Solidworks Tutorial: Beginner Flow Simulation Tutorial

Introduction
Solidworks has built in computational flow dynamics capabilities that are very useful for determining the
effect of fluid flow on a solid model. However, these functions can be complicated and confusing to use.
This tutorial is intended to give basic instruction on how to setup and run a basic flow analysis. This is
not intended to be a comprehensive flow simulation instruction, but it is a good place to start.
Tutorial
1) Open Solidworks

2) Open Part - Pressure Vessel







3) Make assembly from part





Solidworks Tutorial: Beginner Flow Simulation Tutorial

4) Solidworks will require a closed system to be analyzed. In this
step we will close the geometry on the system by adding lids to the
pipes.
a) Click the arrow below Insert Components and select New Part





b) Using Sketch and Features tools, create a lid for each pipe.




c) Complete editing by clicking on Edit Component in tool bar.






Solidworks Tutorial: Beginner Flow Simulation Tutorial

5) Open FloXpress
Note: FloXpress will not work if the Flow Simulation add-in is currently installed. If it is
installed, click on Tools > Add-Ins and uncheck the box next to Solidworks Flow Simulation.
a) Save model
Note: In order to run FloXpress, Solidworks requires that the current model be saved. Saving the
model to a local directory rather than a network directory will increase the speed of the FloXpress
solution.
Note: When the Save As box pops, choose to Save Internally. This will save the lids inside the
current assembly file and eliminate the need for individual lid files.
b) Create a section view of the part
Note: This step is not required, but makes setting parameters and analyzing the output much
easier.
c) Open FloXpress by clicking Tools > FloXpress






6) Navigate FloXpress
a) Once FloXpress has been opened a new
dialog box appears where your Part Tree is.


Solidworks Tutorial: Beginner Flow Simulation Tutorial

b) Use the blue arrow button in the top of the dialog box to
navigate the parameters and set your fluid inlet and outlet.
Note: Do not use the enter key when inputting parameters as this will close out the dialog box
and you will need to reopen it.
7) Once FloXpress has solved your model, we are limited to
analyzing the velocity of fluid streams. In order to exploit the full
power of Solidworks it is necessary to open these definitions using
the Solidworks Flow Simulation add-in.
a) Display fluid velocities.
Note: Fluid paths can be displayed as either pipes, similar to a vector, or a ball, similar to a fluid
particle. A fluid velocity will be denoted by a color variation in these pipes or balls.











b) Animate the flow.
Note: Animations can also be created by clicking the play
button under Velocity Plot.
This will show a basic animation of the fluid path and mixing
involved in the process.