Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360

Overview

The foundation of engineering design is often coupled with validation. Simulation is a great tool that allows engineers to test, validate, and modify designs before they become a physical prototype. When used early in the process for simulation driven design and throughout the development process, simulation can help drive the design, make informed design decisions, speed up time to production, and most importantly, identify and eliminate costly design mistakes. Like any other tool though, it must be used properly to yield the best results. In this course, we’ll explore the usage static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal and other mechanical simulation types to better understand how we can apply these tools to everyday design problems. After taking this course, you'll be able to: - Describe the simulation workflow in Fusion 360. - Summarize the use cases for various types of simulation studies. - Demonstrate knowledge and skills in more advanced Fusion 360 CAD and CAE skills. - Explain and identify simulation results Looking for Autodesk Fusion 360 certification prep courses? Check out additional learning resources to help you uplevel your skills: https://www.autodesk.com/learning

Syllabus

Static Stress Simulation

In Week 1, we’ll explore the setup, solve, and understanding surrounding static stress simulations. Starting with the basics and moving to more advanced tools such as bolted connections we’ll walk through how to prepare and process a static simulation.

Using Shape Optimization to Drive a Design

In Week 2, we’ll cover shape optimization simulation study type to explore load paths in designs. This simulation study will help engineers identify critical load paths in a design to make more informed decisions on material removal.

Nonlinear Response, Buckling and Modal Frequencies

In Week 3, we’ll focus on some additional simulation study types in Fusion 360, namely nonlinear response, structural buckling and modal frequencies. These study types allow for greater insight into structural and mechanical problems associated with a wide variety of designs. We will focus on various aspects of our gear reduction assembly as well as explore other examples suited for these types of simulations.

Thermal and Thermal Stress

In Week 4, we’ll explore and compare the effects of thermal and thermal stresses on designs. Temperature and heat can be a major factor in the failure of a design so exploring a design’s performance can lead to better informed design decisions. As a bonus, we’ll also look at event simulation and how a design performs when subject to motion and how it responds to an impact.