SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2017 Locate Singularities by Detecting Hot Spots
Article by Scott Durksen, CSWE updated September 26, 2016
Article
Stress singularities are inherent in all FEA calculations. Sharp re-entrant corners, point loads and fixtures on edges cause singularities to develop. Due to inability to mathematically calculate these locations, the stress values increase to a theoretical infinite value as the mesh is refined smaller and smaller. Only the elements close to the singularity are affected so there is a significant difference in the stress between elements in these regions.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2017 helps to locate singularities by adding a Stress Hot Spot Diagnostics tool. This compares the Von Mises stress between adjacent elements to determine probable locations. Here is an overview of how to use the new SOLIDWORKS Simulation Stress Hot Spots tool:
Running Stress Hot Spot Diagnostics
After your study has finished solving, right-click on the Results folder and choose Stress Hot Spot Diagnostics.
Set the sensitivity factor
The Stress Hot Spot options allow you to adjust the sensitivity factor. Increasing the Sensitivity will be slower but will identify more locations. Increasing all the way to High will pick up more locations but not necessarily singularities. It may find regions with too coarse of a mesh that causes a difference in stresses between adjacent elements. However these regions may require further mesh refinement if accurate stress results are required.
The diagnostics tool automatically uses Element Values to locate the hot spots, but you can also include Node Values to review.
After clicking Run Stress Hot Spot Diagnosis, a dialog box will pop up indicated if Stress Hot Spots are detected or not. Click OK to review the results.
Stress Hot Spots Results
A stress plot is generated and you can review Stress Hot Spots by seeing the location of grey elements. Here we have singularities at the sharp inside corner, as well as the top as I fixed the edges instead of the face.
To assist in pinpointing the exact location, choose the option Isolate Stress Hot Spots to only show the location of hot spots.
After accepting, a new Stress Plot is generated so you have access to review the Hot Spots and to include it in your Simulation Report.
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