To do a static analysis, the model must be properly restrained so that it cannot move. SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides various fixtures that can be used to restrain the model. Generally, fixtures can be applied to faces, edges and vertices using various methods.
There are some standard fixtures for SOLIDWORKS SIMULATIONS, Fixed Geometry, Immovable, Roller/Slider and Fixed Hinge.
- Fixed Geomtry: It also called a rigid support, all translational and all rotational degrees of freedom are constrained. Fixed Geomtry does not require any information are applied.
- Immovable: This restraint locks translational movement but allows rotational movement. This option is only available when working with shell and beam elements but not solid elements.
- Roller/Slider: It used to define a planar face can move freely in its plane but cannot move in the direction normal to its plane. The face can shrink or expand under loading.
- Fixed Hinge: It used to specify that a cylindrical face can move only about its axis. The radius and the length of the cylindrical face remain constant under loading.
In this example, the Fixed Geometry will be selected. And the Fixed Geometry has been applied on the left handed side face. The model now has been fixed on left face, the left face won’t be moved in simulation.
To apply the Fixed Geometry, right click on the Fixture, add fixed geometry and select the desired faces
Next we will define the load.
You may follow these steps below to conduct the same example as above:
- Right click on “Fixtures” and select “Fixed Geometry” (Simulation Study Tree Area).
- Select the highlighted face as the picture above.
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 1/8 :SOLIDWORKS Simulation Key Stages
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2/8 : Define a Study
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 3/8 : Apply or Assign Material Properties
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 4/8 :Apply Fixtures
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 5/8 : Define/ Apply Load
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 6/8 : Mesh the Model
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 7/8 : Run the Study
To Start Your First SOLIDWORKS Simulation 8/8 : Analyze Results