SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

There are several paths to becoming a SOLIDWORKS Simulation expert!

• Training with your reseller: Your reseller partner has simulation experts on staff to help teach you and your team the best practices for SOLIDWORKS Simulation software.
• Free training available with MySolidWorks: MySolidWorks is the official SOLIDWORKS online portal with thousands of hours of training, learning paths, simulation guides, and more.
• Built-In tutorials: SOLIDWORKS Simulation software has built-in simulation guidance and tutorials to teach you best practices.
• The SOLIDWORKS Resource Center: There are a variety of e-books, whitepapers, training materials, and partner-led, on-demand webinars to help you master structural simulation and FEA.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is included in your SOLIDWORKS Design download and can be installed from the Installation Manager using a serial number while installing SOLIDWORKS Design.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses a mathematical method called Finite Element Analysis(FEA) to predict how a physical object will behave under realistic loads. SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses a direct CAD-to-simulation link, meaning your simulation model alwaysstays parametrically up-to-date with your CAD geometry.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation has three different tiers: SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard,Professional, and Premium. Contact one of our Reseller Partners to learn more.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is verified and validated against industry standard benchmarksprovided by NAFEMS (National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards), anindependent, international, third-party organization that validates simulation softwareto industry standards. SOLIDWORKS Simulation is used by tens of thousands ofengineers worldwide daily and is a proven simulation tool across many industries.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is an add-in for SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, Professional,and Premium. SOLIDWORKS Design Premium includes time-based motion analysis andlinear static analysis for parts and assemblies. To add the full power of SOLIDWORKSSimulation to SOLIDWORKS Design, contact your Reseller Partner.

All three versions of SOLIDWORKS Simulation have the same user interface, but unlock different study types. Think of the different versions of SOLIDWORKS Simulation as different levels of analysis complexity.

• SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard is best for basic structural validation, with linear static analysis, fatigue analysis, and rigid body motion analysis.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional includes everything in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard, plus frequency analysis, buckling analysis, thermal analysis, drop tests, and pressure vessel studies.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium builds on Professional by adding functionality for advanced simulation users who need nonlinear and dynamic analyses for complex material behaviors.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation utilizes several different solver engines that are optimized for aspecific type of solution. It includes direct and iterative solvers to solve models ofdifferent sizes and complexity.