Dear SW Users.
I am not well versed with Simulation of Assemblies and i am trying to analyze the two Aluminum Extrusion connected to each other at right angles by a bracket (See Picture)
As seen above Extrusion 1. is carring a vertical load and Extrusion 2 supports Extrusion 1. My objective is to see how the Bracket helps in reducing deflection in Extrusion 1.
Whats the right way to set up the system and get the results?
Thanks in Advance.
Jared,
Appreciate the reply.
How do i fix the bracket to the Extrusion? I have a global bonding condition right now.
Does Solid Works simulation get affected by the way the components have been mated to each other for assemblying them together?
Thanks Again.
Ameya,
No, the mates in SolidWorks don't affect the analysis. You need to set up the proper contact conditions in the analysis.
Jerry S.
Jared,
The mesh gives me the following error: " At least two bodies are interfering. Do you want to check interferences"
Thanks Again.
Ameya,
That probably means that you have an interference in your SolidWorks model between some of the parts. Life will be much easier for your if you find and eliminate the interference before you try to analyze your assembly.
Jerry S.
Jerry,
Thank You very much for your advise, i really appreciate that.
I created bunch of split lines and defined contact areas between components and that resolved the interference issues.
On bonding, check out the mixed mesh tutorials.
Remember that fixing and bonding are generally different. The latter is contact the former a restraint. Without the restraint, it flies off into space. Without the contact, the parts don't stay together. When you are first starting, I always suggest adding fake restraints, excluding all parts except for one and using the gravity load. Add parts one at a time so if there is a problem, it is easy to identify.
On mates, see Jerry's response and what I've written above. The mates just develop the relative locations, the contacts, restraints and connectors do the rest.
On interferences, yep, you need to get rid of those. Overlap is only allowed for shrink fit. The maximum amount of interference should be when you have treat coincidence as interference. That will show you where global contact will apply.
Jared,
That really was helpful, I very much appreciate your help.
Thanks Again!
Where are you stuck?
My suggestion is to start simple. Make your 2 extrusions just blocks to start. Fix the holes, apply the appropriate end conditions on extrusion 1 and maybe 2 (no detail provided for either). Apply a load and run it with solids.
Then move on to the appropriate idealizations. Shells for the bracket first and the appropriate contacts. And then investigate beams for the extrusions. Then swap the extrusions for the final shapes and you'll be done!