This is a common reaction from observers who are new to geometric modeling and physics simulation software. I was curious, too, hence I was continually looking for ways to demonstrate the convergence (or divergence) between and among analytical physics and simulation software programs. In my recent work (Engineer's Notebook), I used a simple classical heat transfer problem to demonstrate heat transfer solutions analytical and computational methods. These computational tools are Matlab, Ansys and SolidWorks.
In the old engineering education, geometric models are drawn by hand or with the aid of some mechanical devices. Solutions are calculated manually while trying to adhere with classical physics. Results are often numerical or simple graphs, if illustrative. With the proliferation of computers these days, geometric models can be drawn and rendered in photorealistic detail. Physics simulation results can be displayed in colorful contour plots over the object of interest. They look good, no doubt, but humans need a good grasp of how good these computer applications are not only in style but also in substance. This substantial understanding is a requirement to establish confidence in subsequent outputs of the computer especially for projects involving big funding allocations and the safety of humans.
Commercial software applications like Matlab, Ansys and SolidWorks do not actually lack technical integrity. These have been developed by well-acclaimed engineers and programmers and these are widely used in many functional products across various industries by credible global companies. However, the details of the technical application of these software programs to specific commercial products are not fully accessible to the public mainly due to the proprietary interests.
When I came across a classic heat transfer problem (Cengel, 2002), I thought maybe, I can use this to illustrate some fundamental aspects of accuracy and reliability. Can the software produce simulation results that are in agreement with the first principles of physics? The heat loss through a window is a good example because the problem is simple enough and the analytical solution is well-known. The simplicity of the problem is important, not that the software are incapable of solving complexity, but it does not require special and obscure program functionalities which may be absent or inadequate in the other software. User competence also becomes a significant factor when a test case is inherently difficult. Hence, simplicity is a leveling ground.
In a simple serial heat transfer problem (convection - conduction - convection), both Ansys and SolidWorks produced practically the same answer as the analytical solution in terms of energy flow across the glass window as well as degree of heating (surface temperature). Another independent simulation software (Matlab) agree with the answer. As such, this problem is a good instructional material both for teaching physics and for properly carrying out a computer simulation.
Simple geometric modeling concepts of sophisticated engineering design
Part 4 of 8
04 Surfacing
Surfacing is the definition of the exterior area of the solid body in terms of color, texture and even lights, shadow and environmental background.
The texture of a solid body can be assigned from the library of pre-defined industrial materials such as wood, metal, concrete, glass and even water.
Aside from the appearance point of view, surfacing can also be seen in terms of modeling elaborately shaped solid bodies. Complex solid components, especially those with wavy surfaces, are often formed using what else, surfacing tools! A surface is a plane which may also be a wavy plane that can be extruded into the three dimensional space to form a more complex body, through the union with other wavy surfaces. On its own, a surface has only two dimensions (length and width), without a thickness. However, surfaces can be joined together to form solid bodies.
Simple geometric modeling concepts of sophisticated engineering design //
Part 3 of 8
When a certain shape is given explicit dimensional values, it is said to be fully defined. As such, a sketch turns black from blue and it cannot be moved or deformed in that state.
Sizing is basically specifying length and radius of a sketch. The elements in a sketch can be given dimensional relationships (equal, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, coincident, pierce, colinear) with each other to fix their size and position in space.
Dimensional variables can also be defined and assigned to sketch elements. This is called parametric modeling in SolidWorks where dimensions are given in a table of equations.
Zooming in or out to magnify details or expand the viewing horizon is also an available feature in geometric modeling software to establish size and context.
The sizing feature of geometric modeling extends to the determination of mass properties of a solid body by simply drawing it. Once drawn, the area, volume, centroid, and moments of inertia can be subsequently inferred using the evaluation tool. When the material is assigned to the solid body, the mass can also be determined instantaneously.
For curved edges and surfaces, a measuring tool can find automatically the intersection points.
Artisantiago
PHYSICS AND COMPUTER SIMULATION
"Elegant, but is it accurate or reliable?"
