Fast Start Training Guide

Transcription

1 Fast Start Training Guide by SIMSOLID Corporation All materials 2017 SIMSOLID Corporation All Rights Reserved

2 Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction Section 2 My first analysis Section 3 User interface basic concepts Section 4 Processing design geometry Section 5 Creating an analysis Section 6 Interpreting results Section 7 Typical SIMSOLID Workflows Section 8 Additional topics and sources for more information 2 3/1/2018

3 Section 1 INTRODUCTION 3

4 Welcome to SIMSOLID, a different kind of FEA SIMSOLID is a next generation, high capacity, structural FEA It uses new computational methods which operate on original, unsimplified, CAD geometry and does not create a mesh SIMSOLID can solve very large assemblies on a standard desktop computer. SIMSOLID is the perfect complement to your existing CAE specific or CAD embedded Simulation. It extends their analysis range to larger models and provides feedback in seconds to minutes 4 3/1/2018

5 So how do we do it? SIMSOLID is FEA, but it operates very differently. We do not create a mesh but instead use high order functions which are locally adapted to refine the solution In the next several slides we provide a little technical background on the methods used and how it compares to more traditional FEA We also highlight the technology steps done during each solution pass. Note most of this is automated and requires very little input from the user. Downloads whitepapers, validation and theory documents and more here 5 3/1/2018

6 SIMSOLID compared to traditional FEA - Methods Traditional FEA Simple regions TET, etc DOF is associated with a node - it is point-wise DOF are nodal Ux, Uy, Uz displacements SIMSOLID Arbitrary regions whole part can be a region DOF is not point-wise. It can be associated with volumes, surfaces, lines and/or point clouds DOF are integrals over corresponding geometrical objects, not nodal 3 DOF per node Many DOF per single associated geometry object are possible, depends on solution adaptation Shape functions are simple low degree interpolation polynomials Shape functions can be of arbitrary class complete standard polynomials divergence-free polynomials harmonic polynomials non-polynomials

7 SIMSOLID compared to traditional FEA - Accuracy Traditional FEA Geometry level of detail decision by user Types of elements decision by user Mesh density and distribution based controls decision by user Correct interpretation of analysis settings by user Solver & solution methods Tolerances and options Solution adaptation is mostly based on local energy density change, it is relative Rarely used for assemblies SIMSOLID Full geometry detail - modeling errors minimized No elements No meshing No settings in dynamics and non-linear analyses including separating contact with friction Solution adaptation is based on local energy density change and absolute errors on boundary Always active Easy to set both global (whole assembly) and local (part based) solution adaption Reaction forces at support and connections are very accurate

8 SIMSOLID technology steps Modeling Process geometry Convert to faceted volumes Classify geometry Bolts, nuts, washers, springs Thin sheets Through holes Create connections Contact regions between parts found automatically Auto-specify contact condition (bonding, sliding) User-specify contact condition (separating) Create analysis parameters Analysis type Boundary conditions Material properties (if not inherited from CAD) Solution adaption control Ready to analyze

9 SIMSOLID technology steps Solving Geometry evaluation Feature recognition and evaluation Create initial equations Result functions Loop and repeat based on specified # of max passes Solution pass Solve equation set Strain/stress recovery Error analysis Displacement error analysis at constraints Traction (force) error analysis at loaded or free surfaces of parts Displacement and energy convergence analysis Solution adaption Adding DOF locally at constraints Adding DOF locally in volumes Adding special approximation functions at features

10 SIMSOLID technology steps Results Create response mesh Used to map result functions to design geometry Can be redefined on-the-fly Evaluate quantities of interest to contour plot Values determined at the nodes of the response mesh Very fast - done on-the-fly, the nodal values are not saved Display reactions At supports At connections Parts resultants Fast re-analysis SIMSOLID remembers response mesh and incremental analytic functions Re-analysis typically processes faster Efficient coupled analysis Results of one analysis are directly used in analytical form in other analyses Thermal-stress, nonlinear analysis, dynamics

11 SIMSOLID Do s and Dont s SIMSOLID s unique numerical solution methods do not have many of the limitations found in traditional FEA. With SIMSOLID, there is no meshing and geometry handling is much easier. Here is a short list of DO s and DONT s hints and tips to help get you going. Do use the CAD geometry as is SIMSOLID is capable of analyzing all geometric detail including fillets, rounds, holes, imprints and other small features. Even surface construction complexity such as odd face transitions and small splinter surfaces are OK to leave in unaltered. SIMSOLID is tolerant of imprecise geometry. Don t merge assemblies Most traditional FEA applications recommend this step in order to help the meshing process and eliminate complex and cumbersome specialty element connections. With SIMSOLID this is never done. Always keep all CAD parts separate. Don t be afraid of large assemblies With SIMSOLID, it is acceptable to leave in small parts such as bolts, nuts and washers. Even bolts with threads are OK. SIMSOLID unique adaptive solution process will work efficiently on models with hundreds of parts. Don t be afraid of imperfect connection geometry In SIMSOLID, assembly part connections are very tolerant of gaps (geometry that does not touch) and penetrations (geometry that overlaps). Its assembly connections are industry best at handling ragged contact surfaces and setup is fast and easy. Do look at our suggested workflows. SIMSOLID should be used differently than traditional FEA methods. Read here to find out how. 11 3/1/2018

