Hi all,

First of all, I'm new with SolidWorks, so if I'm overseeing some essential beginner concepts please correct me.

For the past few weeks, I've tried to create a model of the aortic valve using solidworks to perform flow simulations. My approach was to make a model, perform flow simulation with the valve closed and export the results to Simulation to calculate the deformation. Then, using the resulting deformed model could be used for new flow simulations in the case of an open valve. However, though I've managed to make a succesful simulation with one configuration (with realistic results) using a force as input and a succesful flow simulation (with realistic results) with another configuration, I cannot find an assembly configuration which works for both Simulation and Flow Simulation.

The approach I used was a wireframe in which several loft surfaces are made. The valve leaflets are thickened inwards and the aortic wall (to which the leaflets are attached) thickened outwards. This works for Simulation, but not for Flow Simulation as it results in interfering components. I've also tried to use an offset between the leaflets and the aortic wall, this results in acceptable flow simulations but completely unrealistic simulation results. I think these unrealistic results are caused by the untoaching faces of the leaflets and the aortic wall (which are connected in real life).

So, what approach would result in an acceptable assembly for both Simulation and Flow Simulation? I've attached the assembly which works for the Simulation. I'm using SolidWorks 2012.

Thanks,