Analysis of components under thermo-mechanical loads

This section initiates our entry into the exploration of the SOLIDWORKS Simulation for the analysis of components subjected to a combination of thermal and mechanical loads. The problem we will deploy for this purpose stems from the design of a diaphragm-based pressure sensor.

Problem statement

Suppose you are involved in the prototyping of a differential pressure sensor for the measurement of ultra-low pressure in the range of 0–5 bars (or 0–0.5 MPa). Let's say you have narrowed down the key functional components of the measurement to comprise an enclosed circular diaphragm and a Wheatstone bridge, as shown in Figure 9.1a. Principally, it is known that this specific pressure sensor works by converting the deflection of a circular diaphragm into an electrical signal [1], where the deflection of the diaphragm is caused by the difference between a reference pressure (Pref) in an enclosed chamber and an incoming...