Setting Up and Performing the Analysis

Once you create the mesh and select the analysis type, you can set up the analysis:

1. Select the element type for each part of the model. The element type availability depends on the analysis type. You also define all parameters relevant to each element type.
2. Define the material properties for each part. The property availability depends on the analysis and element type you select. An extensive set of common materials is available. The Material Library Manager is also available so you can define material properties for custom materials. These material properties are saved in a new library and you can assign them during the analysis set up.
3. Apply loads and constraints to the model. The loads and constraints availability depends on the analysis and element type that you select.
4. Define the analysis parameters. You define general parameters for use during the analysis. For many analysis types, you can use the default settings. For some analysis types, especially time-dependent analyses, you will define load curves and other parameters.

After you follow these steps, you are ready to perform the analysis.

Note: Before you mesh your CAD solid model, you can apply mesh-independent functions. For example, you can select surfaces and apply loads or boundary conditions. When you mesh the model, the function applies to each of the nodes. Functions such as nodal forces require the model to be meshed before they can be applied.

For descriptions of the various analysis types, refer to the appropriate pages within the Autodesk Simulation: Analysis Types branch of the Help.

Click the links below to find analysis setup and performance concepts that are common to multiple analysis types:

• Design Scenarios
• FEA Editor Environment
• Modeling Symmetry
• Loads and Constraints
• Local Coordinate Systems
• Material Library Manager
• Injection Molded Parts Material Properties from Autodesk Moldflow
• Perform Analyses

Click the links below for analysis setup and performance information that is specific to the particular analysis types:

• Linear Analyses
• Nonlinear Analyses
• Thermal Analyses
• Electrostatic Analyses

Click the link below for more information regarding combining different analysis types (that is, using the results of one analysis as a load in a subsequent, different analysis type):

• Multiphysics

Finally, click the links below to access information regarding several advanced topics:

• Performing Design Optimization & Studies
• How to Schedule Analyses
• Types of Solvers Available
• File Extensions

Topics in this section

• General Information (Common to Multiple Analysis Types)
  
• Analysis-Specific Information
  
• Multiphysics (Coupling Different Analysis Types)
  
• Weight and Center of Gravity Calculator
  
• Advanced Topics
  

Parent topic: User's Guide