Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
(OP)
I often analyze models created in SolidWorks for which my clients have done a preliminary
analysis using the Simulation Express program included with SolidWorks. Sometimes I am asked why our results differ if we both are using solid elements. Does anyone know what kind of tetrahedron element
Solidworks Simulation Express uses, 4-node or 10-node?
Thanks
Jerzy
analysis using the Simulation Express program included with SolidWorks. Sometimes I am asked why our results differ if we both are using solid elements. Does anyone know what kind of tetrahedron element
Solidworks Simulation Express uses, 4-node or 10-node?
Thanks
Jerzy





RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
Simulation Express uses 10-node tetrahedron elements.
But the Express version is only a sneak-a-peak one with minimal control over boundary conditions.
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
I believe solidworks simulation express only does linear analysis ?
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
The solver is the same as in the full package though, and it is possible to make some use of it.
By doing small surfaces with splitlines you can (almost) perform a 3-2-1 minimum restraint setup with balanced loading, if you use pressure instead of force.
But you still have the limitation with meshing and post processing options.
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
Some of the difference could be in how refined the mesh is in the areas of interest, compared to your clients.
Han primo incensus
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
because the Express results would differ even much more than they do from my results.
One key cause of the difference I think is that Express reports averaged nodal stresses rather than elemental stresses. The difference could be significant if the mesh is not refined enough.
Thanks again.
Jerzy
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
Right before hitting RUN you can select "change" and then alter the mesh.
To view the mesh, right click on the part in the simulation tree and select "show mesh".
RE: Type of element used in SolidWorks Simulation Express
Han primo incensus