Modeling Guidelines
Workflow tips for modeling in SimSolid.
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Check for free surfaces and merged parts.
- Import only solids.
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Do not merge parts.
Part definition becomes complex, the solver works harder, and solution accuracy and performance can deteriorate if parts are merged.
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Check for solids with curvature.
- If the faceting of those solids is coarse, bring in finer resolution of those parts.
- Do not import the entire assembly with finer resolution, it will slow down the solution considerably.
Figure 1. Settings > Geometry Import Settings -
Check for geometry errors.
Figure 2. Assembly > check geometry error -
Make sure parts are classified correctly (bolts, nuts, springs, and so
on).
Figure 3. Assembly context menu > Show -
Create weld connections, if applicable.
Connections in SimSolid should represent connections of the parts in the field.
Figure 4. Connections > Seam/Spot Welds
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Create auto-connections using normal resolution.
- Use small tolerance.
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Identify and connect any free parts
.
- Make sure the structure is not over-constrained.
- Delete any redundant connections.
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Identify connections with a very small or large number of points
.
- Connections with too few points can cause instability or inaccurate load transfer. Edit connections with too few points to have higher resolution.
- Connections with too many points can unnecessarily increase solve time for little benefit. Edit connections with too many points to have lower resolution.
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Review parts with small relative volume.
- Verify that they have enough connection points.
Figure 5. Assembly > Review parts
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If project files from older versions are used, it is recommended to reset the
project.
- Right-click on the project and choose Initialize solution.
Figure 6. Project context menu > Initialize solutions