Easy problem, just not sure how to do it
Need to get it done today, hoping for some help
I have a steel structure that I would like to see the defromartion / displacement when going from 68 degrees F to 90 F
I want to fix the bottom so I can see the height grow taller
Please help
Yes it would, but I wanted to see if the simulation could also accurately perform this chore
James,
I've never done a thermal analysis in SolidWorks Simulation, so I can't help on the way to set it up. The only thing I can suggest is to be careful how you set up the constraints at the floor, so you don't get unrealistic stresses in that area.
Jerry S.
It can. How is the structure connected to the floor?
there are multiple ways to do this
but why not just perform a static stress analysis
fix the bottom
zero strain at 68deg F
apply a temperature boundary condition to the body of 90deg F
the part will expand based on the 22deg F difference and the CTE of the part
this assumes it is all 90deg F
perform a thermal analsyis first and then import into static if you want a temperature gradient first
Jared, but how to set zero strain at 68 deg F?
i found it can be done in the 'properties' of 'static study'.
James,
If it is unconstrained, then a quick hand calculation using the height and the coefficient of thermal expansion should do the trick.
Jerry S.