Solidworks Formula SAE Tutorials

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Everyone,

I would like to announce a new set of tutorials being created by SolidWorks, specific to the Formula SAE competition. The first video, which covers the process behind modeling a frame, can be found here:

Modeling a FSAE Frame (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN_00HcEPls&fmt=22)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN_00HcEPls&fmt=22

We would also like to get some feedback from you on these videos. Please send me an email if you have comments or suggestions for topics you would like covered in future videos. My email is:

sfaulkner@solidworks.com

Also, feel free to leave any comments here. We hope that these videos can provide some valuable knowledge to FSAE teams and students. Let us know what you think!

[Dsenechal]

This should be an excellent help to beginning teams. Very good information

[Bone R]

I needed this last fall, would have jump started the project instead of the slow start we had. Keep the tutorials coming, my new guys could really use them and save a lot of time in training them. Thanks!

[Hub]

Nice tutorials, tks. http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[kapps]

Nice. That should definitely help the new teams. I like how you added the a-arms and offsets right at the beginning. I did it a little different but there's more than one way to skin that cat. I look forward to the one where you perform FE analysis on the chassis.

[RollingCamel]

Awesome!!

FEA next!!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I've just posted a follow up video to the first frame modeling video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD4jQIm6gMM&fmt=22

A lot of you sent in excellent questions and hopefully this will answer some of them. Again, please send me an email if you have comments or suggestions for topics you would like covered in future videos. My email is: sfaulkner@solidworks.com

Enjoy!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I would also like to remind everyone to enter the SolidWorks Design Contest. You can win $500!

http://www.youtube.com/group/EDUdesigncontest

[coastertrav]

Thanks for the follow up video. I wish I knew about the design journal about four months ago...

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I've posted another video on how to create part molds using SolidWorks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDSvucKXWNg&fmt=22

Also, as a reminder, enter your video in the SolidWorks Education contest and have an extremely good chance at winning $500:

http://www.youtube.com/group/EDUdesigncontest

[BMH]

Would it be possible to have some of these tutorials in the form of literature and get a PDF/eBook going?

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Here is the latest video covering fatigue analysis on SolidWorks simulation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUyIm-w9YAo&fmt=22

@BMH We are definitely looking at doing that. I can't say for sure what the final result will be, but something is in the works.

[Chris Allbee]

Is there a whitepaper detailing the fatigue solution methods so that this can be compared to other packages?

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Chris, here is a start:

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/d...eAnalysis_WP_ENG.pdf (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/docs/FatigueAnalysis_WP_ENG.pdf)

I'll contact the simulation team and see if they can provide any more information

[exFSAE]

I think one of the more challenging aspects of CAD in FSAE development is good exhaust design. Getting the right cylinder pairs, weaving the tubes through the chassis given standard bend radii and keeping close to constant lengths among the exhaust routes.

Would be interesting to see how the official SW crew go about that.

[alumasteel]

I think one of the more challenging aspects of CAD in FSAE development is good exhaust design. Getting the right cylinder pairs, weaving the tubes through the chassis given standard bend radii and keeping close to constant lengths among the exhaust routes.

Would be interesting to see how the official SW crew go about that.

+1

[coastertrav]

Originally posted by alumasteel:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think one of the more challenging aspects of CAD in FSAE development is good exhaust design. Getting the right cylinder pairs, weaving the tubes through the chassis given standard bend radii and keeping close to constant lengths among the exhaust routes.

Would be interesting to see how the official SW crew go about that.

+1 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

+1000

[billywight]

Use a sweep. Just set up equations the control the lengths and use linked values for the radii to keep them all the same. From there it's just a matter of routing it through the chassis with 3D sketches.

[exFSAE]

Originally posted by billywight:
Use a sweep. Just set up equations the control the lengths and use linked values for the radii to keep them all the same. From there it's just a matter of routing it through the chassis with 3D sketches.

Easier said than done, though I've managed to get it to work like that.

At least the last time I tried it... the 3D sketches got very touchy at times.

"Allright.. now I just gotta make these two tangent... FUCK! It looped out to infinity and back on itself again!" After a significant amount of screwing around you could usually get it to work, but no matter what it took a fair amount of time.

I kinda think it would be nice if you could "move with triad" on sketch points or entities in 3D sketches. There are times when entering the X,Y,Z co-ordinates doesn't do anything.

[billywight]

I kinda think it would be nice if you could "move with triad" on sketch points or entities in 3D sketches.

Right click on the point and select "Show Sketcher Triad"

[exFSAE]

Originally posted by billywight:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I kinda think it would be nice if you could "move with triad" on sketch points or entities in 3D sketches.