12 SIMSOLID Editions SIMSOLID Standard edition Static and modal analyses Standard boundary conditions Unique multi-cad analysis model associativity with Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, Onshape and STL Limited to 100 parts and 8-cores for parallel processing SIMSOLID Power edition (30-DAY TRIAL VERSION) More analyses thermal, thermal stress and geometric & material nonlinear static analysis More connections virtual connectors, spot, laser and fillet welds More boundary conditions thermal, inertia, inertia relief, hydrostatic, bearing, hinge, remote load, elastic foundation More capabilities rigid parts, bolt/nut tightening, modal participation factors More result outputs bolt and contact region resultant forces More capacity no limit on number of parts or number of cores for parallel processing SIMSOLID Professional edition More analyses combined material nonlinear and geometric nonlinear static analyses, linear dynamics (time and frequency response) More connections spot, fillet and laser welds, weld creation automation More CAD connectivity Reads all common CAD file formats including: CATIA, NX, PTC/Creo, Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, SolidEdge, JT, STEP, VDA, Parasolid, ACIS, PLMXML, CGR 12 3/1/2018

13 Section 1 MY FIRST ANALYSIS 13

14 My first analysis As an introduction, we will do a quick modal analysis to calculate the first 3 flexible modes of a 30-part assembly of a bridge More explanation coming, but for now this will provide a view of how few inputs are actually required Our 4 steps to accomplish this are: 1. Import STL geometry, create connections 2. Apply material property 3. Create modal analysis & run 4. Examine frequencies and mode shapes 14 3/1/2018

15 4-step analysis calculate first 3 flexible modes Import geometry, create connections Apply material property Create modal analysis & run Examine frequencies and mode shapes Start by picking here 15 3/1/2018

16 4-step analysis calculate first 3 flexible modes Import geometry, create connections Apply material property Create modal analysis & run Examine frequencies and mode shapes Pick material Select apply material Start by picking here 16 3/1/2018 Then apply it to all parts in assembly and press OK

17 4-step analysis calculate first 3 flexible modes Import geometry, create connections Apply material property Create modal analysis & run Examine frequencies and mode shapes Create new modal analysis from the main window toolbar Ask to find 3 flexible modes Press here to start modal analysis Make sure modal workbench is active 17 3/1/2018

18 4-step analysis calculate first 3 flexible modes Import geometry, create connections Apply material property Create modal analysis & run Examine frequencies and mode shapes Pick Displacement magnitude Frequencies Pick Show deformed shape Pick here to animate mode shape 18 3/1/2018

19 Section 3 USER INTERFACE BASIC CONCEPTS 19

20 User interface basic concepts Screen areas Mouse buttons Main menu toolbars Graphics window Project tree Workbench toolbars Bookmark browser Specifying units 20 3/1/2018

21 Main toolbar Project Tree Workbench toolbar Graphics Area Bookmark Browser 21 3/1/2018

22 Mouse buttons View manipulation Model Rotation left mouse button (LMB) click + drag to rotate model Model Translation right mouse button (RMB) click + drag to pan model. Model Zoom rotate the mouse wheel to zoom the model. Model Zoom Extents (Fit): either pick the fit to window button on the main toolbar or click the window background with RMB and select Fit geometry to window Box Zoom use the "Box zoom" button from the main window toolbar then click and drag box using LMB. As faster alternative, just hold SHIFT key and drag with LMB. Alternative CAD system mouse mappings are available from Settings>Mouse setting menu 22 3/1/2018

23 Mouse buttons Entity selection Single select Select a single entity using the left mouse button (LMB) Multiple select Select multiple entities by holding down Ctrl key and select with LMB Box select Holding down Ctrl key and drag to select items within the box Drag box down any entities partial enclosed within the box will be selected Drag box up all entities must be fully enclosed within the box to be selected 23 3/1/2018

24 Standard & custom views Standard views top, bottom, front, back, etc. Available on pulldown menu in main toolbar, or by selecting main axis X, Y or Z arrowheads Z-up or Y-up definition defined in the Settings>Screen coordinate system menu User defined views Available on main toolbar button Are added to bottom of Standard views pull down menu User defined views are model specific are saved in Project file Standard views User defined views Double click to edit name Select arrowhead to point Y axis normal to screen Select arrowhead to reverse (Z into screen) 24 3/1/2018

