Simulations

Goal: To see if the current stackup would be able to withstand a total load of 50kg.

Loading Conditions for both front and back catamaran:

A: Force 500N 

B: Fixed support; refers to the limitations of movement in x, y, z. 

Details for the stackup are shown in the table on the right. 

Simulation Approach

Ideally when simulating parts, we want to simplify aspects of the design wherever we can. In the case of the back catamaran example, a fixed support was applied at the edge to simulate the connection of the back catamaran with the rest of the catamaran. The 500N force was applied at the edge, mainly because when we are loading stuff at the trunk, we put the stuff at the edge then we move them inwards.

As you can see, the result deformation shows a maximum deflection of 0.53mm. This means that if we were to load 50kg worth of stuff at the back in real life, the back catamaran would experience flexing of 0.53mm. Because 0.53mm is not noticeable, this simulation is a pass. We are perfectly fine with the results.

Result