1. SOLIDWORKS
  2. 3D Simulation Overview

Not Using 3D Simulation Software?

The right capabilities can vastly improve the quality of your designs and cut down on production time. Learn the best option that any designer, engineer, or analyst can use to fit their workflows.

Choose a Simulation Solution that's Right for You

3D Simulation Software using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method provides you with the tools to predict a product’s real-world physical behavior by virtually testing CAD models. Given the ability to provide you with deeper insight into your designs, resulting in less rework and fewer physical prototypes, FEA is a tool every designer needs to meet modern product development challenges.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation offers an easy-to-use portfolio of structural analysis tools integrated within a designer’s SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD workflow. If you’re a CAD designer familiar with SOLIDWORKS, you have the skills to take advantage of FEA with SOLIDWORKS Simulation capabilities offered in four levels: Standard, Professional, Premium, and advanced simulation with 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Simulation.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard

During this seven-minute video, you will learn about the modules available to you in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard including:

  • Static: design for strength with Linear Elastic Stress-Displacement analysis
  • Trend Tracker: analyze multiple iterations of a design in a single study
  • Fatigue: design for life and durability to understand the total life of your design
  • Time-based Motion: study the rigid kinematics of moving assemblies
  • Motion + Static: run stress analysis of parts during motion analysis

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional

During this eight-minute video, you will learn about the modules available to you in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional including:

  • Frequency: Vibration and resonance (natural frequencies)
  • Buckling: Linear buckling load factor and the associated buckling mode shape
  • Thermal: Temperature distribution due to a heat source
  • Optimization: Parameters, constraints, and goals
  • Topology Study: Delivers minimum mass solutions
  • Load Case Manager: Easier way to combine loads
  • Event-based Motion: Extension of time-based motion with tasks, triggers, actions
  • Pressure Vessel: Combine results of multiple static studies
  • Drop Test: Object falling from some height onto rigid or flexible ground
  • Submodeling: A two-step approach to analysis with course and fine mesh

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium

During this six-minute video, you will learn about the modules available to you in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium including:

  • Nonlinear: Static and dynamic analysis
  • Composites: Light-weight, high-strength design
  • Linear Dynamics: Time history, Harmonic, Random vibration, Response spectrum
  • Time History: Loads or base excitations vs. Time, Response vs. Time
  • Harmonic: Peak steady state response due to harmonic loads or base excitations
  • Random Vibration: Response to non-deterministic loads and probability of failure
  • Response Spectrum: Base excitation vs. Frequency, Structural response

3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Simulation

Built on industry-leading Abaqus technology, 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS Simulation gives novices and experts alike the power to perform complex linear and non-linear analyses to validate product designs and make better-informed product decisions faster. Being part of the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS portfolio means any engineer can easily access advanced simulation without the need for expensive hardware. An added benefit is faster product delivery, thanks to real-time collaboration and data sharing capabilities.

Start Your Trial

You’ve learned how FEA with SOLIDWORKS Simulation can drastically improve the way you bring products to market. Now you have the chance to try it for yourself today. Simply register for the SOLIDWORKS online trial and you will have access to SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional within minutes with zero commitments.

Watch Tutorials

MySolidWorks contains a wealth of SOLIDWORKS Simulation tutorials. Simply create an account or log in for an introduction to the SOLIDWORKS Simulation. Within MySolidWorks, you can learn more about simplifying geometry, material selection,physical working conditions,reviewing results, driving a design change, and more.

Have Questions About Simulation Solutions?

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Solutions enable you and your team to quickly transform new ideas into great products by simulating and analyzing product behavior.