesh
Parameters rollout. Next, accept the other default mesh parameters
and then click on the green tick-mark button .The Mesh Progress
window appears and once the meshing is complete, the meshed
model appears, see Figure 4.95.

Section 10: Running Analysis and Displaying Results

Now, you need to run the analysis.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The With Bolt Connectors Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of analysis.
2. After the process of running the analysis completes, 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 4.96.

The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 1.076e+01 (107.558) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is within the yield
stress of the material that is 2.068e+02 (206.807) N/mm^2 (MPa).
3. Double-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree to display the displacement
distribution on the assembly and the resultant displacement
(URES) plot. Similarly, display the strain results by clicking on the
Strain1 (-Equivalent-) option.
4. Display the Factor of Safety plot by clicking on the Define Factor Of
Safety Plot tool in the shortcut menu which appears on right-clicking
on the Results folder in Simulation Study Tree.
5. Animate the stress distribution on the model to review the
 deformed shape of the components and the interaction conditions
by using the Animate tool.
Section 11: Displaying Bolt Connectors Forces
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Connector Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Result Force PropertyManager appears, see Figure
4.97.
2. Ensure that the Connector force radio button is selected in the
Options rollout. All the forces such as shear, axial, bending, and
torque of each connector appear in the Connector Force rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.97. You can expand the width
of the PropertyManager by dragging it to display the results.

Tip: By default, the All connectors option is selected in the Connector drop-
down list in the Selection rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result, the
forces such as shear, axial, bending, and torque, developed in all bolt
connectors of the assembly appear in the Connector Force rollout of the
PropertyManager. You can select the required option in this drop-down list
to display the forces of the selected connector type only.
3. After reviewing the forces of the bolt connectors, exit the
PropertyManager by clicking on its green tick-mark button.
Section 12: Generating a Word Report
Now, you can generate the report for the current analysis study in a
Word document.
1. Click on the Report tool in the Simulation CommandManager, see
Figure 4.98. The Report Options dialog box appears, see Figure
4.99. The options in this dialog box are discussed earlier.

2. In the Report sections area of the dialog box, select the required
section check boxes such as Descriptions, Assumptions, Model
Information, and Mesh Information to be included in the report.
3. Specify other required information to be included in the report in
the dialog box. Next, click on the Apply button and then click on
the Publish button in the dialog box. The process to publish the
report gets started, and once it is done, a Word report gets opened
 for the current analysis study.
4. After reviewing the report, you can save and close it.
Section 13: 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 > C04 Case Studies > Case Study 2.

Case Study 3: Static Analysis of an Assembly with Edge Weld

Connectors
In this case study, you will perform the static analysis of a Hanger
Assembly with Edge Weld and bolt connectors, see Figure 4.100.

Project Description
The Hanger Assembly is fixed at one end and a 600 Newton
downward load is applied on its other end, see Figure 4.101. All
the components of the assembly are made up of AISI 1035 Steel
(SS) material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will run a static study of a Hanger assembly
shown in Figure 4.100. The connecting rod components of the
assembly are surface components and you need to mesh these
components with shell elements having 1 mm thickness. Also, you
need to apply the edge weld connectors to weld these components
(connecting rods) with the other components of the assembly. You
need to use the American standard weld with E60 electrode and 2
mm estimated weld size for welding the connecting rods. You need
to apply the bolt connectors to connect the back plates of the
assembly. The bolt connectors are of Alloy Steel material with 100
Ibf axial pre-load. You need to generate a high quality curvature-
based mesh with default parameters. Since the assembly has a
combination of 3D solid and 2D (surface) geometries, you will
experience mixed meshing on the assembly.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 4
2. Opening the Hanger Assembly
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Defining Thickness for the Surface (Shell) Geometries
5. Assigning Materials
6. Applying Fixtures
7. Applying Interactions
8. Applying Edge Weld Connectors
9. Applying Bolt Connectors
10. Applying the Load
11. Generating the Mesh
12. Running Analysis and Displaying Results
13. Displaying Weld Results
14. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 4
1. Download the files of this chapter (C04 Tutorials), if not
downloaded earlier by logging on to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login). The path to download files is SOLIDWORKS
Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 > Case Studies > C04
Case Studies.
2. Save the unzipped C04 Case Studies file in the location >
SOLIDWORKS Simulation > 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 C04 Case Studies file of this chapter in
the earlier case studies and saved in the > SOLIDWORKS Simulation >
Case Studies location then you can skip the steps 1 and 2, discussed above.
Section 2: Opening the Hanger Assembly
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C04 Case Studies > Case Study 3. Next, select the Hanger Assembly
and then click on the Open button in the dialog box. The Hanger
Assembly is opened in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Static Study
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager.
4. Enter Hanger ASM with Weld Study in the Study name field of the
PropertyManager.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
tools to perform the static analysis are enabled in the Simulation
CommandManager. Also, the Hanger ASM with Weld Study is added
in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 4.102.

Notice a warning icon on the left of the study name in the Simulation
Study Tree, since the assembly has surface components with
undefined thickness. You need to define the thickness for the
 surface components.
Section 4: Defining Thickness for the Surface (Shell) Geometries
As mentioned in the project description, the connecting rod
components of the assembly are surface components and you
need to define the thickness for these components.
1. Expand the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree. All the
components of the assembly appear in the expanded Parts node,
see Figure 4.103.

2. Right-click on the Connecting Rod-1 surface component in the Parts

node of the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit
Definition tool in the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 4.104.
The Shell Definition PropertyManager appears to the left of the
graphics area.
3. Enter 1 mm in the Shell thickness field of the PropertyManager and
then click on the green tick-mark button. The thickness for the
selected component is specified as 1 mm.
4. Similarly, specify the 1 mm thickness to the second connecting rod
component (Connecting Rod-2) of the assembly.
Section 5: Assigning Materials
Now, you need to apply the AISI 1035 Steel material to all the
components of the assembly.
1. Right-click on the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Apply Material to All tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Material dialog box appears.
2. Select the AISI 1035 Steel (SS) material in the Steel category of the
SOLIDWORKS Materials library and then click on the Apply button
in the dialog box. Next, click on the Close button to close the dialog
box. The AISI 1035 Steel (SS) material is assigned to all the
components of the assembly.
Tip: To apply a material to each individual component of the assembly,
expand the Parts node of the Simulation Study Tree and then right-click on
a component to display a shortcut menu. Next, click on the Apply/Edit
Material tool in the shortcut menu to display the Material dialog box for
applying the material to the selected component.
Section 6: Applying Fixtures
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
1. Invoke the Fixture PropertyManager and then apply the Fixed
Geometry fixture on the back face of the Black Plate component,
see Figure 4.105. Next, exit the PropertyManager.
Section 7: Applying Interactions
You need to apply the Contact component interaction between the
Back Plate and Weld Plate components of the assembly.
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then select the Component Interaction option in the shortcut
menu that appears. The Component Interaction PropertyManager
appears.
2. Select the Contact radio button in the Interaction Type rollout of the
PropertyManager.
3. Select the upper Weld Plate and the Back Plate in the graphics
area, see Figure 4.106. The components get selected. Next, click
on the green tick-mark button. The Contact component interaction
gets applied between the selected components.
4. Similarly, apply the Contact component interaction between the
lower Weld Plate and the Back Plate components, see Figure
4.107.
Section 8: Applying Edge Weld Connectors
Now, you need to apply the edge weld connectors to weld the
connecting rod components of the assembly.
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Edge Weld tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Edge Weld Connector PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 4.108.

2. Select the Fillet, Single-Sided option in the Type drop-down list of

the Weld Type rollout in the PropertyManager.
3. Select the cylindrical face of the upper connecting rod as the first
weld face, see Figure 4.109. The name of the selected face
appears in the Face Set 1 field of the PropertyManager.
4. Click on the Face Set 2 field in the PropertyManager and then
select the front face of the upper weld plate as the second weld
face, see Figure 4.110. The intersecting edge between the
selected faces is defined automatically, and the preview of the
weld appears with the default estimated weld size at the
 intersecting edge.

5. Select the American Standard radio button in the Weld Sizing rollout
of the PropertyManager.
6. Select the E60 option in the Electrode drop-down list and then enter
2 mm in the Estimated weld size field of the Weld Sizing rollout.
7. Accept the remaining default options and then click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The single sided edge
weld is applied, see Figure 4.111.
8. Similarly, add three more edge welds (Weld 2, Weld 3, and Weld
4) on the intersecting edges of the connecting rod components,
see Figure 4.112.

Section 9: Applying Bolt Connectors

Now, you need to apply the bolt connectors.
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Bolt tool in the shortcut menu that appears.
 The Connectors PropertyManager appears, see Figure 4.113.
2. Click on the Countersink with Nut button in the Type rollout of the
PropertyManager.

3. Click on the Conical Face field in the Type rollout of the

PropertyManager and then select the conical face of the upper
right countersink hole, see Figure 4.114.
4. Click on the Circular Edge of The Bolt Nut Hole field in the Type
rollout and then select the circular edge of the back plate to define
the nut location, see Figure 4.115. Note that you need to rotate the
assembly to select the circular edge of the back plate.

In the Nut Diameter and Nominal Shank Diameter fields of the Type
rollout, the nut diameter and nominal shank diameter of the bolt
are defined automatically based on the conical face selected.
5. Ensure that the Alloy Steel material is selected as the material of
the bolt connector in the Material rollout of the PropertyManager.
6. Select the English (IPS) option in the Unit drop-down list of the Pre-
load rollout in the PropertyManager as the unit to define the pre-
load of the bolt connector.
7. Select the Axial radio button and then enter 100 Ibf in the Axial
load field of the Pre-load rollout in the PropertyManager.
8. Accept the remaining default options and then click on the green
tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The countersink bolt
connector is added, see Figure 4.116.
9. Similarly, add the remaining seven countersink bolt connectors
with the same parameters. Figure 4.117 shows the assembly after
adding all the bolt connectors.

Section 10: Applying the Load

Now, you need to apply the load.
1. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
2. Select the inner circular face of the Hook component, see Figure
4.118. The symbols of the load appear on the selected face.
3. Select the Selected direction radio button in the Force/Torque rollout
of the PropertyManager. The Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field
appears in the rollout.
4. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the top
left corner of the graphics area and then click on the Top Plane of
the assembly as the reference plane to define the direction of
force, see Figure 4.119.
5. Scroll down in the PropertyManager and then click on the Normal
to Plane button in the Force rollout, see Figure 4.120.
6. Enter 600 in the field enabled in front of the Normal to Plane button,
see Figure 4.120.

7. Select the Reverse direction check box in the PropertyManager to

reverse the direction of force downward, see Figure 4.121.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
 600 N load is applied on the selected face of the component.
Section 11: Generating the Mesh
Now, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with default
parameters.
1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
appears to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.
2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager and
then select the Curvature-based mesh radio button. Next, accept the
other default mesh parameters and then click on the green tick-
mark button. The Mesh Progress window appears and once the
meshing is complete, the meshed model appears, see Figure
4.122.

Note: The 3D solid components of the assembly are meshed with

solid tetrahedral elements and the surface components (connecting
rods) are meshed with triangular shell elements.
Section 12: Running Analysis and Displaying Results
Now, you need to run the analysis.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
 The Hanger ASM with Weld Study (name of the study) window
appears which displays 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 4.123.

The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 1.748e+02 (174.830) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is within the yield
stress of the material that is 2.827e+02 (282.685) N/mm^2 (MPa).
3. Annotate the maximum and minimum stress areas of the
assembly by editing the stress plot.
4. Double-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) option in the Results
folder to display the displacement distribution on the assembly and
the resultant displacement (URES) plot. Similarly, display the strain
results by clicking on the Strain1 (-Equivalent-) option.
Section 13: Displaying Weld Results
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Weld Results tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Edge Weld Results PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 4.124.
2. By default, the Edge Weld Connector-1 option is selected in the Type
drop-down list of the PropertyManager, see Figure 4.124. As a
result, the weld results such as minimum and maximum required
weld size, weld throat size, shear forces, and bending moment of
the selected weld connector appear in the PropertyManager.
Notice that the maximum weld size of this weld connector is 1.9818
mm which is smaller than the specified estimated weld size that is
2 mm. As a result, the selected weld connector can withstand the
applied load conditions.

3. Click on the Plot button in the Report Options rollout of the

PropertyManager. The Edge-weld size plot window appears, see
Figure 4.125. This window displays the required weld size and the
weld throat size along the weld seam. After reviewing the weld size
plot, close this window.
4. Similarly, review the weld results of the remaining weld connectors
by selecting the respective weld connector in the Type drop-down
list of the PropertyManager.
5. After reviewing the weld results, close the PropertyManager by
clicking on its green tick-mark button.
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 > C04 Case Studies > Case Study 3.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Static Analysis of a Leaf Spring Assembly

Perform the linear static analysis of a Leaf Spring assembly, see
Figure 4.126 and determine the stress, displacement, strain, and
factor of safety under a loading condition.
Project Description
The Leaf Spring assembly is fixed at its bottom leaf and total of 3000
N load is uniformly distributed along both the ends of the top leaf of
 the assembly, see Figure 4.127. All leafs of the assembly are
made up of Alloy Steel (SS) material.

Project Summary
Run a static study of a Leaf Spring assembly shown in Figure 4.126.
You need to define the Contact interaction as the component
interaction between the components of the assembly with no gap
allowance. You need to generate a high quality curvature-based
mesh with default parameters. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS)
with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
Hint: In addition to the Fixed Geometry fixture on the bottom face of the
lower leaf, you also need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture on the
cylindrical hole faces at the center of all leafs. Besides, you need to
restrict the translation movement of all leaf components along the normal
direction of their front planar faces.
Hands-on Test Drive 2: Static Analysis of a Car Jack Assembly
Perform the linear static analysis of a Car Jack Assembly, see Figure
4.128 and determine the stress, displacement, strain, and factor of
safety under a loading condition.
 Project Description
The Car Jack Assembly is fixed at its Base Plate and a 900 N axial
load is uniformly distributed along the top face of the Top Support
component of the assembly, see Figure 4.129. All components of
the assembly are made up of Alloy Steel material.

Project Summary
Run a static study on the Car Jack Assembly shown in Figure 4.128.
You need to define the Contact interaction as the global
component interaction between the components of the assembly.
Also, you need to apply total 16 Pin Connectors to allow the
rotational movement of all the Link components against the pin.
You need to generate a high quality curvature-based mesh with
default mesh parameters. Also, determine the stress,
 displacement, strain, and factor of safety of the assembly under
the applied load. Also animate the displacement distribution on the
model in the true scale. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS) with
displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
Hint: In addition to the Fixed Geometry fixture on the bottom component,
you need to restrict the translation movement of the top component where
the load is applied, along the normal direction of its right planar faces,
see Figure 4.129.

Summary
This chapter discussed various interactions and connectors available in
SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It also introduced how to perform static
analysis on different assemblies by defining the interaction conditions and
connectors with the help of case studies. Reviews of different results of a
complete assembly or any one component of the assembly were also done.

Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The ________ interaction is used for preventing interference between
components.
• The ________ interaction is used for determining the stresses between
the components having interference with each other.
• In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the interactions are divided into two
categories: ________ and ________.
• By default, the ________ component interaction is applied as the
 global interaction between all the components of the assembly.
• The ________ mesh is used for achieving a smooth mesh
transition between the connecting areas of different assembly
components.
• You can apply the ________ connector between two components
that are connected by a rigid bar.
• The ________ tool is used for displaying forces such as shear,
axial, bending, and torque of each connector in the assembly.
• The ________ tool is used for displaying the weld results such as
minimum and maximum required weld size, weld throat size, shear
forces, and bending moment of the weld connectors.
• The ________ check box of the Study PropertyManager is used for
converting the bolts (fasteners) of the assembly which are added
by using the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox into the bolt connectors,
automatically.
Chapter 5: Adaptive Mesh Methods

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Working with H-Adaptive Mesh
• Working with P-Adaptive Mesh
• Static Analysis of a C-Bracket with Adaptive Meshing
• Static Analysis of a Wrench with Adaptive Meshing

In earlier chapters, you have learned various methods of meshing a

component or an assembly with standard mesh, curvature-based
mesh, and blended curvature-based mesh. You have also learned
about applying mesh control to refine the mesh elements size in the
areas where high stresses are located to get more accurate results.
Besides applying mesh control manually, you can use the adaptive
mesh methods to automatically converge the mesh elements in
areas where high stresses are located by performing multiple
iterations until the specified accuracy is achieved. SOLIDWORKS
Simulation provides two adaptive mesh methods: H-adaptive and P-
adaptive. Both these adaptive mesh methods are discussed next.
Working with H-Adaptive Mesh
The H-adaptive mesh method is used for refining the mesh
automatically in the areas where high stresses are identified. In this
method, multiple iterations are performed with smaller elements size
in every iteration until the specified accuracy level is achieved. To
mesh a model with H-adaptive meshing, you need to define the
required target accuracy and the number of iterations to be
performed. You can define maximum five iterations for H-adaptive
meshing. SOLIDWORKS Simulation compares the results after
every iteration with the specified accuracy level to be achieved and
starts a new iteration with smaller element size. SOLIDWORKS
Simulation stops meshing the model either when the specified target
accuracy level is achieved or the maximum number of specified
iterations are performed. Figure 5.1 shows a curvature-based
meshed model without using the H-adaptive mesh method whereas,
Figure 5.2 shows a curvature-based meshed model with the H-
adaptive meshing.
Notice the difference in both the figures. In Figure 5.2 with H-
adaptive meshing, the elements are smaller in the high stress areas
and bigger in the lower stress areas of the model.

