Hello,

Recently my colleague Mr. Marlon Banta posted a video on 2D Simplification (2D Simplification in SolidWorks 2011: Part 1) providing an example of running a Plane Stress Static Study in SolidWorks 2011. Continuing this series, I will be sharing an instructional video on the second type of 2D simplification: Plane Strain. You can apply these two dimensional simulations to four types of studies in SolidWorks 2011.  They are Static Simulation, Nonlinear Simulation, Thermal Studies and Pressure Vessel Design. Also note that Design Studies can use parameters and sensors from 2D Simplification studies.

It is important to note that based on the plane theory of elasticity, the general assumption for plane strain as the name suggests is that all the strains are in plane. There are no out of plane strains. The out of plane stresses need not be zero. Although the theory is based on an infinite extrusion, plane strain conditions can be assumed when the extrusion dimension is much larger than the largest section dimension. (E.g. cross/section of a dam, cross/section of long pipe sitting on ground, etc.) And finally, all the loads and fixtures act in the plane of the section and do not change along the extrusion.

Hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to your comments.

Thank you,

-Hari Padmanabhan

PS: My colleague Dr. Idris Traina has posted a video of providing an example of running Axi-symmetric Thermal Study in SolidWorks 2011.(2D Simplification in SolidWorks 2011: Part 3)