25 Main menu toolbar Show sectioning plane Import from cloud Import from file Project tree on/off Highlight items with comments Box zoom on/off Fit geometry to window Precise rotation Show parts shaded Show part edges Show hidden parts as ghosts Show hidden parts Measurements tool Help window on/off Open, close, save project User defined views Show parts translucent Box selection on/off Create new analysis static, modal, thermal or nonlinear static Bookmark browser on/off Standard views Show part in random colors Selection filter Show boundary conditions 25 3/1/2018

26 Graphics window Immovable constraint on part face Loaded part face Entity context menu select part with RMB. CTRL-select to select multiple parts 26 3/1/2018

27 Project tree TIP: The Project tree is the primary way to manage all SIMSOLID entity interaction The project tree contains multiple workbenches. A workbench is a related set of project tree entities to which certain actions can be applied. Entities in the workbench will be bolded when active and a workbench toolbar will appear to the right of the project tree. Entity selection can be made in project tree or directly on object in graphics window Select using left mouse button (LMB) Group select using shift-lmb or Ctrl-LMB Display entity context menu using right mouse button (RMB) selection in either the graphic window or project tree Double-click project tree entity to open Edit dialogs 27 3/1/2018 Select Assembly to set workbench focus All workbench entities shown in bold SI Workbench toolbar

28 Workbench toolbars Assembly toolbar Connections toolbar Resume suppressed parts Apply material property Create rigid part Power Edition only Manually create connections Review Connections Auto create connections Create Spot and Laser Welds Power Edition only Create spot Review and clean assembly Create local coordinate system Check for geometry defects Show disconnected groups of parts Create virtual connectors Power Edition only NOTE: The toolbar displayed is based on the currently selected workbench in the project tree 28 3/1/2018

29 Workbench toolbars Structural analysis toolbar Immovable support Hinge support Power Edition only Sliding support Spring support -- Power Edition only Check rigid motions Run the analysis 29 3/1/2018 Uniform load or displacement Inertia load Power Edition only Thermal load Power Edition only Hydrostatic load Power Edition only Nut tightening Power Edition only Pressure load Gravity load Remote load Power Edition only Bearing load Power Edition only Bolt tightening Power Edition only Create result contour plot Create XY plot Spot weld forces Power Edition only NOTE: The toolbar displayed is based on the currently selected workbench in the project tree Result point probe Bolt/nut forces Power Edition only Reaction forces

30 Bookmark browser Saves the current graphics state along with any overlaid windows (such as summary dialogs) Great way to document your work Save images and animations to media files Increase/decrease thumbnail size Create new bookmark RMB select thumbnail to display context menu Bookmarks are saved in the project file Bookmark images and animations can be exported to media files to use in reports. Files are saved in.png and.mp4 formats Triangle indicates animation bookmark Double-click name to edit Update bookmark with contents of current graphics window Adds onscreen caption. Drag caption to reposition in graphics area To save animation, create new bookmark while animation is active Select any thumbnail to restore graphics view 30 3/1/2018

31 Interface Synchronization The project tree, bookmark browser and graphics window states are always synchronized The focus will be consistent for all user interface controls Select any one and the others will update Project tree workbench will synchronize as well Graphics area will synchronize with bookmark Select bookmark 31 3/1/2018

32 Specifying units Double-click here to open units dialog Both input and output units can be set Set the number format of result output here engineering, scientific or concise mix Check here to make these settings the default for new projects 32 3/1/2018 TIP: SIMSOLID manages all units. These are the default values only. They can still be overridden on most data input forms. Mixed unit input is fully supported throughout the product.

33 Section 4 PROCESSING DESIGN GEOMETRY 33

34 Processing design geometry Design Studies Geometry import from SOLIDWORKS From Autodesk Fusion 360 from Onshape From STL Creating connections Adjusting visualization styles Assigning materials 34 3/1/2018

35 Design studies Design Studies allow you to quickly evaluate and compare the structural performance from different geometric configurations. A single SIMSOLID Project file can contain multiple Design Studies each with their own unique set of geometry and analyses. Every time geometry is imported, it is placed into a new design study and SIMSOLID will attempt to reapply existing material property, connection and analysis definition data. The source for this data will be the BASELINE design study. The first design study defaults to BASELINE but this can be changed at any time by selecting the right mouse button (RMB) menu Set as baseline on any design study root node in the project tree. BASELINE Study this is the source for all material properties, connections and analysis conditions Each time new geometry is read in, the data attributes from the baseline study will be applied here SI 35 3/1/2018

