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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
DMT D064D
Course Title (CB02)
SolidWorks Simulation (Finite Element Analysis)
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
This course covers the application of SolidWorks Simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize 3D models by measuring stress and displacement distributions of new designs through simulating responses to structural and thermal loads.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a stand-alone course in a CTE program that was developed based on the needs of major and start-up corporations in the local community, as discussed at our advisory board meetings. It is CSU transferable. This advanced parametric modeling course emphasizes on validating and optimizing mechanical designs with Simulation using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours2.04.0
Laboratory Hours6.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
72.0
Total
96.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
48.0

Prerequisite(s)

DMT D060A, DMT D060B, DMT D060C, DMT D060D or DMT D060E

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Laboratory discussion sessions and quizzes that evaluate the proceedings weekly laboratory exercises

Assignments

  1. Class exercises and written reports
  2. CAD projects using simulation (FEA) software
  3. Reading from text and reference materials

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Quizzes to evaluate accuracy and correct use of various tools and modeling methods.
  2. Mid-term Examination covering assigned video lectures, textbook reading, & advanced-level CAD projects. Exam will be evaluated on completeness of simulation (FEA) requirements.
  3. Final Examination evaluating student’s use and accuracy of advanced-level SolidWorks simulation (FEA) Tools as defined by grading rubric.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • None.
Essential College Facilities:
  • CAD computer laboratory with SolidWorks software

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Kurowski, Paul. Engineering Analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation,Schroff Development Corporation,2019

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Identify the need, application, and limitations of SolidWorks Simulation to 3D designs
  • Apply software-specific graphical user interface
  • Create sensitivity studies and complete von mises stress analysis studies.
  • Recall and apply simulation product studies and visualization animation.
  • Derive and optimize project models for analysis.

CSLOs

  • Utilize and manipulate complex industry design analysis tools through simulating responses to structural and thermal loads using SolidWorks Simulation with Finite Element Analysis techniques & methodologies.

Outline

  1. Identify the need, application, and limitations of SolidWorks Simulation to 3D designs
    1. Background, theory and need for finite element analysis
    2. Studies available in SolidWorks Simulation
    3. SolidWorks Simulation
  2. Apply software-specific graphical user interface
    1. Model import from SolidWorks integrated mode
    2. Apply material, loads, and constraints
    3. Create finite element mesh and run processor
    4. Display results
  3. Create sensitivity studies and complete von mises stress analysis studies.
    1. Problem definition
    2. Model idealization
    3. Assigning proper loads, constraints, and materials
    4. Displaying results, motion study
    5. Typical errors and how to avoid them
  4. Recall and apply simulation product studies and visualization animation.
    1. Varying design parameters vs. output
    2. Consideration of impossible meshes
    3. Using global and local sensitivity studies
    4. Results analysis by graphical interpretation
  5. Derive and optimize project models for analysis.
    1. Design controls and goal definitions
    2. Techniques to minimize processing time
    3. Convergence methods
    4. Sample projects

Lab Topics

  1. Stress Analysis
  2. Non Linear and Dynamic Stress Analasys
  3. Vibration Analysis
  4. Thermal Analysis
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