This document provides an overview of structural analysis software and modeling capabilities in Solid Edge. It discusses parametric modeling, assemblies, finite element analysis, drafting, curves and surfaces, and other tools. The author uses a steering wheel design project to demonstrate various Solid Edge features for parametric modeling, assemblies, FEA optimization, and drafting technical drawings.
Adaptive Control strategies helps to get desirable output for system with partial unknown dynamics or systems having unknown and unmodeled load variation. DC servo motors are useful to track rapid speed trajectory for various applications, particularly with need of high starting torque and low inertia. Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) parameter data of results with Lyapunov stability MRAC has been used to generate adaptation parameter for DC motor speed controller.
Adaptive Control strategies helps to get desirable output for system with partial unknown dynamics or systems having unknown and unmodeled load variation. DC servo motors are useful to track rapid speed trajectory for various applications, particularly with need of high starting torque and low inertia. Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) parameter data of results with Lyapunov stability MRAC has been used to generate adaptation parameter for DC motor speed controller.
A simplified method of designing a phase lead compensator to improve the m-s-...eSAT Publishing House
IJRET : International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology is an international peer reviewed, online journal published by eSAT Publishing House for the enhancement of research in various disciplines of Engineering and Technology. The aim and scope of the journal is to provide an academic medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level learning, teaching and research in the fields of Engineering and Technology. We bring together Scientists, Academician, Field Engineers, Scholars and Students of related fields of Engineering and Technology.
COMPUTATIONAL ENGINEERING OF FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICAT...IAEME Publication
Modals with complicated geometry, complex loads and boundary condition are difficult to analyse and evaluate in the terms of strain, stress, displacement and reaction forces by using theoretical methods. A given modal can be analysed by using Finite Element Method easily with the help of computer software ABAQUS CAE and can get approximate solutions. This report is about modelling two dimensional and three dimensional analyses with the ABAQUS CAE for plane stress, plane strain, shell, and beam and 3d solid modal elements.
With the growing popularity of Model Based Definition there has also been a growing need for fast and thorough validation of our CAD designs WITHIN the CAD environment rather than after the fact. While PTC's Expert Model Analysis (XMA) is the latest in model validation and metrics for the Enterprise, ModelCHECK is still the tool for end-users to run regular checks on individual designs. However, it is still one of the most under-utilized tools for Pro/E and Creo users. If configured for YOUR company and YOUR standards, ModelCHECK can save countless hours of rework in all phases of your design process.
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Positioning Error Analysis and Compensation of Differential Precision WorkbenchIJRES Journal
Positioning error is a widely problem exists in mechanism, the important factors affecting machining
precision. In order to reduce the error caused by positioning problem processing, based on the differential
workbench as the research object, using the method of theoretical analysis and experimental verification, the
analysis of positioning error mechanism and source of complete differential precision workbench error
compensation, improve the accuracy of the device, provides a method for the application of modern machine
tools. table.
Automatic Computer-Aided Design (AutoCAD 2D) engineering drawing is an important
component in BFPD courses. This software is commonly practiced by students for the product
design process as part of the project development. However, there is a lack of quality in 2D
engineering drawing that affects the students’ prototype making process and project progression.
This paper intends to identify the problems that weakened the students' performances of the
AutoCAD 2D engineering drawings. Data were collected from the students’ examinations,
assignments, and independent projects. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the
students.
A simplified method of designing a phase lead compensator to improve the m-s-...eSAT Publishing House
IJRET : International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology is an international peer reviewed, online journal published by eSAT Publishing House for the enhancement of research in various disciplines of Engineering and Technology. The aim and scope of the journal is to provide an academic medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level learning, teaching and research in the fields of Engineering and Technology. We bring together Scientists, Academician, Field Engineers, Scholars and Students of related fields of Engineering and Technology.
COMPUTATIONAL ENGINEERING OF FINITE ELEMENT MODELLING FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICAT...IAEME Publication
Modals with complicated geometry, complex loads and boundary condition are difficult to analyse and evaluate in the terms of strain, stress, displacement and reaction forces by using theoretical methods. A given modal can be analysed by using Finite Element Method easily with the help of computer software ABAQUS CAE and can get approximate solutions. This report is about modelling two dimensional and three dimensional analyses with the ABAQUS CAE for plane stress, plane strain, shell, and beam and 3d solid modal elements.
