SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 Mass Properties Sensor

One of the enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2017 was ‘Simulation Mass Properties’. Wherein, you could calculate mass properties of all or selected bodies included in a Simulation study. The Mass Properties tool considers: Solid, beam, and sheet metal bodies with their material definitions assigned in Simulation. Thicknesses assigned to shell and surface bodies. Composite shells with assigned materials. Remote masses. Masses added with bolt and pin connectors. These properties are calculated: mass, volume, surface area, center of mass, and principal moments of inertia (taken at the center of mass), as shown in Figure 1. Simulation mass properties can be accessed by right-click the top icon in the Simulation study tree, and click Mass properties.

Figure 1. Simulation Mass Properties

Now in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018, you can monitor Simulation mass properties with a sensor, as depicted in Figure 2 below.

The SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2018 Mass Properties Sensor tracks mass properties (mass, volume, surface area, and center of mass coordinates) for bodies, remote masses, and bolts.

Figure 2. Sensor for Simulation Mass Properties

You can use a simulation mass properties sensor either as a Constraint or as a Goal in Design Studies.