Hi,
I am analyzing a Vertical Solid Plate under water;
The height of the plate is 14 ft, Length 56 ft
The Maximum water head is 80 ft.
I can calculate the pressure, stress and deflection mathematically, however since the force distribution is trapezoidal, I was wonder if any could help me on how to apply this force in SolidWorks simulation, so that I can analyze it.
Look at 'Loads and Restraints' in the Simulation help file. There is a non-uniform pressure load option.
You'll have a linear equation where the pressure is atmospheric at the surface of the water and increases linearly with distance below the surface, giving your the trapezoidal profile:
P = Pa + ρgh
Switching to x-y nomenclature, assuming y represents depth into the water and x is along the surface of the water:
P(x,y) = Pa + ρgy
As we know, pressure depends only on the depth.
Simplify the constants:
P = A + By
So, in the non-uniform pressure distribution dialog, you set all the terms involving x to zero. You put Pa for the constant coefficient A, and ρg for the y coefficient B. Or zero for Pa if you don't care about atmospheric.
Jim S.