With the growing popularity of Model Based Definition there has also been a growing need for fast and thorough validation of our CAD designs WITHIN the CAD environment rather than after the fact. While PTC's Expert Model Analysis (XMA) is the latest in model validation and metrics for the Enterprise, ModelCHECK is still the tool for end-users to run regular checks on individual designs. However, it is still one of the most under-utilized tools for Pro/E and Creo users. If configured for YOUR company and YOUR standards, ModelCHECK can save countless hours of rework in all phases of your design process.
If you are currently using ModelCHECK or would like to start using it, the included presentation will help you get started and maximize your out-of-the-gate model quality.
check it out: http://goo.gl/vqNk7m
CADmantra Technologies pvt. Ltd. is a CAD Training institute specilized in producing quality and high standard education and training. We are providing a perfact institute for the students intersted in CAD courses CADmantra is established by a group of engineers to devlop good training system in the field of CAD/CAM/CAE, these courses are widely accepted worldwide.
#catiatraining
#ANSYS #CRE-O
#hypermesh
#Automobileworkshops
#enginedevelopment
#autocad
#sketching
Positioning Error Analysis and Compensation of Differential Precision WorkbenchIJRES Journal
Positioning error is a widely problem exists in mechanism, the important factors affecting machining
precision. In order to reduce the error caused by positioning problem processing, based on the differential
workbench as the research object, using the method of theoretical analysis and experimental verification, the
analysis of positioning error mechanism and source of complete differential precision workbench error
compensation, improve the accuracy of the device, provides a method for the application of modern machine
tools. table.
Automatic Computer-Aided Design (AutoCAD 2D) engineering drawing is an important
component in BFPD courses. This software is commonly practiced by students for the product
design process as part of the project development. However, there is a lack of quality in 2D
engineering drawing that affects the students’ prototype making process and project progression.
This paper intends to identify the problems that weakened the students' performances of the
AutoCAD 2D engineering drawings. Data were collected from the students’ examinations,
assignments, and independent projects. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the
students.
This document is mainly about CADbro comprehensive introduction, including product description, product features, etc.
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Over the years that I’ve taught the various infrastructure products from Autodesk, most are not familiar with the different tools to generate plans quickly. AutoCAD includes the Sheet Set Manager at the core level to address basic sheet creation and title block data administration. Map 3D includes the MapBook tool to generate plans that require a grid arrangement. Lastly, Civil 3D has Plan tools that create Plan sheets, Profile sheets, Section sheets and any combination.
3. 1 INTRODUCTION
In this day and age, CAD modelling is crucial knowledge for any engineer or designer. Various
CAD packages are available, each having various advantages and disadvantages. It has been
decided that Solid Edge will be used in this establishment and this report will provide a detailed
analysis of the features and commands available in the program.
The component which has been chosen to allow for this analysis to take place is a steering wheel
suitable for a formula student team. This includes a small display screen and a quick release
mechanism.
2 PARAMETRIC MODELLING
Parametric modelling is a method of modelling which ensures models are created with real world
attributes. This includes interactions between components which means that any small changes
are recognised by the program and the necessary alterations of other dimensions are changed
automatically. As well as the interactions having great use, variables can be altered to allow
various components of the drawings such as dimensions, lines, circles etc. to have relationships
between each other aiding accuracy and often speeding up the process as a whole.
When drawing the steering wheel, the different features within the parametric modelling envi-
ronment were of great value and aided significantly in the accuracy and correct operation of the
wheel and quick release. When starting a sketch, the program offers a ‘Relate’ tab and an ‘Intel-
lisketch’ tab. These ensure that drawings are accurate and also indicates to the user the various
relationships that are present in the drawing. These tabs and the different relationships available
are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Draw and Relate Tab
Although the individual options are relatively self explanatory, it is possible to find out more
information by hovering over them in the solid edge program. These relationships and the useful
program feature ‘intellisketch’ were used when drawing the base for the steering wheel. It is
almost easy to take the features for granted when drawing as everything works with no trouble
and exactly how the user wishes. However when examining what the program is doing, the
accuracy and understanding of the needs of the user is quite outstanding. Figure 2 shows a
selection of the ‘relate’ tab functions that can help draw an accurate sketch.