To mesh a model with H-adaptive meshing, right-click on the study

name in the Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears, see
Figure 5.3. In this shortcut menu, click on the Properties tool. The
Static dialog box appears. In this dialog box, click on the Adaptive tab.
Options for specifying an adaptive mesh method and the respective
parameters appear in the dialog box, see Figure 5.4.

By default, the None radio button is selected in the Adaptive method

area of the dialog box. As a result, none of the adaptive mesh
methods are performed on the model. To perform the H-adaptive
meshing, select the h-adaptive radio button. The options in the h-
Adaptive options area of the dialog box are enabled to specify the H-
adaptive parameters, see Figure 5.5.
The Target accuracy Slider of the h-Adaptive options area is used for
setting the target accuracy to be achieved. Note that the target
accuracy defines the change in the strain energy in every iteration.
By default, the target accuracy is set to 98%. This means that the
difference in the strain energy between two consecutive iterations
must be less than 2%. Note that SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops
refining the mesh when the difference in the strain energy between
two consecutive iterations is achieved less than 2%.
The Accuracy bias Slider is used for defining whether SOLIDWORKS
Simulation achieves accurate stress results in the high stress areas
or the accurate global results. If you set the Accuracy bias Slider to
the left in the Local (Faster) side then SOLIDWORKS Simulation
refines the mesh with very small elements in the high stress areas to
achieve the accurate stress results. It is recommended to set the
slider at the middle to maintain a proper balance between the high
stress concentration areas and global results of the model.
The Maximum no. of loops field is used for setting the maximum
number of iterations to be performed to achieve the target accuracy.
Maximum five iterations can be specified in this field. As discussed,
SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops refining the mesh either when the
target accuracy is achieved or when the maximum number of
iterations are performed.
On selecting the Mesh coarsening check box, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation generates coarse mesh (larger elements size) in the low
stress areas of the model.
After specifying the H-adaptive meshing parameters, click on the OK
button in the Static dialog box. The H-adaptive meshing is defined for
the model. Now, you can run the study by using the Run This Study
tool in the Simulation CommandManager. SOLIDWORKS Simulation
performs multiple iterations by refining the mesh in every iteration to
achieve the specified target accuracy. When the target accuracy is
achieved or the maximum number of specified iterations are
performed, the Results folder is added in the Simulation Study Tree
with different results. Also, the stress distribution on the model
appears in the graphics area, by default.
Note: Before running the study with an adaptive method, you need to make
the model suitable for the analysis by defining boundary conditions
(loads/fixtures), material, and so on.
Working with P-Adaptive Mesh
In the P-adaptive mesh method, instead of refining the mesh, there
is a change in the polynomial order of the elements in every iteration,
automatically, in the areas where high stresses are identified to
achieve the specified target accuracy level. To mesh a model with
the P-adaptive meshing, you need to define the target accuracy,
maximum number of polynomial order, and the number of iterations
to be performed. You can define up to fifth order elements and
maximum four iterations. As discussed in earlier chapters, you can
mesh a model with first order elements (draft quality) and second
order elements (high quality) only, whereas using the P-adaptive
meshing, you can mesh a model up to fifth order elements.
To mesh a model with P-adaptive meshing, right-click on the study
name in the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties
tool in the shortcut menu that appears. The Static dialog box
appears. In this dialog box, click on the Adaptive tab and then select
the p-adaptive radio button, see Figure 5.6. The options of the p-
Adaptive options area of the dialog box get enabled to specify the P-
adaptive mesh parameters, see Figure 5.6.

The Stop when drop-down list and the change is field in the p-Adaptive
options area of the dialog box are used for specifying the
convergence criteria to be achieved. By default, the Total Strain
Energy option is selected in this drop-down list and 1% is specified in
the change is field, see Figure 5.7. As a result, when the change in
the total strain energy is 1% or less than 1% between two
consecutive iterations, SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops changing
the polynomial order of elements and does not perform any further
iteration. You can select the convergence criteria as RMS von Mises
Stress, Total Strain Energy, or RMS Res. Displacement.

The Starting p-order field is used for specifying starting polynomial

order for the first iteration. By default, 2 is specified in this field. As a
result, second order elements are used in the first iteration. If the
specified convergence criteria is not met in the first iteration then
SOLIDWORKS Simulation performs the next iteration with higher
polynomial element order and continues with other iterations until the
specified convergence criteria is achieved or the maximum number
of iterations are performed.
The Update elements with relative Strain Energy error of field is used for
specifying a percentage value to change the order of the polynomial
elements having relative strain energy between two iterations equal
to or more than the specified percentage value.
The Maximum p-order field is used for specifying the maximum
polynomial element order. You can specify up to fifth order elements.
The Maximum no. of loops field is used for setting the maximum
number of iterations to be performed to achieve the convergence
criteria. Maximum four iterations can be specified in this field. As
discussed, SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops changing the polynomial
order of elements either when the convergence criteria is achieved
or the maximum number of specified iterations are performed.
After specifying the P-adaptive meshing parameters, click on the OK
button in the Static dialog box. The P-adaptive meshing is defined for
the model. Now, you can run the study by using the Run This Study
tool in the Simulation CommandManager.

Case Study 1: Static Analysis of a C-Bracket with Adaptive Meshing

In this case study, you will perform three different static studies of a
C-Bracket shown in Figure 5.8. You need to perform the first static
study without adaptive meshing, second static study with H-adaptive
meshing, and third static study with P-adaptive meshing. After
performing all the studies, you need to compare their stress results.

Project Description
The C-Bracket is fixed at its top face and a 900 Newton load is
applied on its bottom horizontal face, see Figure 5.9. The C-
Bracket is made up of Alloy Steel material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will run three different static studies. In the
first static study, you will run the analysis with a default curvature-
based mesh. In the second and third static studies, you will run the
analysis with H-adaptive meshing and P-adaptive meshing,
respectively. After completing all the static studies, you will
compare the stress results of all the studies. Specify the unit
system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in
N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 5
2. Opening the C-Bracket
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Assigning the Material
5. Applying the Fixture
6. Applying the Load
7. Generating the Mesh
8. Running Analysis and Displaying Results
9. Creating a New Static Study with H-Adaptive Meshing
10. Creating a New Static Study with P-Adaptive Meshing
11. Comparing Stress Results of all Studies
12. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 5
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and login
 using your user name and password. If you are a new user, first
you need to register on CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/register)
as a student.

2. After logging in to the CADArtifex website, click on SOLIDWORKS

Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE
TEXTBOOKS section of the left menu. All the resource files of this
textbook appear on the right side of the page in their respective
drop-down lists.
3. Select the C05 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of Co5 Case Studies file gets started. Once the
downloading is complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C05 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the C-Bracket
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C05 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the C-Bracket and then click on the Open button in the
dialog box. The C-Bracket is opened in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Static Study
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
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 to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager.
4. Enter Without Adaptive Study in the Study name field of the
PropertyManager.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Without Adaptive Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 5.10.

Section 4: Assigning the Material

1. Click on the Apply Material tool in the Simulation CommandManager
to invoke the Material dialog box.
2. Select the Alloy Steel material in the Steel category of the
SOLIDWORKS Materials library in the dialog box.
3. Click on the Apply button and then click on the Close button. The
Alloy Steel material is assigned to the component.
Section 5: Applying the Fixture
1. Apply the Fixed Geometry fixture on the top planar face of the
component by using the Fixed Geometry tool, see Figure 5.11.
Section 6: Applying the Load
1. Apply a 900 N uniformly distributed load on the bottom planar face
 of the component by using the Force tool, see Figure 5.12.

Section 7: Generating the Mesh

Now, you need to generate the curvature-based mesh with default
parameters.
1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
appears to invoke the Mesh PropertyManager.
2. Expand the Mesh Parameters rollout of the PropertyManager and
then select the Curvature-based mesh radio button.
3. Accept the default curvature-based 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 in the model. After the meshing is complete, the meshed
model appears, see Figure 5.13.
Section 8: Running Analysis and Displaying Results
Now, you need to run the analysis.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Without Adaptive Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays 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 5.14.

The maximum Von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 4.842e+01 (48.424) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is significantly within
the yield stress of the material that is 6.204e+02 (620.422) N/mm^2
(MPa). You can display the other results of the component as
discussed earlier.
Section 9: Creating a New Static Study with H-Adaptive Meshing
Now, you need to create a new study with H-adaptive meshing
method and run the analysis. Instead of creating a new study from
scratch, you can copy the existing study.
1. Right-click on the Without Adaptive Study tab in the lower left
corner of the graphics area and then click on the Copy Study tool in
the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 5.15. The Copy Study
PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.

2. Enter H-adaptive Study in the Study name field of the

PropertyManager and then click on its green tick-mark button. A
new study with the name H-adaptive Study is created in a different
tab. Also, the newly created study is activated by default, and
appears in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 5.16.
Now, you need to define the H-adaptive parameters for the newly
created study.
3. Right-click on the H-adaptive Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree to display a shortcut menu, see Figure 5.17.
4. Click on the Properties tool in the shortcut menu. The Static dialog
box appears.
5. Click on the Adaptive tab in the Static dialog box. The options to
define the adaptive mesh method and the respective parameters
appear in the dialog box.
6. Select the h-adaptive radio button to specify the H-adaptive mesh
method for analyzing the model. The options in the h-Adaptive
options area of the dialog box are enabled, see Figure 5.18.
7. Enter 5 in the Maximum no. of loops field of the h-Adaptive options
area in the dialog box as the maximum number of iterations to be
performed to achieve the target accuracy.
8. Accept the default specified target accuracy and the accuracy bias
in the h-Adaptive options area of the dialog box. Next, click on the
OK button in the dialog box. The H-adaptive meshing is specified
for the current study.
Now, you can run the analysis with H-adaptive meshing. Note that
the fixtures, loads, material properties and so on are same as the
original study.
9. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The H-adaptive Study (name of the study) window appears which
displays the progress of analysis. Note that SOLIDWORKS
Simulation performs five iterations with refined mesh element size
in every iteration to achieve the specified target accuracy. Once
the specified target accuracy is achieved, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation stops refining the mesh and the Simulation window
appears, see Figure 5.19, informing that the current specified
accuracy level has been satisfied.

Note: In H-adaptive mesh method, SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops

refining the mesh either when the target accuracy is achieved or the
maximum number of iterations are performed.
10. Click on the OK button in the Simulation window. The results get
 updated in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree as per
the H-adaptive meshing. Also, the updated stress distribution on
the model and the von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics
area, see Figure 5.20.

The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
in the H-adaptive mesh method is 1.230e+02 (123.017) N/mm^2
(MPa). You can notice the difference in the results between the
studies created with and without H-adaptive method.
Now, you need to display the convergence graph for the H-adaptive
mesh method.
11. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Define Adaptive Convergence Graph tool in the
shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 5.21. The Convergence
Graph PropertyManager appears, see Figure 5.22.
In the Options rollout of the PropertyManager, you can select an
option to display the respective convergence graph. In this study,
you will display the maximum von Mises Stress convergence
graph.
12. Select the Maximum von Mises Stress check box, clear the Target
accuracy check box in the PropertyManager and then click on the
green tick-mark button. The Convergence Graph window appears,
see Figure 5.23. It displays the H-adaptive convergence graph for
the von Mises Stress against each iteration. Also, the Graph1
option is added in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
After reviewing the convergence graph, close it. Now, you need to
display the meshed model after performing the H-adaptive
meshing to view the element size in the high stress areas.
13. Expand the Mesh node and then the Mesh Quality Plot sub-node
in the Simulation Study Tree. Right-click on the Quality1 (-Mesh-)
option under the Mesh Quality Plot sub-node in the Simulation
Study Tree and then click on the Show tool in the shortcut menu
that appears. The meshed model appears in the graphics area,
see Figure 5.24. Notice that small elements are generated in the
high stress areas of the model for achieving the target accuracy.

Section 10: Creating a New Static Study with P-Adaptive Meshing

Now, you need to create a new study with P-adaptive meshing
method to compare the results with the earlier created studies.
Instead of creating a new study from scratch, you can copy the first
 study created without adaptive method and specify the P-adaptive
parameters.
1. Click on the Without Adaptive Study tab in the lower left corner of
the graphics area to active it.
2. Right-click on the Without Adaptive Study tab in the lower left
corner of the graphics area and then click on the Copy Study tool in
the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 5.25. The Copy Study
PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.

3. Enter P-adaptive Study in the Study name field of the Copy Study
PropertyManager and then click on its green tick-mark button. A new
study with the name P-adaptive Study is created in a different tab.
Also, the newly created study is activated by default, and appears
in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 5.26.
Now, you need to define the P-adaptive parameters for the newly
created study.
4. Right-click on the P-adaptive Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree to display a shortcut menu, see Figure 5.27.
5. Click on the Properties tool in the shortcut menu. The Static dialog
box appears.
6. Click on the Adaptive tab in the Static dialog box. The options to
define the adaptive mesh method and the respective parameters
appear in the dialog box.
7. Select the p-adaptive radio button in the Adaptive method area of
the dialog box. The options in the p-Adaptive options area of the
dialog box are enabled, see Figure 5.28.
8. Ensure that the Total Strain Energy option is selected in the Stop
when drop-down list and 1% is selected in the change is field of the
p-Adaptive options area in the dialog box as the convergence
criteria to be achieved. On doing so, SOLIDWORKS Simulation
stops changing the polynomial order of elements and does not
perform any further iteration, when the change in the total strain
energy is 1% or less than 1% between two iterations.
9. Ensure that 4 is entered in the Maximum no. of loops field of the p-
Adaptive options area as the total number of iterations to be
performed to achieve the specified convergence criteria.
10. Accept the remaining default parameters in the p-Adaptive options
area of the dialog box. Next, click on the OK button in the dialog
box. The P-adaptive meshing is specified for the current study.
Now, you can run the analysis with p-adaptive meshing. Note that
the fixtures, loads, material properties, and so on are same as the
original study.
11. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation
CommandManager. The P-adaptive Study (name of the study) window
appears which displays the progress of analysis. Note that
SOLIDWORKS Simulation performs four iterations with different
polynomial order of elements in every iteration to achieve the
specified convergence criteria. Once the specified convergence
criteria is achieved, SOLIDWORKS Simulation stops changing the
polynomial order of elements and the results get updated in the
Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. Also, the updated
stress distribution on the model and the von Mises stress plot
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 5.29. If the Simulation
 window appears informing that the Jacobian ratio is beyond limit
for an element, click on the Yes button to continue.

The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
in the P-adaptive mesh method is 5.141e+01 (51.413) N/mm^2
(MPa).
Now, you need to display the meshed model after performing the P-
adaptive meshing to view the element size in the high stress area
of the model.
12. Expand the Mesh node and then the Mesh Quality Plot sub-node
in the Simulation Study Tree. Right-click on the Quality1 (-Mesh-)
option under the Mesh Quality Plot sub-node in the Simulation
Study Tree and then click on the Show tool in the shortcut menu
that appears. The meshed model appears, see Figure 5.30. Notice
that the size of the elements are not changed in the meshed model
for achieving the target accuracy, since in the P-adaptive mesh
method, only the polynomial order of the elements change in the
high stress areas.
Section 11: Comparing Stress Results of all Studies
After performing the three different static studies (without adaptive
method, with H-adaptive method, and with P-adaptive method),
you can compare the results. In this case study, you need to
compare the stress results of all the three studies.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree of
any study and then click on the Compare Results tool in the shortcut
menu that appears, see Figure 5.31. The Compare Results
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 5.32.

2. Select the All studies in this configuration radio button in the Options
rollout of the PropertyManager. All the performed studies appear in
the PropertyManager, see Figure 5.32.
3. Select only the Stress1 (-vonMises-) check boxes of all the studies.
Next, click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.
The graphics screen of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation gets divided
and displays stress results of all the studies, see Figure 5.33.

