SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation Tutorial Series
SOLIDWORKS FLOW SIMULATION TUTORIAL SERIES
Unlock the full potential of SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation with MLC CAD Systems’ comprehensive tutorial video series. Led by Marcus from the Stillwater, Oklahoma office, this hands-on series walks engineers through every critical step of conducting internal airflow analysis—from setting up geometry and defining boundary conditions to post-processing results and extracting actionable data. Learn how to use the Wizard to streamline project setup, apply real-world inputs like cubic feet per minute (CFM), and leverage goal plots, surface plots, and flow trajectories to visualize and quantify system performance. Whether you’re evaluating pressure drops, flow rates, or optimizing designs with data-driven insights, this series empowers users to master fluid flow simulations with accuracy and efficiency.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #1 - Introduction
First, Marcus demonstrates how to set up and perform an airflow analysis through a manifold using SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation. He outlines the steps to get started, including turning on the flow simulation add-in, defining the analysis area, creating lids to cap openings, and performing geometry checks to ensure a watertight model. Marcus also highlights tools for leak detection and the importance of a closed environment for accurate analysis.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #2 - Flow Wizard
In this video, Marcus explains how to create a fluid flow simulation project using the Wizard in SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The Wizard simplifies the numerous variables involved by breaking them down into a series of questions. He names the project ‘air distribution’ to study air distribution from an inlet to six outlets. He discusses customizing the unit system to use cubic feet per minute (CFM) for airflow, creating a new unit system if necessary, and focusing on internal study settings without considering heat conduction, radiation, time dependency, gravity, or rotation. The Wizard allows easy selection and addition of gases, in this case, air, and sets the ambient temperature and pressure to room conditions. Finally, it quickly creates a domain for the internal volume of air, streamlining the setup process.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #3 - Boundaries and Goals
Marcus guides viewers through the process of setting up a flow simulation study. He explains how to input known data, such as air flow rates, and create boundary conditions for inlets and outlets. Marcus shows how to set goals for the simulation, which help in obtaining live feedback and ensuring accurate convergence. He also demonstrates how to create surface goals and equation goals to measure various parameters and values like volume flow rates and efficiency. The tutorial emphasizes the ease of use and the comprehensive capabilities of the simulation software.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #4 - Solving
Marcus explains the process of running a flow simulation study. He details setting up boundary conditions and goals, managing computational resources, and using a remote solver to avoid tying up the computer. The script also covers the use of multiple CPUs to balance workload and previews simulation results to monitor progress and ensure realistic values. Marcus demonstrates creating a preview plot to observe parameters like pressure and velocity distributions, ultimately showing how to understand and analyze the results post-simulation.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #5 - Results Visualization
In this video, Marcus demonstrates how to post-process the results of a flow simulation study. After setting up the study and solving it, he explains how to create various result plots, including cut plots, surface plots, and flow trajectories. Cut plots allow for examining sections of the geometry and visualizing parameters such as velocity, temperature, and pressure. Surface plots help assess pressure distribution, which can be crucial for structural analysis. Flow trajectories illustrate the flow of data points within the system, providing a dynamic visualization of airflow paths and vortex formations. These tools are powerful for understanding system behavior and identifying potential issues.
SOLIDWORKS Flow Tutorial Series #6 - Results Measurements
Marcus explains how to interpret and extract specific data from flow simulation studies. He focuses on understanding system responses to inputs, aiming to inspire design improvements. He demonstrates methods to obtain hard data, such as using goal plots to get flow rates at outlets and generating Excel spreadsheets. Marcus also shows how to measure additional parameters like upstream pressure and create XY plots for visualizing pressure drops and velocity profiles. Finally, he emphasizes the capability to export data for further analysis and reporting.
About the author
While Marcus has been a SOLIDWORKS Applications Expert with MLC CAD Systems in Oklahoma for over a decade, his knowledge extends into all product lines MLC offers. More than once, he has held the prestigious title of the world’s most certified SOLIDWORKS AE. He actively supports the user group community and is known for his improv comedy tips and tricks sessions. Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn to discuss your project.