Right click on the point and select "Show Sketcher Triad" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well I'll be damned. Learn somethin' new every day.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hi Everyone,

Here is the latest video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1J9Qz129Js

It covers using the SolidWorks design optimization study. I hope a lot of people get something out of this one. I know I have used this tool a lot in the past. It's pretty simple and is a fast way to lose some weight, especially unsprung mass.

To everyone asking about making tubular exhausts -
I'll put this on the list of future topics. Honestly though, I don't have a magic way of doing it. Lots of tweaking 3D-sketches. Its definitely a time consuming job.

Also, SolidWorks will soon be determining how long they want to continue making these videos. If you want to see more of them, please leave a comment, send me an email, rate it on youtube, etc. The more positive responses we get, the easier it will be to convince SolidWorks to let us keep making them. We like doing it, and also hope everyone is learning from them.

As always, send me an email at sfaulkner@solidworks.com

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hi All,

Here is the next video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_PxRXBpiY

Its on modeling techniques for a suspension spring. The previous videos were getting pretty heavy on analysis and also complicated. Quite a few people requested something a little simpler, that they might be able to use with new members. Hope you like it.

I know most teams are starting to do a lot more building and less modeling at this point in the year. But hopefully these are still helping you out and we'll have a good library by developed.

Email me at sfaulkner@solidworks.com with any comments.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Sorry, the video link wasn't working before, but it should be working now.

[sbrenaman]

Thanks for the videos, they really help!

[Adam Vaughan]

Yes, thanks for these videos!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I'm glad you guys enjoy them! Here is the next one. It covers using PhotoView360 to do renderings and also how to add decals using PhotoWorks.

Creating PhotoView 360 Renders in SolidWorks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyanhIMIHQY)

[t21jj]

+1 on Photoview 360 producing nice renders. Last year I rendered all of our cars going back to 2002 with it. I was able to render a high quality 1920x1200 version of the image below in few minutes. Really easy to use.
http://www.sae.stuorg.iastate.edu/zenphoto/zp-core/i.php?a=formula%2Fchassis%2Fthe-car-2009&i=Formula-Car-2009-Final-Render.jpg&s=595

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Here is the next video. It is on using SolidWorks Motion. This video just scratches the surface so hopefully someone could recommend a follow up video topic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_G85786JEw

t21jj - Sweet render!

[t21jj]

Originally posted by Solidworks FSAE
t21jj - Sweet render!

Thanks it took me some time to figure out how to get the correct paint scheme onto the model. And even longer for a work around to get decals onto the model that photoview would render.
http://www.sae.stuorg.iastate.edu/zenphoto/cache/formula/chassis/the-car-2009/2009-Formula-Front-Angle-Decal-Dark.jpg_595.jpg
http://www.sae.stuorg.iastate.edu/zenphoto/cache/formula/chassis/the-car-2009/2009-Formula-Side-View-Decal-Dark.jpg_595.jpg

[SamB]

Looks fantastic, what spec machines are you guys rendering on? We have 3.0GHz duel core machines with 4gb ram each but whenever I go for a render of the full car solidworks tends to crash claiming that it cannot obtain enough memory. Any ideas? It can do it sometimes if you make everything lightweight and remove lots of little parts...

[t21jj]

Originally posted by SamB:
Looks fantastic, what spec machines are you guys rendering on? We have 3.0GHz duel core machines with 4gb ram each but whenever I go for a render of the full car solidworks tends to crash claiming that it cannot obtain enough memory. Any ideas? It can do it sometimes if you make everything lightweight and remove lots of little parts...

I rendered them on my personal computer.

Intel Core i7 920 quad core
6GB ram
With 64bit windows to take advantage of the extra ram.

It takes about 2.5 min to do the images above in high quality 1920x1200 resolution. The high resolution versions can be found on our team website linked in my sig.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hey Everyone,

Here is the latest video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcwRGiBoX3U

In it, I cover a few random tips and tricks that didn't seem to fit in anywhere else. Specifically:

1. Changing the Standard Views
2. Using the Description Property
3. The "Pack and Go" Feature

As always, let me know what you think.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hey Everyone,

Here is the latest video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8dKweEt1OQ

It is part one of a video on using surfaces to create body work

[plohl]

Another useful tute! Thanks!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Here is part 2 for surfacing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MFFjb6ul4A

[Simon Dingle]

Originally posted by t21jj:
Thanks it took me some time to figure out how to get the correct paint scheme onto the model. And even longer for a work around to get decals onto the model that photoview would render.!

Hi t21jj,

would you mind sharing that work-around? I've already set the appearances in Photoview and would rather not spend another day doing it Photoworks too.

Cheers,

[t21jj]

Originally posted by Simon Dingle:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by t21jj:
Thanks it took me some time to figure out how to get the correct paint scheme onto the model. And even longer for a work around to get decals onto the model that photoview would render.!

Hi t21jj,

would you mind sharing that work-around? I've already set the appearances in Photoview and would rather not spend another day doing it Photoworks too.