When the sketch is complete it is then possible to extrude the sketch to transform it into a 3D
object. It is also useful in certain instances to revolve the sketch around an axis of revolution, loft
or sweep around a helical path. After a model has been created using any of these commands,
other alterations can be made. For example holes, cut-outs, revolved cut-outs, rounds and many
other commands can be performed. When using the hole commands, threads can be added. A
simple extrusion of the base of the steering wheel drawn is shown in Figure 3. This particular
extrusion also included a cut-out command and a round command.
2
4. Figure 2: Selection of Relate Tab Aids
Figure 3: Basic Extrusion of the Base of the Steering Wheel
3
5. Once an extrusion, cutout, round or any other command has been completed, it is stored in the
history tree on the left hand side of the workspace screen. This allows the user to go back to
a previously completed command and view or alter it. These alterations can include changes in
dimensions, new additions to sketches and removal of commands altogether. If alterations are
made then the model will automatically update to include the new change. The program is aware
of any conflicts when making alterations and if a problem occurs then the user is notified. This
allows any miscalculations or alterations in the plans to be fixed with ease and also provides
an organised method for the user to work by, leading to the method being called ‘ordered’. An
example of the history tree is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: History Tree for Base of Steering Wheel
When using the history tree, the names of each different alteration can be renamed to help
organise the model and perhaps aid another designer if they are required to try to edit the model.
This is a viable solution but a potentially easier method is described in the ‘Direct Modelling’
section.
When creating these parts, it is possible to create a family of parts. Solid Edge provides an inbuilt
solution for this. It is possible to open a dialogue box which provides a simple method of creating
and storing families of parts. This means that parts of similar shape can have their sizes altered
slightly so that the shapes look very similar and the design becomes much more consistent. The
part families dialogue box is shown in Figure 5
3 ASSEMBLIES
When drawing a 3D model, it is nearly always necessary to produce many individual parts and
put them together, or assemble them, after all the individual parts are complete. This ensures
that each part is accurate on its own before it is assembled with other parts. Assemblies have the
unique ability of enabling the user to view a complete object from any angle and also if drawn
correctly, the motion required from the unit can be animated.
When using the assembly command in Solid Edge, the program provides all the required help to
ensure a model is assembled correctly. When inserting a part into an assembly file, Solid Edge
allows the user to select directly from the directory in which the files are saved in. This speeds
up the process of inserting the necessary components significantly. Once each separate part has
been inserted, relationships between the parts can be applied. These relationships are useful in
ensuring that parts interact with each other in the correct way and range from rotating around
4
6. Figure 5: Family of Parts Dialogue Box
the same axis to pieces slotting into others. The ‘assemble’ tab consists of many of these different
relationships such as align, mate and connect and is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: Assemble Tab in Solid Edge
Once the parts have been assembled and relationships between them have been applied, it is then
possible to move the components to view different set ups available from the assembly. Solid
Edge offers tools such as ‘Drag Component’ and ‘Move on Select’ which ensure that components
move to the restrictions placed upon them. It is also possible to include motors in the design to
model the rotations that will be involved in certain situations.
The assembly environment was crucial when creating the steering wheel and quick release. Each
part was assembled to create the total design and then relationships were applied between the
parts to model the real life situations in which they would be involved. The main command used
in assembling the quick release was ‘axial align’. This ensured that each component was aligned
along the same axis. When designing the steering wheel, the ‘mate’ command was used most
frequently. This ensured that each piece was placed very accurately allowing the model to be of
a much higher standard. Another command which was useful when designing the steering wheel
was the ‘mirror feature’ command. This allowed the handle of the steering wheel to be mirrored
about the central axis of the steering wheel, ensuring perfect symmetry in the wheel. It also
removed the problem of creating the different handles for the left and right side of the wheel,
allowing just one handle to be modelled and then mirrored. The final assembly model is shown
in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
5
7. Figure 7: Front View of the Final Assembly
Figure 8: Rear View of the Final Assembly
6
8. 4 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION
Finite Element Analysis, often shortened to FEA, is a tool which allows the user to observe the
impact of loading and other forces on a 3D model. Whether the task is designing a new project
or improving upon a previous one, FEA can greatly reduce the costs and save a lot of time.
