Automated Design Validation The Solid Works Api

Automated Design Validation with the SolidWorks API
Paul Gimbel, Business Process Sherpa
Razorleaf Corporation

What You Will Hear In This Session
Automating SolidWorks Simulation programmatically
BUT THAT’S NOT IT
Tools within SolidWorks to do design validations
This an ADVANCED session
Assumes that you know SolidWorks user interface
Assumes that you know the basics of SolidWorks API programming
ALL CODE EXAMPLES IN VB.NET
Presentation will be available at www.razorleaf.com

Who Is This Guy and Where Did He Come From?
Razorleaf Corporation
SolidWorks Service Partner
Services ONLY (we’re not trying to sell you anything, we’re neutral)
Data Management (EPDM, SmarTeam, Aras)
Design Automation (DriveWorks, Tacton)
Workflow Automation (Microsoft SharePoint and Tools)
Paul Gimbel (aka “The Sherpa”)
10+ years as Demo Jock, Applications Engineer, Trainer, Support Tech
5 years as Design Automation Implementer
Specializing in SolidWorks, DriveWorks, Tacton, Custom Programming
(THERE! Now I can report this trip as reimbursable.)
The
Sherpa

What is Design Validation?
Ensuring that the suggested design meets requirements
Form/Fit/Function
Durability
Weight
Performance
Manufacturability
Maintenanceability
Packaging/Shipping Limitations
And so on…
It’s more than just fea!!

What Forms Can Validation Take?
Equations
The most accurate method to determine values
Can be difficult to apply to complex geometries
Code Calculations
Many have to meet and publish them…it’s the law
Simulation
Iterative
Prototype
Digital
Somewhat time consuming
Physical
Expensive and time consuming
Lesson from Programming:
Rule out the easy stuff before you start sucking up CPU.

How Does This Work With Design Automation?
Frequent Goal of Design Automation
Allow NON-SolidWorks USERS to design/configure valid products
Therefore:
Cannot use any interactive tools
Methods must not require SolidWorks on their machine
May use a 3rd party solution

What Validation Tools and/or Techniques are there?Why Does Every Slide Have a Question in the Title?
Within SolidWorks
Sensors
Design Checker
Measure
Mass/Section Properties
Interference Detection
SimulationXPress
Any other XPress
Reference Dimensions!!
With SolidWorks Simulation
Stress Analysis
Flow Analysis
Motion Simulation
Optimization
Outside tools (commercially available and homegrown)

Functionality Within SolidWorks
Gimme Free Stuff (well, what I already pay for)

What Do I Get With My SolidWorks?
Reference Dimensions
Measure
Mass/Section Properties
Interference Detection
Sensors
Design Checker
SimulationXPress
Any other XPress

Reference Dimensions (2D and 3D)
Watch the name of the reference dimension
Find it in the Property Mangler
Retrieve the DIMENSION object.GetValue2(“ConfigName”)
Imports SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks
Imports SolidWorks.Interop.swconst
PartialClassSolidWorksMacro
PublicswAppAsSldWorks
PublicSub main()
DimswDocAs ModelDoc2 = Nothing
swDoc = CType(swApp.ActiveDoc, ModelDoc2)
MsgBox(swDoc.Parameter("TXD1@Scheme2").GetValue2("Default"))
MsgBox(swDoc.Parameter(“Gap@skSlot").GetValue2("Default"))
EndSub
EndClass
No longer a property
Note: Code in yellow omitted from future slides.

Measure Tool
Separate Measure object - swDoc.Extension.CreateMeasure
Must use Measure.CALCULATE(object)
If Object Is Nothing, SolidWorks will use the current selection set
Alternatively, you can use the Selection Manager object
Set options before you call the calculate method
Returns are fairly specific
DimswMeasAs Measure = Ctype(swDoc.Extension.CreateMeasure, Measure)
swMeas.ArcOption = _
swMeasureArcCircleOption_e.swMeasureArcCircle_MinimumDistance
swMeas.Calculate(Nothing)
MsgBox(swMeas.Distance)
Don’t forget to test all objects and results!
Check out the options here

Mass Properties
Obtain MassProperty object
ModelDoc2.Extension.CreateMassProperty()
DimswMassPropAsMassProperty = _
CType(swDoc.Extension.CreateMassProperty(), MassProperty)
MsgBox(swMassProp.Mass)
boolstatus = swMassProp.SetAssignedMassProp(1.5, 0, 0, 0, 1, Nothing)

Section Properties
Requires an Array of FACE or SKETCH object as input
ModelDoc2.Extension.GetSectionProperties2(objSections)
Returns a 24 item array
Need to look up which index corresponds to what you’re interested in
Use API Help topic IGetSectionProperties2
Clumsy throwback to VBA
DimswSelMgrAsSelectionMgr = swDoc.SelectionManager
DimswFaceAs Face = swSelMgr.GetSelectedObject6(0, 0)
DimswSectionProps(23) AsDouble
swSectionProps = swDoc.Extension.GetSectionProperties2(swFace)
MsgBox("Area (index 1) = " & swSectionProps(1))

How’s THIS For Helpful?

