SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a structural analysis suite built into the CAD environment, letting engineers validate strength, durability and motion without leaving their design. It helps you catch problems early and reduce costly physical prototypes.
Overview
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a finite element analysis (FEA) toolset built directly into the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD environment, letting design engineers evaluate how parts and assemblies respond to real-world loading without leaving their design. It scales from linear stress checks to nonlinear, dynamic and thermal studies, and is available in Standard, Professional and Premium editions.
Stress Analysis
Stress, displacement and factor of safety on parts and assemblies.
Thermal Analysis
Steady-state and transient heat transfer, coupled to stress.
Fatigue & Durability
Estimate service life from repeated or cyclic loading.
Design Optimization
Topology and parametric studies to cut mass and cost.
Explore capabilities
Linear static stress analysis
Calculate stresses, strains, displacements and factor of safety on parts and assemblies under structural loads, shown directly on the model.
Contact & fastener modelling
Represent interactions between components with bonded, no-penetration and other contact conditions, plus bolt, pin and spring connectors.
Fatigue & durability
Estimate service life and damage from repeated or cyclic loading using S-N curve data to find where cracks may initiate.
Thermal & thermal-stress
Solve steady-state and transient heat transfer and couple temperature results into structural studies for thermally induced stress.
Nonlinear analysis
Handle large deformations, material yielding and significant contact changes for rubber, plastics and metals loaded beyond their elastic range.
Motion & dynamics
Study mechanisms to recover operating loads, plus linear dynamic responses such as vibration, harmonic and random excitation.
Design optimization
Run parametric and topology studies to meet stress, mass or frequency targets while reducing material.
Compare packages
Not sure which fits? We'll help you choose the right licence and quote local pricing.
Standard
Core structural analysis for everyday validation.
- Linear static analysis of parts and assemblies
- Contact and connector definitions
- Fatigue analysis for cyclic loading
- Time-based motion analysis for operating loads
Professional
Broader physics for more demanding validation.
- All Standard capabilities
- Steady-state and transient thermal analysis
- Buckling and frequency (modal) studies
- Drop-test simulation for impact events
- Pressure vessel design study support
- Design optimization
Premium
Advanced nonlinear and dynamic analysis.
- All Professional capabilities
- Nonlinear static and dynamic analysis
- Linear dynamic studies (harmonic, random vibration)
- Composite (laminate) shell analysis
- Advanced material models
Interested in SOLIDWORKS Simulation?
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