By enabling the user to test the project before it is built, any problems which were not noticed
before can be easily altered and fixed using Solid Edge. This vastly reduces the chance of product
failure when built in real life form, leading to a faster product completion time. Solid Edge uses
an inbuilt package called ‘Solid Edge Simulation’ which is based on the well known Femap and
NX Nastran technology to perform the FEA calculations, ensuring maximum fluidity when in
use. The package allows the user to start a new study on the part being tested. When this study
is created, a material can be chosen to give a more realistic output. After this, a dialogue box
allows the user to select many different options, shown in Figure 9.[2]
Figure 9: Dialogue Box Displayed When Beginning a FEA Calculation
Once the options have been chosen, the inputs for the calculation can be applied. Forces, pressures
and other loads can be applied with different methods of fixing available also. These are all very
user friendly and many different calculations can be performed. Figure 10 demonstrates the
output of a simple FE simulation where a pushing force on the base of the steering wheel has
been simulated. The displacement variation is shown on the right.
Although FEA clearly has many advantages, some features can cause problems. For example, it
is often the case that the analysis becomes over-complex and can give very inaccurate results.
This is why it is often very useful to simplify the design as much as possible before performing
the FEA analysis. This ensures that the forces applied will be demonstrated very accurately
and the necessary alterations can be made in a much more simple fashion. It is crucial that the
user fully understands the calculations which are being performed so that any odd results can be
analysed and fixed, not just assumed to be correct. This may involve the user performing hand
calculations to verify the output.
In some instances, when designing a model, the results given at different mesh values will converge
7
9. Figure 10: Result of FE Displacement Simulation on Base of Steering Wheel
to an accurate answer. In other cases however, models can have values that do not converge.
This can be observed by plotting the stress values against the different mesh values and observing
whether the answer is going to converge or not. If it is observed that the value is not going to
converge then the design must be fixed to accommodate this. These ever-increasing values tend
to occur at points called singularities. This is commonly when a load is placed at a right angle
and the stress is tending towards infinite. The best way to avoid this problem is by removing the
right angle by using a round of chamfer tool which is available in Solid Edge. The chamfered or
rounded alternative will provide an outright solution and anusre that the final design An example
of this solution is shown in Figures 11 and 12.
Figure 11: Right Angle Mesh [6]
When designing models, different element types are available. These all consist of different degrees
of freedom and the number of these that can be applied to a model can sometimes be the method
in which companies license their software to companies. It is also possible to add degrees of
freedom to a model to allow for more couplings to be analysed. A selection of different element
types is shown in Figure 13.
Optimization is the process of improving a model to attempt to reduce cost, size, weight, volume
or various other factors. Solid Edge has recently introduced an optimization option into its
software package. This software can solve multiple scenarios and the results can be viewed using
the ‘simulation results’ environment. These results include stress, displacement, factor of safety
8
11. and various other useful outputs. Design limits can be applied to make the program produce
optimum models and the results from these models can be quickly and easily displayed in a
graph. The optimization dialogue box which allows the user to input design limits, variables and
other parameters is shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14: Optimization Dialogue Box
This section of Solid Edge is complicated and difficult to understand unlike a lot of other areas
of the program. Errors are still displayed and corrective measures are suggested however it seems
that a lack of user friendliness is present, possibly due to the recent addition of the software to
the program.
5 DRAFTING
When producing 3D models, it is often very useful to produce engineering drawings to aid in
understanding the more detailed areas of the model such as the specific dimensions and cross
sections. Drafting is the process of creating these drawings from a 3D model. The different
engineering drawings which are created can also be dimensioned fully according to the necessary
ISO drawing standards.
Solid Edge offers this drafting service with great ease, allowing the user to select from a large
variety of views. When creating a draft, it is possible to simply select the object which is to
be drawn then the views which are required can be quickly selected. Solid Edge is capable of
producing principle views, auxiliary views, sectioned views and many other if required. The
selection available is shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15: Drawing Views tab in Solid Edge
As well as providing the various views, Solid Edge also allows accurate dimensioning of the new
views which have been created. This process can take time because of the number of dimensions
that need to be applied but this would also be the case if drawing in real life, making this only a
slight disappointment. All necessary annotation is also provided and the drawings can be scaled
as appropriate to the page size being used. Part lists can be created very quickly, providing a list
10
12. of all the components that the drawing consists of. Some examples of these drawings are shown
in the appendix.
