Autodesk Simulation Mechanical software is used to perform a structural analysis on a part.
Incorporating the material properties and flow-induced characteristics of a plastic part enhances the structural analysis results.
When a part is exported from Autodesk Simulation Mechanical to Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser, the model is automatically reviewed and three default settings are made.
Note: An Advanced license is required to take advantage of this feature.
- Analysis technology
- The analysis technology is the method employed to represent and analyze the model geometry. Thin, shell-like parts are modeled using Dual Domain analysis technology. Parts that have regions that are locally thick are often better analyzed using 3D analysis technology. The program recommends the appropriate analysis technology to use based on the imported model geometry.
- Material
- The polymer defined while the model is being prepared in Autodesk Simulation Mechanical is imported and, by default, is selected for the Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser analysis.
- Gate location
- Gate location is the point where the plastic enters the mold. The suggested gate location is based on the model geometry and process considerations, such as ensuring that the extremities of the mold finish filling at the same time. This reduces warpage of the final part.
The gate location analysis does not take into account individual part constraints. Limitations imposed by the mold design, and aesthetic considerations of having the surface mark caused by a gate in a location that is visible for the end user, may result in alternate or multiple gates being used in production.
If the gate location is changed in the final part to accommodate these individual constraints, the subsequent Autodesk Simulation Mechanical analysis also will be changed. Changing a gate location changes the flow patterns, fiber orientation, and possibly the warpage of the part, all which can impact the structural properties of the final part.
For analyses of parts where structural performance criteria are critical, it is important that the gate location used in the analysis match the gate location used in production.
These three default settings can be altered as required.
Note: In order for Autodesk Simulation Moldflow Adviser results to transfer successfully for the structural analysis, you cannot change the orientation of the imported model with respect to the global coordinate system or modify the geometry. You should not change the name of the study that was created on import.