SolidWorks Simulation: When It Is Appropriate

Engineering Task

Determining whether SolidWorks Simulation is adequate for the engineering question or whether a more advanced solver is needed.

When SolidWorks Simulation Is Appropriate

• Linear static stress and displacement for design-stage checking
• Modal analysis for natural frequency screening
• Buckling screening (eigenvalue)
• Thermal analysis for temperature distribution
• Fatigue (S-N) from static stress results
• Design iteration where CAD-integrated FEA speeds the workflow

When a More Advanced Solver May Be Required

• Complex nonlinear analysis: large displacement with contact and plasticity combined
• Explicit dynamics for crash, impact or high-rate events
• Advanced contact formulations (Lagrange, augmented Lagrange)
• Submodelling for detailed local stress from a global model
• User-defined material models
• Large models with many load cases and complex load sequencing

Study Types

Result Interpretation

• Always check deformed shape before stress — an unexpected shape indicates a modelling error
• Use reaction force probes to verify equilibrium
• For von Mises stress: appropriate for ductile metals; use maximum principal for brittle materials
• Check that the mesh is adequate — SolidWorks convergence tool is limited compared to dedicated solvers

Common Mistakes

• Using SolidWorks Simulation for certification-level analysis without verifying mesh convergence
• Assuming bolt connectors give accurate local hole stress — they do not
• Not checking reaction forces — hidden constraint errors
• Using bonded contact where frictional contact is physically required

Related Knowledge

• FEA Best Practices: Choosing the Appropriate Level of Model Fidelity
• Linear Static FEA Review Checklist