6 CURVES AND SURFACES
Curves and surfaces are now being used more and more frequently in many applications through-
out the engineering world. The curves allow smooth designs in applications such as the automotive
industry, aerospace industry and luxury designs. It has been an ongoing problem for many years
for designers to produce smooth curves and various methods have been used to attempt to make
the process easier. In the past, engineers used splines to create these smooth curves which was a
very long and tedious process. This involved using specific materials (often lead) to bend around
pins to create long, smooth curves. This often caused curves to be very difficult to accurately
draw. More recently, curves are being drawn using a very similar method but using a CAD pro-
gram. This allows curves to differ slightly from the spline method and could result in the curve
not actually touching all the control points. These curves are called ‘approximating’ curves and a
curve that does touch all the control points is called a ‘interpolating curve’. An example of these
different curves is shown in Figure 16 [3].
Figure 16: Different Spline Curves
The first example of the ‘approximating curve’ was by a French mathematician called Pierre
B´ezier. The B´ezier curve has a set start and end point with approximated intermediate points.
This results in the curves being slightly more simple to manage and also can ease in the joining
curves together. The curves follow the shape of a control polygon which a polygon made up out
of the control points set for the curve. This means that moving one point of the curve can cause
the rest of the curve to change shape and not only the part connected to that control point. An
example of the formation of different B´ezier curves is shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Example of Different Bezier Curves [4]
11
13. When drawing a curve using Solid Edge, this complicated procedure is vastly simplified. The
command which allows the user to draw these curves is appropriately named ‘curve’ and allows
the user to select a start point, intermediated points and an end point of the curve. As of Solid
Edge version 6, the user friendliness of drawing the curves has increased significantly. This is
because of the addition of the curve modifiers, shown as the red dots in Figure 18. When the
user has drawn a curve, Solid Edge allows the user to move or delete the control points of the
curve and directly alter the shape of the curve which vastly increases the user friendliness of the
command. A curve drawn using Solid Edge is shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18: Curve Drawn Using Solid Edge
Once a curve has been drawn, the properties of the curve can be altered. Once alteration which
can help with editing the curve is changing the degree. This means that more points are added
to the curve that can be altered, leading to a much more accurate design. The additional points
are shown in Figure 19.
Figure 19: Curve Drawn Using Solid Edge with Extra Control Points
As well as curves, surfaces can also be produced using Solid Edge. These consist of lofts, sweeps
12
14. and helical extrusions. When creating a loft the user selects two curves between which the
program will create a surface. The surface is created in a similar fashion to any other extrusion
or loft and can be edited with great ease. An example of a loft is shown in Figure 20.
Figure 20: Loft Drawn Between Two Curves
A sweep is very similar to a loft however instead of following a straight line between two curves, a
sweep can follow a curve between the two curves. This is not difficult to achieve using Solid Edge
and although this was not used in the Steering wheel or quick release design, it will definitely be
useful for other projects which the program will be used to model.
Another example of a surface is a helical protrusion. This can be used to create threads, springs
and other helical shaped objects. The program allows for the pitch of the helix to be determined
along with the diameter or various sizes of the shape to be rotated. The start and end point can be
determined and a preview can be given to ensure all entries were as required. The spring used in
the quick release was produced using the helical protrusion tool and is shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21: Spring Drawn Using Helical Protrusion Tool
7 DIRECT MODELLING
Direct Modelling is a very useful method of drawing which allows the user to alter the geome-
try of a shape very quickly. The Solid Edge program offers direct modelling in a mode called
‘synchronous’ which is one of two drawing options, the other being ‘ordered’. When using syn-
chronous, dimensions can be altered by simply dragging parts of the model which reduces the
13
15. need for time consuming sketches and extrusions. As well as speeding up the process of drawing
the shape, alterations can be made with great ease. The user can simply select a face and drag
the arrow which appears to enlarge the surface. It is also possible to move holes or cut-outs and
alter the size of rounds with great ease. If any new parts are to be added then similar commands
to that of the ordered method are available. For example a hole can be placed by inputting the
sizes necessary and clicking on the face in which it is to be applied. Whilst using this method,
the program offers a ’Live Rules’ bar at the bottom of the screen. This allows for any relation-
ships which are present in the design to be turned on or off. Options are also available to edit
the bar and to restore the rules back to the default setting. Synchronous is commonly used to
edit designs and Solid Edge makes this process seamless with a ’transfer to synchronous’ option
available, although it can be used to model from scratch. When editing the model any user is able
to follow on from another users work with great ease because as long as the necessary alterations
are known, each command can be implemented with ease. This is where the synchronous mode
is much more advantageous to the alternative ordered. An alteration made to the base of the
steering wheel using the ‘synchronous’ mode is shown in Figure 22 and the ‘Live Rules’ bar is
shown in Figure 23.
