Details
Free CAD Tools
SolidWorks Simulation - Finite Element Analysis Software
Optimise products by using SolidWorks design validation tools to simulate real-world conditions and test multiple "what if" scenarios.
| Analysis Types | Professional | Premium | Flow Simulation |
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| Assembly Simulation |  |
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| Mechanism Simulation | |
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| Simulate Welded Structures | |
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| Product Failure Prediction | |
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| Compare and Optimise | |
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| Simulate Vibrations | |
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| Predict Buckling or Collapses | |
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| Simulate Heating or Cooling | |
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| Simulate Drop Test or Prod Failure | |
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| Simulate Repeat Loading | |
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| Non-Linear Dynamics | |
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| Simulate Plastic Parts | |
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| Fluid Flow Simulation | |
Glossary of Simulation and Analysis Terms
Fluid Flow Simulation
Fluid flow simulation software provides you insight into the physical dynamics of parts or assemblies related to the flow of gas, flow of liquid, heat transfer, and forces on immersed or surrounding solids. When you do a fluid-flow analysis, you need to analyze the empty space within or around the model. Traditionally, you use the cavity command to generate this negative geometry. In SolidWorks Flow Simulation, there is no need to create negative geometry. SolidWorks Flow Simulation detects the “empty” space in assemblies as the fluid region by itself and distinguishes automatically between fluid and various solid areas. Once you've completed your SolidWorks model, all you have to do is click on the Flow Simulation button to run your fluid flow simulation. No negative geometry. No data transfer. No hassle. Powerful. Recommended for all design engineers interested in validating their designs, SolidWorks Flow Simulation is a powerful fluid flow simulation tool providing fundamental fluid flow analysis capabilities through new functionality such as porous media, mixing of multiple fluids, conjugated heat transfer, and fan curves in addition to advanced postprocessing capabilities such as Lagrangian particle tracking and animation.
Linear Static Analysis
Linear static analysis software allows engineers to test different load conditions and their resulting stresses and deformation. Knowing how a design will perform under different conditions allows engineers to make changes prior to physical prototyping, thus saving both time and money.
Optimum Analysis
The word optimum means "best or most favourable" in the English dictionary. To design engineering professionals, an optimum design would be one that saves material and does not break or overheat in its normal course of operation during its life cycle. In the process of coming up with an optimum design, a design engineering professional normally would go through a few series of prototypes, which may incorporate lab or field-testing and some intuition.
Analysis Translators
Allow design engineering professionals to easily share files between SolidWorks Simulation and most other analysis software programs.
Fatigue Analysis
Parts and structures subjected to cyclic mechanical and thermal loads will suffer from fatigue. Whether you design engine parts or bridges, the Fatigue module can help you predict how fatigue will affect the overall life of the product, and identify the areas that may be critically damaged. To make the modeling process faster and easier, you can consider stresses associated with load conditions previously calculated through load cases or time-steps. You may also modify the stored stresses in the standard database or specify your own stresses to create the most realistic model for fatigue analysis.
Advanced Dynamics Analysis
The Advanced Dynamics module, performs linear dynamic analysis of systems subject to all types of dynamic excitations. The effect of loads due to earthquake excitation and other complex dynamic conditions can be considered easily and accurately. The program performs analysis on the basis of the normal mode method, which requires natural modes and frequencies to be calculated a priori.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis allows design engineers and analysis experts to perform heat transfer analysis of simple models or complex 3D assemblies. Thermal analysis allows engineers to study temperature changes encountered by mechanical parts and structures in their normal operating conditions, which influence a product's performance.
Frequency Buckling Analysis
Frequency and buckling analysis is a critical component of a design, but is often overlooked. Inherent vibration modes in structural components or mechanical support systems can shorten equipment life and cause unexpected failures. Frequency and buckling analysis allows design engineers and analysis experts to evaluate natural frequencies or critical buckling loads and their corresponding mode shapes of their SolidWorks models.
Drop Test Analysis
The Drop Test feature in Simulation Professional helps engineers design products that are likely to be dropped. It indicates the effect of impact on SolidWorks models when dropped from various heights. Performing drop tests virtually on the computer provides a low cost alternative to physical drop testing. SolidWorks Simulation Professional is the only mainstream analysis program to offer drop test functionality.
Non-Linear Analysis
In the real world, most engineering problems contain some kind of nonlinear effect. In the past it was impractical to solve these with nonlinear algorithms because of the limitations of existing analysis software programs. Analysts were forced to use simplified linear approximations as a faster and more efficient alternative, however, the resulting solutions were not always valid.
