UNSW Making

Simulations: Fusion 360

Essential tutorials to do simulations using Autodesk Fusion 360
CAD Module

For this learning module, you will need:

  • A computer that can run Fusion 360
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 software
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 account
  • (Highly recommended) A computer mouse -if the cat hasn't eat it yet...
  • (Optional) A computer cat

Getting Started

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Setup Guide

Getting Started

This module will take you through the basics of performing simulations using Fusion 360. All tutorials and content was made by Autodesk and curated by the UNSW Makerspace Team on this module for educational purposes. Visit the Getting started with simulations in this link to have a complete overview of Fusion 360 simulation capabilities .

To save your progress and designs, log in into your Autodesk account when following these tutorials.

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If you haven't done it yet, we recommend you to download Fusion 360 (And well, let's be honest, you should go and check the CAD for Modelling module before getting to this point)

To download and get started on Fusion 360, follow this link to create your Autodesk account and download the software onto your computer.

If you are a current student or an educator, you can have free access to Fusion360 if you use your University email address!

If you want to learn more about Fusion 360, here is the complete product guide.

Module 1

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Simulations overview

What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computerised method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow and other physical effects. Finite element analysis shows whether a product will break, wear out or work the way it was designed.

FEA works by breaking down a real object into a large number (thousands to hundreds of thousands) of finite elements, such as little cubes. Mathematical equations help predict the behaviour of each element. A computer then adds up all the individual behaviours to predict the behaviour of the actual object.

Finite element analysis helps predict the behaviour of products affected by many physical effects, including:

  • Mechanical stress
  • Mechanical vibration
  • Fatigue
  • Motion
  • Heat transfer
  • Fluid flow
  • Electrostatics
  • Plastic injection moulding
aircraft-bearing-bracket-fem.jpg

In this module we will look at linear and non-linear static stress analysis, thermal analysis, thermal stress analysis and structural buckling. For more tutorials and content regarding simulations visit the Test, validate, and explore alternatives section in the Getting Started tutorials from Autodesk Fusion 360.

Before starting with the simulations, there are three main factors that you will need to keep in mind:

Materials

Each material has their unique properties which react differently when subject to forces. The basic material properties that need to be known for accurate finite element analysis are:

  • Young's modulus of elasticity and yield strength
  • The bulk modulus
  • Shear modulus or modulus of rigidity
  • Poisson's ratio
  • Density of the material
  • Viscosity

Boundary conditions

Each part of your model will have specific interactions with other parts and the environment. These conditions are described as Boundary conditions. In order to simulate as accurate as possible what would happen to your model, you will need to recreate the physical conditions.

Loads

Well... It's obvious that we are talking about the force exerted on a surface or body. No room for creativity here!

Module 1

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Linear Static Stress Analysis

Static stress analyses are one of the most common types of finite element structural analyses. The component or assembly is subjected to a range of load conditions and the resultant stress, strain, and deformation results analysed to determine the likelihood of failure of the design.

Linear static stress analyses assume that:

  • the structure returns to its original form
  • there are no changes in loading direction or magnitude
  • the material properties do not change
  • deformation and strain are small

The following conditions must be true for the Static Stress analysis to be valid:

  • The loading causes only small deflections or rotations. By small, we mean that the following individual conditions are satisfied:
  • The deformation does not have a significant effect on the load direction, load magnitude, or the surface area of faces to which loads are applied.
  • The deformation does not alter the boundary conditions (that is, where, and in what manner, the parts are constrained).
  • The materials behave linearly and remain within the elastic region of the material's stress-strain curve. In other words, the stiffness and strength of the material does not change.

Dynamic effects from the loading conditions are not significant. Static stress analysis does not consider inertial effects. However, the mass of the model is used to determine certain static loads, such as gravity and rotational forces.

For more information regarding linear stress analysis follow this link!

Module 2

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Non-Linear Static Stress Analysis

A Nonlinear Static Stress study should be used whenever a source of nonlinearity is introduced into the solution, and the assumptions of the linear Static Stress Analysis are no longer valid.

