Assignment - Loaded Bracket Design Optimisation
Description of Task
As part of your design, you will need to undertake the following tasks:
- Create a study
- Assign material properties
- Define loads and restraints
- Mesh the model
- Run the model
- Find minimum and maximum stress, strain and deformation based on face loading.
- Plot and compare the stresses at the mid plane of the data acquisition surfaces.
- What is the safety factor of the model?
Steps to take
Once the CAD is complete, set up the study following these steps first (lecture notes)
- Start SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- Familiarise yourself with the:
o SOLIDWORKS Simulation Interface
o Command Manager
o Options window.
o Plot Settings
- Pre processing
o Assigning Material Properties
o Create a study.
o Set fixtures
o Set loads (see Fig: 2)
o Mesh
o Run
- Post processing
o Using Plot tools- review
- Stresses
- Strains
- Deformation
- Factor of Safety
In the report
- Demonstration of mesh refinement and control (ideally before the final 16 experiments).
- The description of the optimum design for Low cost, low weight and high strength product (all claims must be backed up with evidence).
- A plot of the maximum von Mises stress results for all simulations.
- A plot of the minimum factor of safety for all simulations.
- A plot of the displacement results along one side edge on the top surface for all simulations.
- Consideration of additional design requirements.
The assessment for this task will be based on an individual report 6 PAGES.