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

Study Max. Stress

[N/mm^2 (MPa)]

Without Adaptive Study 4.842e+01 (48.424)

With H-Adaptive Study 1.230e+02 (123.017)

With P-Adaptive Study 5.141e+01 (51.413)

4. After comparing the results, click on the Exit Compare button in the
Compare Results window that appears in the graphics area.
Section 12: 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 > C05 Case Studies > Case Study 1.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Static Analysis of a Wrench with Adaptive

Meshing
Perform three different static studies, one without adaptive meshing,
second with H-adaptive meshing, and third with P-adaptive meshing
of a Wrench shown in Figure 5.34 and compare the results of each
study.

Project Description
The Wrench is fixed at one end due to the tight connection of nut
and a 350 Newton load is subjected to the other end, which occurs
while tightening the nut, see Figure 5.35. The Wrench is made up
of Alloy Steel (SS) material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run three different static studies. In the
first static study, you will run the analysis with default curvature-
based mesh. In the second and third static studies, you will run the
analysis with H-adaptive meshing and P-adaptive meshing,
respectively. After completing all the static studies, you will
compare the displacement results of all the studies. Specify the
unit system to SI (MKS) with displacement in mm and stress in
N/mm^2 (MPa) units.

Summary
This chapter discussed the different Adaptive meshing methods: H-adaptive
and P-adaptive meshing methods, the difference between both the methods,
and the method to setup an analysis with them. It also explained how to run
an analysis using both these meshing methods with the help of a case study,
in addition to defining adaptive convergence graph and comparing the
difference in the results of both these adaptive methods.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides two Adaptive meshing
methods: ________ and ________.
• The ________ mesh method is used for refining the mesh automatically
in the areas where high stresses are identified and perform multiple
iterations with smaller element size in every iteration until the specified
accuracy level is achieved.
• In the H-adaptive meshing method, the target accuracy defines the
change in the ________ energy in every iteration.
• In the H-adaptive meshing method, if the target accuracy is set to
96% then the difference in the strain energy between two iterations
should be less than ________ percent.
• You can define maximum ________ number of iterations in the H-
adaptive mesh method.
• The ________ mesh method is used for changing the polynomial
order of elements in every iteration, where the high stresses are
identified in the model to achieve the specified accuracy.
• In the P-adaptive mesh method, you can define maximum
________ number of iterations.
• In the P-adaptive mesh method, you can specify up to ________
order elements.
• The ________ tool is used for defining the adaptive convergence
graph of the study.
Chapter 6: Buckling Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Introduction to Buckling Analysis
• Buckling Analysis of a Pipe Support
• Buckling Analysis of a Beam
• Buckling Analysis of a Column

In earlier chapters, you have learned about performing the static

analysis of various components and assemblies. In this chapter, you
will learn about performing the buckling analysis.
Introduction to Buckling Analysis
The buckling analysis is used for calculating the buckling load which
is also known as the critical load. It is the load under which a model
can start buckling even if the maximum stress developed in the
model is within the yield strength of the material. Buckling refers to a
larger deformation that may have occurred due to the compressive
axial loads acting on the structures such as long slender columns
and thin sheet components, see Figure 6.1.
The minimum bucking load or critical load, under which a structure
can start bucking is calculated by the following formula:
F= π²EI / (KL)²
Where,
F= Minimum bucking load or Critical load
E = Modulus of elasticity
I = Area Moment of inertia of the cross-section of the structure
K = Structure (column) effective length, which depends on the end
conditions
L = Length of the structure
It is clear from the above formula that the buckling load does not
depend upon the compressive strength of the material. As a result,
the structure can buckle or fail, even if the maximum stress
developed in the structure is within the compressive yield strength of
the material. Also, on increasing the length of the structure, the force
required to buckle the structure gets reduced.
In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you can perform the buckling analysis
of a structure to calculate the minimum buckling load factor and its
associated buckling mode shape, when the structure can buckle
under the compressive axial loads.

Case Study 1: Buckling Analysis of a Pipe Support

In this case study, you will perform the buckling analysis of a Pipe
Support, see Figure 6.2 and determine its minimum buckling load.
 Project Description
The Pipe Support is fixed at its bottom and a 9500 Newton
compressive axial load is subjected on its top face, see Figure 6.3.
The Pipe Support is made up of Alloy Steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the buckling analysis of a Pipe
Support and determine its buckling factor of safety under the
applied compressive load. Also, you need to calculate the buckling
load or critical load based on the buckling factor of safety.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 6
2. Opening the Pipe Support
3. Starting the Buckling Study
4. Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load
5. Generating the Mesh
6. Defining the Buckling modes
7. Running the Buckling Analysis
8. Displaying the Buckling Factor of Safety
9. Calculating the Buckling Load or Critical Load
10. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 6
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and login
your user name and password. If you are a new user, first you
need to register on CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/register) as
a student.

2. After logging in to the CADArtifex website, click on SOLIDWORKS

Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE
TEXTBOOKS section of the left menu. All resource files of this
textbook appear on the right side of the page in their respective
drop-down lists.

3. Select the C06 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of Co6 Case Studies file gets started. Once the
downloading is complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C06 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the Pipe Support
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C06 Case Studies > Case Study 1. Next, select the Pipe Support and
then click on the Open button in the dialog box. The Pipe Support is
opened in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Buckling Study
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Click on the Buckling button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of
the Study PropertyManager to perform the buckling analysis, see
Figure 6.4.

4. Enter Pipe Support Buckling 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
Pipe Support Buckling Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 4: Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load
Now, you need to apply the material, fixture and load to the model.
The procedures to apply the material, fixture, and load in the
Buckling analysis are the same as in the static analysis.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager and then apply the Alloy Steel
material. Next, close the dialog box.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
2. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
3. Rotate the model such that you can view the bottom face of the
Pipe Support model and then select it to apply the Fixed Geometry
fixture, see Figure 6.5. Next, click on the green tick-mark button in
the PropertyManager.
Now, you need to apply the compressive axial load on the top face of
the model.
4. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
5. Change the orientation of the model to isometric and then select
the top semi-cylindrical face of the Pipe Support model to apply the
load, see Figure 6.6.
6. Select the Selected direction radio button in the PropertyManager.
The Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field appears.
7. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, see Figure 6.7. Next,
click on the Top Plane as the reference plane to define the direction
of force.
8. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the
PropertyManager and then enter 9500 as the axial load acting on
the model, see Figure 6.8.

9. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout to

reverse the direction of force downward, see Figure 6.9.
10. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
specified compressive axial load is applied on the Pipe Support.
Section 5: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 6.10 shows the
 meshed model.

Section 6: Defining the Buckling modes

Now, you need to define the required number of buckling modes to
be calculated by the program. By default, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation calculates the first buckling mode of the model.
1. Right-click on the Pipe Support Buckling Study (name of the study) in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in
the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 6.11. The Buckling
dialog box appears, see Figure 6.12.

2. Enter 5 in the Number of buckling modes field of the Options tab in

 the dialog box to calculate five different buckling safety factors and
the associated buckling modes for the Pipe Support.
3. Click on the OK button in the dialog box.
Section 7: Running the Buckling Analysis
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Pipe Support Buckling Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of analysis. After the analysis
completes, the Results folder is added in the Simulation Study Tree
with the five different mode shapes, see Figure 6.13. By default,
the Amplitude1 (-Res Amp - Mode Shape 1-) is activated in the Results
folder. As a result, the first buckling mode shape of the model,
which occurs first when the model starts buckling, appears in the
graphics area, see Figure 6.14.

You can also display the remaining buckling mode shapes of the
model by double-clicking on the respective option in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 8: Displaying the Buckling Factor of Safety
Now, you need to display the buckling factor of safety of the Pipe
Support.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Buckling Factor of Safety tool in the shortcut
menu that appears, see Figure 6.15. The List Modes dialog box
appears, see Figure 6.16.

The List Modes dialog box displays the specified number of buckling
modes and the associated buckling factor of safety of each mode.
The first buckling load factor is always smaller than the other
buckling load factors and for any given load, it occurs first.
Therefore, you can calculate the buckling load or critical load when
the model can start buckling by using the first buckling factor of
safety.
In this study, the first calculated buckling factor of safety is 16.4. This
means that the design is safe.
Note: The buckling load factor is the ratio of buckling/critical load to the
applied load.
Buckling Load Factor = Buckling Load / Applied Load
If the buckling load factor is greater than 1, the design is considered to be
safe. If the buckling load factor is equal to 1 then the buckling starts to
occur in the design. If the buckling load factor is less than 1, the design is
considered to be a failure and buckling begins to occur in the design.
2. Close the List Modes dialog box.
Section 9: Calculating the Buckling Load or Critical Load
Now, you need to calculate the buckling load when the Pipe Support
starts buckling.
1. Calculate the buckling load by using the following formula.
Buckling Load = Buckling Load Factor X Applied Load
= 16.4 X 9500 N
= 155800 N
The 155800 N load is the calculated buckling load or critical load
when the Pipe Support can start buckling.
Section 10: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C06 Case Studies > Case Study 1.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.
Case Study 2: Buckling Analysis of a Beam
In this case study, you will perform the buckling analysis of a long
Beam, see Figure 6.17. Determine the buckling load or critical load
when the Beam can start buckling.
Project Description
The Beam is fixed at its bottom and a 14000 Newton compressive
axial load is subjected on its top face, see Figure 6.18. The Beam
is made up of AISI 304 steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the buckling analysis of a beam and
determine the buckling factor of safety of the beam under the
applied compressive load. Also, you need to calculate the buckling
load or critical load based on the buckling factor of safety of the
beam.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Starting the Buckling Analysis
2. Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load
3. Generating the Mesh
4. Running the Buckling Analysis
5. Displaying the Buckling Factor of Safety
6. Calculating the Buckling Load or Critical Load
7. Saving Results
Section 1: Starting the Buckling Analysis
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Beam model from the
location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C06 Case
Studies > Case Study 2.
Note: You need to download the C06 Case Studies file by logging on to the
CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. When the Beam model is opened in SOLIDWORKS, click on the
Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of the Simulation
CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
4. Click on the Buckling button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of
the Study PropertyManager to perform the buckling analysis, see
Figure 6.19.
5. Enter Beam Buckling Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 6.19.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Beam Buckling Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 6.20. Also, the joints appear on the beam member in the
graphics area (see Figure 6.21) as SOLIDWORKS Simulation
automatically identifies the geometry as a beam and calculates its
joints.

Section 2: Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load

Now, you need to apply the material, fixture and load on the beam.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager and then apply the AISI 304
steel material. Next, close the dialog box.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
2. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
3. Select the yellow joint that appears at the bottom of the beam in
the graphics area, see Figure 6.22. Next, click on the green tick-
mark button in the PropertyManager. The Fixed Geometry fixture is
applied at the bottom joint of the beam.

Now, you need to apply the compressive axial load on the top joint of
the beam.
4. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears, see Figure
6.23.
By default, the Vertices, Points button is activated in the Selection
 rollout of the PropertyManager. As a result, you can select the
vertices and points of the beam members to apply the load. On
selecting the Joints button , you can select a beam joint to apply
the load.
5. Click on the Joints button in the Selection rollout of the
PropertyManager to select the beam joint for applying the load.
6. Select the top beam joint. The name of the selected beam joint
appears in the field of the Selection rollout in the PropertyManager.
7. Click on the Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field of the Selection
rollout in the PropertyManager. Next, expand the FeatureManager
Design Tree and then click on the Top Plane as the reference plane
to define the direction of force, see Figure 6.24.

8. Ensure that the SI is selected as the unit in the Unit drop-down list
of the Units rollout in the PropertyManager.
9. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the
PropertyManager and then enter 14000 as the axial load on the
beam, see Figure 6.25.
10. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout to
reverse the direction of force downward, see Figure 6.26.
11. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
specified compressive axial load is applied on the beam.
Section 3: Generating the Mesh
1. Right-click on the Mesh option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Create Mesh tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Mesh Progress window appears and the process of
meshing the beam starts. After it is complete, the meshed beam
with beam elements, which are represented by hollow cylinders,
appear in the graphics area, see Figure 6.27.

Section 4: Running the Buckling Analysis

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Beam Buckling 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 resultant
 amplitude of the first mode shape. Also, the first mode shape of
the beam appears in the graphics area, see Figure 6.28.

Section 5: Displaying the Buckling Factor of Safety

Now, you need to display the buckling factor of safety of the beam.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Buckling Factor of Safety tool in the shortcut
menu that appears. The List Modes dialog box appears, see Figure
6.29.
Note: The List Modes dialog box displays the number of specified buckling
modes and the associated buckling factor of safety of each mode. By
default, SOLIDWORKS Simulation calculates the first buckling factor of
safety as the first buckling load factor is always smaller and for any given
load, it occurs first. However, as discussed in Case Study 1, you can specify
multiple buckling modes and the associated buckling factors of safety to be
calculated by the program.
The calculated buckling factor of safety is 0.57331. This means that
the design is considered to be a failure and the buckling starts
when the applied load is equal to 8026.34 N [14000 (applied load)
X 0.57331 (buckling load factor)]. Note that you may find a
difference in the results due to the service packs installed on your
system.
Section 6: Calculating the Buckling Load or Critical Load
Now, you need to calculate the buckling load when the beam can
start buckling.
1. Calculate the buckling load by using the following formula:
Buckling Load = Buckling Load Factor X Applied Load
= 0.57331 X 14000
= 8026.34 N
Section 7: Saving the 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 > C06 Case Studies > Case Study 2.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS Simulation session.
Hands-on Test Drive 1: Buckling Analysis of a Column
Perform the buckling analysis of a long hollow column shown in
Figure 6.30 and determine the buckling load or critical load when the
column can start buckling.

Project Description
The column is clamped at both its ends (top and bottom). You need
to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture at the bottom face of the
column to represent its clamped connection with the ground, see
Figure 6.31. To represent the clamped connection at the top of the
column, you need to restrict the radial and circumferential
translations of the column at the top so that the column can only
translate along its axial direction due to the applied load, see
Figure 6.31. The column is subjected to a 1200 Newton
compressive axial load on its top, see Figure 6.31. The column is
made up of Alloy Steel material.
Hint: To restrict the radial and circumferential translations of the column at
the top, you can apply the On Cylindrical Faces fixture and specify 0
value for the radial and circumferential translations.
Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the buckling analysis of a column
which is clamped at both its ends and determine the buckling
factor of safety of the beam under the applied compressive load.
You also need to calculate the buckling load or critical load based
on the minimum buckling factor of safety of the column when it can
start buckling.

Summary
This chapter introduced the concept of buckling analysis and how to
perform the buckling analysis. It also discussed how to calculate the
buckling load or critical load when the structure may start buckling.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The ________ refers to the larger deformation occurring on a
structure due to the compressive axial loads.
• The buckling load is also known as the ________ , when the model
can start buckling.
• A structure can buckle even if the maximum stress developed in
the structure is within the ________ strength of the material.

• The ________ field of the Buckling dialog box is used for specifying
the number of buckling modes to be calculated by the program.
• The ________ tool is used for displaying the specified number of
buckling modes and the associated buckling factor of safety.
• For any given load, the ________ calculated buckling factor of
safety is always smaller than the other buckling load factors.
• The ________ dialog box displays the specified number of buckling
modes and the associated buckling factor of safety of each mode.
• The buckling load factor is the ratio of ________ load to the
________ load.
• If the buckling load factor is greater than 1, the design is
considered to be ________.
• If the buckling load factor is less than 1, the design is considered to
be ________ and buckling occurs in the design due to the applied
load.
• On increasing the length of a structure, the force required to buckle
it gets ________.
• The buckling load or critical load does not depend upon the
________ strength of the material.
• You can calculate the buckling load or critical load of a structure,
when it can start buckling, by using the ________ buckling factor
of safety.
Chapter 7: Fatigue Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Introduction to Fatigue Analysis
• Fatigue Analysis of a Connecting Rod
• Fatigue Analysis of a Crankshaft

In earlier chapters, you have learned about the failure of a design

due to the stresses developed beyond the yield strength of the
material, which is also known as the material failure of a design. You
have also learned about the failure of a design due to buckling. In
this chapter, you will learn about the failure of a design due to the
repeated loading and unloading or the cyclic loads. In real-world
conditions, most of the mechanical components undergo repeated
loading and unloading, which results in the failure of the design over
a period of time. This phenomenon of failure due to repeated loading
and unloading on an object is known as fatigue.
Introduction to Fatigue Analysis
The Fatigue analysis is used for calculating the stress at which an
object fails, when it undergoes repeated loading and unloading. The
repeated loading and unloading weakens the object after a period of
time and causes failure of the object under a stress that is within the
allowable stress limits. You can predict the total life of the object and
analyze the damage caused due to repeated loading on it by using
the Fatigue analysis. In SOLIDWORKS Simulation, the fatigue
analysis can be performed based on the results of the linear static
analysis, time history linear dynamic analysis, or the non-linear
analysis. In this chapter, you will perform the fatigue analysis on
objects based on the linear static analysis and determine the total life
of the objects and the damage caused due to cyclic loads.
Case Study 1: Fatigue Analysis of a Connecting Rod
In this case study, you will perform the fatigue analysis of a
Connecting Rod (see Figure 7.1) and determine its total life,
damage, and load factor due to the cyclic loads of constant
amplitudes.

