MECH3460 9460
Mechanical Systems Design 2
TUTORIAL
Week 1
Part A - Introduction to SolidWorks Simulation
The purpose of this tutorial is for you to familiarise yourself with an introductory finite element analysis add on package to SolidWorks named Simulation.
In order to use Simulation within SolidWorks, on the top menu bar, digitise Tools > Add-Ins …>. As shown in Figure 1.0. Ticking the left-hand side box enables Simulation within SolidWorks and ticking the right hand box enables Simulation EVERY time you start up SolidWorks. This may not be desirable to you as it does add to the time for SolidWorks to start-up.
As shown in Figure 2.0, undertake the first Tutorial located in the SOLIDWORKS > Help > Tutorials > Static Analysis > Analysis of a Part. Once you have completed your first run examine in the Results tree > Stress > von Mises (a measure of the energy density as shown in Figure 3.0) to see where the maximum zones are – you may need to rotate your view accordingly.
Part B – Optimisation Examples
Once you have identified where the maximum stress and displacement are located undertake the following redesigns.
Redesign the component so that the maximum stress and displacement are minimised for the load and constraints applied. The mass of the part is not to increase, and the same material must also be used. Save your analysis for future reference. The images shown below in Figures 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 below are for inspiration only. Use the component from Part A in order to optimise its shape using the images below for guidance. Discuss your effort with your Tutor once have completed Part B.