Highlights of SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018: New Topology Research Capabilities
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 introduces a new type of research, Topology Study, to help designers and engineers develop innovative, minimal-quality components. Under linear static loads and constraints, topological studies will "remove" elements from the finite element mesh until the target mass or the best ratio of stiffness to weight is achieved.
This iterative process of element removal is limited by research constraints such as maximum allowable deflection and any manufacturing control. Let us delve into this new study with a simple example. The model, shown below, is a simple gas-assisted hinge lift mechanism whose task is to optimize the design of the blue part while maintaining its stiffness to reduce its mass.
Gas assisted hinge lifting mechanism
The first step in the design optimization process is to determine the load of the link during the hinge operation. The version of the topology study currently published can only be applied to parts containing a single object, but the load experienced by the link is due to the assembly motion. By performing motion analysis on the assembly, the load on the connecting point of the connecting rod can be calculated and transferred to the part for analysis. The load on the blue link is indicated by the size of the yellow arrow in the figure below and the maximum load on the air brace.
Stress calculated by motion analysis
It is a good practice to statically study your part before running a topology study to ensure that the applied load does not cause small deflections that violate linear static assumptions and stresses that are lower than the yield strength of the part.
Creating topology studies is no different than static research; materials, loads, and constraints are the same.
The difference is two new input conditions: goals and constraints and manufacturing controls.
The goal of topological research can be to minimize the mass or displacement of the part or to maximize its stiffness (optimal stiffness to weight ratio). This is a good practice starting with the optimum stiffness to weight ratio (maximum stiffness) option.
During topology studies, if you do not want to exceed the maximum displacement of the component, then with the displacement limit option, this option minimizes maximum displacement or minimizes mass.
All three goals always minimize quality. The effect of lowering the target weight is shown in the figure below.
The final step in the topology study setup is to add several manufacturing controls. This is an optional step that does not require a research run, but it allows you to control the shape of the results at the same time, as well as downstream manufacturing methods.
Manufacturing control is a reserved area that allows you to exclude specified areas of the model from the topology process, control thickness, set minimum feature thickness and model symmetry, and define the direction of the die-drawing as a casting constraint.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation includes a load case manager, which is ideal for this simulation.
Because you can determine the smallest mass component, it meets all loads throughout the hinge operation.
For those who can use a 3D printer, the results of the topology study can be exported as a smooth grid.
This grid can be sent directly to a 3D printer for manufacturing, but further verification of components based on printer materials is essential.
But this is not to say that topological research is not used in traditional manufacturing processes.
The results of the topological study can be superimposed on the original geometry and used as a guide to create the excavated parts and pores for the traditional CAM solution.
Emerging solutions such as topology and 3D printing are changing the expectations for product design.
With the release of SOLIDWORKS in 2018, users can take advantage of these new manufacturing technologies and processes to bring innovative products to market.
By combining topological research with additive manufacturing, companies can redesign existing parts to reduce weight.
Improve part performance (best strength to weight ratio) and reduce part count by combining multiple joined parts into one part.
Source: Dassault
(Editor)
Waterproof Electric Toothbrush
Waterproof Electric Toothbrush,Portable Electric Toothbrush,Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush,Pink Color Electric Toothbrush
ZHEJIANG SHENGFA ELECTRIC APPLIAMNCES CO.,LTD , https://www.shengfa-appliance.com