Available Simulation Types

A structural simulation evaluates the response of a complex structure under static loads. Some simple examples of static loads include adding a weight on the end of a beam or stretching a spring. Such loads are typical of what a part will experience over the course of its life.

You can perform structural stress simulations on any product consisting of a single, solid, three-dimensional part or an assembly of multiple parts. You can create connections at the common interface between two components in an assembly. In addition, you can account for contact in assembly stress simulations, which prevents unconnected regions of the model from intersecting when they come into contact.

Static stress simulations are not appropriate for simulating the effects of transient loads, such as quick impacts or oscillating forces.

A buckling simulation performs a stress/deformation analysis to estimate the critical buckling load of a stiff structure.

Stiff structures carry their loads primarily by axial or membrane action, rather than by bending action. Their response usually involves very little deformation prior to buckling.

The main results of a buckling simulation are the buckling load factors and buckling mode shapes. You multiply the computed load factor by the load you applied to obtain the actual load at which buckling occurs. A mode shape shows the deformation of the structure at its critical buckling load.

A frequency simulation determines the natural frequencies of vibration of a structure. If a structure is subject to vibrations at one of its natural frequencies, it will potentially experience large and damaging deformations. In addition to determining the natural frequencies, you can view the response of the structure at each frequency.

You can perform frequency simulations on any product consisting of a single three-dimensional part or an assembly of multiple parts.

A thermal simulation investigates the distribution of temperatures and evaluates the steady-state thermal response of a product when it is subjected to various thermal loads. You can specify regions of the product that maintain a constant temperature, as well as regions that are subjected to heating or cooling effects. Over time, these various thermal conditions create a constant distribution of temperatures throughout the product. You can view this temperature distribution, as well as plot the flow of heat through the product.

You can perform thermal simulations on any product consisting of a single three-dimensional part or an assembly of multiple parts.

In a thermal-structural simulation, your model experiences both thermal and mechanical effects. You specify both the thermal conditions (such as initial temperature, heat flux, and film conditions) and the structural conditions (such as connections, restraints, and loads).

The thermal conditions cause temperature changes throughout the model. Thermal expansion caused by these temperature changes may change the mechanical stresses in the model.

In your simulation results, you can view plots for any of the structural/stress variables as well as the thermal variables for result temperature and heat flux.