36 Design studies - Managing associativity Every time geometry is imported, it is placed into a new design study and SIMSOLID will attempt to reapply existing BASELINE material property, connection and analysis definition data. Items that cannot be reapplied will be marked in red All red entities must be resolved before a new analysis can be started For contact conditions, SIMSOLID will bond automatically. Review to make sure this is what you want. Either, RMB select then pick Accept contact condition(s) in red or double-click to Edit For boundary conditions, double-click and reselect the location (face, edge, spot, etc.) 36 3/1/2018

37 Geometry considerations SIMSOLID does not import CAD surface or solid geometry. Instead it uses a more efficient faceted geometric approach. From CAD (SOLIDWORKS, Fusion 360 or Onshape) Full CAD hierarchical assembly tree structure used CAD part faces used (preferred) Facets are based on CAD add-in faceting parameters From STL Multi-body STL used. Flat assembly tree structure only SIMSOLID determined part face structure based on surface curvature (will miss fillet faces, see example on right) Facets are based on STL file export parameters (must take care, as some CAD system export poor quality STL) Faceting best practice use a level of tessellation that is sufficient to capture the general part shape but not be overly fine. Too much detail does not improve the solution accuracy and only slows down the solution sequence. CAD face structure STL face structure No fillet faces 37 3/1/2018

38 CAD import vs STL which is better? NOTE: The SIMSOLID generic STL importer is intended for use with more organic geometries (for example 3D lattice type parts) that cannot be easily represented by standard CAD solids. We do not recommend STL format for traditional CAD geometry for the following reasons: STL does not represent the assembly topology. With CAD geometry integration, you get the full Assembly > sub assembly > part > part face tree structure. STL is a simple multi-body approach. STL does not represent CAD faces. STL does not have a face structure. SIMSOLID must infer faces from curvature to find edges. This will lead to a different set of faces with curved geometry (fillets and holes) and can make it more difficult to apply loads and constraints. STL can be problematic for curved geometries. The user must take care to adjust facet density to adequately represent curved geometry. STL not as robust with welds. Weld functionality is particularly oriented to CAD representations of geometry (faces and edges). STL representation does not in general work as well. STL is not as efficient. STL are just simple facets. It takes longer to import and validate them. SIMSOLID must infer solid bodies and faces. This takes more time and can lead to longer solve times. With CAD solids we fully understand the topology and take advantage of part instances to represent/solve multiple similar parts more efficiently. STL is not as robust/reliable. There are instances where STL geometry is not as robust with non-manifold geometries, etc. STL will work with generic CAD geometries, but as you can see, the direct CAD integration is far superior, easier to support and is in most cases the preferred path. 38 3/1/2018

39 Design studies Copying analyses Analyses may be easily copied between design studies. RMB select the analysis and pick Copy to and the location target. Power Edition only - static analysis contact and boundary conditions can be copied to a new non-linear analysis. RMB select the analysis and pick Copy to non-linear analysis Note: when doing nonlinear analysis, you have the option to use follower loads. Simply double-click the load to Edit and select the follower icon next to the load value. 39 3/1/2018

40 Geometry and material property import from SOLIDWORKS Pick here to load the current SOLIDWORKS visible geometry into SIMSOLID uses shared memory (preferred method) Pick here to save model to SIMSOLID formatted file use this method if SIMSOLID is on a different machine from SOLIDWORKS Pick here to adjust face facet settings Choose which active SIMSOLID project to load the design study geometry into. 40 3/1/2018 Inside of SOLIDWORKS, make sure SIMSOLID add-in is activated TIP: Install SIMSOLID on same machine as SOLIDWORKS and installer will also load SIMSOLID SOLIDWORKS add-in

41 Geometry & material property import from Fusion 360 Pick here to load the current Fusion 360 visible (body or mesh body) geometry into SIMSOLID uses shared memory (preferred method) Choose which active SIMSOLID project to load the design study geometry into. Pick here to save model to SIMSOLID formatted file use this method if SIMSOLID is on a different machine from Fusion 360 Pick here to adjust face facet settings Inside of Fusion 360, make sure SIMSOLID add-in is activated 41 3/1/2018 TIP: Install SIMSOLID on same machine as Fusion 360 and installer will also load SIMSOLID Fusion 360 add-in

42 Select here to open Onshape document. Right mouse button select here to change Onshape workspace. Geometry import from Onshape Select cloud settings to authorize Onshape account (required one time) Open browser to log into Onshape and authorize Select Import from cloud Select here to select part or assembly studio Most of the time, Standard face facets are OK. Should only need to change for complex curving geometry. NOTE: too many facets will slow down the analysis. Adjust with caution. 42 3/1/2018 Select here to import assembly into SIMSOLID. Or better yet, just double-click on the Part or Assembly studio icon and skip the Open button.

