How to Do Flow Simulation in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To do flow simulation in SolidWorks, start by opening your model and activating the Flow Simulation add-in. Then create a new project, define the fluid and boundary conditions, mesh the model, run the simulation, and finally review the results using the built-in visualization tools.

Syntax

Flow simulation in SolidWorks follows a step-by-step process using the Flow Simulation add-in interface:

• Activate Add-in: Enable Flow Simulation from the Add-Ins menu.
• Create New Project: Use the wizard to set fluid type, analysis type, and units.
• Define Boundary Conditions: Specify inlets, outlets, walls, and initial conditions.
• Mesh Generation: Automatically or manually create a mesh to divide the model for calculations.
• Run Simulation: Start the solver to compute fluid flow and heat transfer.
• Review Results: Use plots, cut plots, and flow trajectories to analyze outcomes.

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Activate Flow Simulation Add-in -> New Project Wizard -> Define Fluid and Boundary Conditions -> Generate Mesh -> Run Solver -> Analyze Results

Example

This example demonstrates a simple airflow simulation through a pipe in SolidWorks:

• Open your pipe model.
• Activate the Flow Simulation add-in.
• Create a new project and select air as the fluid.
• Set inlet velocity and outlet pressure boundary conditions.
• Generate the mesh automatically.
• Run the simulation solver.
• View velocity and pressure plots to understand flow behavior.

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1. Open model in SolidWorks
2. Tools > Add-Ins > Check 'Flow Simulation'
3. Flow Simulation tab > New Project
4. Select 'Internal' flow, fluid: Air
5. Define inlet velocity (e.g., 5 m/s)
6. Define outlet pressure (e.g., atmospheric)
7. Mesh > Create Mesh
8. Run > Run
9. Results > Insert > Flow Trajectories / Cut Plots

Output

Simulation completes showing velocity distribution and pressure drop inside the pipe.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when doing flow simulation in SolidWorks include:

• Not activating the Flow Simulation add-in before starting.
• Incorrectly defining boundary conditions, such as missing inlet or outlet settings.
• Using too coarse a mesh, which leads to inaccurate results.
• Ignoring fluid properties or selecting wrong fluid types.
• Running simulation without checking model geometry for leaks or gaps.

Always double-check your setup before running the solver to avoid these issues.

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Wrong way:
- Skip activating Flow Simulation add-in
- Forget to set outlet boundary condition

Right way:
- Activate add-in first
- Define all boundary conditions clearly

Quick Reference

Step	Description
Activate Add-in	Enable Flow Simulation from Tools > Add-Ins
New Project	Set fluid, flow type, and units
Boundary Conditions	Define inlets, outlets, walls
Mesh	Generate mesh for calculation accuracy
Run Solver	Start simulation to compute flow
Review Results	Use plots and trajectories to analyze

Key Takeaways

Always activate the Flow Simulation add-in before starting.

Define all boundary conditions clearly for accurate results.

Use an appropriate mesh size to balance accuracy and speed.

Check your model geometry for leaks or gaps before simulation.

Use built-in visualization tools to understand flow behavior.