This is a common reaction from observers who are new to geometric modeling and physics simulation software. I was curious, too, hence I was continually looking for ways to demonstrate the convergence (or divergence) between and among analytical physics and simulation software programs. In my recent work (Engineer's Notebook), I used a simple classical heat transfer problem to demonstrate heat transfer solutions analytical and computational methods. These computational tools are Matlab, Ansys and SolidWorks.
In the old engineering education, geometric models are drawn by hand or with the aid of some mechanical devices. Solutions are calculated manually while trying to adhere with classical physics. Results are often numerical or simple graphs, if illustrative. With the proliferation of computers these days, geometric models can be drawn and rendered in photorealistic detail. Physics simulation results can be displayed in colorful contour plots over the object of interest. They look good, no doubt, but humans need a good grasp of how good these computer applications are not only in style but also in substance. This substantial understanding is a requirement to establish confidence in subsequent outputs of the computer especially for projects involving big funding allocations and the safety of humans.
Commercial software applications like Matlab, Ansys and SolidWorks do not actually lack technical integrity. These have been developed by well-acclaimed engineers and programmers and these are widely used in many functional products across various industries by credible global companies. However, the details of the technical application of these software programs to specific commercial products are not fully accessible to the public mainly due to the proprietary interests.
When I came across a classic heat transfer problem (Cengel, 2002), I thought maybe, I can use this to illustrate some fundamental aspects of accuracy and reliability. Can the software produce simulation results that are in agreement with the first principles of physics? The heat loss through a window is a good example because the problem is simple enough and the analytical solution is well-known. The simplicity of the problem is important, not that the software are incapable of solving complexity, but it does not require special and obscure program functionalities which may be absent or inadequate in the other software. User competence also becomes a significant factor when a test case is inherently difficult. Hence, simplicity is a leveling ground.
In a simple serial heat transfer problem (convection - conduction - convection), both Ansys and SolidWorks produced practically the same answer as the analytical solution in terms of energy flow across the glass window as well as degree of heating (surface temperature). Another independent simulation software (Matlab) agree with the answer. As such, this problem is a good instructional material both for teaching physics and for properly carrying out a computer simulation.
artisantiago.gumroad.com/l/dczkb
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My recent project: Shelter on a Hill. It is a photo anthology of huts that I passed by on my mountain hikes.
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My recent paper, Chiffon Cake and the Frontiers of Food Engineering
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Simple geometric modeling concepts of sophisticated engineering design
Part 4 of 8
04 Surfacing
Surfacing is the definition of the exterior area of the solid body in terms of color, texture and even lights, shadow and environmental background.
The texture of a solid body can be assigned from the library of pre-defined industrial materials such as wood, metal, concrete, glass and even water.
Aside from the appearance point of view, surfacing can also be seen in terms of modeling elaborately shaped solid bodies. Complex solid components, especially those with wavy surfaces, are often formed using what else, surfacing tools! A surface is a plane which may also be a wavy plane that can be extruded into the three dimensional space to form a more complex body, through the union with other wavy surfaces. On its own, a surface has only two dimensions (length and width), without a thickness. However, surfaces can be joined together to form solid bodies.
//
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Simple geometric modeling concepts of sophisticated engineering design
//
Part 3 of 8
When a certain shape is given explicit dimensional values, it is said to be fully defined. As such, a sketch turns black from blue and it cannot be moved or deformed in that state.
Sizing is basically specifying length and radius of a sketch. The elements in a sketch can be given dimensional relationships (equal, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, coincident, pierce, colinear) with each other to fix their size and position in space.
Dimensional variables can also be defined and assigned to sketch elements. This is called parametric modeling in SolidWorks where dimensions are given in a table of equations.
Zooming in or out to magnify details or expand the viewing horizon is also an available feature in geometric modeling software to establish size and context.
The sizing feature of geometric modeling extends to the determination of mass properties of a solid body by simply drawing it. Once drawn, the area, volume, centroid, and moments of inertia can be subsequently inferred using the evaluation tool. When the material is assigned to the solid body, the mass can also be determined instantaneously.
For curved edges and surfaces, a measuring tool can find automatically the intersection points.
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Artisantiago
What is your unfair advantage?
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