43 Geometry import from STL file Select the Import from file button from the Main Toolbar. Browse to where your file (or files) are located, select all of them and the press Open. Select Import from file SIMSOLID knows all about units, but unfortunately STL does not. A dialog allows you to specify the units that the file is in. Bounding box dimensions are displayed to help you decide. 43 3/1/2018

44 Automatically Create Connections Once the geometry is read in, SIMSOLID will display a dialog to prompt for connection tolerances. The Automatic connections operation tries to create connections between all parts using these tolerances as a guide. Once complete, you will see a list of all parts and connections in the Project tree. If there are parts that SIMSOLID cannot connect, a dialog will be displayed to notify you and give you the option to suppress or delete the unconnected entities. Connections can be created manually as well see icons in the connections workbench toolbar Manually create connections Auto create connections Show disconnected groups of parts 44 3/1/2018 NOTE: A best practice it to make the gap and penetration tolerance as small as possible. Values that are too big can over constrain the model.

45 Review Part Connections METHOD 1 To see where a connection is on the model, simple select it in the project tree. The model turns transparent and the connection is highlighted by a red cross-hatch pattern. For instances where the model is more complex, use the Zoom In command on the Context menu (use RMB to select the connection). Now the view will zoom in to the connection location and only the two parts associated with the connection are displayed. A + and Zoom button will appear on the connection to allow you to fine tune the view. METHOD 2 An alternate method is to RMB pick a part and select the Review part connections menu item. This display a dialog listing all connections associated with the selected part only. 45 3/1/2018

46 Review Part Connections METHOD 3 Use Review connections dialog. Allows you to sort all connections by attribute. Just pick the column headers Any connection selected will be highlighted in the graphics window 46 3/1/2018

47 Adjusting visualization styles Parts can be displayed as shaded, wireframe or transparent Parts can be hidden Hidden parts can be shown as ghosted (light transparent) To hide part: select one or more parts in either the project tree or graphics region. Use CTRL key to multi-select RMB select Hide menu To show hidden parts, RMB in a blank area of the graphics window and select show all hidden parts Show parts shaded Show part edges Show part in random colors Show hidden parts as ghosts Show parts translucent Show hidden parts Show boundary conditions TIP: Use bookmarks to save a favorite graphics style or visual grouping 47 3/1/2018

48 Visualization Examples Random colored parts Translucent parts Results plot with hidden parts shown as ghosted Edge only display Hidden parts shown as ghosted (light transparent) Edges on (undeformed), deformed shape with continuous contour plot 48 3/1/2018

49 Assign Material Properties Select Assembly Select Assign material NOTE: CAD materials will be imported with model geometry, if defined. Select material Material name listed next to parts Select here and OK to assign selected material to all parts Select here and OK to assign selected material to selected parts. Parts can be selected in either the project tree or the graphics window. 49 3/1/2018

50 Using default materials Pick material If you change your mind and find you no longer want a default material, RMB select and pick Clear SI SI Double-click here to open materials dialog TIP: This only needs to be set up one time. Will be saved as a user preference. NOTE: Default materials will be applied to any parts without material when an analysis is run. Pick OK 50 3/1/2018

51 Review material property assignment Large assemblies can have many material properties. SIMSOLID makes it easy to review material property assignments. RMB pick Assembly and select: Show>Materials This will show a list of all material property assignments. Pick a material name and all parts with that material property will be highlighted. Show>Parts without materials This will hide all part with materials and only show parts without material property assignments. SI 51 3/1/2018

52 Suppressing and deleting parts Suppressing parts removes them from inclusion in related analyses but leaves them in the Project file Deleting parts removes them from the project file. Use caution as delete cannot be undone. Parts may be suppressed or deleted from current or all design studies Parts are suppressed or deleted using right mouse button (RMB) selection of a group of parts in either the project tree or the graphics window. Suppressed parts are shown in the project tree as crossed out and grey Use RMB menu Resume to unsuppress a part and reactivate it. 52 3/1/2018

53 Section 5 CREATING AN ANALYSIS 53

54 Creating an analysis Create new analysis Specify contact conditions Create boundary conditions Specify solution settings Run the analysis Consider non-linear effects 54 3/1/2018

55 Create new analysis Create a new analysis by selecting from either the Analysis menu or main toolbar. NOTE: available analysis methods varied by product edition Standard edition Structural linear and Modal Power edition adds Structural non-linear and Thermal Professional edition adds Dynamics 55 3/1/2018

56 Specify contact conditions SIMSOLID contact conditions can be bonding, sliding, separating* or disabled Contact conditions are created automatically but can be changed by user RMB pick a connection then select Edit *NOTE: Separating contact is a non-linear effect and must first be activated in the Structural settings dialog 56 3/1/2018

