Autodesk Simulation Mechanical Basics

Process Workflow

Set up the model:

1. Define a unit system.
2. Create a mesh (a grid of nodes and elements) that represents the model.
3. Define the analysis parameters of the model.
4. Define the element type and parameters.
5. Apply the loads and the constraints.

Analyze the model:

1. Assemble the element stiffness matrices.
2. Solve the system of linear algebraic equations.

Evaluate the results:

1. Calculate the results.
2. Review the results.
3. Generate a report of the analysis results.

Each element in the analysis approximates the real behavior. The smaller and more regular the mesh, the more accurate the results are. Changing the mesh can lead to different results, especially when skewed or distorted elements appear in one mesh but not another.

Tip: Perform multiple analyses using a finer mesh (especially in critical areas) until the results converge to a solution. Confirm the results with alternate calculations, and perform physical tests where applicable.