Figure 22: Base Altered Using ‘Synchronous’ Mode
Figure 23: Live Rules Bar
When comparing synchronous to the ordered or history method, both have advantages over the
other. Ordered tends to be more useful when initially drawing models because of the increased
accuracy and variety of commands available. It is often the case that ordered will be used
throughout if only one person is creating the model as it is assumed that the person will be aware
of the steps they have taken to complete the model. Although this is normally the case, some
models can become extremely complicated and it may be useful to use synchronous to edit a
part without having to look through the whole history tree. This is why synchronous is also used
when different people need to edit a previous model as no previous knowledge of the model is
14
16. necessary, only the steps needed to alter the model in the desired way.
8 STANDARD PARTS
Standard parts in a CAD modelling package such as Solid Edge are simply parts that are used
frequently throughout a model or design. The parts may be predefined and certain dimensions
will be available to be altered, producing very similar parts with slight parametric alterations
according to the application in which they are being used. The most common parts available
tend to be nuts, bolts, springs, ball bearings and other connecting or complicated small set ups
which would be very time consuming to draw separately. The Solid Edge program does provide
an integrated standard parts library however the majority of companies will buy in a range
of standard parts to use in their models to ensure consistency throughout the company. If a
company does decide to use the Standard Parts option integrated in the Solid Edge program then
the library of parts is of a reasonable standard. When inserting a part it is possible to select the
Standard Parts Manager instead of parts from the directory. In this menu it is possible to search
for the parts by visual, categorical or specific name headers. When the user selects the part, a
small display shows either an image or a dimensioned preview which is extremely helpful in finding
the piece which is required. A selection of industry standard set ups are available for selection
in each part and when selected, the part can be opened for use. The Standard Parts menu and
an example of a part which can be downloaded from the manager are shown in Figure 24 and
Figure 25.
Figure 24: Standard Part Manager
When buying in parts from different websites, there are a few main contenders. Firstly ‘GrabCAD’
is a website which offers a huge range of CAD models which can be downloaded. These models
have been generated by other users and uploaded to help designers speed up their model building.
When using this website it is possible to use a feature called ‘Workbench’ which allows many users
15
17. Figure 25: Part Created Using Standard Part Manager
to use the same models and update these as they progress in the design of the final model. The
problem which can arise in this instance is that users may alter a part which could have a negative
follow on effect on model which involves the part, making the new part not work. The LCD screen
and Arduino board were both downloaded from GrabCAD and integrated directly into the model
with no problem.
Another website which offers parts to download is ‘traceparts’. This website contains over 100
million parts and these are split up into different catalogues. Each catalogue is provided by
different companies and contains a large variety of parts. The catalogues can be filtered to show
3D parts, 2D parts, price and other factors making selection of the company much easier.
When comparing the two, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Because GrabCAD
is based on user content, the amount of files available is much smaller however it is possible to
request a model and change models once they have been downloaded. Traceparts has many more
files however the parts cannot be edited when downloaded and it can be difficult to find specific
parts because of the large catalogues of models. It does however have the advantage of assuring
the user that the models are of a high standard because of the companies producing them.
9 RENDERING AND ANIMATION
Rendering is the part of CAE which allows designers to show off their products in the most realistic
way possible. Solid Edge is linked with a piece of software called ‘KeyShot Rendering’ and this
allows the user to link the modelling environment with the rendering with great ease. ‘KeyShot’
can be activated by selecting ‘ERA’ in Solid Edge. The ‘Keyshot’ software is very impressive,
allowing the user to add backgrounds, materials colours and different lighting to the model on
which they are working on. As well as this, ‘KeyShot’ adds shadows, reflections and light spots
to create a visually stunning and extremely realistic looking render. ‘KeyShot’ works with the
model environment ensuring that any updates in the Solid Edge workspace can be updated in the
rendering environment to reduce time spent opening and closing the files. This means that many
different angles and set ups of the model can be rendered with great ease. A rendered view of the
assembly in exploded and assembled form is shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 respectively.
