Elgin,
I love talking about Physics and SolidWorks can simulate physics. So I made the bowl and ball for you and created the assembly files for simulation:
http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/...y-simulat.html
You must think about the mates - this is where you start. How the mates behave will transfer over to the physical simulation.
Also, if you create the profile of the bowl in the XY plane, you will have to turn on the temporary axis. Select "Physical Simulation". Then when you select the Gravity from the Motion Manager tab, select the temporary axis which looks like a vertical line. The arrow must point downward (the ball must fall). Physical Simulation is included in all versions of SolidWorks. Also, I suggest the tutorial, "Assembly Motion" that shows how to apply a motor to a 4 bar linkage.
For more mechanical system simulation you will need "COSMOSMotion" . You will need to turn on COSMOSMotion in Tools, AddIns. There are a series of model files under COSMOS Motion folders that show slider, cam, and other mechanical conditions.
Also, if you are new to finite element analysis (FEA) there is a nice series of exercises for simple stress at
www.simulationxpress.com
Marie