Project Description
The Connecting Rod is fixed at its crank end, see Figure 7.2. Also, a
8000 N compressive load as the combustion force, 3000 N tensile
load as the inertial force, and 1800 N lateral load as the
momentum force are activated on the pin end of the Connecting
Rod, see Figure 7.2. The Connecting Rod is made up of Alloy Steel
(SS) material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will first perform the static analysis on the
Connecting Rod and then based on the results of the static
analysis, you need to perform the fatigue analysis to calculate the
total life and damage of the product under the repeated fully
reversed loading for 3,00,000 load cycles.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 7
2. Opening the Connecting Rod
3. Starting the Static Study
4. Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load
5. Generating the Mesh
6. Running the Static Study and Displaying Results
7. Running the Fatigue Analysis
8. Defining Properties for the Fatigue Analysis
9. Defining the Loading Events for the Fatigue Analysis
10. Defining the Fatigue S-N Curve
11. Running the Fatigue Analysis and Displaying Results
12. Displaying the Load Factor Plot
13. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 7
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and login
with your user name and password.

2. After logging in, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation >

 SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE TEXTBOOKS section of
the left menu. All resource files of this textbook appear on the right
side of the page in their respective drop-down lists.

3. Select the C07 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of Co7 Case Studies file starts. Once the
downloading is complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C07 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the Connecting Rod
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C07 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Connecting Rod and then click on the Open button
in the dialog box. The Connecting Rod is opened in
SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Static Study
As discussed, first you need to perform the static analysis on the
Connecting Rod and then based on the results of the static
analysis, you need to perform the fatigue analysis.
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager.
4. Enter Connecting Rod 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
Connecting Rod Static Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 4: Applying the Material, Fixture, and Load
Now, you need to apply the material, fixture and load to the model.
1. 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.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
2. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
3. Select the semi-circular face of the crank end of the Connecting
Rod to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 7.3. Next,
click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.

Now, you need to apply the loads on the pin end of the Connecting
Rod.
4. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
5. Select the inner circular face of the pin end of the Connecting Rod
to apply the load, see Figure 7.4.
6. Select the Selected direction radio button in the PropertyManager.
The Face, Edge, Plane for Direction field appears in the
PropertyManager.
7. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, see Figure 7.5. Next,
click on the Front Plane as the reference plane to define the
direction of force.

8. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the

PropertyManager and then enter 8000 N as the compressive load
acting on the Connecting Rod.
9. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout to
reverse the direction of force toward the crank end of the
Connecting Rod, see Figure 7.6.
10. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
specified compressive load is applied on the Connecting Rod.
11. Similarly, apply a tensile load of 3000 N and a lateral load of
1800 N on the pin end of the Connecting Rod, one by one. Figure
7.7 shows the Connecting Rod after applying the compressive,
tensile, and lateral loads on its pin end. All the applied loads get
listed in the External Loads folder in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 7.8.

Section 5: Generating the Mesh

1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 7.9 shows the
meshed model.
Section 6: Running the Static Study and Displaying Results
Now, you need to run the static study.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Connecting Rod Static Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays 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. Also, the stress distribution on the
model and the von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area,
see Figure 7.10.
The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied loads
is 2.505e+02 (250.532) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is significantly within
the yield stress of the material that is 6.204e+02 (620.422) N/mm^2
(MPa). Also, the Factor of Safety of the design is 2.476, which
means that the design of the Connecting Rod is safe. You can
display the Factor of Safety plot of the model by using the Define
Factor Of Safety Plot tool which is displayed in the shortcut menu
that appears on right-clicking on the Results folder of the Simulation
Study Tree.
After running the static study of the Connecting Rod, you can
perform the fatigue analysis based on the results of the static study
to check the life of the design, when it undergoes repeated loading
of constant amplitudes.
Section 7: Running the Fatigue Analysis
Now, you need to perform the fatigue analysis on the Connecting
Rod, based on the results of the static study.
1. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears.
2. Click on the Fatigue button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 7.11.
3. Ensure that the Constant amplitude events with defined cycles button
is activated in the Advanced Simulation rollout of the
PropertyManager to perform the fatigue analysis with constant
amplitude of cyclic loads, refer to Figure 7.11.
4. Enter Connecting Rod Fatigue Study in the Study name field of the
 Name rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 7.11.
Tip: You can perform the fatigue analysis based on the results of the static
study with the constant or variable amplitude of cyclic loads by activating
the Constant amplitude events with defined cycles or Variable amplitude
history data buttons respectively, in the Advanced Simulation rollout of the
Study PropertyManager. You can also perform the fatigue analysis based
on the linear dynamic harmonic study or linear dynamic random vibration
study by activating the Harmonic-fatigue of sinusoidal loading or Random
vibration-fatigue of random vibration buttons respectively, in the Advanced
Simulation rollout of the PropertyManager.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. A
new tab named Connecting Rod Fatigue Study is added at the lower
left corner of the graphics area and the Connecting Rod Fatigue
Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 7.12.

Section 8: Defining Properties for the Fatigue Analysis

Before you start performing the fatigue analysis, you need to define
its properties.
1. Right-click on the Connecting Rod Fatigue Study (name of the study) in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in
the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 7.13. The Fatigue
dialog box appears, see Figure 7.14.

The options in the Fatigue dialog box are used for specifying the
properties of the active fatigue study. By default, the Random
interaction radio button is selected in the Constant amplitude event
interaction area of the dialog box. As a result, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation considers the random interaction between different
events to calculate the alternating stresses. On selecting the No
interaction radio button, SOLIDWORKS Simulation considers no
interaction between the events and all the events occur
sequentially. The Random interaction radio button is useful when
you have specified multiple events for the fatigue analysis and
especially in the case of performing the fatigue analysis on the
 ASME Boiler and Pressure vessel. You will learn more about
specifying the events later in this case study.
The options in the Computing alternating stress using area of the dialog
box are used for defining the stress type for calculating the
alternating stress in the constant cyclic loads. The program
extracts the respective data (number of load cycles against the
computed alternating stress) from the S-N curve to identify the
fatigue failure. You will learn about S-N curve later in this case
study. Figure 7.15 shows a constant amplitude stress diagram for
the number of cyclic loads.

The options in the Mean stress correction area are used for defining
the method for calculating the mean stress correction.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation calculates the mean stress along with
the alternating stress for each cycle and then it evaluates the
mean stress correction by using the method specified in this area.
The Fatigue strength reduction factor (Kf) field of the dialog box is used
for specifying the fatigue strength reduction factor. You can specify
the fatigue strength reduction factor between the range 0 to 1.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation divides the computed alternating stress
by the specified fatigue strength reduction factor and then reads
the corresponding number of cycles in the S-N curve. If the fatigue
 strength reduction factor is less than 1 then the number of cycles
that can cause failure due to fatigue get reduced.
2. Accept the default specified options in the Fatigue dialog box and
then click on the OK button. The default properties for the fatigue
study are specified.
Section 9: Defining the Loading Events for the Fatigue Analysis
After defining the properties for the fatigue analysis, you need to
define the loading events.
1. Right-click on the Loading (-Constant Amplitude-) option in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Add Event tool in the
shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 7.16. The Add Event
(Constant) PropertyManager appears, see Figure 7.17.

2. Enter 300000 in the Cycles field of the PropertyManager as the

number of cyclic loads to be carried out on the design.
After specifying the number of cyclic loads, you need to select the
type of fatigue loading in the Loading Type drop-down list of the
PropertyManager. The Fully Reversed (LR=-1) option of the Loading
Type drop-down list is used for specifying the fully reverse loading
type for the specified number of cyclic loads such that all the
applied loads in the study reverse their load magnitudes
simultaneously, see Figure 7.18. The Zero-based (LR=0) option is
used for specifying the zero-based loading type for the specified
 number of cyclic loads such that all the applied loads in the study
change their magnitudes from maximum to zero stress values, see
Figure 7.19.

The Loading Ratio option is used for specifying the loading ratio (R)
to define the user-defined loading type such that the applied loads
change their magnitudes from maximum to minimum load values,
see Figure 7.20. Note that the minimum load value is defined by
multiplying the specified loading ratio (R) to the maximum value of
the load magnitude (R*Smax = Smin), see Figure 7.20. The Find
Cycle Peaks option is used for defining the loading type based on
multiple studies.

3. Select the Fully Reversed (LR=-1) option in the Loading Type drop-
down list of the PropertyManager, considering the fully reverse
loading type for the specified number of cyclic loads.
4. Click on the field of the first row, corresponding to the Study
 column in the Study Association table of the PropertyManager. An
arrow appears. Next, click on this arrow to invoke a drop-down list,
see Figure 7.21. Note that this drop-down list displays the list of all
the studies performed earlier on the active design. You have
performed a static study of the Connecting Rod earlier. As a result,
the same static study is listed in the drop-down list, see Figure
7.21.

5. Ensure that the Connecting Rod Static Study is selected under the
Study column as the base study to perform the fatigue analysis.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. An
event for the 3,00,000 fully reversed cyclic loads is created. Also, it
is listed under the Loading (-Constant Amplitude-) node of the
Simulation Study Tree, see Figure 7.22.

Section 10: Defining the Fatigue S-N Curve

Now, you need to define the S-N Curve (Stress-Life Cycle Curve)
data for the material of the model. The S-N Curve determines the
fatigue strength at different intervals of cyclic loads, see Figure
7.23. It is only used to perform the fatigue analysis. You can define
a new S-N curve by specifying the alternating stress vs number of
 load cycles values for a material, manually or you can use an
existing S-N curve from the material database of SOLIDWORKS
Simulation.
Note: As the number of load cycles increases, the fatigue strength of
the material decreases. The fatigue occurs in a load cycle where the
stress developed due to the applied load is more than its fatigue
strength as per the S-N curve.

1. Right-click on the Connecting Rod (name of the model) in the

Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Apply/Edit Fatigue Data
tool in the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 7.24. The
Material dialog box appears, see Figure 7.25.
2. Ensure that the Fatigue SN Curves tab is activated in the Material
dialog box, refer to Figure 7.25.
3. Select the Derive from material Elastic Modulus radio button in the
Source area of the dialog box and then ensure that the Based on
ASME Austenitic Steel curves radio button is selected. The S-N data
for various points gets filled in the Table data area of the dialog box
based on the ASME Austenitic steel.
Tip: You can also enter the S-N curve data in the N and S columns of the
Table data area in the dialog box, manually or by importing an existing S-N
data file. For doing so, select the Define radio button in the Source area of
the dialog box and then enter the stress ratio/loading ratio in the Stress
Ratio (R) field of the dialog box. Next, enter the number of load cycles vs
alternating stress values in the N and S columns of the table, respectively.
You can also click on the File button in the dialog box to invoke the
Function Curves dialog box. In this dialog box, you can select an existing
material having pre-defined S-N curve data from the left panel of the dialog
box. As soon as you select a material, the respective S-N curve data
appears on the right panel of the Function Curves dialog box. You can edit
the S-N curve data of the material as required, by double-clicking the
respective fields in the dialog box. You can also import an existing file
(.dat) having the S-N curve data by clicking on the File button of the
Function Curves dialog box. After specifying the S-N curve data in the
dialog box, click on the OK button in the Function Curves dialog box. Next,
click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the Material dialog
box.
4. Click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the Material
dialog box. The S-N curve is defined based on the ASME
Austenitic steel material.
Section 11: Running the Fatigue Analysis and Displaying Results
Now, you can run the fatigue analysis.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Connecting Rod Fatigue Study (name of the study) window
appears which displays the progress of fatigue analysis.
2. After the process of running the analysis is complete, the damage
and life results of the Connecting Rod are added in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree. Also, the Results1 (-Damage-)
result is activated in the Results folder. As a result, the damage
distribution on the model and the Damage Percentage plot appear
in the graphics area, see Figure 7.26.
The maximum damage percentage of the Connecting Rod is
1.110e+02 (111.003) which means that the specified event for the
300000 load cycles consumes about 111.003% life of the
Connecting Rod and the design is considered to be failing. If the
damage percentage of a design is more than 100% then the
 design is considered to be a failure due to the fatigue.

3. Double-click on the Result2 (-Life-) result in the Results folder of the

Simulation Study Tree. The Total Life (cycle) plot appears in the
graphics area, see Figure 7.27.

The Total Life (cycle) plot of the Connecting Rod shows that the
failure is likely to occur after approximately 2.703e+05 (270262.531)
load cycles, see Figure 7.27.
Section 12: Displaying the Load Factor Plot
You can also display the load factor plot of the design to determine
the minimum load that the design can withstand for the specified
number of load cycles.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Define Fatigue Plot tool in the shortcut menu that
appears, see Figure 7.28. The Fatigue Plot PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 7.29.

2. Select the Load Factor radio button in the Plot Type rollout of the
PropertyManager.
3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Load factor plot appears, see Figure 7.30.

The Load factor plot shows that the minimum load factor of the
design is 9.834e-01 (0.983), which indicates the failure of the
 design. Note that a minimum load factor less than 1 indicates the
failure of design due to fatigue. The Connecting Rod design fails
due to the fatigue at the load which is equal to the current load
multiplied by the 9.834e-01 (0.983) load factor, see the formula
below:
[Minimum load when the design can fail = Current load X Minimum Load
Factor]
Section 13: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C07 Case Studies > Case Study 1.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Fatigue Analysis of a Crankshaft

Perform the fatigue analysis of a Crankshaft shown in Figure 7.31
and its total life, damage, and load factor due to the cyclic loads of
constant amplitude.
Project Description
The Crankshaft is fixed at both its ends (see Figure 7.32) and a 5000
N downward load acts on its middle where it connects with the
Connecting Rod, see Figure 7.32. The Crankshaft is made up of
Cast Carbon Steel material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will first perform the static analysis on the
Crankshaft and then based on the results of the static analysis,
you need to perform the fatigue analysis to calculate the total life,
damage, and minimum load factor of the design under the
repeated fully reversed loading for 2,00,000 load cycles. You can
use the pre-defined S-N curve data of the ASME carbon steel
curves.

Summary
This chapter discussed about the failure of a design due to fatigue when the
design undergoes cyclic loads. It also introduced how to perform the
fatigue analysis based on the results of a static study to determine the total
life, damage percentage, and the load factor of a design. Different types of
cyclic loading and the S-N curve of a material, which defines the fatigue
strength of a material at different intervals of cyclic loads were also
discussed.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The phenomena of failure due to repeated loading and unloading on an
object is known as ________.
• The ________ button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of the Study
PropertyManager is used for performing the fatigue analysis with a
constant amplitude of cyclic loads.
• The ________ option is used for specifying the loading type for the
specified number of cyclic loads such that all the applied loads in the
study reverse their load magnitudes simultaneously.
• The ________ option is used for specifying the loading type for the
specified number of cyclic loads such that all the applied loads in the
study change their magnitudes from the maximum to the zero stress
values.
• The ________ determines the fatigue strength at different intervals of
cyclic loads.
• As the number of load cycles increases, the ________ of the material
decreases.
• The ________ plot indicates the approximate number of load cycles
when the failure is likely to occur.
• The ________ plot indicates the minimum load factor when the failure
can occur due to the fatigue in the design.
• A design can fail due to the fatigue at a load, which is equal to the current
load multiplied by the ________.
• The minimum load factor less than ________, indicates the failure
of the design due to the fatigue.
Chapter 8: Frequency Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Introduction to Frequency Analysis
• Frequency Analysis of a Wine Glass
• Frequency Analysis of a Pulley Assembly
• Frequency Analysis of a Cantilever Beam

In this chapter, you will learn about frequency analysis, which is used
for calculating the natural frequencies of an object. The natural
frequencies are also known as resonant frequencies. The natural or
resonant frequency of an object is defined as the energy required to
produce vibration in the object. Every object has different natural
frequencies depending on its geometry, material properties, and
boundary conditions. A real-world object has an infinite number of
natural frequencies in which it vibrates. However, in the Finite
Element Analysis, the natural frequencies of an object are
considered equal to the number of its degrees of freedom. Each
natural frequency of an object is associated with a shape called
mode shape, which occurs when the object vibrates at that
frequency. When an object vibrates due to an external force with a
frequency which matches with one of its natural frequencies, the
object undergoes large displacements and stresses, which causes
failure of the object. This phenomenon of failure is known as
resonance. For example, a structure like bridge vibrates due to a
frequency that is generated due to many reasons like traffic, high
wind speed, or a high footfall. If this frequency matches with one of
its natural frequencies of vibrations then the bridge can fall down.
Introduction to Frequency Analysis
The frequency analysis is used for calculating the natural
frequencies of an object and their associated mode shapes. By
knowing the natural frequencies of an object, you can ensure that
the actual operating frequency of an object will not coincide with any
of its natural frequencies to avoid the failure of the object due to
resonance.
Case Study 1: Frequency Analysis of a Wine Glass
In this case study, you will perform the frequency analysis of a Wine
Glass see (Figure 8.1) and determine its first three natural/resonant
frequencies and their associated mode shapes. Also, determine the
mass participation in the X, Y, and Z directions.

