New in SolidWorks Simulation 2012: Beams in Linear Dynamics

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SolidWorks Simulation 2012 brings several enhancements with regard to beams. In particular, Beam elements are now supported in Linear Dynamic studies, which include: Modal Time History, Harmonic, Random Vibration, and Response Spectra analyses. You can use beams to simplify problems with weldments or structural members, improve simulation performance, and reduce the file size of results.

To perform a linear dynamic analysis for models that include beams:

  1. Create a Linear Dynamic study, and select one of the study options depending on the loading and response parameters you want to access after running the study.

    You can also copy an existing frequency study to a new dynamic study.

  2. Set the frequency and dynamic properties of the study.
  3. Define material. You can apply only Linear Elastic Isotropic material type to beams.
  4. Define restraints. Fixed Geometry, Immovable (No translation), and Use Reference Geometry are available for beams.
  5. Define Loads. You can choose from the following options:
    • Time-dependent force or torque
      Available for modal time history analysis studies. Select beam joints or the entire beam length to apply force or torque values.

      Frequency-dependent force or torque

      Available for harmonic and random vibration studies. Select beam joints or the entire beam length to apply force or torque values.
    • Uniform and selected base excitations
      For Random Vibration and Response Spectra Analysis, you can apply base excitation only in the global X, Y, Z directions.
    • Initial conditions
      Available for modal time history analysis studies. Displacements, velocities, or accelerations at time = 0. You can apply initial conditions to beam joints or the entire beam length.
  6. Define damping.
  7. Define contact. You can select Bonded or Allow Penetration.
  8. Mesh the model and run the study.
  9. View the results:
    • You can generate time history graphs at selected nodes. Right-click Results, and select Define Response Graph.
    • You can plot stresses (axial, bending, highest axial and bending, torsional, and shear), displacements, velocities and accelerations for a specified solution step, or extreme values across all solution steps. Right-click Results, and select from the plot options.

Want to see more? Just visit the SolidWorks 2012 website to learn about the rest of the updates for our 20th release.

Matthew West

SolidWorks alumnus. I like plate reverb, Rat pedals, Thai curry, New Weird fiction, my kids, Vespas, Jazzmasters, my wife & Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not necessarily in that order.