Simulation: Working With Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Overview of defining materials and properties Using CAD-defined materials Using Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical-defined materials Editing materials in the library Defining new materials In this Module you will learn:

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Overview Materials can be defined within the original CAD software, within Autodesk® SimStudio Tools, or within the FEA software. It is often preferable to use the FEA software’s library, as the material selections are much more extensive and are easily customizable. In addition to using a library material, FEA packages allow the user to define their own material, completely from scratch or by using another similar material as a starting template. Autodesk® SimStudio Tools® material definition box

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Defining materials within CAD Within the original CAD software or within SimStudio Tools, the user can select their material from a limited list. Usually, this list contains: Alloy steel Aluminum Brass Copper Plastic Wood The material properties are fairly accurate and are good for determining center of mass, overall weight, and estimating stresses and deflections. These material properties can be imported with the geometry into an FEA package and can be used for analysis purposes.

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Defining materials within FEA Within most FEA packages, however, there is an extensive list of materials from which to choose, including several dozen steels, stainless steels, aluminums, plastics, and woods. Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical includes its materials library with the software, so it is available for any user to utilize.

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Defining materials within FEA In addition, material properties can be easily modified within Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical to create a custom material, using an existing material as a template. Thus, virtually any metal, polymer, or wood can be created based on actual material properties. Materials can also be defined entirely from scratch, where the user inputs every parameter by hand.

© 2016 Autodesk Design Academy Working with Imported Geometry: Defining Materials and Properties Overview of defining materials and properties Using CAD-defined materials Using Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical-defined materials Editing materials in the library Defining new materials The video will demonstrate how to import a CAD model with materials already defined into Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical, as well as how to use a material from the library and edit a material from the library. Summary