Project Description
Fix the Wine Glass at its bottom to represent its operating conditions,
see Figure 8.2. The Wine Glass is made up of Glass material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the frequency analysis on a Wine
Glass without applying any external force.
Note: You can run the frequency analysis with or without applying the
fixtures and loads. However, it is recommended to apply the required
fixtures to the model to represent its real operating conditions.
Although, applying external loads to the model is optional but, if you
do so, their effects are considered in the frequency analysis.

The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:

1. Downloading Files of Chapter 8
2. Opening the Wine Glass
3. Starting the Frequency Analysis
4. Defining Properties for the Frequency Analysis
5. Applying the Material and Fixture
6. Generating the Mesh
7. Running the Frequency Analysis
8. Displaying Natural/Resonant Frequencies
9. Viewing Different Mode Shapes
10. Displaying the Mass Participation
11. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 8
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and log in
with your user name and password.

2. After logging in, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation >

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE TEXTBOOKS section of
the left menu. All resource files of this textbook appear on the right
side of the page in their respective drop-down lists.

3. Select the C08 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of Co8 Case Studies file gets started. Once the
downloading gets completed, you need to unzip the downloaded
file.
4. Save the unzipped C08 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the Wine Glass
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C08 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Wine Glass and then click on the Open button in the
dialog box. The Wine Glass is opened in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Frequency Analysis
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
 the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Click on the Frequency button in the General Simulation rollout of the
PropertyManager to perform the frequency analysis, see Figure
8.3.
4. Enter Wine Glass Frequency Study in the Study name field of the
Name rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 8.3.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Wine Glass Frequency Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree,
see Figure 8.4.

Section 4: Defining Properties for the Frequency Analysis

Before you start performing the frequency analysis, you need to
define its properties.
1. Right-click on the Wine Glass Frequency Study (name of the study) in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in
the shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 8.5. The Frequency
dialog box appears, see Figure 8.6.
2. Enter 3 in the Number of frequencies field of the Options area in the
dialog box to calculate first three natural frequencies of the Wine
Glass.
Tip: You can also calculate the frequencies closest to the frequency of your
interest. For doing so, you need to select the Calculate frequencies closest
to: (Frequency Shift) check box in the Options area of the dialog box and
then enter the frequency value of your interest. The Upper bound frequency
radio button is used to specify an upper limit for the frequencies to be
calculated. On doing so, the program calculates the frequencies which are
below the specified limit.
3. Click on the OK button in the dialog box. The first three number of
frequencies to be calculated are defined.
Section 5: Applying the Material and Fixture
Now, you need to apply the material and fixture to the model.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager.
2. Expand the Other Non-metals category of the SOLIDWORKS
Materials library in the Material dialog box and then click on the
Glass material, see Figure 8.7. All the properties of the Glass
material appear on the right panel of the dialog box, see Figure
8.7.

3. Click on the Apply button and then click on the Close button in the
Material dialog box. The Glass material is applied to the model and
its appearance changes, accordingly in the graphics area.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
4. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
5. Rotate the model such that you can view its bottom face and then
 select it to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 8.8.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The

Fixed Geometry fixture is applied to the bottom face of the Wine
Glass. Now, change the orientation of the model back to isometric.
Section 6: Generating the Mesh
Now, you need to generate the mesh on the model.
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 8.9 shows the
meshed model.

Section 7: Running the Frequency Analysis

Now, you need to run the static study.
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Wine Glass Frequency 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 is added in the
 Simulation Study Tree with the amplitude results of specified
number of mode shapes. By default, the first mode shape is
activated. As a result, the mode shape and the resultant amplitude
plot of the first natural frequency appear in the graphics area, see
Figure 8.10.

Section 8: Displaying Natural/Resonant Frequencies

Now, you need to display the natural/resonant frequencies of the
Wine Glass.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Resonant Frequencies tool in the shortcut menu
that appears, see Figure 8.11. The List Modes window appears,
see Figure 8.12.
The List Modes window displays the list of calculated
natural/resonant frequencies of the model associated with the
respective mode numbers in Rad/sec and Hertz. Also, it displays
the corresponding period in seconds for each natural frequency,
refer to Figure 8.12.
2. Review the calculated natural frequency of the Wine Glass for
different mode numbers. Mode number 1 has a frequency of
16.239 hertz, mode number 2 has a frequency of 16.242 hertz,
and mode number 3 has a frequency of 40.057 hertz. You need to
ensure that the Wine Glass does not operate in a frequency which
matches with any one of its calculated natural frequencies to avoid
failure due to resonance.
3. Click on the Save button in the List Modes window. The Save As
 dialog box appears. In this dialog box, browse to the location
where you want to save the calculated results of the natural
frequencies. Next, click on the Save button in the dialog box. The
results file is saved with the .csv file extension in the specified
location. You can open the .csv files in Microsoft Excel.
4. Click on Close button in the List Modes window to close it.
Section 9: Viewing Different Mode Shapes
1. By default, the Amplitude1 (-Res Amp - Mode Shape 1-) result is
activated in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. As a
result, the mode shape 1 of the Wine Glass appears in the
graphics area. To display the mode shapes 2 and 3, double-click
on their respective results in the Simulation Study Tree. Figures
8.13 and 8.14 show the mode shapes 2 and 3, respectively.

Tip: You can rotate the model to view the mode shapes of the model at
different orientations.
Section 10: Displaying the Mass Participation
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Mass Participation tool in the shortcut menu
that appears, see Figure 8.15. The Mass Participation window
appears, see Figure 8.16.
The Mass Participation window displays a list of natural/resonant
frequencies and the mass participation in the X, Y, and Z directions
for each mode number.
2. Review the mass participation for each mode number in the Mass
Participation window. For example, the mass participation for the
mode number 1 is approximately 0.0010149 in the X-direction,
3.7365e-14 in the Y-direction, and 0.41422 in the Z-direction.
Section 11: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C08 Case Studies > Case Study 1.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Case Study 2: Frequency Analysis of a Pulley Assembly

In this case study, you will perform the frequency analysis of a Pulley
Assembly (see Figure 8.17) and determine its first five
natural/resonant frequencies and their associated mode shapes.
Project Description
Both the Support components of the Pulley Assembly are fixed at the
bottom, see Figure 8.18. All the components of the Pulley
Assembly are made up of Alloy Steel (SS) material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the frequency analysis on a Pulley
Assembly without applying any external force.
Note: You can run the frequency analysis with or without applying the
fixtures and loads. However, it is recommended to apply the required
fixtures to the model to represent its real operating conditions.
Although, applying external loads to the model is optional but, if you
do so, their effects are considered in the frequency analysis.

The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:

1. Starting the Frequency Analysis
2. Defining Properties for the Frequency Analysis
3. Applying Materials and Fixtures
4. Generating the Mesh
5. Running the Frequency Analysis
6. Displaying Natural/Resonant Frequencies
7. Viewing Different Mode Shapes
8. Saving Results
Section 1: Starting the Frequency Analysis
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Pulley Assembly from the
location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C08 Case
Studies > Case Study 2.
Note: You need to download the C08 Case Studies file which contains the
files of this chapter by logging in to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area.
4. Click on the Frequency button in the General Simulation rollout of the
PropertyManager to perform the frequency analysis, see Figure
8.19.
5. Enter Pulley Frequency Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 8.19.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Pulley Frequency Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 2: Defining Properties for the Frequency Analysis
Before you start performing the frequency analysis, you can define
its properties.
1. Right-click on the Pulley Frequency Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in the
shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 8.20. The Frequency dialog
box appears, see Figure 8.21.
2. Ensure that 5 is entered in the Number of frequencies field of the
Options area in the dialog box to calculate the first five natural
frequencies of the Pulley Assembly.
3. Click on the OK button in the dialog box.
Section 3: Applying Materials and Fixtures
Now, you need to apply the materials and fixtures to the model.
1. Right-click on the Parts folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Apply Material to All tool in the shortcut menu that
appears, see Figure 8.22. The Material dialog box appears.

2. Select the Alloy Steel (SS) material in the Steel category of the
SOLIDWORKS Materials library in the dialog box.
3. Click on the Apply button and then the Close button in the Material
dialog box. The Alloy Steel (SS) material is applied to all the
 components of the assembly.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture.
4. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
5. Rotate the assembly such that you can view its bottom faces.
Next, select the bottom faces of both the Support components of
the assembly to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 8.23.

6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The

Fixed Geometry fixture is applied to the selected faces. Now,
change the orientation of the assembly back to isometric.
Section 4: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 8.24 shows the
meshed assembly.
Section 5: Running the Frequency Analysis
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Pulley Frequency 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 is added in the
Simulation Study Tree. By default, the mode shape and the
resultant amplitude plot of the first natural frequency appear in the
graphics area, see Figure 8.25.

Section 6: Displaying Natural/Resonant Frequencies

Now, you need to display the natural/resonant frequencies of the
Pulley Assembly.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the List Resonant Frequencies tool in the shortcut menu
that appears, see Figure 8.26. The List Modes window appears,
see Figure 8.27.
The List Modes window displays a list of calculated natural/resonant
frequencies in Rad/sec and Hertz for each mode number. Besides,
it displays the corresponding period in seconds for each mode
number, see Figure 8.27.
2. Review the calculated natural frequency of the Pulley Assembly
for each mode number. Mode number 1 has a frequency of
approximately 2262.1 hertz and mode number 2 has a frequency
of approximately 2370.3 hertz. You need to ensure that the Pulley
Assembly does not operate in a frequency which matches with any
of its calculated natural frequencies to avoid failure due to
resonance. Next, close the List Modes window.
Section 7: Viewing Different Mode Shapes
1. By default, the Amplitude1 (-Res Amp - Mode Shape 1-) result is
activated in the Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree. As a
result, the mode shape 1 of the Pulley Assembly appears in the
graphics area, see Figure 8.28. To display the other mode shapes,
double-click on the respective results in the Simulation Study Tree.
Figure 8.29 shows the mode shape 2 of the assembly.

Section 8: Saving 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 > C08 Case Studies > Case Study 2.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Frequency Analysis of a Cantilever Beam

Perform the frequency analysis of a Cantilever Beam, see Figure
8.30 and determine its first five natural/resonant frequencies and
their associated mode shapes.

Project Description
The Cantilever Beam is fixed at its left end and a downward load of
900 N is acting on its free end (right), see Figure 8.31. The
Cantilever Beam is made up of AISI 1035 Steel (SS) material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the frequency analysis on a Cantilever
Beam with 900 N downward load on its right end.

Summary
This chapter introduced the method for performing the frequency
analysis to calculate the natural/resonant frequencies, the mode
shapes associated to each natural frequency, and the mass
participations in X, Y, and Z directions.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The natural frequencies of an object are also known as ________
frequencies.
• Every object has different natural frequencies depending on its
________, ________, and ________.
• Each natural frequency of an object is associated with a shape called
________ shape.
• When an object vibrates due to an external force with a frequency which
 matches with one of its natural frequencies, the object undergoes large
displacements and stresses due to ________.
• The ________ tool is used for invoking the List Modes window, which
displays a list of calculated natural frequencies.
• The ________ tool is used for invoking the Mass Participation window,
which displays a list of natural frequencies and the mass participation in
the X, Y, and Z directions.
• You can save the results of the natural frequencies in an external file
having ________ file extension.
Chapter 9: Drop Test Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Introduction to Drop Test Analysis
• Drop Test Analysis of a Cylinder
• Drop Test Analysis of a Helmet
• Drop Test Analysis of a Hard Drive

In earlier chapters, you have learned about the failure of a design

due to the stresses developed beyond the yield strength of the
material, which is also known as the material failure of a design. You
have also learned about the failure of a design due to buckling and
fatigue. In this chapter, you will learn about the failure of a design
due to falling on a floor. In real-world conditions, the most common
failure of many products is due to accidental drop during transport,
installation, repairing, or handling. Therefore, it is important to design
a product that is impact resistant, which is done by performing a drop
test from a specific height or with a specific velocity.
Introduction to Drop Test Analysis
The drop test analysis is used for analyzing the effect of dropping an
object (part or assembly) on a rigid or flexible floor. In this analysis,
SOLIDWORKS Simulation calculates the impact of a part or an
assembly with the floor.
Case Study 1: Drop Test Analysis of a Cylinder
In this case study, you will perform the drop test analysis of a
Cylinder (see Figure 9.1) and evaluate its effect of dropping on a
rigid floor from a height of 2 feet.

Project Description
Determine the impact of the Cylinder with the rigid floor when falling
from a height of 2 feet at an angle, see Figure 9.2. Note that the 2
feet height is measured from the lowest point of the Cylinder. The
Cylinder is made up of Plain Carbon Steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the drop test analysis on a Cylinder. In
drop test, you do not need to define any boundary conditions
(fixtures and loads).
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading Files of Chapter 9
2. Opening the Cylinder
3. Starting the Drop Test Analysis
4. Defining Drop Test Setup
5. Applying the Material
6. Defining Result Options
7. Generating the Mesh
8. Running the Drop Test Study
9. Animating the Stress Result
10. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading Files of Chapter 9
1. Log on to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and log in
with your user name and password.

2. After logging in, click on SOLIDWORKS Simulation >

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE TEXTBOOKS section of
the left menu. All resource files of this textbook appear on the right
side of the page in their respective drop-down lists.

3. Select the C09 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of Co9 Case Studies file gets started. Once the
downloading is completed, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C09 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the Cylinder
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Welcome dialog box or the Open
tool in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
 C09 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Cylinder and then click on the Open button in the
dialog box. The Cylinder model is opened in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Drop Test Analysis
1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
3. Click on the Drop Test button in the Specialized Simulation rollout of
the PropertyManager to perform the drop test analysis.
4. Enter Cylinder Drop Test Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure 9.3.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Cylinder Drop Test Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 9.4.

Tip: If is evident from the Simulation Study Tree that the loads and
fixtures (restraints) are not required to perform the drop test.
Section 4: Defining Drop Test Setup
Before you start performing the drop test analysis, you need to
define the drop test setup.
1. Right-click on the Setup option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Define/Edit tool in the shortcut menu that appears,
see Figure 9.5. The Drop Test Setup PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 9.6.

The Specify rollout of the PropertyManager is used to specify the

type of drop test setup. By default, the Drop height radio button is
selected in this rollout. As a result, you can specify the drop test
setup for an object dropping from a height on a floor. On selecting
the Velocity at impact radio button, you can specify the drop test
setup for an object falling with a velocity on a floor.
2. Ensure that the Drop height radio button is selected in the Specify
rollout of the PropertyManager, see Figure 9.6.
The options in the Height rollout are used to specify the height from
which the object is dropped from rest. On selecting the From
centroid radio button, the height is measured from the centroid of
the object to the floor in the direction of gravity. On selecting the
From lowest point radio button, the height is measured from the
lowest point of the object to the floor.
3. Select the From lowest point radio button in the Height rollout of the
PropertyManager.
4. Select the ft (feet) option in the Unit drop-down list and then enter
2 in the Drop Height from Lowest Point field of the Height rollout, see
Figure 9.7.

The Gravity rollout is used to define the direction and acceleration

value of gravity. You can select a reference plane, an edge, or a
 planar face to define the direction of gravity. Note that if you select
a reference plane or a planar face as the direction of gravity then
the gravity will be applied in the direction normal to the selection.
5. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the top
left corner of the graphics area and then click on the Plane1 to
define the direction of gravity, see Figure 9.8. The direction of
gravity is defined normal to the plane selected. Also, an arrow
pointing towards the direction of gravity appears in the graphics
area, see Figure 9.9.

Note: If needed, you can flip the direction of gravity by clicking on the
Gravity Reference button in the Gravity rollout of the PropertyManager.
The options in the Target rollout are used for defining the orientation
and type of impact (target) plane. By default, the Normal to gravity
radio button is selected in this rollout. As a result, the impact
(target) plane is defined normal to the direction of gravity. You can
also define the impact (target) plane, parallel to a reference plane.
For doing so, select the Parallel to ref. plane radio button. The Target
Orientation Reference field appears in this rollout. Next, select a
reference plane. On doing so, the impact (target) plane is defined
parallel to the selected reference plane.
6. Ensure that the Normal to gravity radio button is selected in this
rollout to define the target plane normal to the direction of gravity.
The Target Stiffness area of the Target rollout is used for defining the
type of target plane, see Figure 9.10. By default, the Rigid target
radio button is selected in this area. As a result, the rigid floor is
used as the target. On selecting the Flexible target radio button, you
can define the flexible target by specifying its properties such as
stiffness, mass density, and thickness of the flexible target plane in
the respective fields of the Stiffness and thickness rollout of the
PropertyManager. Note that this rollout appears only when the
Flexible target radio button is selected.