57 Create boundary conditions Select analysis workbench Select where to apply to Select boundary condition (optional) select units for this boundary condition Toggle between load and specified displacement Enter load or displacement value 57 3/1/2018

58 Other boundary conditions Structural/modal analysis toolbars Thermal analysis toolbar Immovable support Hinge support Power Edition only Sliding support Spring support -- Power Edition only Temperature Convection Flux Volumetric heat Pressure load Uniform load or displacement Inertia load Power Edition only Thermal load Power Edition only Hydrostatic load Power Edition only Gravity load Remote load Power Edition only Bearing load Power Edition only Nut tightening Power Edition only Bolt tightening Power Edition only 58 3/1/2018

59 Using Spots Select Spot as location Select Spot type rectangle, circle, triangle Many traditional FEA systems require faces to be split to create localized loads and constraints SIMSOLID has a better way Spots Spots can be rectangular, circular or triangular. They can even be points, lines or arcs Spots are projected onto parts normal to the screen Pick part face to orient part and center view Spots can be projected onto more than one face or more than one part Select existing or pick here to create new spot Define shape attributes If necessary, fine tune location Specify what to project Spot onto Pick OK to project onto part(s) 59 3/1/2018 Pick on part to position Spot

60 Specify solution settings Pick here to adjust the max number of solution passes Access here by double-click or RMB and Edit SIMSOLID employs a proprietary adaptive technology to automatically refine the solution in the areas where it is necessary to achieve the highest accuracy. Multiple solution passes are performed and with each pass, accuracy measures are created and equations are enriched locally as required. All that needs to be specified by the user are the maximum number of solution passes along with a small set of optional settings. 60 3/1/2018 TIP: Solution settings can be applied globally to the entire model or locally to a group of parts.

61 Individual settings controls Adapt to features Uses special logic that has more aggressive adaptivity for stress gradient areas at local features. Applies only to structural linear and nonlinear statics. This is not used in modal or thermal analyses. Adapt to thin solids provides special functions for a more accurate representation in thin curved solid sections. A best practice is to use this locally on a part by part basis. Refinement level increases the refinement level locally for a group of parts. Three levels are possible standard, increased and high. Please see special note about part scale for this refinement setting 61 3/1/2018

62 Local solution settings STEPS 1. Create a part group by selecting the New button in the dialog. 2. Select one or more parts from either the graphics window or project tree to add them to the group 3. Specify any desired local settings and pick the Apply button. ADDITIONAL NOTES 1. When a group name is selected on the dialog the current group settings will be shown and the parts that belong to that group will be highlighted in the graphics window. 2. The Group label indicates the number of parts in the group and the relative volume of the group as compared to the entire assembly. Use the relative volume as a guide when selected local refinement settings. 3. To remove a single part group, select the group and then pick the Delete button. To remove all local group refinements, select the Reset all button. To re-set factory solution settings pick Factory reset button. Pick here to create new group Pick Apply to update the group definitions 62 3/1/2018

63 Default solution settings Access from the settings menu Set the max number of passes and the setting options These are the solution settings that are used by default on a new project 63 3/1/2018

64 Special note about part scale Solution settings define a strategy of solution adaptation and are applied at the scale of the selected part group. Global solution settings define the solution refinement strategy on the whole assembly assuming that accuracy requirements are approximately equal on all parts. With global solution settings, the scale is the size of the whole assembly. Local solutions setting define the solution refinement strategy on a part or group of parts. The scale of the settings is the size of the parts in the group. Therefore, the same solution settings applied to the whole assembly or to a specific part will have different effects on the accuracy. The local settings are always more aggressive on the given set of parts because the scale is smaller. This facilitates the ability to do Global-local analysis and to focus the adaptive refinement on particular areas of interest. TIP: To use the most detailed solution scale, create a part group containing a single part. 64 3/1/2018

65 Solution settings workflow roadmap The recommended way to use Solution settings is as follows: 1. To find the overall system load path: use the default Global solution settings 2. Considerations for overall stress studies: To refine stresses over the entire model, select the Adapt to features checkbox solution setting and rerun the model. 3. To examine overall solution convergence: To examine solution convergence over the entire model, increase the number of adaptive passes and rerun the model. Number of passes can be set between 3 and 9, but this value is rarely set above Considerations for local stress studies: Use local part groups. Remember, part group settings are done at the part group local scale. 5. Considerations for thin curved solids: For parts that are thin and curved, the Adapt to thin solids checkbox should be activated. This is best done on a part by part basis using local part groups. 65 3/1/2018

66 Run the analysis Pick analysis workbench When done, pick here to display analysis summary Pick here to run 66 3/1/2018

