Modified on
16 Sep 2024 08:08 pm
Mastering FEA Simulation in SolidWorks: Linear, Nonlinear, and Dynamic Analysis
Skill-Lync
Welcome back to our blog series on FEA Simulation using SolidWorks! In our previous post, we familiarised ourselves with SolidWorks’ interface and explored how to transition from 3D modeling to the simulation environment. Today, we're going to explore several exciting topics:
- Linear and nonlinear static analysis
- Dynamic analysis
- 2D simplification in FEA
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Linear and Nonlinear Static Analysis
We begin with the basics by performing a simple static analysis. The model we’re using is a plate with a hole, a classic starting point for many FEA engineers.
Creating the Model
1. Create a Plate with a Hole:
- Open a new Part file in SolidWorks.
- Under the Sketch tab, select the Top Plane and use the Center Rectangle tool to create a square of 50 mm x 50 mm.
- Next, create a circle in the middle of the square with a diameter of 15 mm.
2. Extrude the Plate:
- Using the Features tab, extrude the plate by 5 mm.
Now that we have our model, let's transition into the simulation environment.
Static Analysis Setup
To perform static analysis, follow these steps:
1. Activate the Simulation Add-in:
- Go to SolidWorks Add-ins and enable the Simulation module.
2. New Study:
- In the Simulation tab, select New Study and choose Static.
- Assign a name to the study (e.g., “Static Plate”) and click OK.
3. Assign Material:
- Right-click the part in the design tree and choose Apply/Edit Material.
- For this example, select Alloy Steel and apply the material properties like elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and yield strength.
4. Define Fixtures:
- Apply Fixed Geometry to one side of the plate to simulate it being clamped.
5. Apply External Loads:
- Apply a tensile force of 1000 Newtons to the opposite side of the plate. Ensure the direction is correct by using the Reverse Direction option if necessary.
6. Mesh the Model:
- Right-click Mesh and create a default mesh.
7. Run the Study:
- Click Run to see the results. You’ll notice some deformation—this is due to the scale being exaggerated to make the deformation more visible.
Nonlinear Static Analysis
What happens when the stress exceeds the material's yield strength? This is where nonlinear analysis comes in. When the material behaves non-linearly after the yield point, you need to account for this in your simulation.
To switch to nonlinear analysis:
1. Right-click your study name and select Copy Study.
2. Choose Nonlinear Static as the target study and run the simulation again.
3. In nonlinear analysis, you'll notice that the stress values are much lower due to the plastic behavior of the material.
This approach provides more realistic results, especially when the material is strained beyond its elastic limit.
Dynamic Analysis and 2D Simplification
Dynamic analysis is useful when analyzing time-dependent forces or impacts. In this case, we’ll simulate a punching action using 2D simplification, which is a great way to reduce computational time for symmetric models.
What is 2D Simplification?
2D simplification allows you to convert a 3D model into a 2D representation, drastically reducing the number of elements in the analysis. This is especially useful for models that are symmetric about a plane (like our punch and die example).
Dynamic Nonlinear Punching Simulation
Here’s how to set up a nonlinear dynamic analysis using 2D simplification:
1. New Study:
- Create a new Nonlinear Dynamic study.
- Enable the Use 2D Simplification checkbox.
2. Define Symmetry:
- Define the symmetry plane along which the model is symmetric, e.g., the Front Plane.
3. Assign Materials and Apply Fixtures:
- Assign Alloy Steel to all parts.
- Fix the die in place by selecting its edges and preventing any movement.
4. Apply Punching Force:
- Apply a downward force of 5000 Newtons to the punch. Use Select Direction to ensure the punch moves correctly along the axis.
5. Run the Simulation:
- Run the simulation and observe the stress, strain, and displacement values on the sheet metal as the punch moves downward.
Interpreting the Results
Once the simulation is complete, you'll be able to visualize the deformation, stress, and strain on the model. You can even animate the results to see how the punch affects the metal over time. Additionally, you can view the results in 3D plots for better insight.
Understanding Different Material Models
Material behavior plays a crucial role in FEA simulations. SolidWorks provides several material models you can choose from, including:
- Linear Elastic Isotropic: Assumes that material properties are the same in all directions.
- Nonlinear Elastic: Materials behave non-linearly, but the deformation remains elastic.
- Plasticity (von Mises): Used for ductile materials where yielding is based on von Mises stress.
Each material model has its specific application, and selecting the correct one is vital for accurate simulation results. For example, hyper elastic models are perfect for rubber-like materials, while viscoelastic models are used for materials like polymers and human tissue.
Conclusion
In this post, we explored a wide range of FEA simulations—from linear and nonlinear static analysis to dynamic analysis with 2D simplification. Understanding the differences between these types of analysis will help you choose the most suitable approach for your projects.
In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into advanced meshing techniques and contact sets in SolidWorks.
This blog is part of our ongoing series on FEA Simulations using SolidWorks.
If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.
Would you like to have a more interactive demonstration of the above concepts?
Skill-Lync has released a FREE comprehensive course covering FEA with SolidWorks in detail! Check it out here.
Right from the user interface's fundamentals, menus and options, this course covers most aspects of the tool from a practical perspective. It even includes a certificate to add to your resume after completion!
Check out our hands-on course today and add SolidWorks to your list of skills!
Let’s get #IndustryReady together, one skill at a time!
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VishruthiGirish
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