7. Ensure that the Rigid target radio button is selected in the Target
Stiffness area of the Target rollout of the PropertyManager.
Tip: You can also set the coefficient of friction between the object and the
impact (target) plane by using the Coefficient of friction field of the Target
rollout in the PropertyManager.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
drop test setup is defined.
Section 5: Applying the Material
Now, you need to apply the material to the model.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager.
2. Apply the Plain Carbon Steel material to the Cylinder and then close
the Material dialog box.
Section 6: Defining Result Options
Now, you need to define the result options such as for how long you
want to run the analysis after the impact and number of result plots
to be saved.
1. Right-click on the Result Options option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Define/Edit tool in the shortcut menu that
appears, see Figure 9.11. The Result Options PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 9.12.

The Solution Time After Impact field of the Result Options

PropertyManager is used for specifying how long you want to run
the analysis for, after the impact. By default, SOLIDWORKS
Simulation automatically calculates the appropriate time by using
the 3L/Ve formula. Where, L is the largest length of the object
boundary box size and Ve is the square root of the modulus of
elasticity.
The Save Results Starting From field of the Save Results rollout of the
PropertyManager is used for specifying the time from when the
program will start saving the results. By default, 0 is specified in
this field. As a result, the program will start saving the results
 immediately from the moment of first impact. The No. of Plots field
is used for specifying the number of result plots the program will
save.
2. Accept the default specified options in the Result Options
PropertyManager and then click on the green tick-mark button.
Section 7: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 9.13 shows the
meshed model. In this figure, the reference plane is hidden.

Section 8: Running the Drop Test Study

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Cylinder Drop Test Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of analysis. During the analysis, if the
Simulation warning message appears as shown in the Figure 9.14,
click on the OK button to continue with the analysis process.

After the process of analysis completes, 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 after the impact
and the von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see
Figure 9.15.
Notice that the maximum Von Mises stress in the model at impact is
4.371e+03 (4370.867) N/mm^2 (MPa) which significantly exceeds
the yield strength of the material that is 2.206e+02 (220.594)
N/mm^2 (MPa). The yield strength of the material is indicated by
the red pointer in the von Mises stress plot.

Section 9: Animating the Stress Result

Now, you need to animate the stress result to validate the impact
with respect to time.
1. 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 option. The Animation
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 9.16. Also, the animated
 effect of the object dropping on a rigid floor appears in the graphics
area.

2. Zoom in to the impacted portion of the Cylinder to view its impact

with the rigid floor, closely.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Section 10: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C09 Case Studies > Case Study 1.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Case Study 2: Drop Test Analysis of a Helmet

In this case study, perform the drop test analysis of a Helmet (see
Figure 9.17) and evaluate its effect of dropping on a rigid floor from a
height of 5 meters.

Project Description
Determine the impact of the Helmet with the rigid floor when falling
from a height of 5 meters, see Figure 9.18. Note that the 5 meters
height is measured from the lowest point of the Helmet. The
Helmet is made up of ABS material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will run the drop test analysis on a Helmet.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Starting the Drop Test Analysis
2. Defining Drop Test Setup
3. Applying the Material
4. Defining Result Options
5. Generating the Mesh
6. Running the Drop Test Study
7. Displaying the Time History Plot
8. Animating the Stress Result
9. Saving Results
Section 1: Starting the Drop Test Analysis
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Helmet from the location
> SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C09 Case Studies > Case
Study 2.
Note: You need to download the C09 Case Studies file which contains the
files of this chapter by logging in to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears to the left of the graphics area.
4. Click on the Drop Test button in the Specialized Simulation rollout of
the PropertyManager.
5. Enter Helmet Drop Test Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Helmet Drop Test Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 9.19.
Section 2: Defining Drop Test Setup
Now, you need to define the drop test setup.
1. Right-click on the Setup option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Define/Edit tool in the shortcut menu that appears,
see Figure 9.20. The Drop Test Setup PropertyManager appears, see
Figure 9.21.

2. Ensure that the Drop height radio button is selected in the Specify
rollout of the PropertyManager.
3. Select the From lowest point radio button in the Height rollout of the
PropertyManager.
4. Select the m (meter) option in the Unit drop-down list and then
enter 5 in the Drop Height from Lowest Point field of the Height
rollout, see Figure 9.22.

5. Expand the FeatureManager Design Tree, which is now at the top

left corner of the graphics area and then click on Plane1 to define
 the direction of gravity, see Figure 9.23. The direction of gravity is
defined normal to the plane selected. Also, an arrow pointing
towards the direction of gravity appears in the graphics area, see
Figure 9.24.

6. Ensure that the direction of gravity is towards the reference plane

selected, see Figure 9.24. If needed, you can flip the direction of
gravity by clicking on the Gravity Reference button in the Gravity
rollout of the PropertyManager.
7. Ensure that the Normal to gravity radio button is selected in the
Target rollout of the PropertyManager.
8. Ensure that the Rigid target radio button is selected in the Target
Stiffness area of the Target rollout.
9. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
drop test setup is defined.
Section 3: Applying the Material
Now, you need to apply the material to the model.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager.
2. Apply the ABS material to the Helmet and then close the Material
 dialog box.
Section 4: Defining Result Options
Now, you need to define the result options such as, for how long you
want to run the analysis after the impact and number of result plots
to be saved.
1. Right-click on the Result Options option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Define/Edit tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Result Options PropertyManager appears, see Figure
9.25.

2. Enter 30 in the No. of Plots field of the PropertyManager as the

number of plots to be saved by the program for all nodes.
3. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager.
Section 5: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 9.26 shows the
meshed model. In this figure, the reference plane is hidden.
Section 6: Running the Drop Test Study
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Helmet Drop Test Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of analysis. After the process of
analysis completes, 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 after the impact and the
von Mises stress plot appear in the graphics area, see Figure 9.27.
Notice that the maximum von Mises stress in the model at impact is
5.188e+01 (51.881) N/mm^2 (MPa).

Section 7: Displaying the Time History Plot

1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree. A
shortcut menu appears, see Figure 9.28.

2. Click on the Define Time History Plot tool in the shortcut menu. The
Time History Graph PropertyManager appears, see Figure 9.29.

Notice that in the Response rollout of the PropertyManager, all the

nodes of the model appear in a field. You can select a node or
multiple nodes in this field, whose response graph is to be
generated. Alternatively, you can click on one or more nodes in the
graphics area.
3. Click on a node at the top center (impact area) of the model in the
graphics area, see Figure 9.30. The node 3901 at the impact area
 gets selected. Note that the selected node number of the impact
area may differ in your case depending on your selection. Also, the
node number 1 is selected, by default.

4. Ensure that the Time option is selected in the X axis drop-down list
of the PropertyManager.
5. Ensure that the Stress and VON: von Mises Stress options are
selected in the respective fields of the Y axis area in the
PropertyManager.
6. Select the N/mm^2 (MPa) in the Units drop-down list of the Y-axis
area of the PropertyManager.
7. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Time History Graph window appears, see Figure 9.31. This window
displays the response graphs of the selected nodes (1 and 3901)
for the von Mises stress vs solution steps.
Notice that the maximum von Mises stress on the selected node
(9071) is approximately 50 N/mm^2 (MPa), which occurs at time
355 microseconds from the impact.
Section 8: Animating the Stress Result
Now, you need to animate the stress result to validate the impact
with respect to time.
1. 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 option. The Animation
PropertyManager appears. Also, the animated effect of the object
dropping on a rigid floor appears in the graphics area. You can
zoom in to the high stress area (impact area) of the object to view
its effects closely.
2. After reviewing the animated effects, click on the green tick-mark
button in the PropertyManager to exit the PropertyManager.
Section 9: Saving 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 > C09 Case Studies > Case Study 2. Next, close the
SOLIDWORKS session.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Drop Test Analysis of a Hard Drive

In this case study, perform the drop test analysis of an external Hard
Drive (see Figure 9.32) and evaluate its effect of dropping on a rigid
floor from a height of 1 meter.
 Project Description
Determine the impact of the Hard Drive with the rigid floor when
falling from a height of 1 meter, see Figure 9.33. Note that the 1
meter height is measured from the lowest point of the object. The
Hard Drive is made up of PVC Rigid plastic material.

Summary
This chapter introduced how to perform the drop test analysis to
calculate the impact of a part or an assembly with a rigid or flexible
floor.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The drop test analysis is used for analyzing the effect of dropping an
object on a ________ or a ________ floor.
• The ________ radio button of the Drop Test Setup PropertyManager is
used for measuring the drop height from the centroid of the object to the
floor in the direction of gravity.
• The ________ radio button of the Drop Test Setup PropertyManager is
used for defining the impact (target) plane, parallel to a reference plane.
• The ________ radio button of the Drop Test Setup PropertyManager is
used for specifying the drop test setup for an object dropping from a
 height on a floor.
• The ________ radio button of the Drop Test Setup PropertyManager is
used for specifying the drop test setup for an object falling with a
specified velocity on a floor.
Chapter 10: Non-Linear Static Analysis

In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:

• Making Assumptions for Non-Linear Static Analysis
• Using Iterative Methods for Non-Linear Analysis
• Using Incremental Methods for Non-Linear Analysis
• Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Shackle
• Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Handrail Clamp Assembly
• Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilever Beam
• Non-linear Static Analysis of a Hook Assembly

In this chapter, you will learn about the non-linear static analysis
problems. As discussed, in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), you need
to make some assumptions for understanding the type of
engineering problem and then based on the assumptions made, you
can select the type of analysis to be performed. Below are some of
the important engineering assumptions made to consider the non-
linear static analysis problem.
Making Assumptions for Non-Linear Static Analysis
Non-Linear static analysis is used to calculate displacement, strain,
stress, and reaction forces under the effect of applied load. In
mechanical models, the non-linear problems are categorized mainly
as material non-linearities, geometric non-linearities, and contact
non-linearities. You can consider the non-linear problem and perform
the non-linear static analysis, if the following assumptions are valid
for the engineering problem to be solved.
1. Geometric Non-linearities: Displacement is assumed to be very
large due to the applied load.
2. Material Non-linearities: Material is assumed to exceed its elastic
region in the stress-strain curve and behave non-linearly. It implies
that the structure is loaded beyond its elastic limits such that it
experiences plastic deformation and does not return to its original
configuration even after removing the applied load, see Figure
10.1. Also, the material properties are assumed to change due to
the plastic deformation.

3. Contact Non-linearities: In case of contact problems, the boundary

conditions are assumed to change due to the motion in the
components during the analysis.
Also, in the non-linear problems, the relationship between load and
the displacement response is not proportional to each other, see
Figure 10.2. As a result, the stiffness is not constant and it
changes as the magnitude of the load increases.
If the above mentioned assumptions are valid for the problem to be
solved, you can perform the non-linear static analysis. In non-linear
static analysis, the basic finite element equilibrium equation to be
solved is as follows:
[F] = [K (X)][X]
Where,
F = Applied load
K = System stiffness (stiffness is not constant and varies as a function of
displacement)
X = Displacement (large displacement)
Similar to the linear static analysis, the applied load in the non-linear
static analysis is assumed to be constant and does not vary with
time. However, the procedure to solve the non-linear static analysis
is different than that for the linear static analysis because of change
in the stiffness. In non-linear static analysis, the load is applied in
different incremental steps as the function of pseudo time (not the
real time) and for every incremental step, the program updates the
stiffness to carry out the next incremental step. Also, the program
performs multiple iterations to ensure that the equilibrium equation is
satisfied in every incremental step. SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses
the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme or the Modified Newton-Raphson
(MNR) scheme as the iterative method and Force, Displacement, or
Arc Length technique as the incremental method to converge the
final solution. The different iterative and incremental methods are
discussed next.
Using Iterative Methods for Non-Linear Analysis
SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme
or the Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) scheme as the iterative
method. Both the methods are discussed next.
Newton-Raphson (NR) Scheme
The Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme forms the tangential stiffness
matrix to calculate the stiffness at every iteration. In this scheme, the
program first calculates the stiffness for the first iteration and then
based on the calculated stiffness, it calculates the stiffness for the
next iteration, even if the equilibrium equation is not satisfied in the
first iteration, see Figure 10.3. It continues performing multiple
iterations until the structure reaches the equilibrium state up to the
prescribed tolerance in an incremental step.

Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) Scheme

In the Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) scheme, the stiffness is
calculated at the first iteration and the same is used for the next
iterations, see Figure 10.4. It continues performing multiple iterations
until the structure reaches an equilibrium state up to the prescribed
tolerance in an incremental step.

It is clear from the above Figures 10.3 and 10.4 that the Modified
Newton-Raphson (MNR) scheme uses more number of iterations
than the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme to converge the solution.
However, in the Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR) scheme, every
iteration is faster than the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme, since the
stiffness is not calculated in every iteration.
Tip: In some cases where the Newton-Raphson scheme does not
converge the solution, the Modified Newton-Raphson scheme may
converge it due to more number of iterations.
Using Incremental Methods for Non-Linear Analysis
In addition to defining the iterative methods; Newton-Raphson (NR)
or Modified Newton-Raphson (MNR), you also need to define the
incremental control method: Force, Displacement, or Arc Length to
converge the final solution. The different incremental control
methods are discussed next.
Force Incremental Control Method
In the Force control method, the force/load is used as the prescribed
variable and increases gradually in different incremental steps to find
the equilibrium path, see Figure 10.5. In this figure, the load is
applied in different incremental steps and the equilibrium condition is
satisfied in every incremental load step by using the Newton-
Raphson scheme.

Displacement Incremental Control Method

In the Displacement control method, the displacement is used as the
prescribed variable and increases gradually in different incremental
steps to find the equilibrium path, see Figure 10.6. In this method,
the applied load is not increased directly and is used as a multiplier
to calculate the load as the response of the structure.
Arc Length Incremental Control Method
The Arc Length incremental control method is a very powerful
method to solve non-linear problems when the slope of the
equilibrium path undergoes large changes from one equilibrium state
to another and the load and displacement control methods fail to
converge the equilibrium solution, see Figure 10.7. In the Arc Length
control method, the incremental steps are controlled by a
combination of both the load and displacement increments of a
specified length called arc-length. Also, an incremental step is
defined by the radius of the arc and a point of intersection between
the path and the arc radius, see Figure 10.7.
Case Study 1: Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Shackle
In this case study, you will perform the non-linear analysis of a
Shackle, see Figure 10.8 and determine the stress under a load.

Project Description
The Shackle is fixed at its top holes, see Figure 10.9 and a 19000
Newton downward load is uniformly distributed along the center of
the cylindrical face of the model, see Figure 10.9. The Shackle is
made up of AISI 1035 Steel (SS) material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, you will first run the linear static study and then
perform the non-linear static study to compare the difference in the
results. In the non-linear static study, you need to use the Force
control method and the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme to
converge the final solution. Specify the unit system to SI (MKS)
with displacement in mm and stress in N/mm^2 (MPa) units.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Downloading the Files of Chapter 10
2. Opening the Shackle Model
3. Starting the Linear Static Analysis
4. Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
5. Generating the Mesh
6. Running the Static Analysis
7. Starting the Non-Linear Static Analysis
8. Defining the Properties for the Non-Linear Static Analysis
9. Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
10. Generating the Mesh
11. Running the Non-linear Static Analysis
12. Generating the Time History Plot in the Non-linear Static Study
13. Saving Results
Section 1: Downloading the Files of Chapter 10
1. Logon to the CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login) and login
using your user name and password.

2. After logging in to the CADArtifex website, click on SOLIDWORKS

Simulation > SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2023 in the CAE
TEXTBOOKS section of the left menu. All resource files of this
textbook appear on the right side of the page in their respective
drop-down lists.

3. Select the C10 Case Studies file in the Case Studies drop-down list.
The downloading of C10 Case Studies file gets started. Once the
downloading is complete, you need to unzip the downloaded file.
4. Save the unzipped C10 Case Studies file in the Case Studies folder
inside the SOLIDWORKS Simulation folder.
Section 2: Opening the Shackle Model
1. Start SOLIDWORKS, if not already started.
2. Click on the Open button in the Standard toolbar. The Open dialog
box appears.
3. Browse to the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies >
C10 Case Studies > Case Study 1 of the local drive of your system.
Next, select the Shackle and then click on the Open button in the
dialog box. The Shackle model opens in SOLIDWORKS.
Section 3: Starting the Linear Static Analysis
As mentioned, first you need to perform the linear static analysis of
the Shackle model.

1. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of

the Simulation CommandManager appear.
2. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area.
3. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
PropertyManager to perform the linear static analysis.
4. Enter Shackle 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
Shackle Static Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 10.10.