Cheers, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You have a Private Message.

[FuelMan]

HI,

Is there any video regarding the design of the fuel system? Please let me know, if you have any material that can help me design the Fuel System.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hi Everyone,

Previously, there had been requests to create an e-book that collects all of the information in these tutorials. I am happy to say that SolidWorks will be making something similar available to all sponsored SAE teams!

Over the past few months, we have put together a curriculum for teaching students some important skills for designing an SAE vehicle.

A 5 minute video overview is located here: SolidWorks Teacher Blog (http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/2010/06/solidworks-sae-design-project.html)
Or here is a direct link to the YouTube video: YouTube Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td8rNFjjBpI)

Major topics of interest to SAE teams are:
-Working with assemblies, incontext parts, and how to use the "Pack and Go" feature to share models
-Modeling a frame using weldments
-Creating molds using SolidWorks Mold Tools
-Performing a torsional rigidity analysis on a frame (Definitely the most requested tutorial!)
-Analyzing air flow through an intake
-Thermal analysis of a brake rotor

For teams sponsored by SolidWorks and receiving 2010 student edition, well be providing a link to parts for these tutorials and a complete PDF guide.

I hope you all enjoy it!

-Steve
sfaulkner (at) solidworks.com

[BMH]

Apparently Solidworks has released a curriculum called Solidworks SAE Design Project that is geared towards FSAE. http://blogs.solidworks.com/te...-design-project.html (http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/2010/06/solidworks-sae-design-project.html) It also appears that it is only available to educators on the solidworks education page. Is there any chance we can get access to the curriculum?

Thanks!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

@BMH

Yep, that is what I was talking about in the above post. To get access you will need to be a sponsored team. It is easy to do and free! Apply here:

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/e...gn-competitions.html (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/education/student-design-competitions.html)

[RollingCamel]

What about those using 2009 edition? Our license is still active to 2011.

[BMH]

I am with RollingCamel, I would also like to know if the people sponsored that have the 2009-2010 will be able to gain access as well?

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

RollingCamel and BMH,

I don't think it will be a problem getting your teams access. We aren't quite sure how we will be distributing the information yet. We may be sending out CD's. As soon as we do though, information will be posted here and also sent to sponsored teams by email.

[BMH]

Thanks for the info! We will DEFINITELY be looking forward to checking this stuff out!

[BMH]

I was wondering if it would be possible to get an update on the tutorial stuff? Thanks!

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

An Update!

We will start shipping August 1 – for all teams that register for sponsorship at www.solidworks.com/sae (http://www.solidworks.com/sae) we will send a USB drive with curriculum and models for FSAE and Sustainability.

[BMH]

Thank you for the update!

For the teams that are still on the 2009-2010 sponsorship, would it be possible for us to obtain a copy of the curriculum and associated files? If so, do we need to provide proof of sponsorship, an address, etc.?

Thank you!

[RollingCamel]

Originally posted by BMH:
Thank you for the update!

For the teams that are still on the 2009-2010 sponsorship, would it be possible for us to obtain a copy of the curriculum and associated files? If so, do we need to provide proof of sponsorship, an address, etc.?

Thank you!

Same question here.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

BMH and RollingCamel,

You should just fill out the online sponsorship form again. There is no issue with requesting software now and then installing it later. That way, you will have a new version in storage when your current one expires.

Software has started shipping out, and the FSAE specific tutorials will be there a few weeks later. We are still waiting for all the material to arrive.

[Jeong-neon Kim]

We've just received parcel, but there is no USB in the parcel.
May we get the zipped curriculum file via internet?

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Jeong-neon Kim,

The USB drive will be arriving seperately a little later

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I posted one more video on how to model an exhaust system:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ture=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWcKGWQfAos&feature=player_embedded)

For the moment, this will be the final video in the FSAE series. We will now start doing some similar videos for Baja. If you have a Baja team at your school, make sure to tell them. Hope you all have enjoyed the videos. I have gotten a lot of great feedback and questions from eveyrone here over the last year. Thank you!

The latest video on sponsorship information is also posted: http://www.youtube.com/solidworks#p/u/0/c6ndevlkE-0

[RollingCamel]

Originally posted by Solidworks FSAE Tutorials:
BMH and RollingCamel,

You should just fill out the online sponsorship form again. There is no issue with requesting software now and then installing it later. That way, you will have a new version in storage when your current one expires.

Software has started shipping out, and the FSAE specific tutorials will be there a few weeks later. We are still waiting for all the material to arrive.

Hello, we were lucky to meet Solidworks personnel at FSG and they supplied us with the data.

We are going to apply for the new edition but we are currently restructuring our team.

[thewoundedsoldier]

Just received the materials on Wednesday and I cannot say enough good things about it. Included are several tutorials, a 195-page textbook, and lesson plans tailored for students and/or faculty. Not only is the material clear and concise, but the way in which each lesson follows a typical FSAE design problem is amazing.

