[Enable Add-in] ➔ [Run Wizard] ➔ [Check Geometry] ➔ [Apply Conditions] ➔ [Set Goals] ➔ [Mesh & Run] ➔ [Analyze Results] Step 1: Enable the Add-In
This is where the 2012 PDF shines. You will simulate a computer CPU heatsink inside a closed box.
Navigate to archive.org and search for "SolidWorks Flow Simulation 2012." You may find user-uploaded scans of the original training books provided by resellers like or Inflow .
Inspecting localized forces, temperatures, or pressures directly on the solid parts. Full 3D color rendering across structural faces. solidworks flow simulation 2012 tutorial.pdf
Suppress cosmetic features like small fillets, chamfers, threads, and company logos. This reduces mesh complexity and drastically cuts down solving time. Creating Lids for Internal Analysis
While SOLIDWORKS has evolved significantly by 2026, the 2012 training materials are still highly valuable for several reasons:
Add a or Surface Goal for the parameters you care about (e.g., Maximum Temperature, Average Velocity). [Enable Add-in] ➔ [Run Wizard] ➔ [Check Geometry]
Check the boxes for additional physics like Heat Conduction in Solids , Radiation , or Gravity if your setup requires them. Step 3: Select the Fluid and Materials
Typically applied to the exit lid to simulate discharging into the open air ( 4. Setting Engineering Goals
Select the internal face of your inlet lid. Apply a known parameter such as Inlet Mass Flow Rate , Volume Flow Rate , or Inlet Velocity . This reduces mesh complexity and drastically cuts down
If you run into issues during your analysis, check these common problem areas: Error / Symptom Likely Cause Open gaps in assembly Use the Check Geometry tool; enlarge or rebuild your lids. Averaging lines fluctuating Unsteady/turbulent flow
Generates 3D streamlines, pipes, or moving spheres that visually map the path the fluid takes through your assembly. This is excellent for identifying stagnant zones or recirculating vortexes. 7. Troubleshooting Common Errors Error Symptom Root Cause "A lid is misplaced" Fluid domain is open to infinity.
This structured tutorial approach is the official, most effective way to learn SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation. While the specific 2012 PDF may be a relic of the past, the knowledge it contained is alive and well, preserved and updated in every modern installation. By finding and using these official resources, you are not just learning to click buttons; you're gaining a fundamental understanding of CFD that will empower you to solve real-world fluid flow and heat transfer problems.