Autodesk Inventor Simulation

In addition to importing Autodesk Inventor CAD data, Autodesk Simulation can also import FEA data (loads, constraints, and so on) from applicable Inventor files.

Workflow

  1. In Autodesk Inventor, click Add-Ins: Autodesk Simulation: Mesh. Or, from within Autodesk Simulation, click Open. The transfer is invoked the same way as a normal CAD import.

    If FEA data is detected during a standard CAD import, the Transfer Options dialog opens and prompts you to select what to import.

  2. Select to import the CAD data, the simulation data, All or None.

      Each item you select creates a separate Autodesk Simulation FEA Model (.fem file) using the following naming conventions:

    • For CAD data, <inventor filename>.fem
    • For simulation data, <inventor filename>_<inventor simulation name>_<simulation instance number>.fem
  3. All files are created in the same folder as the Inventor file. Therefore, when you import multiple selections, use Work with to choose the model to remain open after all .FEMs are created.
  4. Include Midside Nodes in Simulation turns on midside nodes for all parts you import. For more information on midside nodes, click here.

Associativity

Unlike CAD only imports, FEA imports are not associative. Therefore, if you try and import an Inventor Simulation a second time, you will receive a pop-up asking if you would like to either overwrite the existing file or save as a new file name.

Compatibility

Not all FEA loads and constraints can be imported. If the Inventor Simulation you attempt to import contains incompatible objects, a pop-up will alert you and a log file will be created. See the following table for compatibility.

 

Inventor

Autodesk Simulation

Analysis Type

Stress Analysis

Static Stress with Linear Materials
 

Modal Analysis

Natural Frequency (Modal)

 

Modal Analysis with Compute Preloaded Modes checked

Natural Frequency (Modal) with Load Stiffening

Constraints

Fixed (standard)

Surface Boundary Condition (fixed)

 

Fixed (using vector components)

Surface Displacement Boundary

 

Pin

Pin Constraint

 

Frictionless

Requires future development

Loads

Force

Surface Force

 

Pressure

Surface Pressure

 

Bearing

Surface Bearing Load

 

Gravity

Gravity / Acceleration

 

Moment

Surface Moment

 

Remote Force

Requires future development

 

Body Load

Gravity / Acceleration 1 or

Centrifugal

Contact

Bonded

Bonded

 

Separation

Surface Contact

 

Sliding / No Separation

Sliding / No Separation

 

Separation / No Sliding

Separation / No Sliding

 

Shrink fit / sliding

Shrink Fit / Sliding

 

Shrink fit / no sliding

Shrink Fit / No Sliding

 

Spring (user-defined stiffness)

Requires future development

1 Linear body loads are imported as gravity/acceleration.

NOTE: Inventor Simulation and Autodesk Simulation utilize different methods of solving the finite element analysis. Therefore, the results are likely to be different between the two environments even if the exact same mesh could be created. As with all analyses, the size of the mesh will also have an effect on the accuracy of the results.