Alignex Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing Blog

2D Simplification in SolidWorks Simulation 2011 by Eric Weber

A great new feature in Solidworks Simulation 2011 is that you can now create 2D simplification studies for static, nonlinear, pressure vessel design, and thermal studies.  You can benefit from this in two ways.  The first is saving analysis time because 2D models require fewer mesh elements as well as simpler contact conditions when compared to their 3D counterparts.  Another benefit of 2D simplification studies is that it allows you to mesh the geometry much finer than you would want to in 3D because of limited time or limited computing power.

There are four types of 2D simplifications options to choose from based on your inputs.

1. Plane Stress
2. Plane Strain
3. Extruded Model
4. Axisymmetric

Plane Stress

This simulates thin geometries that have no forces acting normal to the section plane.  This option also assumes that no stresses develop normal to the section plane.  Some examples include thin plates and snap-fit clips.

Plane Strain

The plane strain model simulates thick geometries that extend long distances away from the 2D plane.  The assumptions with this simplification model are that there are no forces acting normal to the section plane.  Another assumption is that no strains develop normal to the 2D plane.  Examples of where one could use the plane strain simplification would be for dams under water pressure loading, sheet rolling, and tunnels under pressure. 

Extruded Model

Extruded Model simplifies simulations for geometries with constant thermal loads acting along an extrusion direction.  This model is only available for thermal studies. 

Axisymmetric

One would use an axisymmetric simplification for any model with geometry, material properties, loads, and fixtures are symmetric about an axis.  Some examples of using axisymmetric 2D simplifications would be simulating round seal compression, pressure vessel analysis, problems in the turbine industry.

Solidworks makes it easy to create 2D sections.  Users can use planar surfaces, 2D closed sketches, or use the 2D Simplification PropertyManager to create a 2D model from a 3D part or assembly.  The neat thing about 2D simplification in Solidworks Simulation is the fact that you can still view your results in 3D, you aren't limited to only seeing the results on the plane you select.

I hope you are as excited as I am to start using this feature in Simulation 2011.  We all are under pressure to speed up our design processes.  2D simplification is one of the many new features added in the Solidworks 2011 suite to help us all do our jobs better and faster.  Solidworks 2011 is available for download now.  Go out and upgrade your release and start to realize the many ways Solidworks can improve your designs and design processes! If you haven’t made the move to SolidWorks Simulation Professional from your current version of SolidWorks, these new features could be the gateway you have been seeking to get started.  Talk to your Alignex Sales Representative or fill out our Product Interest Form to get the process started in evaluating the level of Simulation you could use to make your products better and bring them to market faster; with fewer prototypes.