67 Non-linear option separating contact Non-linear structural effects are specified in Structural settings dialog. Separating contact allows parts to partially or completely separate from each other under load. Separating contact conditions are defined in the contact conditions branch of the project tree Activate Define Bonded Contact Separating Contact 67 3/1/2018 NOTE: Non-linear is not available in SIMSOLID Standard edition

68 Non-linear option Material Non-linear structural effects are specified in Structural settings dialog. Material non-linear is elastic-plastic At least one model material property must contain a non-linear stress vs strain curve. For any analysis that exceed the elastic limit, SIMSOLID will provide three outputs for each result quantity: elasto-plastic, full load, these are the results at full load assuming a nonlinear stressstrain curve is used; elastic, full load, these are the results at full load assuming a linear (straight) stress-strain curve is used, and; after unloading, these are the residual results after loading has been removed Select NL Material Activate Stress vs strain curve 68 3/1/2018 NOTE: Non-linear is not available in SIMSOLID Standard edition

69 Non-linear option Geometric Non-linear structural effects are specified in Structural settings dialog. In geometric non-linear analysis, changes in geometry as the structure deforms are taken into account when iteratively solving the strain-displacement and equilibrium equations. Will calculate large displacement and rotations but assumes small strains (linear elastic) Follower loads can be optionally defined. Typical applications include slender structures, sheet metal and stability analysis of all types. Activate Select here to activate follower load 69 3/1/2018 NOTE: Non-linear is not available in SIMSOLID Standard edition

70 Non-linear Option availability Standard Power Professional Separating contact Material non-linear Geometric non-linear Combined geometric & material non-linear 70 3/3/2018

71 Section 6 INTERPRETING RESULTS 71

72 Creating a contour plot Fast results switching Other display results Safety factor plots XY plots Point probes Reaction forces Spot weld forces Interpreting results 72 3/1/2018

73 Creating a contour plot Once the analysis is complete, a Result entity icon will appear in the Project Tree and the Result Plot button will no longer be greyed out. To create a contour plot, click and hold with the left mouse button (LMB) on the Result Plot button, then select the desired result type from the pop-up menu. Pick and hold with LMB Pick type of contour to display 73 3/1/2018

74 Contour legend controls Select Value to Set Upper Contour Bound 74 3/1/2018 Contour legend controls are on plot dialog Parts can be hidden during results display. Just RMB select on the model or in the Project tree and pick Hide. Hold down the CTRL key to select more than one part. Contour can be on deformed or undeformed part geometry Pick Show part edges button in main window toolbar to display undeformed edges Max/Min labels can be displayed on model. Drag to reposition. Legend controls can be hidden and legend can be dragged to any place in graphics window. Click on legend to bring back controls Max/Min legend bounds can be locked during Fast results switching see next slide. NOTE: this lock only works when switch between identical results. TIP: Use bookmarks to save a contour plot settings, including animations Lock Max Min Bounds Set Output Units Show Deformed Shape Show Undeformed Shape Start/Stop Animation Animation Steps Hide legend controls Select Value to Set Lower Contour Bound Show Min/Max Labels Set Contour Colors 8, 16 or Continuous Set Max Deform Scale Current Animation Frame Animation Speed

75 Fast results switching While contour is displayed, pick another analysis. Contour will fast results switch to new data While contour is displayed, pick new result entity. Contour will fast results switch to new data 75 3/1/2018

76 Display results - Safety factor plot Pick and hold with LMB 2. Pick Material name. Safety factor contour will be shown for all parts with this material. Others will be ghost hidden (transparent). 3. Pick number to edit contour band value then enter to adjust 1. Pick Safety Factor 76 3/1/2018 HINT: CTRL-Select multiple material names to show safety factors on more than one material group of parts. 3. Or, use sliders to dynamically adjust contour bands

77 Display results - XY plot While a contour plot is active, use the Graph button in the Workbench Toolbar to display the XY Graph dialog. Simply pick two or more points on the model to get an XY plot of the result. Drag on the plot to pan or use the mouse wheel to zoom. The Refit button get you back to the original plot scales. Use Save As to save the plot in a variety of graphic or text formats. 77 3/1/2018

78 Display results - Point probe tool While a contour plot is active, use the Pick Info button in the Workbench Toolbar to display the point probe tool. Simply pick one or more points on the model to get numeric values at those locations. 78 3/1/2018

79 Reaction forces SIMSOLID provides an extensive set of Reaction forces including: Boundary supports Connections Parts Spot welds 79 3/1/2018

80 Display results - Support forces Pick the Reaction force button in the Workbench toolbar to display the Reaction Force dialog. Select any boundary support to get the reaction forces summary. Pick a boundary support (use CTRL to select multiple) Pick here to open Reaction force dialog Reaction force and moment vectors shown at centroid of support area. Parts with supports highlighted in blue 80 3/1/2018