Dealing with Result Arrays Using Enumerations
PublicEnumSectionResults
Area = 1
CentroidX = 2
CentroidY = 3
CentroidZ = 4
momentXX = 5
momentYY = 6
momentZZ = 7
momentXY = 8
momentZX = 9
momentYZ = 10
polarMoment = 11
principalAngle = 12
principalIx = 13
principalIy = 14
EndEnum'SectionResults
Paste me!
PublicEnumSectionResults
Area = 1
CentroidX = 2
CentroidY = 3
CentroidZ = 4
momentXX = 5
momentYY = 6
momentZZ = 7
momentXY = 8
momentZX = 9
momentYZ = 10
polarMoment = 11
principalAngle = 12
principalIx = 13
principalIy = 14
DirectionXx = 15
DirectionXy = 16
DirectionXz = 17
DirectionYx = 18
DirectionYy = 19
DirectionYz = 20
DirectionZx = 21
DirectionZy = 22
DirectionZz = 23
EndEnum'SectionResults

Interference/Collision Detection
swAssembly.ToolsCheckInterference() just opens the UI
Use the InterferenceDetectionMgr object to create an Interference Object
Establish object
swIntMgr = Ctype(AssemblyDoc.InterferenceDetectionManager, _ InterferenceDetectionMgr)
Set properties
swIntMgr.TreatCoincidenceAsInterference = True
Run Interference Check (any method except Done)
DimswInts() As Object = swIntMgr.GetInterferences
DimswIntAs Interference = Ctype(swInts(0), Interference)
Grab results
DimdVolumesAs Double = swInt.Volume

Interference/Collision Detection
swAssembly.ToolsCheckInterference() just opens the UI
Use the InterferenceDetectionMgr object to create an Interference Object
Establish object
Ctype(AssemblyDoc.InterferenceDetectionManager, _ InterferenceDetectionMgr)
Set properties
swIntMgr.TreatCoincidenceAsInterference = True
Run Interference Check (any method except Done)
DimswInts() As Object = swIntMgr.GetInterferences
DimswIntAs Interference = Ctype(swInts(0), Interference)
Grab results
DimdVolumesAs Double = swInt.Volume

Interference/Collision Detection – More Complete Code
DimswAssemblyAsAssemblyDoc = CType(swDoc, AssemblyDoc)
swDoc.Parameter("CrankAngle@RotationMate@Crank-Slider.SLDASM").Value = 150
DimboolstatusAsBoolean = swDoc.EditRebuild3()
DimswIMAsInterferenceDetectionMgr = swAssembly.InterferenceDetectionManager
DimiIntQtyAsInteger = swIM.GetInterferenceCount
IfiIntQty >= 0 Then
DimswInts(iIntQty - 1) AsObject
swInts = swIM.GetInterferences
DimswIntAs Interference = CType(swInts(0), Interference)
MsgBox(swInt.Volume)
EndIf

Sensors
(PART)
Sensor types
Notice for interactive users
Potential performance issues
Suppress extraneous sensors
Set notification frequency
(ASSY)

Working with Sensors in Code
Get the sensor object from the Sensor Feature (use MD2.GetFirstFeature)
DimswSensorAsSensor = swFeature.GetSpecificFeature2
Critical sensor properties and methods
SelectCaseswSensor.SensorType
CaseswSensorType_e.swSensorSimulation
CaseswSensorType_e.swSensorMassProperty
CaseswSensorType_e.swSensorDimension
CaseswSensorType_e.swSensorInterfaceDetection
EndSelect
Be sure to Update the sensor with the UpdateSensor method
Check the AlertState to see if the sensor has picked up on a problem
Use the AlertType to see what kind of a problem
SW2009 SP2 and before only supported Dimension Sensors

Using SolidWorks Events
Create a class
Declare a variable WITHEVENTS for the object that holds your events
PublicWithEventsswPartAsSolidWorks.interop.sldworks.PartDoc
Create a Function for whatever event you want to monitor
FunctionswPart_SensorAlertPreNotify(ByValswSensorAsObject, ByVal _
SensorAlertTypeAsInteger)AsInteger
Shell("http://www.twitter.com/?'#SW Sensor!'", AppWinStyle.Hide, False)
EndFunction 'swPart_SensorAlertPreNotify
In your main code – Activate the handler (RemoveHandler to discontinue)
AddHandlerswPart.SensorAlertPreNotify, AddressOf _
Me.swPart_SensorAlertPreNotify
Note who your event belongs to
Check out all available events in API Help

Create a class
SensorAlertTypeAsInteger) AsInteger
(Don’t think you can ignore me)

Create a class
(I’m not going away)

Create a class
(Keep it up. Your iPhone is next.)

