Step 1: Creating mesh file
- Flow 360 can take direct STEP files from SolidWorks or other CAD software
- This allows you to select different components of CAD files to see forces on that specific part, rather than only the whole rocket as you woudl is you meshed a single STL
- Notes for SolidWorks part files
- Flow 360 has freestream flowing in the direction of the x-axis. Keep this in mind when orienting your part in SolidWorks (rocket pointed in the negative y-axis)
- Additionally, a positive lift force is only considered in the positive z direction
- This means that if analyzing a control surface, the fin with the control surface you wish to analyze must be perpendicular to the z-axis
- Importing into Flow
- Make sure the version, as well as units, align (meters is the default)
- For STEP files, upload from geometry
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