81 Display results - Connection forces Pick the Connections tab in the reaction forces dialog Resultant force and moment for the selected connection is given along with the location of the force centroid. Only one connection can be selected at a time. Force and moment vectors are displayed in the geometry window. Connecting parts are blue and red. Vectors are oriented with respect to the blue part. Use the zoom in ( plus ) button to zoom to the local area of interest. 81 3/1/2018

82 Display results - Part forces Total contact force and moments are displayed for one or more selected set of parts. Pick a part to add it to the list. The selected part will display a summary of all connection and support forces excluding applied loads (including body loads such as gravity). Some typical examples of use include: Connections only. No applied loads. Part force will sum to zero. Connections with applied loads. Part force will sum to applied loads. Connections only. No applied loads with the exception that gravity is active. Part force will equal part weight. In addition, individual group of part connections can be examined. Select the expand icon to the left of the part name to show the part connections. Select one or more connections to sum forces on the group as shown (example on right). Single part connection forces and moments Part with no applied loads. Forces sum to zero 82 3/1/2018

83 Display results Spot weld forces Pick column name to sort list Pick single Spot weld to view resultant force vector on the model Pick here to open Spot weld forces dialog Power edition only Or, CTRL-Select and SHIFT-Select multiple values to sum forces 83 3/1/2018

84 Refine results plot on a face A right mouse button (RMB) option is available to locally refine result contours on a single part face. This can be useful for long narrow regions that may not have enough plotting resolution. Note that this does not affect the accuracy of the results. It only provides more sampling points to map results to. May be applied more than once to some faces. There is an upper limit on the resolution that is allowed. Once reached, this command will notify the user that no more refinement on the face is possible. Use with caution. Once additional points are mapped, you cannot go back to the original plotting resolution. 84 3/1/2018

85 Section 7 TYPICAL SIMSOLID WORKFLOWS 85

86 Typical Workflows SIMSOLID workflows are meant to be used from an assembly down to a part. This is opposite from typical FEA that starts from simple parts/shapes. This eliminates the assumptions that designers must make for geometry simplification and part load magnitude/direction in typical FEA. The SIMSOLID analysis approach is to first determine load paths from the full assembly and then drill in to single parts and hot spots details. Typical SIMSOLID 2 stage workflow 1. Assembly load path prediction 2. Detailed stress study 86

87 STEP 1 - Load path prediction workflow Goal: capture overall load path and reaction forces Inputs: Geometry full assembly geometry with bonded connections BC s simple overall supports and active loads. Don t forget gravity. Solution settings standard default settings. May want to run second analysis with 4 solution passes to examine load path convergence Outputs to look at: Displacements Reaction forces General overall stress distribution 87 3/1/2018

88 STEP 2 - Detailed stress prediction workflow Goal: capture detailed displacement and stress Inputs: Connections add more detail to connections in local areas of interest. Is connection density OK. If connection area is small or thin, may consider increasing connection resolution Is sliding or separating contact more appropriate? Separating contact is OK due to low computation overhead. Go ahead and use it. Solution settings Use additional passes 4, 5 or 6 Use local groups to focus adaption on local hot spots Outputs to look at: Impact of separating/sliding connections on overall deformations Local stresses Connection and part forces Increase # solution passes to 4, 5 or 6 Create local group or parts to focus on In local part group adjust settings for more detail 88 3/1/2018

89 Section 8 ADDITIONAL TOPICS AND SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION 89

90 Additional topics - Not covered here Thermal & thermal stress analyses Geometric nonlinear analysis Material nonlinear analysis Bolted connections Specified displacement in local coordinate systems Rigid parts Standard and user defined views Hydrostatic loads Inertia loads Bearing loads and hinge constraint Exporting animations Modal participation factors Personalize the user interface Virtual connectors Creating custom materials Importing materials from.csv files Measuring distance and gaps Adding/editing/viewing project tree comments Creating a MS PowerPoint report Spot and laser welds Fillet/seam welds 90 3/1/2018

91 Sources for more information SIMSOLID Blog SIMSOLID Forum SIMSOLID Learning videos SIMSOLID White papers Follow us online at: Web Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube /1/2018

92 Next Steps Go ahead and try SIMSOLID for yourself. Compare it with an analysis done using traditional FEA methods. But when using SIMSOLID, use the full CAD geometry and not the geometry that has been simplified for FEA. Next, try it on an large assembly. Remember, never merge parts. Just leave them in their original design state and use SIMSOLID connections. Then, modify the geometry and reimport it to create a 2 nd design study. See how fast and easy it is to evaluate change on actual CAD designs. And finally, have a question, please post it in the User forum or just contact us directly. We would love to hear from you. 92 3/1/2018