Create a class
Fine! I’ll do it myself.
Rebooting in:

Applying Update 1 of 9,278,029….0% Complete
Do Not Turn Off Computer

Applying Update 1 of 9,278,029….0.001% Complete
Don’t Even Think About It.
I’ll restart when I’m good and ready.

Autonomous Edition

SolidWorks Simulation
At long last…

Automating SolidWorks Simulation
Evaluate what you are trying to automate
Can it be done with sensors?
Can it be done with Optimization?
Not all of SolidWorks Simulation is documented in API Help
Extra SDKs or Installation options may be required (ex. Flow)

Gimme an S, Gimme an R, Gimme an A, Gimme a C!
Must add SolidWorks 2010 Simulation Type Library as a reference to each project
You can also add SolidWorks.Interop.cosworks.dll
You will need to BROWSE for it …SolidWorksAPI edist
(cosworks? There’s your proof that all the product renames are marketing)

Possible Applications
Record iterative results
Run iterations and send results out to Excel or other system
Allow code or outside tool control when to iterate and how

Possible Applications
Attach / create / modify study components (loads, connections, etc.)
Create 400 pin locations in a regular (or slightly irregular) array
Create an unknown number of loads based on driven geometry
Allow 3rd party solutions to kick off simulation as part of automation
More complex iterative optimizations using your own optimization algorithm
Change what YOU want to change, how YOU want to change it

Cosmos? Yes, Cosmos.
© COSMOS/and COSMOS/WORKS and their respective logos property of Structural Research Analysis Corporation 1997
Run Analysis

RMB in the Project Explorer to add a Reference
You will not find it in the .NET tab
You MAY find it under COM
You will most likely need to browse for it
Adding The Reference

The Process
Fetch the SolidWorks Simulation (CosmosWorks) Add-In object
DimcwAddInAsSolidWorks.interop.cosworks.CWAddInCallBack = _
swApp.GetAddInObject("CosmosWorks.CosmosWorks")
Fetch the cwModelDoc
DimCWorksAsObject = cwAddIn.CosmosWorks
DimcwDocAsCWModelDoc = Ctype(CWorks.ActiveDoc(), CWModelDoc)
Fetch the CWStudyManager object
DimcwStudyMgrAsCWStudyManager = cwDoc.StudyManager()
Imports SolidWorks.interop.cosworksis implied

More of The Process
Fetch the CWStudy object
Test for study existence with StudyCount
DimcwStudyCountAsInteger = cwStudyMgr.StudyCount
DimcwCurStudyAsCWStudy
Dim iErrors As Integer
IFcwStudyCount > 0 Then
cwCurStudy = CWStudyManager.GetStudy(0)
Else
cwCurStudy = CWStudyManager.CreateNewStudy2 _
(“StudyName”, type, iErrors)
EndIf
TIP: Don’t create studies when you can preset and drive them

Add Material
Need to apply the material to the Solid Body Object
Study gets the SolidManager
SolidManager gets the SolidComponent
SolidComponent gets the SolidBody
Circle gets the square
DimcwSolidMgrAsCosmosWorksLib.CWSolidManager
cwSolidMgr = cwCurStudy.SolidManager
DimCompCountAsInteger = cwSolidMgr.ComponentCount
DimcwCompAsCWSolidComponent = cwSolidMgr.GetComponentAt(0, cwStudyErrors)
DimcwBodyAsCWSolidBody = cwComp.GetSolidBodyAt(0, cwStudyErrors)
cwStudyErrors = cwBody.SetLibraryMaterial("M:MyMatlLibRLMatl.sldmatlib", "Unobtainium")

Even More of The Process
All ReadOnly!!
Get the next Manager or Options object
All properties and options reside one level down
DimcwStaticOptionsAsCWStaticStudyOptions
cwStaticOptions = cwCurStudy.StaticStudyOptions
cwStaticOptions.SolverType = _
CosmosWorksLib.swsSolverType_e.swsSolverTypeFFEPlus
DimcwCurMeshAsCWMesh = cwCurStudy.Mesh
cwCurMesh.Quality = _
CosmosWorksLib.swsMeshQuality_e.swsMeshQualityHigh

Even Still More of The Process
Update components, mesh and run the analysis
Update is for any geometry changes since last run
'We'll typically calculate or get these as inputs
DimdElementSizeAsDouble = 0.0012
DimdToleranceAsDouble = 0.005
cwCurStudy.UpdateAllComponents()
cwCurStudy.CreateMesh(CosmosWorksLib.swsUnit_e.swsUnitEnglish, _
dElementSize, dTolerance)
cwCurStudy.RunAnalysis()

