Engineering Analysis with SolidWorks Simulation 2012 ® By Paul M. Kurowski

Engineering Analysis with SolidWorks Simulation 2012 ® By Paul M. Kurowski

PREFACE:

Once the Fixtures definition window is open, select the Fixed Geometry restraint type. Select the end-face entity where the restraint is to be applied. Click the green check mark in Fixture PropertyManager window to complete the restraint definition. Notice that in SolidWorks Simulation, the term “Fixture” implies that the model is firmly “fixed” to the ground. However, aside from Fixed Geometry, which we have just used, all other types of fixtures restrain the model in certain directions while allowing movements in other directions. Therefore,the term “restraint” may better describe what happens when choices in the Fixture window are made. In this book we will switch between the terms “fixture” and “restraint” freely. The existence of restraints is indicated by the symbols shown in Figure 2-10. The size of a symbol can be changed in Symbol Settings in the Fixture window. Notice that symbols shown in Figure 2-10 are distributed over the highlighted face, meaning the entire face has been restrained. Each symbol consists of three orthogonal arrows symbolizing directions where translations have been restrained. Each arrow has a disk symbolizing that rotations have also been restrained. The symbol implies that all six degrees of freedom (three translations and three rotations) have been restrained. However, the element type we will use to mesh this model (second order solid tetrahedral element) has only translational degrees of freedom. Rotational degrees of freedom can’t be restrained because they don’t exist in this type of element. Therefore, disks symbolizing restrained rotations are irrelevant in our model. Please see the following table for more explanations. Before proceeding, explore other types of restraints accessible through the Fixture window. Restraints can be divided into two groups: Standard and Advanced. Review animated examples available in the Fixture window and review the following table. Some less frequently used types of restraints are not listed here.