SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you do need a foundational license of SOLIDWORKS Design (Standard, Professional, or Premium) to run SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation. The flow simulation package operates as a fully integrated add-in rather than a standalone program. This integration allows you to run CFD directly on your active CAD geometry without exporting files to another software package.

Yes, you must have a base SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation license to use either of these advanced, specialized add-in modules. The Electronics Cooling and HVAC modules function as extension packs that unlock specific capabilities, like two-resistor models, thermal comfort parameters, and much more. They cannot run independently without the core flow simulation engine active underneath them.

Yes, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation integrates directly with SOLIDWORKS Simulation (finite element analysis software). You can automatically map fluid and thermal data as loading conditions in a structural analysis. This allows you to perform one-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and thermal stress studies to see if fluid forces or temperature changes will cause a part to deform or fail.

There are several ways to learn how to use SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation:

• Training with your reseller: Your reseller partner has CFD simulation experts on staff to teach you and your team the best practices for SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation.
• Free training with MySolidWorks: MySolidWorks is the official SOLIDWORKS online portal with thousands of hours of training, learner paths, flow simulation guides, and more.
• Built-In tutorials: SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation has built-in simulation guidance and tutorials to teach you best practices.
• The SOLIDWORKS Resource Center: We have a variety of white papers, eBooks, training materials, and on-demand webinars to help you master SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation.

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 Flow Simulation is included in your SOLIDWORKS Design download. It can be installed from the Installation Manager using a dedicated serial number.

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.

To learn more about how much SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation and its optional add-in modules cost, contact one of our Reseller Partners.

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.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software is a specialized tool that simulates how liquids and gases flow through and around objects, including heat transfer effects. This enables users to study fluid flow, pressure drops, velocities, temperatures, turbulence, and more. CFD software helps users test and optimize designs without the need to build expensive physical prototypes. SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation is a general-purpose CFD tool that uses the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method to calculate product performance. Utilizing what-if studies allows you to perform optimizations with the results. Fully integrated into SOLIDWORKS Design, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation enables every designer and engineer in every industry to benefit from fluid simulation. SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation is an add-in to SOLIDWORKS Design. You can enhance SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation with additional modules for HVAC and Electronics Cooling.

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.

Learn more about the SOLIDWORKS Design and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation system requirements.