How to Do Drop Test in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To do a drop test in SolidWorks, use the Simulation add-in to create a new Drop Test Study. Define the material, apply gravity, set initial velocity or drop height, and run the simulation to see stress and displacement results.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, a drop test is set up using the Simulation module with these key steps:

• Create Study: Choose Drop Test for impact analysis.
• Apply Material: Assign material properties to your model for accurate results.
• Define Fixtures: Set fixed or contact conditions to simulate real constraints.
• Apply Gravity: Enable gravity to simulate the drop effect.
• Set Initial Velocity or Drop Height: Specify how the object is dropped.
• Mesh the Model: Generate mesh for numerical analysis.
• Run Simulation: Compute results like stress, displacement, and impact forces.

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1. Open SolidWorks and enable Simulation add-in.
2. Click 'New Study' > Select 'Drop Test'.
3. Assign material to the part.
4. Apply fixtures (fixed or contact).
5. Enable gravity in the study properties.
6. Set initial velocity or drop height.
7. Create mesh.
8. Run the simulation.
9. Review stress and displacement results.

Example

This example shows how to set up a drop test for a simple box model dropped from 2 meters height.

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1. Open your box model in SolidWorks.
2. Enable Simulation add-in from Tools > Add-Ins.
3. Go to Simulation tab, click 'New Study', select 'Drop Test'.
4. Assign material (e.g., Aluminum 6061).
5. Apply fixed fixture on the bottom face to simulate ground contact.
6. In 'Drop Test' properties, set drop height to 2 meters.
7. Enable gravity (9.81 m/s² downward).
8. Generate mesh with default settings.
9. Run the simulation.
10. View results for stress distribution and displacement after impact.

Output

Simulation completes showing maximum stress and displacement on the box after a 2-meter drop.

Common Pitfalls

• Not enabling the Simulation add-in before starting.
• Forgetting to assign material properties, which leads to inaccurate results.
• Not applying gravity or incorrect gravity direction.
• Ignoring mesh quality; too coarse mesh can miss stress concentrations.
• Not setting proper fixtures or contacts, causing unrealistic movement.
• Confusing initial velocity with drop height; use drop height for gravity-based drop tests.

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Wrong way:
1. Start study without enabling Simulation add-in.
2. Run simulation without material assigned.
3. Forget to enable gravity.

Right way:
1. Enable Simulation add-in.
2. Assign correct material.
3. Enable gravity and set drop height or velocity.
4. Apply fixtures and mesh before running.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Enable Simulation add-in	Tools > Add-Ins > Check Simulation
2	Create New Study	Choose 'Drop Test'
3	Assign Material	Select material like Aluminum or Steel
4	Apply Fixtures	Fix faces or edges to simulate constraints
5	Enable Gravity	Set gravity vector and magnitude
6	Set Drop Height or Velocity	Defines initial conditions for drop
7	Mesh Model	Use fine mesh for accuracy
8	Run Simulation	Compute results
9	Review Results	Check stress, displacement, and factor of safety

Key Takeaways

Always enable the Simulation add-in before starting a drop test.

Assign accurate material properties for realistic simulation results.

Set gravity and drop height correctly to simulate the drop impact.

Apply proper fixtures to mimic real-world constraints.

Use a fine mesh to capture stress details accurately.