Thank you very much to Solidworks, especially to the people over there organizing this level of educational outreach. I thought the youtube videos were great, but this next step is really somethin'.

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

I just realized that our exhaust video wasn't working properly. Here is the link again, should be working right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ture=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWcKGWQfAos&feature=player_embedded)

Also we have started the Baja series of tutorials. This is the first one here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...ture=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=628Ld4Gipfw&feature=player_embedded)

If you enjoyed the FSAE ones, please tell the Baja teams at your schools about the new set of tutorials we are making for them.

[BMH]

Just curious, how long does it take for the solidworks sponsorship package to come in from the time you apply for sponsorship to the time you actually get the software?

[ed_pratt]

Hi,

does anyone know how long it should take for the extra curriculum book/usb to arrive after receiving the program discs?

Thanks

Ed

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

If you send me a private message with your name and school I can find out if your sponsorship package has shipped yet or not.

Also, sometimes the USB drives are shipped seperately and can take several weeks to arrive.

[ed_pratt]

Hi,

that's fine I think we've only had the discs a week or so, so I'll wait a while longer. If nothing turns up in the next fortnight I'll get in touch.

Also, my name and school are in my sig.

Ed

[Solidworks FSAE Tutorials]

Hi All,

I recently did a video for the Baja series that will apply to almost everyone in FSAE too. It is about customizing the SolidWorks user interface. Check it out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7KmjKWdR60

[RollingCamel]

Thanks. It is quite hard to spot the new posts after the thread became a sticky.

[Ben K]

Crazy Question Time:

So I have our frame complete in Solidworks using weldments. I want to create an itemized list that not only shows lengths, but also tube inner and outer diameters. I have lengths working using the typical weldments cut list in a drawing, but I am having trouble getting the IDs and ODs showing up.

Is there a way to do this using weldments? I really don't want to list it out on 80 tubes by hand and it seems like I'm just missing something simple.

Thanks,
Ben

[BMH]

Originally posted by Ben Kolodner:
Crazy Question Time:

So I have our frame complete in Solidworks using weldments. I want to create an itemized list that not only shows lengths, but also tube inner and outer diameters. I have lengths working using the typical weldments cut list in a drawing, but I am having trouble getting the IDs and ODs showing up.

Is there a way to do this using weldments? I really don't want to list it out on 80 tubes by hand and it seems like I'm just missing something simple.

Thanks,
Ben

Hello Ben,

Yes there is a way you can list it in your Weldements Cut List. I am assuming as default, your table is showing (from left column to right): Item Number, Quantity, Description, and Length. What I did to get an entry for the tube size (OD x wall thickness), since I didn't need the "Description" column, or Column C, I clicked where it shows "C" and you should have a sidebar pop up for column properties. Make sure "Cut List Item Property" is selected, and then under the drop down menu, select "Title." Then click the green check mark.

This did the trick for me. Depending how you have your weldment profile files named in your tube profiles folder, you should have the tube sizes listed (i.e. 1" OD x 0.035"). When I name my weldment profile file, I always name it by the OD followed by the wall thickness. If you prefer to have it in the format you mentioned (OD followed by ID), then just save your weldment profile file as the corresponding tube size.


If you have any problems feel free to message me or reply back on here. I hope my explanation was clear enough.

[CowBoix316]

Sorry to bring this thread back to the top, but I was wondering what the most up-to-date way of obtaining the USB and SolidWorks Tutorials. I looked around the SolidWorks website and emailed the Solidworks FSAE Tutorials poster, but I have not been able to hear or find anymore information about it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[Ben K]

Originally posted by CowBoix316:
Sorry to bring this thread back to the top, but I was wondering what the most up-to-date way of obtaining the USB and SolidWorks Tutorials. I looked around the SolidWorks website and emailed the Solidworks FSAE Tutorials poster, but I have not been able to hear or find anymore information about it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I think you get it once you get sponsored by Solidworks. Maybe apply for the next year?

Ben

[Chris M.]

Please send me an email with your shipping address. I can send you a USB with the tutorials on them.

Thanks,
Chris Morse
Education Sponsorship Events Manager
DS SolidWorks Corp.

christine.morse@3ds.com

[Saurabh]

How can we perform dynamic impact analysis (drop test) of FSAE and BAJA frames in SOLIDWORKS.

are there any tutorial videos or documents which would help in performing these test.

Because
When I try to perform drop test on my SAE BAJA frame the software always gives error about meshing failed and the test terminates.

[MGPL]

I'm currently in China and cannot access Youtube, is there perhaps other resources for this Solidworks Formula SAE tutorial (e.g.: direct link, pdf, etc.)?

I would really really like to check it out.

thank you!