Simulation scope—compare simulation with/without a part included

Matthew_Harned

I'm trying out Simulations, and I'm wondering if there's a way to limit the scope of what parts/assemblies are included in a simulation. Basically, I want to simulate the deflection of a cantilevered beam by itself, and compare that to a simulation of the same beam with a stiffener plate bolted to it. I've created a second simulation, but I think I can only vary the applied load, not the part/subassembly included in the simulation. 

Is there an option for reducing the scope of a simulation, by excluding certain instances from the simulation? Can I simulate only a part of the assembly? 

Thanks

S1mon

You can create configurations which suppress components. If the loads are different for your different test cases, there's currently no way to tie the load selection to the configuration - you just have to select that manually. You might also consider creating new test assemblies for Simulation, if it's going to clutter up your main assembly. 

Onshape is trying to sell the idea that we'll magically be able to just add a few loads to existing assemblies and hit the "Show results" button. The reality is that any significantly complex project will likely benefit from some level of manual simplification or adding of fake fixture parts.

S1mon

You can create configurations which suppress components. If the loads are different for your different test cases, there's currently no way to tie the load selection to the configuration - you just have to select that manually. You might also consider creating new test assemblies for Simulation, if it's going to clutter up your main assembly. 

Onshape is trying to sell the idea that we'll magically be able to just add a few loads to existing assemblies and hit the "Show results" button. The reality is that any significantly complex project will likely benefit from some level of manual simplification or adding of fake fixture parts.

jacques_spillmann

I think if you set a part as "fixed" it does not take part of the simulation, see here for an example:
https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/simulation.htm?Highlight=simulation#
In that example, the Axle and the Connection bracket are set as "Fix" and you'll notice they don't seem to become part of the simulation results.

fnxf

@Matthew_Harned have a look at this example here, which was created for a user group meeting:

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5ada6e63cf935e07a21417a0/w/08adb2d25c484042d980fdfd/e/2706cc80f26c54eaa8f42d20?renderMode=0&uiState=63b7ca2ffd31ce20e2647a86