A factor of safety less than 1 indicates that the
material has been stressed past its yield point.
CFIGURE 5
We ran a displacement distribution analysis to answer that question
(see Figure 6).
“In the displacement distribution
image, the areas in red are going to
move the most,” I explained.
“Can you do an analysis to show us
what happens if this thing gets
dropped?” he asked in awe.
“Well, I could if I had the full version of this FEA tool. What I’m showing you today is the stuff that comes
with the standard Office version of
Solid Works,” I replied humbly.
“Wow! This is still pretty amazing.
I would have been willing to build a
bracket and test it to see if it was sturdy enough. We went through three
designs in less than 20 minutes and
C FIGURE 6
now are highly confident that the
thing will work! I can’t thank you
enough.”
I smiled in anticipation of sending
him an invoice for our little session. ■
Gerald Davis uses CAD software to
design and develop products for his clients
at www.glddesigns.com. He also is the
president of the Colorado SolidWorks
User Group.
Gerald would love to have you send him
your comments and questions. You are
not alone, and the problems you face
often are shared by others. Share the
grief, and perhaps we will all share in the
joy of finding answers. Please send your
questions and comments to precision.
matters@glddesigns.com.
See us at FABTECH/AWS Booth #13034
Enter code
FC342 at
www.ffid.net
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