TABLE OF CONTENTS When accurate solid models are available, traditional engineering analysis, including strength, fatigue, structural optimization, and kinematics/ dynamics, can be preformed in a more realistic manner. In these analyses, geometric properties such as distance, angle, area, volume, and weight of the models are often the required conditions. Assigning specific materials to the models, mechanical properties (area and mass) such as moments, centroids, moments of inertia, and product inertia of area and mass can be computed automatically by CAD systems.
In this chapter, we will review the basics of mechanics of materials in determining the area and mass properties of the models and use the tools provided by the CAD system to acquire the information needed in engineering analysis of strength, fatigue, structural optimization, and kinematics/dynamics.
Upon completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Assign material properties to a model
Use the CAD system to acquire desired information
Determine the geometric properties of the design models
Determine mass properties
Compare hand calculations with computer provided values
Material properties are required in various engineering calculations. In this section, the method to assign material properties to the components in design models is introduced.
Start a new file, "xxx_activity11-1." Create the following model in millimeters as shown in Figure 11-1:
Figure 11-1: Model dimensions
Assign material properties to the model. Tools => Material Properties in Figure 11-2.
Figure 11-2: Material property access
In Materials, you either input...
