Eight Steps to Conducting FEA Static Studies in SOLIDWORKS

If you ever wondered how to use the SOLIDWORKS simulation tools to conduct Static Finite Element Analysis, this blog is for you. This blog will explore what Finite Element Analysis Static studies are and how to do them in SOLIDWORKS. 

What are Static Studies/Analysis Simulations? 

Static Analysis Simulations are the most common and most basic type of analysis done in computerized tools like SOLIDWORKS Simulation. Another term for it is Static Equilibrium Simulation. They relate to bodies that are in an equilibrium state. In other words, the loads do not constantly change over time.  

Thus, most of the objects around us on an everyday basis can be simulated using static analysis. Those include chairs, desks, bottles, beam bridges, constructions, etc.  

To know more about the different types of simulation, why and who should use them, check out our article on What is Finite Element Analysis and why you should use it.

How to Do a Static Analysis in SOLIDWORKS? 

Static simulations have a common uniform process that you can expect to repeat every time you conduct a new study on a part. Let us list those steps here and then apply them together in the SOLIDWORKS.  The part's simulation procedure is as follows:   

1. Have our 3D model prepared for simulations: This could be to build the 3D model to start with or adjust an existing model as needed for simulation. 
2. Assign the structural materials: The material is important because it will be a big factor in determining the outcome of the simulation as different materials will behave differently to different conditions.  
3. Start a simulation study: This is to load the SOLIDWORKS Simulation tool for the study we are planning. 
4. Apply the fixtures: This is important to restrict the degrees of freedom of the 3D model to enable us to solve it. 
5. Apply the load: This will allow us to determine what will our 3D model be exposed to. Will it be exposed to a force, pressure, torque, or others.    
6. Generate the mesh: the mesh will generate the nodes, which the software will use as a base to calculate the stresses, movements, and other calculations. 
7. Run the simulation: This will ask the software to start computing the study results. 
8. View and interpret the results: after the study is completed, we will get our chance to evaluate the data resulting from it and start extracting the required data out of it.  

To see how those steps are applied and how to follow up with them, check out the following video:  ​

This is the procedure for parts simulations. When we simulate an assembly or a multi-body part, an extra step would be to identify to the software how each part interacts with the other.  
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Do you have any experience with SOLIDWORKS Simulation? Share your experience with us in the comments.  

​Suppose you are looking to get a deep dive into SOLIDWORKS Static Simulation. In that case, you can check out our SOLIDWORKS Simulation Associate Course, which will give you a strong foundation on the subject.  

By Tayseer Almattar, TforDesign Founder

​Tayseer is the founder of TforDesign. He has a passion for learning design and making all learning digestible and exciting.  ​​
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayseer-almattar-design-innovation