About Clamps

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Generally a clamp represents a surface that is welded, bolted, or otherwise connected to a larger part; although it may also be used to represent a large resisting force. Clamped surfaces maintain their original shape during a simulation, though the unclamped surfaces around them can stretch, bend, and deform as appropriate.

In the example below, the central component of the wheel assembly—called a steering knuckle—is firmly attached to the rod at the top of the assembly. In DesignSight this connection would be represented by a clamp on the upper hole of the knuckle.

From a simulation standpoint, clamping a surface completely defines the response of that surface during a simulation: it will not move. Therefore, it is recommended that you not apply additional features to a clamped surface.