Hi, I am trying to simulate the vertical loads on a custom airframe in Solidworks Simulation.
I am adding a downward component for gravity, a distributed load for the mass (downward) and double the amount of the mass as an upward thrust....as seen in the picture.
But I am getting all kinds of stupid errors. Solidworks wants me to add support or fixures - but it is not really fixed anywhere....
Has anyone else modelled these forces in Solidworks, and could share some tips or workarounds with me?
many thanks!
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Replies
Short Answer:
You are running a static simulation so the model needs to be fixed.
Long Answer:
I think the analysis you are conducting is static loading, thus the model needs to be fixed with an applied load. I'm not sure if solidworks is able to do dynamic loads, but typically stress analysis is done with static loading.
What specifically are you trying to learn from the simulation? If it is the loading on your arms, then consider the scenario where they are experiencing max load - a full throttle punch out or take off (ill ignore the scenario of your copter coming down at a high rate and you give full throttle). Then you can simulate this scenario. I would recommend having your vehicles center component, that square thing, be fixed, keep your motor loads as is, then run your analysis. The alternative would be to fix the motors, and apply a verticle load (weight) and see how much force, or how many G's the airframe can withstand.
Another thing to consider is your material selection. CAD models are great for working with steel or aluminum but difficult to use with composites. Since composite structures depending on fiber direction, density, curing process, and even then can have high variability, you may not get precise results unless you have specific material properties from the manufacture and you can override with a custom material.
Hope this helps!