As well as offering a very powerful rendering package, Solid Edge also makes animating models
very easy. When a FE calculation is performed, an option is provided to show the animation of
the force being applied. This can be saved as a movie and can be found in the appendix. As
well as this, the explosion of a model can be animated. This is achieved via an animation editor
and each step of the explosion can be edited along with the camera angle, speed of movement
and many other factors. It is also possible to animate using ‘KeyShot’ which again results in a
very visually impressive output however can cause problems in slower computers because of the
processing power required. An example of this explosion animation is also shown in the appendix
and the animation editor is shown in Figure 28.
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18. Figure 26: Rendered View of Assembly Explosion [1]
Figure 27: Rendered View of Assembly [1]
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19. Figure 28: Animation Editor in Solid Edge
10 CONCLUSION
After analysing the many aspects and features that Solid Edge offers and using the program to
design the steering wheel, many advantages and few disadvantages have been found. Firstly the
method in which sketches are drawn and extrusions performed through ordered or synchronous
is seamless. Any problems encountered can be solved quickly and accurately with curves and
surfaces causing few problems considering the complexity of them. After completing all separate
parts the assembly of the components is not difficult, allowing many relationships between parts
to be applied leading to an accurate model being drawn. Once the assembly is created, further
work such as FEA and rendering can be completed without any trouble. The program makes
these steps very simple because of all the software being integrated to work seamlessly. Drafts
can be drawn very accurately and although dimensioning does take time, it is very accurate and
professional.
Overall the program has impressed and will be a valuable addition to the company.
11 GLOSSARY
11.1 ISO Drawing Standards
Ensures that drawings are kept to a set standard and makes it easier for whoever is viewing
the drawings as each will have the same dimensions style, sizes and annotations. Solid Edge
adheres to these standards automatically. Used here to ensure that all drafts and drawings are
at a minimum standard and can be understood by anyone who views them.
11.2 Design for X (DFX)
Method used to promote cooperation and progression in the product design sector. The X can be
replaced with various terms such as Cost, Test or Manufacture to speed up processes and allow
every department to work towards the same goal. In this instance it was the case that the design
of the steering wheel was for understanding and evaluation of the Solid Edge program. Could
also be used as design for build and manufacture in this case.
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20. 11.3 Interoperability
Allows different computer programs to share data and edit over various pieces of software. Allows
for much more detailed editing but must always be able to be understood by the user as well as
the programs. In this case the micro-controller board which was downloaded from the internet
may have been built on a program other than Solid Edge but still worked with no problems.
11.4 Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Controls the movement of a machine or robot through numerical commands given by a computer.
Can be used in manufacture to produce real life models from CAD drawings. This could be used
to produce the steering wheel that was drawn.
11.5 Standard Parts
Certain parts that can be used frequently throughout the design of anything from electronic
circuits to cars. Saves money and time by reducing the variation in part construction. In this
case the bolts used to fix the steering wheel to the quick release were standard parts offered by
Solid Edge.
12 REFERENCES
[1] CompareStorePrices Discounts and Special Offers, V8 Engine Coffee Table, http://www.
comparestoreprices.co.uk/coffee-tables/unbranded-v8-engine-coffee-table.asp, date accessed:
22/11/14
[2] Simulation: Siemens PLM Software, Solid Edge, http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/
en gb/products/velocity/solidedge/overview/add on apps/simulation.shtml, date accessed
21/11/14
[3] Spline Curves, Chapter 14, http://people.cs.clemson.edu/∼dhouse/courses/405/notes/
splines.pdf, date accessed: 20/11/14
[4] Jason Davies, Animated B´ezier Curves, http://www.jasondavies.com/animated-bezier/, date
accessed: 19/11/14
[5] Applied Mechanics of Solids, Introduction to Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics,
Allan F. Bower, http://solidmechanics.org/Text/Chapter7 1/Chapter7 1 files/image020.gif,
dateaccessed:26/11/14
[6] Andy’s Log, Stress Singularities, https://andreweib.wordpress.com/, date accessed
24/11/14
Used throughout the report: CAE 3 Notes, Frank Mill, Various, last accessed: 25/11/14
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21. 13 APPENDIX
Please find the animations mentioned in the section ‘Rendering and Animation’ in the CAE3F
drive via: CAE3F, Transcend, CAE 3, 24 Nov.
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