Design engineers need to model parts as well as simulate and analyze those parts to confirm they will provide the needed performance. Often the simulation and analysis tools do not interchange well with CAD tools. COMSOL recently released an update of its LiveLink tool to simplify interchanging a 3D CAD model developed in SOLIDWORKS for simulation and analysis in the COMSOL Multiphysics software.
Simulation engineers can build apps with the Application Builder to implement the required simulation and analysis. Design engineers can then use those apps to perform analysis and simulation on the 3D SOLIDWORKS model. The SOLIDWORKS user can run and control those apps from within the SOLIDWORKS user interface, thanks to the tight integration of the LiveLink tool within the SOLIDWORKS environment.
An example using the new Bike Frame Analyzer application showcases the new capabilities. The image below shows the Multiphysics ribbon tab and embedded COMSOL Server interface in the SOLIDWORKS user interface.
Engineers can use the app to update the geometry of the part, and the analysis then updates to track the varying loads and stresses. This flexible interaction simplifies testing different configurations of the bike frame and provides nearly instant feedback on the stress and deformation of the frame based on the characteristics of the model. The example and demonstration of this bike frame app show users the capabilities of the tool and provide an example of how they can use the capabilities in their own designs.
The newest version of LiveLink continues support for the features that made this a widely used tool:
- One-window interface: The user can control both COMSOL Desktop and SOLIDWORKS from a common user interface. Bidirectional data flow synchronizes the CAD design with the COMSOL model, passing data from the model to the analysis tool as well as enabling the simulation to feed back to the design.
- File interface: Users can import, export and link CAD files with simulation models in a range of file formats, including IGES, STEP, ACIS and Parasolid formats.
- Geometry manipulation: Users can manipulate model geometries to repair models, remove model anomalies, revise tolerances and de-feature complex models automatically to speed up simulation and analysis.
Visit COMSOL’s LiveLink for SOLIDWORKS product page for more information.