Section 4: Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material

Now, you need to apply the fixture, load, and material to the model.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager and then apply the AISI 1035
Steel (SS) material. Next, close the dialog box.
Note: In the SOLIDWORKS Materials library, the materials with (SS) at
their end, represent that the Stress-Strain Curve is defined for that
particular material. It defines the behavior of the material in the plastic
region and is used when you perform the non-linear analysis.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture to the holes of
the model.
2. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
3. Select the inner circular faces of both the holes of the model to
apply the Fixed Geometry fixture, see Figure 10.11.
4. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Fixed Geometry fixture is applied.
Now, you need to apply the 19000 N downward load.
5. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study
Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
6. Select the middle split circular face of the model to apply the load,
see Figure 10.12.

7. Select the Selected direction radio button in the PropertyManager

and then select the Top Plane as the direction reference in the
expanded FeatureManager Design Tree. Note that to select the
Top Plane as the direction reference, you need to expand the
 FeatureManager Design Tree which is now available at the top left
corner of the screen.
8. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the
PropertyManager and then enter 19000 as the load value, see
Figure 10.13.
9. Select the Reverse direction check box in the Force rollout of the
PropertyManager to reverse the direction of force downward, see
Figure 10.14.

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

The 19000 N downward load is applied.
Section 5: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 10.15 shows the
meshed model.
Section 6: Running the Static Analysis
1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Shackle Static 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 10.16.

The maximum von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 5.856e+02 (585.635) 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 10.16.
Note that you may find a slight difference in the result values
depending on the service pack installed on your system.
Note that when the maximum von Mises stress of the model exceeds
the yield strength of the material, the design is likely to fail under
 the applied load. Also, after the yield strength, the material
experiences the plastic deformation and behaves non-linearly
(refer to the Stress-Strain curve). Such cases fall under the category
of material non-linearities and you can not trust the results of linear
static analysis. Therefore, you need to perform the non-linear
analysis to get the correct results.
Section 7: Starting the Non-Linear Static Analysis
In the linear static analysis results, we have noticed that the
maximum von Mises stress in the model exceeds the yield
strength of the material and the material experiences the plastic
deformation. As a result, you need to perform the non-linear static
analysis to get the correct results.
1. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears at the left of the graphics area.
2. Click on the Nonlinear button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 10.17.

3. Ensure that the Static button available below the Nonlinear button
 is activated to perform the non-linear static analysis, see Figure
10.17.
4. Enter Shackle Nonlinear Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. A
new tab “Shackle Nonlinear Study” is added next to the tab of the
existing linear static study (Shackle Static Study) at the lower left
corner of the screen and is activated, by default. As a result, the
Shackle Nonlinear Study appears in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 10.18.

Section 8: Defining the Properties for the Non-Linear Static Analysis

Before you start performing the non-linear static analysis, you need
to define its properties to control the solution and the output of the
non-linear static study.
1. Right-click on the Shackle Nonlinear Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in the
shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 10.19. The Nonlinear -
Static dialog box appears, see Figure 10.20.
The Stepping options area of the Nonlinear - Static dialog box is used
to define the start time and end time to control the solution for the
non-linear static analysis. Note that it is the pseudo time, not the
real time and the load is divided into different incremental load
steps between the specified time period. You can control the
incremental load steps in between the specified time period by
using the Automatic (autostepping) or Fixed method. By default, the
Automatic (autostepping) radio button is activated as the time
 increment method. As a result, the program automatically
determines the incremental load steps based on the converged
solutions. You can define a limit for converging a solution by
specifying the minimum and maximum time steps in the Min and
Max fields, respectively. Also, you can define the maximum
number of iterations to be made, to converge the solution within
the specified limit in the No. of adjustments field of the dialog box.
On selecting the Fixed radio button in the dialog box, you can
specify the fixed incremental load steps between the specified time
period. For example, if the start time is 0 and end time is 1 then on
specifying 0.1 as the fixed incremental load step, the program
divides the load into 1o incremental load steps to converge the
final solution.
2. Ensure that the start time and end time are set to 0 and 1,
respectively in the Stepping options area of the dialog box.
3. Ensure that the Automatic (autostepping) radio button is activated in
the dialog box as the time increment method to determine the
incremental load steps, automatically.
4. Accept the remaining options specified by default in the Stepping
options area of the dialog box.
After defining the time period and the time increment method, you
need to define the control and iterative methods.
5. Click on the Advanced Options button in the Nonlinear - Static dialog
box. The options to define the control and iterative methods
appear in the Advanced tab, see Figure 10.21.
6. Ensure that the Force option is selected in the Control drop-down
list of the Method area in the dialog box as the control method, see
Figure 10.21.
7. Ensure that the NR (Newton-Raphson) option is selected in the
Iterative technique drop-down list as the iterative method, see
Figure 10.21.
8. Accept the values specified by default in the Step/Tolerance options
area of the dialog box, see Figure 10.22.

The Do equilibrium iteration every field is used to specify the

frequency for satisfying the equilibrium equation. The Maximum
equilibrium iterations field is used to specify the maximum number
of equilibrium iterations to be performed. The Convergence tolerance
field is used to specify the relative displacement tolerance for
converging the equilibrium equation. The Maximum increment strain
field is used to specify the maximum acceptable increment strain
for the models having creep or plasticity. The Singularity elimination
 factor (0-1) field is used to specify the singularity elimination factor
in the range from 0 to 1 for evaluating the stiffness.
9. Ensure that the Show intermediate results up to current iteration (when
running) check box is selected in the Intermediate Results area of the
dialog box to view the intermediate result in the graphics area
when the non-linear study is in progress.
10. Click on the OK button in the dialog box to accept the changes
and to close the dialog box.
Section 9: Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
Now, you need to apply the fixture, load, and material to perform the
non-linear static analysis.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager and then select the AISI 1035
Steel (SS) material. Do not close the dialog box.
Note: As discussed, a material with (SS) at its end, represents that the
stress-strain curve is defined for that particular material. The stress-strain
curve is used to define the behavior of material in the plastic region.
2. Click on the Tables & Curves tab in the Material dialog box. The
options to define the tables and curves for the selected material
appear.
3. Select the Stress-Strain Curve option in the Type drop-down list of
the dialog box, see Figure 10.23. The pre-defined standard values
of the stress-strain curve of the selected material appear in the
dialog box, see Figure 10.23. Also, the preview of the curve
appears in the Preview area of the dialog box.
4. Click on the Apply button and then Close button in the dialog box
to apply the material with pre-defined stress-strain curve.
Note: If the stress-strain curve is not defined for a material then you need to
specify it manually to define the behavior of material in the plastic region.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture and load to the
model.
5. Apply the Fixed Geometry fixture to the upper two holes of the
model, see Figure 10.24.

6. Right-click on the External Loads option in the Simulation Study

Tree and then click on the Force tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Force/Torque PropertyManager appears.
7. Select the middle split circular face of the model (refer to Figure
10.25) and then select the Selected direction radio button in the
PropertyManager. Next, select the Top Plane as the direction
reference in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
8. Click on the Normal to Plane button in the Force rollout of the
PropertyManager and then enter 19000 as the load value. Next,
select the Reverse direction check box to reverse the direction of
force downward, see Figure 10.25.
9. Select the Curve radio button in the Variation with Time rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 10.26.

10. Click on the Edit button in the Variation with Time rollout of the
PropertyManager. The Time curve dialog box appears, see Figure
10.27. In this dialog box, the X column defines the time and the Y
column defines the load multiplier. You can define the variable load
with respect to the time (pseudo time) by using this dialog box.

11. Accept the default settings of the Time curve dialog box and then
click on the OK button.
12. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
19000 N load is applied.
Section 10: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate a curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 10.28 shows the
meshed model.

Section 11: Running the Non-linear Static Analysis

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Shackle Nonlinear Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of non-linear static analysis, see
Figure 10.29. Also, the SOLIDWORKS message window appears
which informs that the you have chosen to show the intermediate
results while running the analysis. For this reason, the analysis will
terminate if you switch to another SOLIDWORKS document or
close the active model, see Figure 10.30.
2. Click on the OK button in the SOLIDWORKS message window.
The intermediate results appear in the graphics area when the
non-linear static analysis is in progress. When 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. As a result, the stress distribution on the
model and the von Mises stress plot of the non-linear analysis
appear, see Figure 10.31.

Notice the difference in the results of the linear static analysis and
the non-linear static analysis. In the non-linear static analysis, the
maximum von Mises stress under the applied load is 3.130e+02
(313.024) N/mm^2 (MPa) (see Figure 10.31) whereas, in the linear
static analysis, the maximum Von Mises stress was 5.856e+02
 (585.635) N/mm^2 (MPa).
Section 12: Generating the Time History Plot in the Non-linear Static
Study
Now, you need to generate the time history graph for the von Mises
stress at a node of the high stress area.
1. Right-click on the Results folder in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Define Time History Plot tool in the shortcut menu
that appears, see Figure 10.32. The Time History Graph
PropertyManager appears, see Figure 10.33.
Notice that in the Response rollout of the PropertyManager, all the
nodes of the model appear in a selection field. You can select a
node or multiple nodes in this selection field, whose response
graph is to be generated. Alternatively, you can click on one or
more nodes in the model that appears in the graphics area.

2. Click on a node in the high stress area of the model in the

graphics area, see Figure 10.34. The node 1898 of the high stress
area gets selected. Note that the selected node number of the high
 stress area may differ in your case depending on your selection.
Also, the node number 1 is selected by default.

3. Ensure that the Time option is selected in the X axis drop-down list
of the PropertyManager.
4. Ensure that the Stress and VON: von Mises Stress options are
selected in the respective fields of the Y axis area in the
PropertyManager.
5. Select the N/mm^2 (MPa) in the Units drop-down list of the Y-axis
area of the PropertyManager.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Response Graph window appears, see Figure 10.35. This window
displays the response graphs of the selected nodes (1 and 1898)
for the von Mises stress vs solution steps.
7. After viewing the response graphs, close the Response Graph
window. The Response1 (-Time-von Mises-) result is added in the
Results folder of the Simulation Study Tree.
Section 13: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C10 Case Studies > Case Study 1.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Case Study 2: Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Handrail Clamp

Assembly
In this case study, you will perform the non-linear analysis of a
Handrail Clamp Assembly, see Figure 10.36. The Handrail Clamp
part of the assembly is pushed toward the Pipe to clamp it, see
Figure 10.37.
 Project Description
The Pipe is fixed at both its ends (see Figure 10.38) and the Handrail
Clamp has all degrees of freedom fixed except the translation
movement of 34 mm in the downward direction, see Figure 10.38.
The Pipe is made up of AISI 304 steel material and the Handrail
Clamp is made up of ABS plastic material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will perform the non-linear static study. You
need to use the Force control method and the Newton-Raphson
(NR) scheme to converge the solution.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Starting the Non-Linear Static Analysis
2. Defining Properties for the Non-Linear Static Analysis
3. Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
4. Defining Interactions between the Components
5. Generating the Mesh
6. Running the Non-linear Static Analysis
7. Displaying the von Mises Stress Plot at Different Solution Steps
8. Animating the Stress Distribution on the Model
9. Saving Results
Section 1: Starting the Non-Linear Static Analysis
In this case study, as the Handrail Clamp component will move
toward the Pipe and the interaction between the components
changes during the analysis, you need to perform the non-linear
analysis to solve the problem. This is so because, such cases fall
under the category of contact non-linearities.
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Handrail Clamp Assembly
from the location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C10
Case Studies > Case Study 2.
Note: You need to download the C10 Case Studies file which contains files
of this chapter by logging in to the CADArtifex website
(cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area.
4. Click on the Nonlinear button in the Advanced Simulation rollout of
the PropertyManager, see Figure 10.39.
5. Ensure that the Static button available below the Nonlinear button
is activated in the Advanced Simulation rollout to perform the non-
linear static analysis, see Figure 10.39.
6. Enter Clamp Nonlinear Study in the Study name field of the Name
rollout in the PropertyManager.
7. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Clamp Nonlinear Study is added in the Simulation Study Tree, see
Figure 10.40.

Section 2: Defining Properties for the Non-Linear Static Analysis

Before you start performing the non-linear static analysis, you can
define its properties to control the solution and the output of the
non-linear static study.
1. Right-click on the Clamp Nonlinear Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in the
 shortcut menu that appears, see Figure 10.41. The Nonlinear -
Static dialog box appears, see Figure 10.42.

2. Ensure that the start time and end time are set to 0 and 1
respectively in the Stepping options area of the dialog box.
3. Ensure that the Automatic (autostepping) radio button is activated in
the dialog box as the time increment method to determine the
incremental load steps, automatically.
4. Accept the remaining default specified options in the Stepping
 options area of the dialog box.
After defining the time period and the time increment method, you
need to define the control and iterative methods.
5. Click on the Advanced Options button in the Nonlinear - Static dialog
box. The options for defining the control and iterative methods
appear in the dialog box, see Figure 10.43.

6. Ensure that the Force option is selected in the Control drop-down

list of the Method area as the control method.
7. Ensure that the NR (Newton-Raphson) option is selected in the
Iterative technique drop-down list as the iterative method.
8. Accept the values specified by default in the Step/Tolerance options
area of the dialog box, see Figure 10.44.

9. Select the Show intermediate results up to current iteration (when

running) check box in the Intermediate Results area of the dialog box
to view the intermediate result in the graphics area when the non-
linear study is in progress.
10. Click on the OK button in the dialog box to accept the changes
and to close the dialog box.
Section 3: Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
Now, you need to apply the fixture, load, and material to perform the
non-linear static analysis.
1. Expand the Parts node in the Simulation Study Tree by clicking on
the arrow in front of it to display all components of the assembly,
see Figure 10.45.

2. Right-click on the Handrail Clamp component in the expanded Parts

node and then click on the Apply/Edit Material tool in the shortcut
menu that appears, see Figure 10.46. The Material dialog box
appears.

3. Expand the Plastics category in the SOLIDWORKS Materials library

and then click on the ABS material. The material properties of the
ABS plastic material appear on the right panel of the dialog box.
4. Click on the Apply button and then close the dialog box. The ABS
 plastic material properties are assigned to the Handrail Clamp
component and the dialog box gets closed.
5. Similarly, apply the AISI 304 steel material to the Pipe component.
Now, you need to apply the required fixtures to fix the Pipe
component and allow the Handrail Clamp component to translate
34 mm towards the Pipe component.
6. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Fixed Geometry tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears.
7. Select both the ends of the Pipe component to apply the Fixed
Geometry fixture, see Figure 10.47.
8. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Fixed Geometry fixture is applied to the Pipe component.
9. Right-click on the Fixtures option in the Simulation Study Tree and
then click on the Advanced Fixtures tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Fixture PropertyManager appears with the expanded
Advanced rollout.
10. Click on the On Flat Faces button in the Advanced rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 10.48.
11. Select the top middle face of the Handrail Clamp component to
apply the On Flat Face fixture, see Figure 10.49.
12. Ensure that mm is selected as the unit in the Unit drop-down list
of the Translations rollout in the PropertyManager, see Figure
10.50.
13. In the Translations rollout of the PropertyManager, click on the
Along Face Dir 1, Along Face Dir 2, and Normal to Face buttons, see
Figure 10.50.
14. Enter 34 in the Normal to Face field of the PropertyManager as the
translation motion in the direction normal to the face selected, see
Figure 10.50.
15. Ensure the 0 (zero) value is entered in the Along Face Dir 1 and
Along Face Dir 2 fields of the rollout to restrict the translation
movements in these directions of the face selected.
16. Ensure that the Linear radio button is selected in the Variation
with Time rollout of the PropertyManager and then click on the
View button. The Time curve dialog box appears, see Figure 10.51.

Notice that the program applies the pre-defined translation of 34 mm

linearly in different incremental time steps based on the specified
time increment method [Automatic (autostepping)]. It starts from
zero displacement at zero time step and then increases up to its
full value (34 mm) at the end time step.
17. After viewing the time curve, close the Time curve dialog box.
18. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
On Flat Face fixture is applied to the Handrail Clamp component
with the pre-defined translation movement of 34 mm.
Section 4: Defining Interactions between the Components
Now, you need to define the Contact interaction between the
interacting faces of the components to override the global
interaction conditions.
1. Right-click on the Connections node in the Simulation Study Tree
and then click on the Local Interaction tool in the shortcut menu that
appears. The Local Interactions PropertyManager appears on the left
of the graphics area.
2. Ensure that the Manually select local interactions radio button is
selected in the Interaction rollout.
3. Ensure that the Contact option is selected in the drop-down list of
the Type rollout.
4. Select the outer tangent faces (4 faces) of the Pipe component as
the first interaction set, see Figure 10.52. The names of the
selected faces appear in the Faces, Edges, Vertices for Set 1 field of
the Type rollout in the PropertyManager.
5. Click on the Faces for Set 2 field in the Type rollout and then select
the tangent faces (13 faces) of the Handrail Clamp component as
the second interaction set that can come in contact with the Pipe
component while transaction, see Figure 10.52.
6. Expand the Advanced rollout in the PropertyManager and then
select the Node to surface radio button in the Contact formulation
area.
7. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Contact local interaction is applied.
Section 5: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
 parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 10.53 shows the
meshed model.

