Modeling with a fixed volume

[Shoesize14]

Hey everybody,

I've been using Solidworks for a couple of years now, but I'm working on a Design project now that requires the model to maintain the exact same volume at all times. I'm sceptical about this being possible in Solidworks however. I've been told that other 3D software like DEFORM, or Q-Form do have functions that support this "fixed volume" requirement

For example: I start by modeling a simple 400x400x4mm sheet, which has a volume of 640 cm3. When I cut a hole in the sheet, I want the model to maintain this volume 640 cm3 (by thickening the sheet automatically, or something like that).

It might sound like a strange question, but it's essential to the entire concept behind the design.

If you have any ideas, please post them.
Help of any kind will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
A guy with shoesize 14

 

[Guest0527211403]

You can add a Sensor to the model which checks the volume and alerts you when the condition is violated. You would then have to modify the model manually.

Aside from that you can also set up a Design Study and optimize based on your volume requirement, but that would require you to set up which dimensions are variable or fixed. From your example, how would the model know to change the thickness instead of one of the 400mm dimensions? The design study will allow you to define this explicitly.

 

[SBaugh]

We do consumer packaging and I use a sensor and Design Study to help us find different ways or designs to keep a volume requirement... works great if you set the model up correctly. Which can quickly cause you problems if your model is not easily changed by just a couple of dimensions.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
Berry Plastics
Cad Admin\Design Engineer
GEASWUG Greater Evansville Area SWUG Leader

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[drawoh]

Shoesize14,

How complicated is your part? Could you do this with a design table?

--
JHG