Hello,
I am currently working on a packed column model in SolidWorks. The column comprises a packing material consisting of numerous beads (or other packing types such as Raschig rings) initially positioned outside and above the column. To achieve a random packing configuration, I utilized SolidWorks Motion Study. By defining contacts between parts and enabling gravity forces, the beads descend and fill the column randomly, as depicted in the attached file (including the assembly, parts, and screenshots). Now, I aim to maintain the positions of these beads once I transition from the Motion Study tab to the Model tab. Does anyone have a solution for this?
Thank you.
File link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AxpLMUYAQiOzZX5l9vhEr700tpOaZDbY/view?usp=sharing
I finally found a solution to this question, we have to choose "Make assembly from assembly" from file menu, and then, when a new assembly is created, we have to right click on the Assembly, and choose "Desolve assembly" to break the link with the original one.
Hello, thank you for providing the method, which is very effective for modeling in packed beds. However, I have a question: how are the initial spheres generated? Is it a manual process of copying them one by one, or is there an automated way to generate them in batches?
Yiyang Luo
Hello, the beads can be generated by the following steps:
- First, you must create the tank where you want to add your packing;
- Create an assembly from the part where you have created your tank;
- From the assembly create a new part and design a bead by the revolution feature;
- When done, delete the "in place" mate so that you can move the bead freely;
- Now draw a line in the assembly in the 'x' direction, select the bead, and apply a linear pattern by selecting the drawn line;
- Select the created beads, and apply a circular pattern, by selecting a circular edge from the tank;
- Right-click on the created patterns, choose "Desolve pattern", and adjust manually the superimposed beads;
- Draw a vertical line ('y' direction), select all beads, and apply a linear pattern by selecting the recently drawn line;
- Dissolve the last pattern;
- Now you can apply the motion study animation.
You can find a video in the following link :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dmn6vyoJtZ0pj9zhQY8ZkAIYZxdPaj7l/view?usp=sharing
Note: this method will work with spheres; however, if you use a different shape (Raschig rings or Berl saddle rings) it may not work. I suggest using Ansys Rocky software, it's dedicated to that purpose.
(How to create a particle bed reactor with rocky: https://play.vidyard.com/fUbn6CgsffensFMPV8qLtk)
Amine Berouaken
Thank you very much for your detailed response. I have watched your explanation and the video, and I successfully followed the instructions. Using patterns is indeed a good method. Previously, I attempted to write a macro to duplicate the particles, but it heavily consumed computer resources and caused lag. Your method is much better and has been of tremendous help to me. Thank you once again, and I wish you all the best in the future！
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