One-way coupling of analysis types is possible in Autodesk® Simulation Mechanical. That is, the results of one analysis type can be used as an input for a subsequent and different analysis type. For example, a thermal analysis can be performed to calculate the temperature results, and then the temperature results can be included as a load in a stress analysis.
Sometimes, one-way coupled multiphysics analyses are referred to as uncoupled analyses (where the term coupled analyses is reserved for two-way coupling). Two-way coupling is not available within Simulation Mechanical. Examples of one-way coupling are as follows:
- Include temperature results from a thermal analysis in a stress model (linear or nonlinear/MES analysis) to calculate the thermal expansion effects and resultant thermal stresses.
- Include the current density results from an electrostatic voltage and current analysis in a thermal analysis to calculate the joule heating effects.
- Include the electrostatic force results from and electrostatic voltage and field strength analysis in a stress model (linear or nonlinear/MES analysis) to determine displacement and stresses due to electrostatic forces.
- Include the material properties variations due to fiber orientation from an Autodesk Moldflow analysis in a stress analysis (linear static or nonlinear/MES). See Interoperability with Autodesk® Simulation Moldflow® for details.