Hi all
I'm coming to you to find out if it is possible to calculate the durability of a poster board (PVC panel + metal structure) via Solidworks Xpress or Simulation? I would like to be able to size the concrete base to fix this panel as well. Is all this possible via Solidworks? Are there any training courses for this?
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Kind regards
Hello Toto41200
For the first part of the question, the answer is YES, for the second part of the question, the answer is NO.
I explain that SolidWorks can, through a well-conducted simulation, show you the weak points of your metal-PVC construction.
When I say well conducted, it means that you will have to separate - to increase the validity of the simulation - the metal part from the PVC part first.
The efforts that will have to be measured will be made on the whole framework in abstracto of the rest. The forces are mainly due to the wind, the values of which are known to all manufacturers of steel structures (see the literature). The snow load must be NS depending on the panel model.
The loads and deformations on the PVC are in my opinion to be treated as an addition in a second time and again it will depend on the type of fixing you choose on the frame. The ageing of PVC in conditions of torsion and vibration and constant stress is more delicate to treat than metal, steel or aluminum, the panels vibrate almost constantly.
You will have roughly bending forces that are similar to a spill and significant forces on each foot and the gussets of the feet (depending on the number of feet and the number of anchor bolts, bracing with a backsplash or not, etc...).
Solidworks will be able to give you through the bolt inkings, the deformations on the leg plates. You will have to pay particular attention to the connectors that will simulate the welds of the plates. The classic simulation will also give you the deformations on the rest of the structure.
When I say NO to the second part is only because Solidworks does not deal with everything that is concrete structure.
If I may make a friendly remark for everything that is concrete anchoring or similar, it is a profession in its own right that belongs to architects and their specialists in structural analysis, not to mention that the type of anchor chosen (butt or peg) has a very great importance on the method of installation and the final resistance. It is up to these people and no one else to calculate your anchors.
As it is another world than ours modest designers of mechanical construction and steel structure, we will be of no use to you on this second part.
For your information, the possibilities offered by Solidworks Xpress are very limited and if you have the possibility, use SolidWorks simulation from the start.
For simulation training, Solidworks resellers offer simulation training sessions. Training over 3 days minimum (it's quite stocky and dense).
These specialized training courses require you to have a prior knowledge of Solidworks design and to have some basic knowledge of RDM or very good professional experience.
We hope to have answered your question!
Kind regards