Chapter 6: Analysis of Components with Solid Elements
This chapter builds on the idea of advanced elements within the SOLIDWORKS simulation library that we commenced looking at in the preceding chapter. Primarily, the current chapter hones in on solid elements, versatile elements for the simulation of arbitrary three-dimensional bodies. In the course of exploring these elements with two concrete examples, the chapter features the use of mesh control, the setting up of global/local interactions between components, the significance of curvature-based meshes, and an assessment of contact stress, among other things. Overall, the following topics will be covered:
- Overview of components that deserve to be analyzed with solid elements
- Analysis of helical springs
- Analysis of spur gears