Arm-architectureHow-ToBeginner · 4 min read

How to Do CFD in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To do CFD in SolidWorks, use the Flow Simulation add-in to set up your fluid flow study by defining the fluid, boundary conditions, and goals. Then run the simulation to analyze flow, pressure, and temperature results directly on your 3D model.

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Syntax

In SolidWorks Flow Simulation, the process follows these main steps:

Activate Flow Simulation Add-in: Enable the Flow Simulation tool from the Add-ins menu.
Create a New Project: Define the fluid type, units, and analysis type (internal or external flow).
Set Boundary Conditions: Specify inlet velocity, pressure, temperature, and wall conditions.
Define Goals: Choose parameters to monitor like pressure drop or velocity at specific points.
Run the Simulation: Start the solver to compute the flow results.
Review Results: Use plots, cut plots, and flow trajectories to visualize the CFD output.

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1. Enable Flow Simulation Add-in
2. File > New > Flow Simulation Project
3. Select Fluid (e.g., Air)
4. Set Boundary Conditions (Inlet velocity, Outlet pressure)
5. Define Goals (e.g., max velocity)
6. Run Simulation
7. View Results (Flow trajectories, Pressure plots)

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Example

This example shows how to set up a simple airflow simulation inside a pipe:

Activate Flow Simulation add-in.
Create a new project and select air as the fluid.
Set inlet velocity to 5 m/s and outlet pressure to atmospheric.
Define goals to monitor velocity and pressure drop.
Run the simulation and view flow trajectories and pressure distribution.

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1. Go to Tools > Add-Ins and check 'SolidWorks Flow Simulation'.
2. Click 'Flow Simulation' tab > 'Wizard'.
3. Choose 'Internal' flow and select 'Air' as fluid.
4. Set inlet boundary condition: Velocity = 5 m/s.
5. Set outlet boundary condition: Pressure = 0 Pa (atmospheric).
6. Define goals: Max velocity, Pressure drop.
7. Finish wizard and click 'Run'.
8. After completion, open 'Results' > 'Flow Trajectories' and 'Cut Plots' to visualize results.

Output

Simulation runs and completes showing velocity and pressure distribution inside the pipe model.

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when doing CFD in SolidWorks include:

Not enabling the Flow Simulation add-in before starting.
Incorrectly setting boundary conditions, such as wrong velocity or pressure values.
Forgetting to define goals, which makes it hard to track important results.
Using overly complex geometry without simplification, causing long simulation times or solver errors.
Ignoring mesh refinement settings, which can reduce accuracy.

Always double-check your setup before running the simulation.

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Wrong way:
- Forget to enable Flow Simulation add-in.
- Set inlet velocity as 0 m/s by mistake.

Right way:
- Enable Flow Simulation add-in.
- Set realistic inlet velocity (e.g., 5 m/s).

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Quick Reference

Here is a quick checklist for CFD in SolidWorks Flow Simulation:

Enable Flow Simulation add-in.
Create new Flow Simulation project.
Select fluid and analysis type.
Set boundary conditions (inlet, outlet, walls).
Define goals to monitor.
Run simulation solver.
Review results with plots and flow trajectories.

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Key Takeaways

Enable the Flow Simulation add-in before starting CFD in SolidWorks.

Set correct fluid properties and boundary conditions for accurate results.

Define goals to track important parameters during simulation.

Simplify geometry and refine mesh to improve simulation speed and accuracy.

Use built-in visualization tools to analyze flow, pressure, and temperature results.