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Is it possible to make a solid driven by volume and constrained by the curvature of an existing component?

Question asked by Daniel Bengtson on Sep 5, 2014
Latest reply on Sep 9, 2014 by Daniel Bengtson

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I wish to model a fluid's location within a tank as the tank is rotated about a single axis. The goal of this is to see where the center of gravity ends up in different orientations. I have a solid modeled of the interior volume of the tank that I have been taking extruded cuts from to replicate various levels of fill, but the problem is I have to manually change the cut every time to create the correct volume. Is there a way to create a solid that maintains a constant volume, but will also follow the curvature of the tank walls?

Deepak Gupta Sep 5, 2014 3:25 PM

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I've never tried but feel like it is possible. One option is via excel and API like demonstrated here http://wlmservicesnet.ipage.com/blog/?p=45

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Deepak Gupta Sep 5, 2014 12:28 PM

If you're modeling them as multi bodies part then you use the subtract option in combine tool OR look at intersect option.

You can also set the sensor for the volume.

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Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 5, 2014 1:39 PM

I am currently working in an assembly. I apologize for not being more clear with my original post. I have the solid that is representing the fluid mated within the original tank assembly. There are several other parts connected to the tank that I would like included in the center of gravity calculations as well. I could convert the assembly into a part if you believe that would work better. I have never used sensors before. Are you saying that I can use the sensor to restrict the volume of my part to a defined maximum?

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Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 5, 2014 2:52 PM

I have already created a solid with the internal volume of the tank from one of the methods listed in that video. I suppose what I am really asking for is if there is a way to set an arbitrary value say 200 gallons, then have solidworks use the existing geometry (tank walls) and some reference of direction to create a solid with that volume. Thank you for helping me.

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Deepak Gupta @ Daniel Bengtson on Sep 5, 2014 3:25 PM

I've never tried but feel like it is possible. One option is via excel and API like demonstrated here http://wlmservicesnet.ipage.com/blog/?p=45

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Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 10, 2014 8:31 AM

Thank you Deepak. After some struggling I was able to get a workable macro that employs the concepts outlined in the video you provided. This has saved me a substantial amount of time.

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Deepak Gupta Sep 5, 2014 12:28 PM
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Correct Answer
If you're modeling them as multi bodies part then you use the subtract option in combine tool OR look at intersect option.

You can also set the sensor for the volume.
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- Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 5, 2014 1:39 PM
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  I am currently working in an assembly. I apologize for not being more clear with my original post. I have the solid that is representing the fluid mated within the original tank assembly. There are several other parts connected to the tank that I would like included in the center of gravity calculations as well. I could convert the assembly into a part if you believe that would work better. I have never used sensors before. Are you saying that I can use the sensor to restrict the volume of my part to a defined maximum?
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  - Deepak Gupta @ Daniel Bengtson on Sep 5, 2014 2:13 PM
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    Check this post/video http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/10/alins-sw2013-pick-of-the-day-fill-a-baby-bottle-using-the-intersect-tool/
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    - Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 5, 2014 2:52 PM
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      I have already created a solid with the internal volume of the tank from one of the methods listed in that video. I suppose what I am really asking for is if there is a way to set an arbitrary value say 200 gallons, then have solidworks use the existing geometry (tank walls) and some reference of direction to create a solid with that volume. Thank you for helping me.
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      - Deepak Gupta @ Daniel Bengtson on Sep 5, 2014 3:25 PM
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        I've never tried but feel like it is possible. One option is via excel and API like demonstrated here http://wlmservicesnet.ipage.com/blog/?p=45
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        Daniel Bengtson @ Deepak Gupta on Sep 10, 2014 8:31 AM
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        Thank you Deepak. After some struggling I was able to get a workable macro that employs the concepts outlined in the video you provided. This has saved me a substantial amount of time.
        Like • Show 0 Likes0
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Is it possible to make a solid driven by volume and constrained by the curvature of an existing component?

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