How to perform a stress analysis on a CAD model using SolidWorks

💡 How-to
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If you want to perform a stress analysis on a design created in SolidWorks, but aren’t sure how to get started, here is a step-by-step guide for performing a basic stress analysis on a model.

Step 1: Enable the Simulation Add-In

  1. Go to Tools > Add-Ins.
  2. Check the box next to SolidWorks Simulation.
  3. This will add the Simulation tab to your SolidWorks interface.

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Step 2: Set Up a New Simulation Study

  1. In the Simulation tab, click New Study.
  2. Select the type of analysis; for stress analysis, choose Static.
  3. Name the study and click OK. This will create a new Simulation study tab.

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Step 3: Apply material

  1. Select the part.
  2. In the Simulation tab, click apply material.
  3. Select the material that your part will be made of.

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Step 4: Apply Fixtures

  1. Right-click on Fixtures in the Simulation tree and choose the appropriate fixture type (e.g., Fixed Geometry, Roller/Slider).
  2. Click the faces where you want to apply these constraints. Fixtures prevent movement and rotation in specified directions.

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Step 5: Apply External Loads

  1. Right-click on External Loads in the Simulation tree and select the type of load.
  2. Select the surfaces or edges where the load will be applied.
  3. Specify the magnitude and direction of the load.

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Step 6: Mesh the Model (if needed)

  1. Right-click on Mesh in the Simulation tree and select Create Mesh.
  2. Adjust the mesh density as needed. A finer mesh usually provides more accurate results but increases computation time.
  3. Click OK to generate the mesh.

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Step 7: Run the Analysis

  1. Once the fixtures, loads, and mesh are set, click Run in the toolbar to start the simulation.

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Step 8: Review the Results

  1. To view stress results, right-click on stress and select show plot.

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