Planar Symmetry Restraints

You can use a planar symmetry restraint to simplify the simulation setup by configuring the simulation on only a half, quarter, or eighth of your CAD model. The simulation assumes that equivalent, mirrored model geometry exists on the opposite side of the selected plane.

The image below shows a half-model in which the symmetry condition is declared at the bottom face and has a single force F applied at the upper left. The dotted outlines show how the simulation assumes equivalent, symmetric geometry and a mirrored equivalent force on the bottom (virtual) half of the full model. The effects of the virtual portion of the model are accounted for in the completed simulation.

When you use a planar symmetry restraint, symmetric deformation is assumed in the virtual portions of the model. To ensure correct enforcement of the symmetry conditions, you must apply symmetry restraints at each symmetry plane; there will be several symmetry planes in a quarter model or eighth model.