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How to start a simulation
To start, we utilize a static structural analysis to validate our frame design, as we want to understand how the chassis will react to a load case as a static structure (so we are essentially saying the frame is not allowed to move, so that we can analyze the response as purely structural, and how specifically our design affects stress and deformation distributions).
For a static structural analysis, there are a few different parts that go into the analysis. First, the engineering data holds all the numerical stats of each material that can be utilized, which play a part in calculating the simulation results (think about all they constants and data you need for the equations you learned in Solids). Next, geometry holds the design file that you want to perform the simulation on. Additionally, you can prepare the design (make the design into beams, shells, etc.) by using Ansys SpaceClaim (I will go over this later). Then you have the model tab, that opens Ansys Mechanical, and is the main area we will use in Ansys.
Meshing
- Now when it comes to meshing in Ansys, this is really a key feature where Ansys shines above standard SolidWorks FEA, in terms of the vast amount of settings and tweakable options available to you for quality mesh refinement. However, having all these options means that if you don’t know how to use them properly, you can run into a lot of headaches.
- That being said, typically using a 3mm automatically generated mesh can give you decent results, although if you know how to/want to get the best, most accurate results, please look deeper into sweep meshing, tetrahedral meshing, etc.
- IK this section is pretty lacking, that is solely because as of writing this, I do not have enough experience to confidently lead any reader in the right direction myself. However, anything is possible with enough research and practice, so I encourage you to get out there and start meshing :D
- This is an excellent resource made by the now LHR Combustion Body Lead, Ryan Gretta
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