Symmetry Restraint for Solid Models

For solid models, every face that is coincident with a plane of symmetry should be prevented from moving in its normal direction. The Symmetry restraint type applies this condition automatically to all selected faces. The planes of symmetry should be orthogonal to each other.

Symmetry requires that geometry, restraints, loads, and material properties are symmetrical. In general, using symmetry is not recommended for buckling and frequency studies.

The following are some examples of models that are symmetric with respect to one or more planes.

This model is symmetrical with respect to one plane. You can analyze one half of the model. Apply the Symmetry restraint type to the faces of symmetry.
This model is symmetrical with respect to two planes. You can analyze one quarter of the model. Apply the Symmetry restraint type to the faces of symmetry.
This model is axisymmetric. You can analyze one half or one quarter of the model. Apply the Symmetry restraint type to the faces of symmetry. The angle between two faces of symmetry should form 90 degrees, for one quarter of the model.