3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Tutorial Part 9: Drop Test Simulation

In the previous part of our 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Tutorial series we reviewed 3D printing of our prototype. In this installment, we will walk through the application of drop test simulation with SIMULIA Structural Mechanics Engineer.

Watch the tutorial video below to learn about drop test simulation with 3DEXPERIENCE Works Simulation:

What is SIMULIA Structural Mechanics Engineer (SME)?

SIMULIA Structural Mechanics Engineer (SME) is a role available with the 3DEXPERIENCE Works Simulation product portfolio. This role allows the use of Explicit Dynamics solver for high-speed nonlinear analysis such as Impact Analysis and Drop Testing. Users can apply complex material models that are readily available in the material database or use the Material Calibration tool to import experimental material test data.

Drop Test Setup

Using the Mechanical Scenario Creation app within SIMULIA Structural Mechanics Engineer (SME) role, we will set up the drop test simulation of our knife handle.

Assembly is simplified to include only key components contributing to the mass. A planar surface represented as a non-deformable rigid body is defined as the target or rigid floor on which the knife handle is dropped. When it comes to meshing, SME provides robust meshing capabilities and various element types.

A surface mesh of quad elements is used for a rigid floor. The carving knife handle and internal components are meshed using tetrahedral elements. An initial velocity and gravity are defined for the drop test.

Drop Test Velocity and Gravity Setup

Running the Analysis

Since SME is a cloud-based solution, users can take advantage of the multi-core scaling with Abaqus solver technology to run the analysis. It offers the option to execute analysis on the cloud using credits or tokens to access more memory or run locally on the user’s machine.

The stress and displacement plots for this analysis is shown below. SME offers powerful visualization and postprocessing capabilities, including automatic report generation and sharing data with the team.

SIMULIA Drop Test Analysis

Taking users beyond simple stress analysis, Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA Structural Mechanics Engineer (SME) allows design engineering teams and product stakeholders to collaborate more efficiently to build robust products with increased confidence.

Interested in 3DEXPERIENCE Works?

Visit our website to learn how 3DEXPERIENCE® SOLIDWORKS® connects the industry-leading SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD desktop solution to the 3DEXPERIENCE Works platform, a cloud-based product development environment.