implicit definition of contact faces between solids (with different materials) for simulation

wolfgang_maier

Hello,

assume you want to simulate an assembly.

The assembly consist of different parts with different materials, e.g. metal and ABS.

For simulation purposes you have to define the contacts faces between the solids.

Since the contact information is part of the CAD model, some CAD formats do support the contact information (e.g. BREP)

How to deal with this in Onshape?

BREP export is not supported?!

regards

Wolfgang

NeilCooke

Hi @wolfgang_maier - Parasolid, STEP, etc. are all BREP. I've never heard of an export format supporting contact for simulation. In my experience, contact is defined in the simulation software. Can you be a bit more specific or give me an example of a system that does? Thanks.

wolfgang_maier

Neil,

see simscale workshop "Simulation of a 3D printer" at time line 14:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwwD2A_N3l8).

He imports the CAD model of a 3D printer.

He also mentionend that he does not have to prepare contact information.

This information is supplied by CAD export in BREP format?!

regards

Wolfgang

NeilCooke

OK, he's talking about Open CASCADE - which is a kernel generally used by companies to create their own bespoke CAD tools - I know of no mechanical CAD tools that support it. Anyway, defining contact in the simulation tool should be automatic (if it isn't, ask SimScale to implement it).

wolfgang_maier

Thank you!