The Skill
Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is a process run on Solidworks allows me to further test the structural durability and likely success of my design.
This stage in a product's design cycle is essential, as it can highlight issues related to thermal convection/conduction, part strengths and likely propensity to damage.
On Solidworks, I can run a series of tests, altering the force applied, whether the force is fixed or moving, and even the temperatures the product is likely to experience.
Static Testing
Using a CAD of a camping mug I designed, I applied a fixed force to the handle - to mimic the user holding the mug stationary.
I then applied a secondary force acting down to the base of the mug, which represented the mug being full of water (based on water mass and the mug's internal volume).
These forces allowed me to see their effect on the mug in terms of stress, displacement, and strain.
I also accompanied these with hand calculations, which had cohesive results.
Drop Test
I also used the same mug CAD to run a drop test. Setting the height to represent a "worst case scenario", which was mouth height of a 95th percentile male.
I ran this test three times, with the mug landing on the rim, the handle and its corner.
Results showed little deformation associated with the first and last drop scenarios - however the handle showed a high risk of deformation.
Refinement adaptations including thickening the handle were then made based on this.
