I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student currently diving into SolidWorks Simulation on my own. I have run into a frustrating roadblock with a structural analysis, and I would be incredibly grateful for any advice or pointers from the more experienced users here.
The Setup:
Model: 3D transmission tower created using a 3D sketch and Weldments (square tubing).
Study: Static Linear Analysis.
Elements: Configured primarily as Truss elements
The Problem: At several intersections—especially where diagonals cross in an « X » or at the main frame corners—SolidWorks is failing to create a single, unified magenta (connected) joint. Instead, the so
In addition, your cross reinforcements (4 tubes) as you have designed them do not absorb the forces properly, they are weakened in their center.
You have to prioritize your structure and your reinforcements. A tube (diagonal), and two tubes completing the cross. Even there I think it's not the best.
Don't hesitate to shift the belt from the first stage as the apui of the reinforcements.
How are the feet fixed or connected to the ground?
Sometimes you have to add knots artificially. For example, for a reinforcement " X ", 2 beams are not enough! You need 4 with a common knot in the center.
This is a beam structure calculation, so we skip the fittings, don't bother with beam adjustments.
Indeed, the pink dot shows a definite node in the center of the " X " You would have to see the model to understand the forces applied and the directions of travel.
On this kind of structure, the beam mesh seems logical but with the computing power of current computers, a mesh and volume calculation although longer will avoid this kind of problem of connection in the corners which can allow the overall to save time. If we do tubular structure analysis all day long, this is not necessarily true (but we will find the right mesh solutions).
It is also possible to do mixed: keep the corners welded in volume (or only those that are problematic) and the beam lengths. On the other hand, this will greatly complicate the creation of the calculation model.
