SOLIDWORKS Simulation
The integrated FEA toolset — linear static stress, modal, thermal, buckling, fatigue, drop test, nonlinear (Premium tier).
Definition
Simulation runs finite element analysis on SOLIDWORKS parts or assemblies. Standard / Professional / Premium tiers add solvers progressively: linear static is in Standard; modal, thermal, buckling, fatigue in Professional; nonlinear, dynamic, drop test, plastic in Premium. Loads and fixtures apply directly to the model geometry; mesh is generated automatically and refinable manually.
Why it matters
Sizing decisions (wall thickness, rib placement, fastener count) become defensible when backed by FEA. Without simulation, those decisions rely on hand calcs or rule-of-thumb.
Technical Deep Dive & Core Mechanics
From a geometric perspective, SOLIDWORKS Simulation represents a parametric boundary representation (B-Rep) mechanism within SOLIDWORKS. The underlying geometric modeling kernel—whether Parasolid, ACIS, or a proprietary solver—maintains a strictly ordered history tree (Feature Manager). Each operation stores topological references (faces, edges, vertices) that are re-evaluated sequentially during model regeneration.
Cross-Discipline Collaboration & Handoff
In global multi-office projects, SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a high-frequency handoff node between diverse software packages. During cross-platform export (for example, exporting SOLIDWORKS drawings to IFC for coordination in Navisworks or Solibri, or converting mechanical STEP files into BIM detail families):
Common pitfalls
- Trusting first-cut results without checking mesh convergence.
- Applying boundary conditions that produce stress concentrations that don't exist physically.
- Mixing linear static results with intuition about nonlinear failure modes.
This concept is a core structural element of the SOLIDWORKS drafting and engineering environment developed by Dassault Systèmes. Dassault Systèmes' mainstream parametric MCAD — feature-based modelling, assembly mates, and 2D drawings tightly coupled to the 3D model.
Relevant SOLIDWORKS FAQs
❓ Is SOLIDWORKS available on macOS?
Not natively. SOLIDWORKS is Windows-only. Mac users run it via Parallels, VMware Fusion, or Boot Camp (Intel Macs). On Apple Silicon, virtualisation is limited. The official cross-platform alternative from Dassault is the browser-based xDesign on 3DEXPERIENCE.
❓ What's the difference between SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium?
Standard is the core modelling + drawings package. Professional adds CAD Library, PhotoView 360 rendering, eDrawings Professional, Toolbox, advanced sheet metal. Premium adds Simulation, Routing (electrical/piping), ScanTo3D, Motion. Most production shops use Premium; education usually uses Premium-equivalent.
❓ What is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS vs. traditional SOLIDWORKS?
Traditional SOLIDWORKS is a desktop product, files saved to disk/network/PDM. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is the same desktop product but cloud-connected: files saved to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, license tied to a Platform identity, and access to companion cloud apps (3D Sculptor / xDesign, simulation, PLM).
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
SOLIDWORKS Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
The Complete SOLIDWORKS 2026 Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro
Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) Exam Study Guide & Mock Practice
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.