Motion Studies

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates fluid flow studies in Solidworks. The computer fan created in the previous chapter is used to demonstrate preliminary fluid flow computations, which can be done in Solidworks. In a training environment, this practice allows development of more analytical capacities using a design in which a substantial amount of time was invested. The computational domain is defined along with the fluid material and conditions for the flow. The initial set of computations requires the establishment of a mesh of finite elements that will discretize the space. This may take a few minutes depending upon the complexity of the design and the mesh-element size. The assembly is used and an additional rotation volume element is created for flow simulations. Flow lines are created to depict the trajectory of particles in the fluid. It is expected that even graduates from different fields would benefit from this form of training by later being able to communicate their ideas and design in a platform that has a highly visual component. Creation of cross sections and refinement of scale values are demonstrated in a workstation created in Azure.