Checking Geometry

To perform a SOLIDWORKS FloXpress analysis, you must have a fully-enclosed single cavity within the model. If the fluid volume in the cavity is zero, the cavity is not fully enclosed, and a warning reminds you to close any model openings.

To check geometry:

  1. In the PropertyManager, read the information in the Message box.
    The Message reports if the geometry is valid for the analysis.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • If the geometry is valid, set the PropertyManager options and click .
    • If the geometry is not valid, continue this procedure to enclose the inlet and outlet.
  3. Click to exit FloXpress.
  4. Enclose the inlet and outlet openings with a solid feature such as an extrude.
    You cannot use surfaces to enclose the cavity.
  5. Click Tools > SOLIDWORKS FloXpress, and advance to the Check Geometry PropertyManager.
  6. Set the PropertyManager options.
  7. Click .

Check Geometry PropertyManager

Fluid Volume

View fluid volume Turns the model to wireframe view and zooms in to display the fluid volume. Use this option to check if the fluid volume is actually the volume you want to check.
Smallest Flow Passage Defines the geometry used for the smallest fluid flow passage.

The automatically generated Smallest Flow Passage value depends on the model size and boundary conditions.

If the model has a hole smaller than the Smallest Flow Passage, this hole may not be resolved well by the software and is not considered correctly in the calculation. For example, the software may calculate that the fluid will not pass through the hole at all when fluid will actually flow through it.



Plotted trajectory of fluid flow using Pipes display