I need some advice on how to proceed here. I'm bringing a mass going at a specific speed to a stop, using a bumper mounted on a bracket. I have the force/deflection curve for the bumper.
I know I need to use a nonlinear analysis. How to model the mass coming in? Do I use an assembly with a blob to represent the mass, and a spring between the blob and the bracket? How to set up the initial conditions and the time steps?
Is this a dynamic analysis, a nonlinear, or a combination of both?
There's amazingly little information out there, other than "take a course." Fair enough. Which course to take?
FWIW, my company also uses plastic parts, so the nonlinear course would be handy. But the impact is what I need.
If the goal of the analysis is to simulate the stress in the bracket from the impact, a Nonlinear Dynamic study would typically be used along with the appropriate initial conditions.
This instructor-led classroom training course package covers both Nonlinear Static and Nonlinear Dynamic. Alternatively, there is a standalone "SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium: Dynamics" course offering which you can see on this page. This course also exists as a self-paced "SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium: Dynamics" eCourse.
Perhaps other community members can chime in with advice on those specific how-to questions. Personal preferences and experience certainly factor in, and some trial and error is may be necessary to identify the best approach.