1st Edition
Introduction to Static Analysis Using SolidWorks Simulation
Uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as Implemented in SolidWorks Simulation
Outlining a path that readers can follow to ensure a static analysis that is both accurate and sound, Introduction to Static Analysis using SolidWorks Simulation effectively applies one of the most widely used software packages for engineering design to the concepts of static analysis. This text utilizes a step-by-step approach to introduce the use of a finite element simulation within a computer-aided design (CAD) tool environment. It does not center on formulae and the theory of FEM; in fact, it contains essentially no theory on FEM other than practical guidelines. The book is self-contained and enables the reader to progress independently without an instructor. It is a valuable guide for students, educators, and practicing professionals who wish to forego commercial training programs, but need to refresh or improve their knowledge of the subject.
Classroom Tested with Figures, Examples, and Homework Problems
The book contains more than 300 illustrations and extensive explanatory notes covering the features of the SolidWorks (SW) Simulation software. The author presents commonly used examples and techniques highlighting the close interaction between CAD modelling and FE analysis. She describes the stages and program demands used during static analysis, details different cases, and explores the impact of selected options on the final result. In addition, the book includes hands-on exercises, program commands, and a summary after each chapter.
- Explores the static studies of simple bodies to more complex structures
- Considers different types of loads and how to start the loads property managers
- Studies the workflow of the run analysis and discusses how to assess the feedback provided by the study manager
- Covers the generation of graphs
- Determines how to assess the quality of the created mesh based on the final results and how to improve the accuracy of the results by changing the mesh properties
- Examines a machine unit with planar symmetrical geometry or with circular geometry exposed to symmetrical boundary conditions
- Compares 3D FEA to 2D FEA
- Discusses the impact of the adopted calculating formulation by comparing thin-plate results to thick-plate results
Introduction to Static Analysis using SolidWorks Simulation
equips students, educators, and practicing professionals with an in-depth understanding of the features of SW Simulation applicable to static analysis (FEA/FEM).Introduction
Objectives of the Book
Basics Concepts of FEM
Basic Steps of All Engineering Software, Based on FEM
SW Simulation as a Package for FEA
Development of a Finite Element Model of a Body (Pre-Processor Stage)
Description of Functions of Physical Model
Development of the Geometrical Model in SolidWorks
Some More Perquisite Knowledge before Development of
SW Simulation Model
Introducing the Material of the Body
Introducing the Fixtures to the Body
Introducing the Loads to the Body
Development of a Finite Element Model of a Body (Processor Stage)
How Does Finite Element Analysis Work?
What Are the FEs and the Mesh?
Meshing of the Analysed Body
Running the FEA
Visualising and Systematising the Results of FEA (Post-Processor Stage)
Setting the Analysis and the Results Preferences
Different Ways to Systematise and Plot the Results of FEA
Listing the Results of the Analysis
Drawing Graphs of the Analysis Results
Impact of Mesh Density and Viewing Mode on Final Results
Different Types of FEs, Regarding the Geometry of the Model
Impact of Mesh Density, When Standard Solid Mesh Is Used
Impact of Mesh Density, When Curvature-Based Solid Mesh Is Used
Impact of Mesh Density on Calculation Time and Accuracy
Comparison between the Node Mode and the Element Mode
Final Recommendations on Selection of Mesh Type
Static Analysis of Solid Body with Circular or Planar Symmetry
Development of CAD Models of the Analysed Bodies
Static Analysis of the Designed Symmetrical Machine Unit with
Circular Symmetry
Static Analysis of the Designed Symmetrical Machine Units with Planar Symmetry
Static Analysis of a Shell Body
When Can an Object Be Treated as a Shell? Thin or Thick Shell FEs?
Different Approaches for FEA of a Shell in SW Simulation
Development of a CAD Model of a Shell Using Surface Tool
(Surface.sldprt)
FEA of a Shell, Created Using Surface Tool (Surface.sldprt)
Development of a CAD Model of a Shell Using Sheet Metal Tool
(Sheet_Metalsldprt)
FEA of the Shell, Created Using Sheet Metal Tool (Sheet_Metalsldprt)
Comparison of the Results from the Two Case Studies
Static Analysis of a Frame Body
Beams or Trusses?
Development of a CAD Model of a 3D Frame
Calculation of a 3D Frame of Trusses
Calculation of a 3D Frame of Beams
Static Analysis of a Complex Structure
CAD Model of the Studied Structure
Static Finite Element Analysis of the Structure
Comparison of the Results of the Sixth Design Scenarios
Index
Biography
Radostina Petrova was awarded a PhD degree in applied mechanics by the Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria. Since 2007, she has been an associate professor in dynamics, strength and reliability of machines, devices and systems at the Technical University of Sofia. Her research interests and fields of expertise include multi-body dynamic simulation of mechanical systems; nonlinear structural analysis; structural modelling and analysis using FEM; simulation-based, design optimization of mechanical systems; CAD/CAE (FEA) design of structures and mechanical systems, particularly dynamic analysis and simulations; structural engineering; wind engineering; fluid–structure interaction; exposure of slender structures (aerial ropeways, wind turbines, etc.) to random dynamic excitation; and interaction and combination of different software platforms/data for solving different structural problems.
"The contents seem to be quite logical and appropriate for this book: After explaining the theory, special examples with increasing complexity are worked out in detail."
—Alois Steindl, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
