Simulation?

[trainguy]

Hi all.

Can anyone out there suggest a good reference to help me understand what Inventor Pro's simulation module really does?

It seems like a mix between kinematic analysis and FEA, but the results seem far from intuitive. The analyses are called static, but actual mechanisms are being analysed, with stress and deflection plots produced, for relatively large displacements.

I'm very confused...

tg

 

[rollupswx]

Have you gone through the Help>Learning Tools>Tutorials and SkillBuilders on this topic.

Next step is to purchase book by Wasim Younis

http://www.amazon.com

There might also be free classes here

http://au.autodesk.com

 

[GregLocock]

what makes you think a static analysis can't be non linear in geometry or material properties or contacts? It certainly can (tho contact is a bit tricky to solve).

Sorry, i don't have any specific advice for Inventor.

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[Gymmeh]

If your trying to do very complex things you should look at there next package up.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=13773836

The inventor pro "FEA" is pritty watered down compared to a ANSYS or any of the higher end stuff. But it is enough to check basic design.

 

[Gymmeh]

I got thinking about your question more...and offer a warning.

I have used a couple FEA programs. The inventor integrated one is over simple and I strongly recommend backing up all FEA with order of magnitude (ball park) hand cal's. I have seen people I work with sit down and use this FEA very brashly because its very easy to Poop out something. Right now I can think of 2 projects that went bad because of a poorly qualified analyst engineer drafter using the program. Still the cost of mistakes that I have seen is under the "real money" point (<$1M). So the bosses don't seem to think its enough to justify going back to ANSYS.

My $.02