EGR 236 Properties and Mechanics of Materials
Lab 04: Stress Analysis using SolidWorks Simulation
Spring 2014
The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce you to the use of the SolidWorks add-in,
SolidWorks Simulation, which may be used to model and predict the state of stress and
deformation in a structural model. SolidWorks Simulation does this by using a Finite
Element Analysis (FEA) package that is integrated relatively seamlessly with
SolidWorks.
The general process is that you first build a solid model in SolidWorks with given
geometry and material properties. Next you then specify how that solid model is loaded
or restrained. Then the FEA is run to identify how displacement and stress vary
throughout the model for the given loading. Using these results, the user can make a
determination about whether the part is likely to fail under the load. A designer can also
use this information to iteratively go back and change the geometry or loading in attempts
to optimize the load handing capability of the model. This allows the user to remove
material from spots under low stress loading and to strengthen spots with high stress.
This iterative design can be done without having to build actual prototypes for
intermediate testing. The designer can analyze a large variety of modified design before
settling on a final design to be built for verification. This ability to design a part for
strength in a virtual workspace, can help achieve remarkable savings of both time and
money for a company.
While we will be using the SolidWorks Simulation to primarily look at several simple
static loading problems, the package we have available at Loras College also has the
ability to model several other type of load analysis. These types include following type
of analysis.
Linear Static Analysis
Frequency Analysis
Buckling Analysis
Drop Test Analysis
Thermal Analysis
Fatigue Analysis
How does FEA work?
Explaining how FEA works can fill a semester
long course very easily by itself. The basic
concept is that a large part is broken down into a
large number of small (finite) elements. Each
element has the same characteristic shape, but
dimensionally may be different from the other
elements. Each element has specific points on it
defined as nodes. These nodes represent points
of connection or continuity with the elements
adjacent to the element. It is possible to create a
set of equations (usually linear) which describe
show the nodes of a single element deform or
deflect due to forces that are allowed to act at the nodal points. For structural elements,
this is usually a due to the elastic property of the material. The set of equations created
for each element are combined with all the other sets of equations of the other elements to
create one very large global matrix. This large set of equations can be solved
simultaneously to determine the deformation of each node. From this deformation, then a
stress can be associated with each node throughout the part.
While it is helpful for the designer to understand the method behind the FEA and in fact
it is important to understand the limitations of FEA, that is not the purpose of today's
tutorial. As an introductory tutorial, the purpose is to simply have you walk through the
steps to become familiar with the process of how to use the FEA method to a model the
stress/strain of a part and to interpret the results of this analysis as they apply to your
design.
Over the next 10 weeks you will be completing the tutorials presented in John Steffen's
Analysis of Machine Elements Using SolidWorks Simulation 2013. By completing these
tutorials you will learn how to simulate stress and strain for a variety of different
applications. The general procedure will consist of working through each chapter's
guided tutorial, and then complete one end-of-the chapter exercise showing that you have
learned the skills well enough to apply the them to a given problem.
Date
TUES
2/4
TUES
2/11
TUES
3/18
TUES
2/25
TUES
3/4
TUES
3/11
TUES
3/18
TUES
3/25
TUES
4/1
TUES
4/8
Ch
I
Topic
Loading SolidWorks and
Exercise:
Due
Date
Tensile Test using Wire
Modulus of Rupture of Wood
1
2
SimulationAnal. using SolidWorks
Simulation Thin Walled Pressure Vessels
Tensile Test Curved Beam Analysis
3
Stress Concentration Analysis
4
Interference Fit Analysis
6
Contact Analysis
7
Bolted Joint Analysis
8
Design Optimization
Pg. 1-36.
Exercise 2
Pg. 2-34
Exercise 1
Pg. 3-39
Exercise 1
Pg. 5-32
Exercise 1
Pg. 6-26
Exercise 1
Pg. 7-37
Exercise 3
Pg. 8-25
Exercise 1
Each of the exercises will be evaluated using the author's evaluation check list (see next
page for Chap 1, Exercise 1 Evaluation form). You need to submit work which allows the
instructor to verify each of the deliverables identified on the evaluation form.
SolidWorks Simulation Evaluation
Name:____________________________
Chapt. #1, Exercise 2 (Combined Stress in “L” Cantilever)
Deliverables:
a) Stress contour plot of the most appropriate stress
distribution on front face of the beam.
(10) ____
b) Statement of whether or not material yield strength
is exceeded and, if exceeded, correct region(s) are circled.
(10) ____
c) Probe graph of the most appropriate stress variation
from top to bottom of beam at section A-A.
(15) ____
Record actual distance to A-A. = ______mm @ top or bottom
Record actual distance to A-A. = ______mm @ centroidal axis

Descriptive graph title (good / fair / poor)
(5) ____

Descriptive axis labels and units.
(5) ____
d) Classical equation determination of:



Combined stress on top of beam at A-A
Combined stress at centroidal axis of beam at A-A
Combined stress on bottom of beam at A-A
(10) ____
(10) ____
(10) ____
e) Percent difference between bending stress computed using classical
equations and the FEA solution at top, middle, and bottom of the beam.
• Top
(5) ____
• Middle (5) ____
• Bottom (5) ____
f) Error(s), if any, and description of steps to correct the error(s).
TOTAL ____/100
OTHER:
 Do not submit items not requested. (marked NA”)
 Organize pages in order of items listed in the
problem statement.
 Work neater (or) organize work (or) label
calculations (or) include units
 Show all values used in manual calculations.
 Use more descriptive titles on plots and graphs.
 Include your name on each plot and graph. Also,
include your name at end of the STUDY name
so that it appears on each plot.
 Orient pages properly when stapled at top left.
(10) ____