There are four common forms of nonlinearity:

  • material,
  • geometric,
  • load, and
  • boundary condition nonlinearity.
  • Material nonlinearity, where the material does not have a complete linear stress-strain curve, as seen in plastic and rubber materials. Material nonlinearity occurs when the material stiffness is inherently nonlinear (such as hyperelastic materials) or when a material is loaded beyond its elastic range. Examples of material nonlinearity include softening, stiffening, hysteresis, plasticity, viscoelasticity, creep, and failure.
  • Geometric nonlinearity occurs when the deformation of the structure results in large displacements or rotations. Examples of geometric nonlinearity include the bending of a fishing pole or the buckling of a structure.
  • Load nonlinearities occur when the area over which a load is applied or the orientation of the load vary significantly as the structure deforms.
  • Boundary condition nonlinearity occurs when the loads or constraints on the model are a function of the current structural displacements, surface interactions, or temperature. Examples include follower forces or contact surfaces that change throughout the simulation. Currently, Fusion 360 does not support boundary condition nonlinearity.

Another distinguishing feature of a Nonlinear Static Stress analysis is that the load is applied gradually over multiple increments. Incremental loading allows the solver to account for changing material stiffness, geometric changes, and changing boundary conditions.

This 48 seconds clip will give you a brief summary of non-linear static stress analysis using Fusion 360

For more information regarding non-linear stress analysis follow this link!

Module 3

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Thermal analysis

A thermal analysis calculates the conduction of energy across the geometry. To run a thermal analysis, the model material must have a conductance, and a temperature difference must exist for heat transfer to occur. Heat is always transferred in the direction of decreasing temperature. Design parameters can often involve a maximum critical temperature that causes a part failure. If your design is part of a larger design or system it may be of interest to understand and control the heat flow.

Thermal analyses are steady-state heat transfer analyses used to determine the steady-state temperature distribution and heat flow. Heat can be transferred by 3 different methods: conduction through solids, convection through a fluid or gas, and radiation.

This type of analysis requires:

  • The loads and constraints are independent of time. Steady-state means that the solution can be considered after an infinite amount of time has passed.
  • A heat source and sink must be defined. If there is only a source and no means to remove heat, the temperature of the model would be infinite. Conservation of energy must be observed, energy in must be equal to energy out.
  • At least one temperature-based thermal load is required to provide a reference temperature. A temperature profile can not be calculated across a part with 5 W into one side and 5 W out another side. A reference temperature is needed to provide the temperature profile.

For more information regarding thermal analysis follow this link!

Module 4

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Thermal stress analysis

A Thermal Stress study is used to evaluate the stresses induced by some thermal load. For example, will the part warp as a result of some change in temperature? Can the components still be assembled as designed after experiencing the thermal load? Use the Thermal Stress analysis to explore how the stresses from these loads can impact the life of your part.

This type of analysis requires:

  • The loads and constraints are independent of time. Steady-state means that the solution can be considered after an infinite amount of time has passed.
  • A heat source and sink must be defined. If there is only a source and no means to remove heat, the temperature of the model would be infinite. Conservation of energy must be observed, energy in must be equal to energy out.
  • At least one temperature-based thermal load is required to provide a reference temperature. A temperature profile can not be calculated across a part with 5 W into one side and 5 W out another side. A reference temperature is needed to provide the temperature profile.

For more information regarding thermal stress analysis follow this link

Module 5

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Structural Buckling

Buckling is the failure of a structural member when subjected to a high compressive stress. Buckling occurs on a long thin column even when the compressive stress is below the material's ultimate compressive stress. Once the geometry has started to deform, it can no longer withstand a fraction of the initial force. Use buckling analysis to determine if a specified set of loads cause buckling and to find the shape of the buckling mode. You can then design supports or stiffeners to prevent local buckling.

Note: Linear buckling analyses provide non-conservative results so it is a best practice to avoid being near the critical load.

Buckling Examples

The following list contains a few examples that Structural Buckling analyses might be appropriate:

  • Bridges
  • Buildings
  • Truss structures

For more information regarding structural buckling follow this link

Other Resources

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Resources to enhance your CAD skills using Fusion 360

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Converting from Solidworks?

Use this set of video tutorials to convert your Solidwork CAD habits to Fusion360



Want to get more efficient?

Download this cheat sheet for keyboard shortcuts!

Also check this out for a list of every single shortcut in Fusion 360!

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Tags: Fusion360 CAD
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