Mandatory Charts (Gratuitous Chart of Fictitious Data)(per Microsoft PowerPoint code 2009 Section XXIV Subsection 441.K.9.ii.v)
Activities Past Midnight
Reaction to Subtle Jokes In Slides by Demographic

Even Yet Still More of The Process
Retrieve the Results object
Most Results methods return arrays
These are typically brought in with generic options
DimcwCurResultsAsCWResults
cwCurResults = cwCurStudy.Results
Dim cwResultsErrors As Integer
Dim cwStress As Object
cwStress = cwCurResults.GetMinMaxStress _
(0, 0, 1, Nothing, 0, cwResultsErrors)

Dealing with Arrays
Return types are VERY vague
Always the possibility of a null return
Most samples stay generic
VBA dim as VARIANT
VB.NET/C#.NET dim as OBJECT
Run once or twice or check sample to find out return type
Fetch as generic object then recast the variable to get the array
ERROR TRAP THE SNOT OUT OF IT!!!
Make separate functions wherever possible to use Try…Catch blocks
Allows you to handle the errors differently

Array Sample
TRY
‘Define as generic object
DimcwStressAsObject
‘Retrieve the object
cwStress = cwCurResults.GetMinMaxStress(0, 0, 1, Nothing, 0, cwResultErrors)
IfcwStressIsNotNothing
‘Declare your array
DimcwStressArray() AsDouble
‘Recast your generic object as an array
cwStressArray = CType(cwStress, Double())
IfcwStressArray.Length > 0 Then
ForEachdStressAsDoubleIncwStressArray
NextdStress
EndIf‘Array.Length > 0
EndIf‘we have a stress results object

Array Sample
Catch
‘Handle the fact that we did not get usable stress results
End Catch
Try
‘Define as generic object
DimcwDisplacementAsObject
‘Retrieve the object
cwDisplacement = cwCurResults.GetMinMaxDisplacement(0, 0, Nothing, _
CosmosWorksLib.swsUnit_e.swsUnitEnglish, cwStudyErrors)
IfcwDisplacementIsNotNothing
‘Declare your array
DimcwDispArray() AsDouble
‘Recast your generic object as an array
cwStressArray = CType(cwStress, Double())
And so on…

Getting Back Visual Results
“A picture is worth a thousand lines of code”
– Michaelangelo (…I think)
The absolute most beneficial feature of automating simulations!!!
API has the ability to activate plots, delete plots, and tell you how many there are and their names
There appears to be no way to Save plots or animations out to files.
End of slide

Other Places to Explore
And finally…

Other Validation Tools
Available via API
SolidWorks Utilities
Compare Document
Compare Feature
Compare Geometry
Geometry Analysis
Thickness Analysis
Design Checker
Check (Face, Edge, Body)
Parting Line Draft Analysis
NOT Available via API
SimulationXpress
FloXpress
DFMXpress
SustainabilityXpress
Deviation Analysis
TolAnalyst

Outside Validation Tools
Calculations are too involved or not understood to recreate
External DLL code
May be VB, FORTAN, PASCAL, GW-BASIC, Assembly Code, Pig Latin
public declare function InitializeLibrary lib "extn.dll" alias "_InitializeLibrary@12" (byvalhWnd as long, byvalstrasstring, byvaldwordas long) as longShell
External EXE code
Shell(“PVCalc.EXE “ & dPressure & “,” & dWallThk, AppWinStyle.MinimizedNoFocus)
Web-based ASP tools
Less overhead to load/install
Most applications allow parameters to be passed in the header

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Soup Recipes?
If you have questions you would like to discuss, please find me
Now…At any time during the conference…or After the conference
Presentation available on www.razorleaf.com
Free newsletter with tech tips, industry insiders and more…
Catch me in my upcoming tour dates!!
Wednesday @ 1:30 – Automating Your Designs with Excel and the SW API
Friday @ Miffy’s Muffin Palace – Drury Lane
The
Sherpa
Paul Gimbel
Business Process Sherpa
Paul.Gimbel@razorleaf.com
www.razorleaf.com
TheProcesSherpa on Twitter

Paul Gimbel, Razorleaf Corporation
paul.gimbel@razorleaf.com
@TheProcesSherpa on Twitter
PLEASE PLEASEPLEASE fill out your survey
It takes practically no time at all
I HONESTLY want your feedback and I do apply it
Let’s see if the SolidWorks folks read these:
PLEASE PLEASEPLEASE fill out your survey
It takes practically no time at all
I HONESTLY want your feedback and I do apply it
Let’s see if the SolidWorks folks read these:
In the comments section, add:
“OK, I’m stumped.
How did he pull my card out of THERE?”
SURVEY TIME!!!

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Automated Design Validation The Solid Works Api

by Razorleaf Corporation on Feb 02, 2010

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Automated Design Validation The Solid Works Api — Presentation Transcript