This post originates from a project validating the drop test experiment (see Figure 1) in a case study—Analytical and Experimental Study on Drop Test of Electronic Devices (Lamar University, 2021)—using Transient Structural analysis in ANSYS. Figure 1. The drop test set-up. There are several important questions to ask before the simulation: For this drop … Continue reading Drop Test Simulation using Transient Structural Analysis in ANSYS
General
A Heat Exchanger in SolidWorks Flow Simulation
We have talked about conjugate heat transfer in a recent post. In this post, we will look at a similar example and perform a steady-state thermal analysis on a copper heat exchanger as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Heat exchanger (transparent mode). The heat exchanger is used to transfer heat between air and water. … Continue reading A Heat Exchanger in SolidWorks Flow Simulation
What’s New SOLIDWORKS 2025 – Assembly Design
It has been a while since the last post. Today I would like to share a video I made about SOLIDWORKS 2025. Working with large assemblies in SOLIDWORKS can be challenging, especially when dealing with thousands of components. Efficiently utilizing computer resources and optimizing performance is crucial for a smooth workflow. SOLIDWORKS 2025 introduces several … Continue reading What’s New SOLIDWORKS 2025 – Assembly Design
SolidWorks Simulation: How Do We Understand Response Spectrum Analysis?
Any loading can be understood as transient, but it can also be understood as a spectrum of waves. Treating dynamic problem inputs and outputs as a combination of waves (or wave spectrum) simplifies the problem by removing the concept of time. However, the solution is approximate and with certain limitations. You can use a response … Continue reading SolidWorks Simulation: How Do We Understand Response Spectrum Analysis?
SolidWorks Simulation: How Do We Understand Harmonic Response Analysis?
What is harmonic response analysis? Let's start this post by a simple example: A single degree of freedom oscillator loaded with a time varying force F. The solution to this problem is known in closed form. If the force F oscillates, the resulting displacement will oscillate in the same oscillatory fashion. The phase angle Φ, … Continue reading SolidWorks Simulation: How Do We Understand Harmonic Response Analysis?
4 Tips for Harmonic Response Analysis Using SolidWorks Simulation
It has been a while since the last post. Today I would like to share 4 tips you should keep in mind when doing harmonic analysis using SolidWorks Simulation. Tip 1. 80% cumulative mass participation criteria To help determine the minimum number of modes to be used, make sure there is at least 80% mass … Continue reading 4 Tips for Harmonic Response Analysis Using SolidWorks Simulation
Note: What is the difference between Nodal Stress and Element Stress?
Came across this neat explanation of the difference between nodal stress and element stress. I feel it is necessary to share this note because I have been asked several times about this question. This is definitely one of the fundamental concepts that a structural analyst should understand and be able to explain. Enjoy reading! It … Continue reading Note: What is the difference between Nodal Stress and Element Stress?
Orthotropic Material-Modelling a Wood Pallet Using SolidWorks Simulation
The post provides a detailed walkthrough of modeling a wood pallet using SolidWorks Simulation, including material properties, coordinate systems, contact areas, and result interpretation.
Material nonlinearity: elasto-plastic analysis of a statically indeterminate truss
This is another simple problem of a statically indeterminate truss. Bilinear kinetic hardening material model is used. The beauty of this problem is that as the force increases, it can be expected that the vertical member and slant members will develop into the plastic stage consecutively. That will be seen later from the equilibrium path. … Continue reading Material nonlinearity: elasto-plastic analysis of a statically indeterminate truss
Nonlinear buckling analysis: considering both large deformation and material nonlinearity
In this post, we are going to do a nonlinear buckling analysis for a thin arch shell under uniformly distributed pressure. The configuration of the arch shell is as follows During the analysis, a linear buckling analysis will be conducted first to obtain the 1st-order eigenvalue (i.e. the linear buckling load) and eigenmode (i.e. buckling … Continue reading Nonlinear buckling analysis: considering both large deformation and material nonlinearity