SOLIDWORKS Simulation FEA

Lesson 1: The Analysis Process - The first lesson of this course introduces the SOLIDWORKS Simulation interface. The user will execute a linear static analysis using solid elements and be taught how to recognise the influence of mesh density on displacement and stress results. Finally, the user will learn various methods to present FEA results and understand how to manage SOLIDWORKS Simulation result files.

Lesson 2: Mesh Controls, Stress Concentrations and Boundary Conditions - Upon successful completion of Lesson 2 the user will be able to illustrate the differences between modelling and meshing errors, as well as describe when a lack of convergence of results may occur. The user will learn how to use mesh controls to refine areas of the mesh and understand stress concentrations. Finally, the user will be taught how to analyse a model in different SOLIDWORKS configurations as well as run multiple studies in one go using batch mode.

Lesson 3: Assembly Analysis with Interactions - Lesson 3 teaches the user how to perform structural analysis of simple assemblies as well as how to apply and define interaction conditions between bodies.

Lesson 4: Symmetrical and Free Self-Equilibrated Assemblies - In Lesson 4, the user will learn how to utilise symmetry within their study to decrease run time as well as how to display results using a cylindrical coordinate system. The user will be introduced to the soft springs and inertial relief options, which help stabilise slightly unbalanced systems. They will learn how to use the 'What’s Wrong' feature to locate problems and finally, present their analysis results in eDrawings which can then be opened by anyone (even if they don’t have SOLIDWORKS Simulation).

Lesson 5: Assembly Analysis with Connectors and Mesh Refinement - In Lesson 5, the user will be taught how to analyse a more complex solid mesh assembly with various contact conditions and connectors (e.g. bolts and pins). Attendees will also use contact offsets in definitions of local interaction conditions to account for machining tolerances. The user will learn to analyse the quality of solid meshes and use tools such as remote loads and virtual walls to optimise the efficiency of the analysis.

Lesson 6: Bonded Mesh Options - Upon completion of Lesson 6, the user will understand bonding formulations in solid element meshes with various contact conditions as well as commonality between nodes on touching boundaries. The user will then learn about applying cyclic symmetry.

Lesson 7: Analysis of Thin Components - In Lesson 7, the user will learn how to create mid-plane shell element mesh and how to create shell mesh from selected surfaces. They will be taught how to perform structural analysis on 'thin' geometry and analyse results when using shell elements.

Lesson 8: Mixed Meshing Shells & Solids - Lesson 8 teaches the user how to construct a good quality mesh with appropriate mesh controls as well as how to set up shell to shell and shell to solid contacts in a mixed mesh assembly.

Lesson 9: Beam Analysis - Lesson 9 focuses on using beam elements to analyse weldment models as well as defining appropriate joint connections to reflect the real world situation. The user will also learn how to post-process the results for beam elements.

Lesson 10: Mixed Meshing Solids, Beams & Shells - In Lesson 10, the user will be taught how to construct and edit a mesh with beam, shell and solid elements. They will learn how to set up various shell to beam and shell to solid contacts in mixed mesh assembly and display the results obtained with beam elements.

Lesson 11: Design Study - Upon completion of Lesson 11, the user will understand and be able to use the Design Study to analyse trends when specific parameters are varied. The user will also learn how to find the optimum value of some design parameters.

Lesson 12: Thermal Stress Analysis - Lesson 12 teaches the user how to perform a static analysis with a temperature load and how to define temperature dependent material properties. In the lesson, sensors are used to retrieve results at desired locations and the soft springs option is used in thermal stress analysis. The user will learn how to save the deformed shape of the model and examine results in local coordinate systems.

Lesson 13: Adaptive Meshing - In Lesson 13, the user will be introduced to the h-adaptive and p-adaptive solution methods, which automatically refine the mesh in key areas, and learn how to compare results obtained from these. They will also learn how to use the graph tool.

Lesson 14: Large Displacement Analysis - The final lesson of this course teaches the user the difference between geometrically nonlinear, and geometrically linear analyses. The user will be taught how to perform geometrically nonlinear analysis and assess limitations of the linear material model and the nonlinear material model used with the large displacement analysis option.