Project 5: Drop test on PCB circuit board using SolidWorks Simulation

Aim: To perform the drop test SolidWorks Simulation

Objective: To do the drop test of a  Printed circuit board (PCB) and analyze the results in SoliWorks Simulation.

Introduction:

• Using the SolidWorks Simulation we can measure the accelerations i.e. g force developed within the product.
• In drop test analysis, the object/component to be tested is dropped from certain height and the impact of the component with a rigid/flexible planar surface are calculated.
• The stress, strain and displacements results are calculated after the impact of the drop test on the PCB board.
• By the analysis of stress, strain and displacements we can evaluate and modify the design of the product and enhance the performance of the product.

G-Force (Gravitational Equivalent force): It is a measure of acceleration.

Procedure of Drop test:

Open the given file for the drop test of PCB circuit board

For the drop test, we need a plane which will act as a ground surface for the PCB board. The reference plane was created at 9 mm from the lower edge(chamfered portion) of the PCB board.

Now go to the simulation environment of the SolidWorks and apply the materials to the circuit board and the various parts of the board.

Plastic material was applied to the board and Alloy steel to the parts of the PCB board.

                        Material properties of Custom plastic applied to circuit board.

                        Material properties of Alloy Steel applied to parts of PCB board

4) Mesh:

Curvature-based mesh was applied to the entire board as there are many holes and curves on the board.

5) Drop test Setup:

 The drop test setup is different from the other test in SolidWorks

We have to specify different parameters in the drop test. Below image shows the settings of the parameters.

We can also calculate the drop test of PCB circuit board on other planets by just changing the gravitational force values as shown in the figure.

The height of 1000mm was applied from the lowest reference plane for the test and the target stiffness applied is rigid target.

Results:

1) Resultant Displacement (URES)

2) Von-Mises Stress

3) Equivalent Strain (ESTRN)

Animation of drop test:

https://youtu.be/HwjgaeekcKo