SolidWorks Plastics

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.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation supports SOLIDWORKS materials and configurations for easy analysis of multiple loads and product configurations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A customizable material library is included with simulation data:

• Parallel computing (multi-core)
• Batch Run

Professional and Premium only:

• 2D Simplification
• Plane Stress
• Plane Strain
• Axisymmetric
• Sub-modeling Simulation
• Sub-Modelling: analyze the structural resistance of a sub model from a main assembly

Premium only:

• Off-loading computing

• Fixtures to prescribe zero or non-zero displacements
• Force, pressure, and remote structural loads
• Temperature loading
• Import Flow/Thermal Loads
• Load Case Manager: evaluate the effects of various load combinations on your model. (Available on Profession and Premium packages only)

• Component contact
• Bonded contact condition
• Node-to-node, surface-to-surface contact condition
• Shrink Fit condition
• Virtual Wall condition
• Self-contact
• Connectors: bolt, spring, pin, elastic support, and bearing
• Connectors Safety Check

Professional and Premium only:

• Edge Weld
• Thermal contact resistance condition
• Insulated condition
• Edge and spot weld connector

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.

In-product tutorials, online help, and knowledge base.

• Customizable simulation report
• eDrawings of Simulation results

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.

Frequency Studies determine a product’s natural modes of vibration which is important for products that experience vibration in their working environment.

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.

Linearized stress, a key for safe pressure design, is calculated in the Pressure Vessel Study.

Enables you to discover new minimal material design alternatives under linear elastic static loading while still meeting component stress, stiffness and vibrational requirements.

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:

• Modal Time History Analysis
• Harmonic Analysis
• Random Vibration Analysis
• Response Spectrum 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.