On importing geometry into an empty SIMSOLID project, a Baseline Design Study is created with an Assembly containing all the associated parts. Having two screens is useful when using the simultaneous workflow. I found this a very convenient way to work as each configuration is created it is sent to an open SIMSOLID project, where the structural analyses are then carried out. It is effectively a “push” from SolidWorks to a parallel SIMSOLID project. An icon click here allows the geometry to be opened simultaneously in a new or existing SIMSOLID project. 1 shows the SIMSOLID tab open within SolidWorks. For this review I have used the SolidWorks Add-In. Alternatively, SIMSOLID can be used in embedded mode with several CAD programs, including Autodesk Fusion360, Onshape and SolidWorks. This would be the normal mode of working independently of CAD. A new SIMSOLID project can be opened independently and CAD geometry can be imported into the project. There are two options when working with SIMSOLID. The last configuration, 4a, has a larger bolt pitch on the base plate, to position the bolts closer to the lug loading plane. The bolt diameters vary between 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 in. The wall thicknesses of the channels, base and lug are stepped through 0.15, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.35 in. Four bolts connect the channels and lug.įive geometric configurations have been created in SolidWorks, as shown in the inset table in Fig. There are eight bolts connecting the base plate and channel sections.
A base plate is bolted below the channels and lug, with flanges that abut the backing structure. The channels are bolted to a backing structure (not shown) at either end. Two channel sections are bolted back to back, sandwiching a vertical lug. Importing the Bracket AssemblyĪ bracket assembly has been created in SolidWorks in preparation for this review and is shown in Fig. The user can adjust the level of internal points and the number of adaptive passes.īenchmarking has shown good accuracy for difficult structural configurations such as the “Raasch Hook,” as described in the previous article. Reaction forces are monitored for convergence. The results are shown by mapping onto a “display” mesh, using the analytical approximations inherent in the solution. No supporting mesh is used, so the usual FEA focus on adequate mesh control is bypassed. Interfaces between parts are evaluated for potential contact surfaces. The geometry is evaluated for specific feature types such as bolts, thin shells, etc. The imported geometry is converted to a faceted representation with an internal geometric hierarchy. The solver adapts by increasing the number of internal calculation points until convergence of the displacement boundary conditions is reached. There is no subdivision into the traditional elements. SIMSOLID uses the complete geometric domain to define the displacement response. I recently described the background to Altair SIMSOLID and its technology in an article on meshless FEA methods ( DE, January 2019).
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Contact for details, or visit his website at .įor this walkthrough, I’m looking at another finite element analysis (FEA) software product. Editor’s Note: Tony Abbey provides live e-Learning courses, FEA consulting and mentoring.