Problem

This article goes over using the Geometry Analysis Tool. Geometry Analysis identifies geometric entities in a part model that can cause problems in other applications, such as applications concerning Finite Element Modeling or Computer-Aided Machining. 

Solution

Geometry Analysis is accessed in SOLIDWORKS from Tools > Geometry Analysis. When it is brought up, select the types of entities and values for the following:

1. Sliver Faces: Faces with a very high aspect ratio. A user can specify the exact width of undesirable sliver faces.
2. Small Faces: Faces where all edges are below a specified length, and the area of the face is less than the square of the specified length of an edge.
3. Short Edges: Edges with a very short length that will highlight when under the specified value.
4. Sharp Angles that include:
   • Knife Edge: Where the angle between two adjacent faces is acute.
   • Knife Vertex: Where the angle between two adjacent edges is acute.
5. Discontinuous Edges or Faces: Any face/edge where the underlying surface/curve geometry has position or tangent discontinuity.

Control parameters within the tool allow users to specify values to identify certain geometric entities, such as gathering all short edges under a certain value. Unlike the Check Entity, the Geometry Analysis's report can be saved as an HTML file for other purposes. If the parameters of the tool are changed, the Recalculate option can be chosen to re-run the test.

SOLIDWORKS possesses several additional tools capable of running checks to determine if the geometry created is stable, functional, or will not create any additional complications, which include:

• Verification on Rebuild: Using Verification on Rebuild for Geometry Checks – Hawk Ridge Systems
• Check Entity: Using Check Entity to check for Geometry Issues – Hawk Ridge Systems
• Force Rebuild: Check for Feature Errors in SOLIDWORKS with Force Rebuild – Hawk Ridge Systems

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.