Section 6: Running the Non-linear Static Analysis

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Clamp Nonlinear Study (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of the non-linear static analysis. Also,
the SOLIDWORKS message window appears, which informs that
the you have chosen to show intermediate results while running
the analysis. Therefore, the analysis will terminate if you switch to
another SOLIDWORKS document or close the active model.
Note: If the Simulation message window appears, which informs you that
the initial contact between the components is not detected, click on the No
button in this window to continue with the study.
2. Click on the OK button in the SOLIDWORKS message window.
The intermediate results appear in the graphics area when the
non-linear static analysis is in progress. The non-linear static
analysis will take considerable time to complete. Once 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. As a result, the stress distribution on
the model and the von Mises stress plot of the non-linear static
analysis appear, see Figure 10.54.

By default, the von Mises stress plot displays the results for the end
solution step. The maximum von Mises stress at the end solution
step is approximately, 7.357+00 (7.357) N/mm^2 (MPa), see Figure
10.54. You can display the stress results for different solution
steps, which is discussed next.
Section 7: Displaying the von Mises Stress Plot at Different Solution
Steps
In non-linear static analysis, you can also display the results at
different solution steps. By default, the program displays the
results for the end solution step.
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 that
appears. The Stress plot PropertyManager appears, see Figure
10.55.
Tip: To display the displacement plot and the strain plot, you need to click
on the Define Displacement Plot tool and Define Strain Plot tool
respectively in the shortcut menu.
2. Ensure that the Definition tab is activated in the PropertyManager,
see Figure 10.55.

By default, the value 1 is entered in the Time field of the

PropertyManager, see Figure 10.55. As a result, the von Mises
stress plot will display the results for the end solution step, which is
14 in this case study.
3. Enter 7 in the Plot Step field of the PropertyManager to display the
stress results for the 7th solution step. Next, click anywhere in the
graphics area. The time step (0.34 sec) corresponding to the
specified solution step (7th) appears in the Time field of the
PropertyManager.
4. Select the True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of
the PropertyManager to display the deformed shape of the model
in true scale.
5. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
von Mises stress plot for the 7th solution step at 0.34 sec appears
in the graphics area, see Figure 10.56. Also, the stress plot (stress2
(-vonMises-) of the specified solution step gets added in the Results
folder in the Simulation Study Tree.

The maximum von Mises stress at the 7th solution step is

approximately, 7.771e+00 (7.771) N/mm^2 (MPa), see Figure
10.56.
6. Similarly, you can display the von Mises stress plot for different
solution steps.
Section 8: Animating the Stress Distribution on the Model
Now, you will animate the stress distribution and review the
deformed shape of the model.
1. Double-click on the Stress1 (-vonMises-) plot in the Simulation
Study Tree to activate it.
2. Right-click on the activated Stress1 (-vonMises-) plot in the
Simulation Study Tree. A shortcut menu appears. In this shortcut
 menu, click on the Animate option. The Animation PropertyManager
appears, see Figure 10.57. Also, the animation starts in the
graphics area with the default animation settings. You can change
the animation settings by using the PropertyManager.

3. To save the animation as an AVI file, select the Save as AVI file
check box in the PropertyManager. Next, specify the path to save
the file.
4. 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.
Section 9: Saving 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 > C10 Case Studies > Case Study 2.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Case Study 3: Non-Linear Static Analysis of a Cantilever Beam

In this case study, you will perform the non-linear analysis of a
Cantilever Beam having large displacement under the applied load,
see Figure 10.58.

Project Description
The Cantilever Beam is fixed at its one end (see Figure 10.59) and a
180 Newton downward load acts on the top right small portion of
the free end of the Cantilever Beam, see Figure 10.59. Note that
the area to apply the load is created by splitting the top face. The
Cantilever Beam is made up of Alloy Steel material.

Project Summary
In this case study, you will first run the linear static study to solve the
large displacement problem and then perform the non-linear static
study to compare the difference in the results. In the non-linear
static study, you need to use the Force control method and the
Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme to converge the final solution.
The following sequence summarizes the case study outline:
1. Performing the Static Analysis for a Large Displacement Problem
2. Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material
3. Defining Properties for the Linear Static Analysis
4. Generating the Mesh
5. Running the Linear Static Analysis and Displaying Results
6. Performing the Non-Linear Static Analysis and Displaying Results
7. Generating the Response graph of a Node
8. Saving Results
Section 1: Performing the Static Analysis for a Large Displacement
Problem
In this case study, you will first perform the linear static analysis to
solve the large displacement problem. As discussed, the large
displacement problems fall under the category of geometric non-
linearities. Therefore to get accurate results, you need to perform
the non-linear analysis. However, in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, you
can also solve the large displacement problems by performing the linear
static analysis, which is discussed next.
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and then open the Cantilever Beam from the
location > SOLIDWORKS Simulation > Case Studies > C10 Case
Studies > Case Study 3.
Note: You need to download the C10 Case Studies file by logging on to the
CADArtifex website (cadartifex.com/login), if not downloaded earlier.
2. Click on the Simulation tab in the CommandManager. The tools of
the Simulation CommandManager appear.
3. Click on the New Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Study PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area.
4. Ensure that the Static button is activated in the Study
 PropertyManager to perform the linear static analysis.
5. Enter Linear Study with Large Disp in the Study name field of the
Name rollout in the PropertyManager.
6. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
Linear Study with Large Disp is added in the Simulation Study Tree,
see Figure 10.60.

Section 2: Applying the Fixture, Load, and Material

Now, you need to apply the fixture, load, and material to the model.
1. Invoke the Material dialog box by clicking on the Apply Material tool
in the Simulation CommandManager and then apply the Alloy Steel
material. Next, close the dialog box.
Now, you need to apply the Fixed Geometry fixture to fix one end of
the model.
2. Apply the Fixed Geometry fixture on the left end of the Cantilever
Beam by using the Fixed Geometry tool, see Figure 10.61.

Now, you need to apply the 180 N downward load.

3. Apply the 180 N downward load on the right portion of the top face
by using the Force tool, see Figure 10.62.
Section 3: Defining Properties for the Linear Static Analysis
Now, you need to define the properties for the linear static analysis.
1. Right-click on the Linear Study with Large Disp (name of the study) in
the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in
the shortcut menu that appears. The Static dialog box appears, see
Figure 10.63.

In this dialog box, the Large displacement check box is cleared, by

default. As a result, the program considers the small displacement
in the model due to the applied load and solves the problem.
However, if the program identifies the large displacement during
the linear static analysis, you will be prompted to choose whether
to solve the problem with small displacement or large
 displacement. If you select the Large displacement check box in this
dialog box then the program directly performs the non-linear static
analysis to solve the problem.
2. Leave the Large displacement check box cleared in the dialog box
and then click on the OK button.
Section 4: Generating the Mesh
1. Generate the curvature-based mesh with the default mesh
parameters by using the Create Mesh tool. Figure 10.64 shows the
meshed model.

Section 5: Running the Linear Static Analysis and Displaying Results

1. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation CommandManager.
The Linear Study with Large Disp (name of the study) window appears
which displays the progress of linear static analysis. During the
analysis, when the large displacement is identified by the program
on the model due to the applied load, the Simulation message
window appears, see Figure 10.65. This message window informs
you that the excessive displacements were calculated in this
model and prompts you to either consider the large displacement
option to improve the accuracy of the results or continue with the
current settings. If you choose the Yes button, the program
considers the large displacement option and starts performing the
non-linear static analysis. However, if you choose the No button
 then the program continues with the current settings of linear static
analysis, which will not give you correct results.

2. Click on Yes button in the Simulation message window. The

program starts performing the non-linear static analysis by dividing
the total load into small number of incremental steps and
calculates the stiffness matrix at every incremental step. When the
analysis is completed, 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 10.66.
The maximum Von Mises stress in the model under the applied load
is 5.616e+02 (561.588) N/mm^2 (MPa) which is within the yield
strength of the material that is 6.204e+02 (620.422) N/mm^2 (MPa),
refer to Figure 10.66.
3. Double-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) result in the
Simulation Study Tree. The resultant displacement plot appears in
the graphics area, see Figure 10.67.
The maximum resultant displacement in the model under the applied
load is 1.260e+01 (12.601) mm which is considered as a large
displacement, see Figure 10.67.
Note: When you perform the linear static analysis with the large
displacement option to solve the problems of geometric non-linearities, you
cannot view the results at different incremental steps. Also, if the model
experiences material or contacts non-linearities as well, the results will not
be accurate and you will need to perform the non-linear static analysis to
get accurate results.
Section 6: Performing the Non-Linear Static Analysis and Displaying
Results
Now, you will perform the non-linear static analysis. You can copy
the existing linear static study or create a new study. In this case
study, you will copy the existing linear static study and then
perform the non-linear static analysis.
1. Right-click on the Linear Study with Large Disp tab in the lower left
corner of the screen, see Figure 10.68. A shortcut menu appears.
2. Click on the Copy Study option in this shortcut menu. The Copy
Study PropertyManager appears on the left of the graphics area.
3. Click on the Nonlinear button in the Target Study rollout and then
ensure that the Static button is activated in the Options rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 10.69.
4. Enter Non-linear Study in the Study name field of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 10.69.

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

new non-linear static study is created and a new tab “Non-linear
Study” is added next to the tab of the existing static study in the
lower left corner of the screen.
Note: The newly created study is activated, by default. You can switch
between the studies by clicking on the respective tabs available in the lower
left corner of the screen.
Now, you can define the non-linear properties and run the study.
Notice that the material, fixtures, load, and mesh properties are
copied from the existing static study.
6. Right-click on the Non-linear Study (name of the study) in the
Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Properties tool in the
shortcut menu that appears. The Nonlinear - Static dialog box
appears.
7. Ensure that the start time and end time are set to 0 and 1 in the
Stepping options area of the dialog box.
8. Ensure that the Automatic (autostepping) radio button is activated in
the dialog box as the time increment method to determine the
incremental load steps, automatically.
9. Ensure that the Automatic radio button is selected in the Solver
selection area of the dialog box.
10. Click on the Advanced Options button in the Nonlinear - Static
dialog box. The options to define the control and iterative methods
appear in the dialog box.
11. Ensure that the Force and NR (Newton-Raphson) options are
selected in the Control and Iterative technique drop-down lists of the
dialog box, respectively.
12. Select the Show intermediate results up to current iteration (when
running) check box in the Intermediate Results area of the dialog box
to view the intermediate result in the graphics area, when the non-
 linear study is in progress.
13. Accept the remaining default settings and then click on the OK
button in the dialog box.
Now, you can run the non-linear static study.
14. Click on the Run This Study tool in the Simulation
CommandManager. The Non-linear Study (name of the study) window
appears which displays the progress of non-linear static analysis.
Also, the SOLIDWORKS message window appears, which informs
that you have chosen to show intermediate results while running
the analysis. Therefore, the analysis will terminate if you switch to
another SOLIDWORKS document or close the active model.
15. Click on the OK button in the SOLIDWORKS message window.
The intermediate results appear in the graphics area when the
non-linear static analysis is in progress. When 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. As a result, the stress distribution on the
model and the von Mises stress plot of the non-linear analysis
appear, see Figure 10.70.
Notice that in the non-linear static analysis, the maximum von Mises
stress is 5.610e+02 (560.955) N/mm^2 (MPa) (see Figure 10.70)
which is close to the maximum von Mises stress result of the linear
static analysis with the large displacement option [5.616e+02
(561.588) N/mm^2 (MPa)].

16. Double-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) result in the

Simulation Study Tree. The resultant displacement plot appears in
 the graphics area, see Figure 10.71.

Notice that in the non-linear static analysis, the maximum resultant

displacement is 1.260e+01 (12.603) mm (see Figure 10.71) which is
close to the maximum resultant displacement result of the linear
static analysis with the large displacement option [1.260e+01
(12.601) mm].
Note: In addition to the large displacement, if the model experiences
material or contacts non-linearities as well then the results of the linear
static analysis with the large displacement option will not be accurate and
you will need to perform the non-linear static analysis to get accurate
results. Also, in the linear static analysis, you cannot display the results in
different incremental steps.
In non-linear static analysis, you can also display the results at
different solution steps. By default, the program displays the
results at the end solution step.
17. Right-click on the Displacement1 (-Res disp-) result in the Results
folder of the Simulation Study Tree and then click on the Edit
 Definition tool in the shortcut menu that appears. The Displacement
plot PropertyManager appears, see Figure 10.72.
By default, 1 is entered in the Time field of the Plot Step rollout of the
PropertyManager, see Figure 10.72. As a result, the resultant
displacement plot displays the results for the end solution step,
which is 13th in this case.
18. Enter 5 in the Plot Step field of the PropertyManager to display
the resultant displacement plot results for the 5th solution step.
Next, click anywhere in the graphics area. The time step (0.25 sec)
corresponding to the specified solution step (5th) appears in the
Time field of the PropertyManager.
19. Select the True scale radio button in the Deformed shape rollout of
the PropertyManager to display the deformed shape of the model
in true scale.
20. Click on the green tick-mark button in the PropertyManager. The
resultant displacement plot for the 5th solution step at 0.25 sec
appears in the graphics area, see Figure 10.73.
21. Similarly, you can display different results of the non-linear static
analysis in different incremental steps.
Section 7: Generating the Response graph of a Node
Now, you need to generate the response graph of a node in the large
displacement area.
1. Click on Plot Tools in the Simulation CommandManager. A flyout
appears, see Figure 10.74.
2. Click on the Probe tool in this flyout, see Figure 10.74. The Probe
Result PropertyManager appears, see Figure 10.75.

3. Ensure that the At location radio button is selected in the Options

rollout of the PropertyManager to display the results of a node.
4. Move the cursor toward the lower right vertex of the model and
then click the left mouse button when it gets highlighted in the
graphics area, see Figure 10.76. The node number 7 is selected
and the results of the selected node appear in the Results rollout of
the PropertyManager.
5. Scroll down the PropertyManager and then click on the Response
button in the Report Options rollout of the PropertyManager, see
Figure 10.77. The Response Graph window appears which displays
the response graph of the selected node to the resultant
displacement vs time, see Figure 10.78.

6. After viewing the response graph, close the window and then
close the PropertyManager.
Section 8: Saving Results
Now, you need to save the model and its 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 > C10 Case Studies > Case Study 3.
2. Close the SOLIDWORKS session.

Hands-on Test Drive 1: Non-linear Static Analysis of a Hook Assembly

Perform the non-linear analysis of a Hook Assembly, see Figure
10.79. The Hook part of the assembly is pushed toward the other
part to snap into it, see Figure 10.80.

Project Description
The Snap part is fixed at its bottom, see Figure 10.81 and the Hook
part has all degrees of freedom fixed except the translation
movement of 30 mm downward, see Figure 10.81. Both the parts
are made up of Acrylic (Medium-high impact) plastic material.
 Project Summary
In this case study, perform the non-linear static study by using the
Force control method and the Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme to
converge the solution.

Summary
This chapter introduced various assumptions for considering the non-
linear static analysis problems. It also discussed different iterative
methods [Newton-Raphson (NR) scheme and Modified Newton-
Raphson (MNR) scheme] and incremental methods (Force,
Displacement, and Arc Length) to find the equilibrium solutions for
the non-linear analysis. This chapter also discussed different types
of non-linearities (material non-linearities, geometric non-linearities,
and contact non-linearities) and method for performing the non-linear
analysis of various case studies. Besides, it discussed methods for
defining the non-linear properties, generating time history plot, displaying
the non-linear results at different solution steps, generating response graph
of a node, and so on, in a non-linear analysis.
Questions
Complete the following sentences:
• The non-linear problems are categorized mainly as: ________,
________, and ________.
• In non-linear problems, the ________ is not constant and it changes as
the magnitude of the load increases.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses ________ or ________ as the
 iterative method to converge the equilibrium equation at every
incremental step.
• In the Newton-Raphson (NR) method, the stiffness is calculated at
every ________.
• In the Modified Newton-Raphson (NR) method, the stiffness is
calculated at the ________ iteration and then the same stiffness is
used for the next iterations.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses ________, ________, and
________ as the incremental methods to converge the final
solution.
• The ________ non-linearities occur, when the maximum von Mises
stress exceeds the yield strength of the material and the material
experiences the plastic deformation.
• In non-linear static analysis, the load is divided into different
incremental steps as the function of ________ time.
• The ________ check box is used to display the intermediate result
of the non-linear analysis in the graphics area when the analysis is
in progress.
• The ________ curve is used to define the behavior of material in
the plastic region.
• The ________ tool is used to generate the time history response
graph of the specified nodes or locations.
• In ________ problems, the boundary conditions are assumed to be
changed due to the motion in the components during the analysis.
• The ________ check box in the Static dialog box allows you to
solve the large displacement problems in the linear static analysis.