Comprehensive Overview of SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard is the basic package, offering tools for structural and fatigue analysis, particularly useful for companies focusing on fundamental load analyses and predicting component lifespan.

Key analyses available in this version include:

• Linear Static Analysis for parts and assemblies – determines stress, displacement, and deformation under static loads.
• Motion Analysis – simulates assembly motion considering forces, acceleration, and energy.
• Fatigue Analysis – assesses component lifespan under cyclic loads with constant and variable amplitude, predicting failure points.
• Trend Tracker – monitors and compares simulation results across design changes, essential for iterative projects.

Simulation Standard is ideal for companies requiring reliable yet less complex structural analyses for smaller assemblies and simple components.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional expands on the capabilities of the Standard version with tools crucial for more complex projects requiring detailed load and condition analysis. The Professional version includes:

• Frequency Analysis – identifies resonance frequencies to avoid unwanted vibrations.
• Buckling Analysis – evaluates structural behavior under critical loads that may cause buckling.
• Thermal Analysis (steady-state and transient) – simulates heat flow to assess temperature effects.
• Drop Test – simulates impacts and shocks, essential for testing product durability.
• Event-based Motion – analyzes motion involving events like contacts and collisions.
• 2D Simplification – simplifies complex 3D models into 2D, speeding up analysis.
• Pressure Vessel Analysis – assesses structural integrity under pressure.
• Submodeling – enables detailed analysis of specific model areas without simulating the entire assembly.
• Optimization – automatically selects design parameters for optimal strength and weight.
• Topology – optimizes model shape by removing material from low-stress areas.

Simulation Professional is an excellent choice for companies needing comprehensive structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis, particularly in automotive and electronics sectors where vibrations and heat play critical roles.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium is the most advanced package, incorporating all the features of the Standard and Professional versions and adding tools for complex nonlinear and dynamic analyses. Key analyses in Simulation Premium include:

• Nonlinear Static and Dynamic Analysis – simulates the behavior of nonlinear materials like rubber and plastics, with variable stress-strain characteristics.
• Harmonic Analysis – examines harmonic vibration effects, useful for cyclic loading projects.
• Random Vibration Analysis – assesses the impact of random vibrations, especially valuable in aerospace and automotive applications.
• Modal Time History Analysis – evaluates the effect of time-varying dynamic loads.
• Shock Response Spectra Analysis – analyzes the structural response to sudden shocks or vibrations.
• Composite Analysis – enables detailed modeling and analysis of layered composite materials.

Simulation Premium is ideal for companies needing precise dynamic and nonlinear simulations, allowing engineers to create advanced models that accurately reflect real-world behaviors.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2025 is an advanced tool that supports engineering teams throughout every stage of the design process, from structural analyses to complex dynamic simulations. With features like Trend Tracker, shape optimization, and fatigue analysis, designers can monitor and adjust projects in real time, reducing testing time and costs. The ability to simulate various usage conditions before building physical prototypes makes planning more predictable and accelerates innovation.

The software also promotes company growth by enabling increasingly advanced projects, opening new market opportunities. With SOLIDWORKS Simulation, businesses can seamlessly transition from the basic version to the more advanced Professional and Premium packages, accessing tools for dynamic, harmonic, and nonlinear simulations. This flexibility empowers companies to tackle complex challenges, enhancing their expertise and competitive edge.

By integrating with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides teams with not only advanced simulation tools but also streamlined project management and communication capabilities. Cloud tools allow for secure data storage, real-time collaboration, and easy sharing of simulation results, offering companies versatile support that aids them in adapting to changing market demands and building a solid foundation for growth and innovation.