SolidWorks Flow Simulation
A comprehensive Simulation design solution
SolidWorks Flow Simulation
Easily simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, and fluid forces that are critical to the success of your design with SolidWorks Flow Simulation. Fully embedded with SolidWorks 3D CAD, SolidWorks Flow Simulation intuitive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tool enables you to simulate liquid and gas flow in real world conditions, run “what if” scenarios, and efficiently analyze the effects of fluid flow, heat transfer, and related forces on immersed or surrounding components. You can compare design variations to make better decisions to create products with superior performance. Driven by engineering goals, SolidWorks Flow Simulation enables Product Engineers to use CFD insights for making their technical decision through a concurrent engineering approach. Additional HVAC and Electronic Cooling modules offer dedicated fluid flow simulation tools for detailed analysis.
Video: First Look SolidWorks Flow Simulation
SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION
Feature Matrix
| SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard | SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional | SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use |
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is fully embedded in SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD for ease of use and data integrity. Using the same user interface (UI) paradigms as SOLIDWORKS with toolbars, menus, and context-sensitive right-click menus, ensures rapid familiarization. Built-in tutorials and searchable online help aid learning and troubleshooting. |
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| Design Data Reuse |
SOLIDWORKS Simulation supports SOLIDWORKS materials and configurations for easy analysis of multiple loads and product configurations. |
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| Static Studies |
Solve part and assembly structural analysis problems for stress, strain, displacements, and Factors of Safety (FOS). Problems are limited to static loading, elastic linear materials, and small contact displacements. For the solution to be valid, the resulting deformed shape after loading must exhibit small displacements and rotations. Premium only: Static studies are extended to incorporate components built up by composites materials. Component setup includes ply orientation and sandwich definition. Results include ply failure index as well as stress and deflections. |
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| Fatigue Studies |
Estimate components fatigue life under high-cycle varying loads where the peak stress is below the material yield stress. Cumulative damage theory is used to predict locations and cycles to failure. |
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| Motion Analysis |
Use a time-based, rigid body kinematic and dynamic motion tool to calculate the velocities, accelerations, and movements of an assembly under operational loads. The motion analysis tool calculates component body and connection loads that can be imported into a Static Study. Professional and Premium only: Use an event-based rigid body kinematic and dynamic motion tool to calculate the velocities, accelerations, and movements of an assembly under operational loads where actions and movements are triggered by the location or movement of components. The motion analysis tool calculates component body and connection loads that can be imported into a Static Study. |
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| Design Studies |
A design study is used to perform wide-ranging “what if” analyses. In a design study, both the parameters of a design (model) and simulation setup (materials, loadings, and fixtures) can be varied to assess the impact of change on the model. |
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| FEA Modelling |
A customizable material library is included with simulation data:
Professional and Premium only:
Premium only:
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| Loads and Restraints |
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| Assembly Connectivity |
Professional and Premium only:
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| Results |
Study results are dependent upon the type of study but are displayed as Contour, Iso-Surface, Surface, and Section plots. Quantity point and line distribution given by the probe tool. The Design Insight plot shows loaded material. FEA results can be compared to test data. Deformed shape results can be animated and the animation saved. Overlay Simulation results onto SOLIDWORKS graphics. SOLIDWORKS Simulation results can be communicated to non-SOLIDWORKS users via eDrawings®, a shareable 3D file format. |
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| Help and Support |
In-product tutorials, online help, and knowledge base. |
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| Communication |
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| Thermal Analysis |
Solve steady-state and transient part and assembly thermal problems for temperature, temperature gradient, and heat flux. With the Thermal Analysis completed, you can import temperature loads into a Static Study. |
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| Frequency Studies |
Frequency Studies determine a product’s natural modes of vibration which is important for products that experience vibration in their working environment. |
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| Buckling Studies |
A possible failure mode for long and slender components is by collapse at a load below material yield stress. The buckling study predicts the components buckling load factor. |
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| Pressure Vessel Studies |
Linearized stress, a key for safe pressure design, is calculated in the Pressure Vessel Study. |
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| Topology Studies |
Enables you to discover new minimal material design alternatives under linear elastic static loading while still meeting component stress, stiffness and vibrational requirements. |
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| Linear Dynamic Studies |
Builds upon the Frequency Study to calculate the stresses due to forcing vibrations and calculating the effects of dynamic loads, impact or shock loading, for linear elastic materials. Study types are:
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| Non-Linear Analysis |
Non-Linear Analysis lets you analyze complex material behavior, such as post-yield metals, rubbers, and plastics, as well as to account for large deflections and sliding contact-in components. Non-Linear Static Study assumes static loads with loads can be sequenced so that the dynamic effects of the varying load do not affect the study. The complex material models in Non-Linear Static Studies can be used to calculate permanent deformation and residual stresses due to excessive loads, as well as predicting performance for components, such as springs and clip fasteners. Non-Linear Dynamic Study accounts for the effect of real-time varying loads that are included in calculations and results. In addition to solving non-linear static problems, Non-Linear Dynamic Studies can also solve impact problems. |
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Flow Simulation Capabilities
SolidWorks Flow Simulation comes with a range of features and capabilities to help you improve your design. Below is a list of some of its powerful features that you could benefit from – along with some useful information, if you require any more information feel free to contact us.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Video: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Preview
Tightly integrated with SolidWorks CAD, CFD analysis using SolidWorks Simulation takes the complexity out of flow analysis and can be a regular part of your design process, reducing the need for costly prototypes, eliminating rework and delays, and saving time and development costs.
Thermal Comfort Factors
Understand and evaluate thermal comfort levels for multiple environments using thermal comfort factor analysis with SolidWorks Flow Simulation and the HVAC Application Module. Tightly integrated with SolidWorks CAD, thermal comfort factor analysis using SolidWorks Flow Simulation can be a regular part of your design process—reducing the need for costly prototypes, eliminating rework or delays, and saving time and development costs.
Simulation Visualization
Video: Simulation Visualization Preview
Evaluate and compare design alternatives with the visualization and reporting capabilities of SolidWorks Simulation. Increase your ability to make informed design decisions while you ensure product performance and safety. Tightly integrated with SolidWorks CAD, SolidWorks Simulation analysis visualization and reporting can be a regular part of your design process—helping to reduce the need for costly prototypes, eliminate rework or delays, and save time and development costs.
Fluid Flow Analysis
Video: Fluid Flow Analysis Preview
Determine the impact of a liquid or gas on product performance during the design phase using CAD-embedded SolidWorks Flow Simulation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies provide meaningful insight into the impact of fluid flow, so you can address problems early, reduce the need for costly prototypes, and eliminate rework.
Electronics Thermal Management
Video: Frequency Analysis Preview
Quickly and efficiently investigate the natural frequencies of a design—with and without loads and boundary conditions—with easy-to-use SolidWorks Simulation. Ensure that the natural modes of vibration are away from environmental forcing frequencies, indicating that the design will meet the required service life. Tightly integrated with SolidWorks CAD, frequency analysis using SolidWorks Simulation can be a regular part of your design process, reducing the need for costly prototypes, eliminating rework and delays, and saving time and development costs.
Thermal Fluid Analysis
Easily investigate the impact of cooling and design changes on component temperatures using thermal fluid analysis in SolidWorks Flow Simulation. You can quickly determine the impact of fluids flowing in and around the design to ensure correct thermal performance, product quality, and safety. Tightly integrated with SolidWorks CAD, thermal fluid analysis using SolidWorks Flow Simulation can be a regular part of your design process—reducing the need for costly prototypes, eliminating rework or delays, and saving time and development costs.