Get Started with SolidWorks Simulation

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Using Simulation tools in SolidWorks for the first time can be an exciting adventure. However, like anything in life, it’s a good idea to go over a few checklist items before you begin. Here are four suggestions for settings that will provide a great experience for you as you dive into the SolidWorks Simulation tools.

After you turn the Simulation add-in on, go to the Simulation pull down menu and select Options.

Simulation Drop-Down Menu

  1. Be sure to select your units before creating a new study. These units will be the default for all plots once the study has been started.

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  2. Result files are kept separate from the SolidWorks 3D model due to size. By default, the result files will be stored in the same location as the models. I would suggest checking the sub folder box and designate what you want the results folder to be called. How about “Results”

    !Side Note: Feel free to use the User Defined folder if you have file space issues or you are trying to avoid writing data to the network. You can delete the result files to save disk space and simply re-run the analysis at any point to regenerate them. Remember that everything in the study tab is saved with the SolidWorks file, so they are not lost when deleting result files.

  3. I was done counting decimal places when I graduated. That’s something insane people do in their spare time. Change the number format from Scientific to Floating and maintain your sanity. You may also want to make the number of decimal places higher than three for comparing results.

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  4. The report generator in SolidWorks Simulation is unmatched. You should be using it with every study you make. Be sure to fill in your information for the report in Options so you are only doing this once.

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I hope these settings give you a great start to all of your future studies in SolidWorks Simulation.

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Jim Byrne is the Simulation Product Manager, a SolidWorks Elite Application Engineer and Certified SolidWorks Professional at DASI Solutions, a SolidWorks Value Added Reseller with locations throughout Michigan and Indiana. He is a regular contributor to the DASI Solutions Blog.