Training Course Contents
This course is designed to make SOLIDWORKS users productive more quickly with SOLIDWORKS Simulation software. This course provides an in-depth coverage on the basics of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), covering the entire analysis process from meshing to evaluation of results for parts and assemblies. The class discusses linear stress analysis, gap/contact analysis, and best practices.
This training course will help you to:
- Gain an understanding of using Analysis tools in SOLIDWORKS
- Create better designs by performing analysis and evaluating the behavior of your parts and assemblies under actual service conditions.
Course Info at a glance
Requirements & Benefits
Requirements
Features Targeted
Skills you will acquire
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials Lessons
The following lessons are included in the course
Introduction to FEA
- About This Course
- What is SOLIDWORKS Simulation?
- What Is Finite Element Analysis
- Build Mathematical Mode
- Build Finite Element Mode
- Solve Finite Element Mode
- Analyze Result
- Errors in FEA
- Finite Elements
- Degrees of Freedom
- Calculations in FEA
- Interpretation of FEA Results
- Units of Measurement
- Limitations of SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Lesson 1: The Analysis Process
- Objectives
- The Analysis Process
- Case Study: Stress in a Plate
- Project Description
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation Options
- Preprocessing
- Meshing
- Postprocessing
- Multiple Studies
- Reports
Lesson 2: Mesh Controls, Stress Concentrations and Boundary Conditions
- Objectives
- Mesh Control
- Case Study: The L Bracket
- Project Description
- Case Study: Analysis of Bracket with a Fillet
- Case Study: Analysis of a Welded Bracket
- Understanding the Effect of Boundary Conditions
Lesson 3: Assembly Analysis with Contacts
- Objectives
- Contact Analysis
- Case Study: Pliers with Global Contact
- Pliers with Local Contact
Lesson 4: Symmetrical and Free Self-Equilibrated Assemblies
- Objectives
- Shrink Fit Parts
- Case Study: Shrink Fit
- Project Description
- Analysis with Soft Springs
Lesson 5: Assembly Analysis with Connectors and Mesh Refinement
- Objectives
- Connecting Components
- Connectors
- Mesh Control in an Assembly
- Case Study: Cardan Joint
- Problem Statement
- Part 1: Draft Quality Coarse Mesh Analysis
- Part 2: High Quality Mesh Analysis
Lesson 6: Compatible/Incompatible Meshes
- Objectives
- Compatible / Incompatible Meshing
- Case Study: Rotor
Lesson 7: Analysis of Thin Components
- Objectives
- Thin Components
- Case Study: Pulley
- Part 1: Mesh with Solid Elements
- Part 2: Refined Solid Mesh
- Solid vs. Shell
- Creating Shell Elements
- Part 3: Shell Elements - Mid-plane Surface
- Results Comparison
- Case Study: Joist Hanger
Lesson 8: Mixed Meshing Shells & Solids
- Objectives
- Mixed Meshing Solids and Shells
- Case Study: Pressure Vessel
Lesson 9: Beam Elements
- Analysis of a Conveyor Frame
- Element Choices
- Section Properties
- Beam Elements
- Beam Joint Types
- Beam Stress Components
- Bending Moment and Shear Force Diagrams
Lesson 10: Mixed Meshing Solids, Beams & Shells
- Objectives
- Mixed Meshing
- Case Study: Particle Separator
- Beam Imprint
Lesson 11: Design Study
- Objectives
- Case Study: Suspension Design
- Part 1: Multiple Load Cases
- Part 2: Geometry Modification
Lesson 12: Thermal Stress Analysis
- Objectives
- Thermal Stress Analysis
- Case Study: Bimetallic Strip
- Examining Results in Local Coordinate Systems
- Saving Model in its Deformed Shape
Lesson 13: Adaptive Meshing
- Objectives
- Adaptive Meshing
- Case Study: Support Bracket
- h-Adaptivity Study
- p-Adaptivity Study
- h vs. p Elements - Summary
Lesson 14: Large Displacement Analysis
- Objectives
- Small vs. Large Displacement Analysis
- Case Study: Clamp
- Part 1: Small Displacement Linear Analysis
- Part 2: Large Displacement Nonlinear Analysis
Appendix A: Meshing, Solvers, and Tips & Tricks
- Meshing Strategies
- Geometry Preparation
- Mesh Quality
- Mesh Controls
- Meshing Stages
- Failure Diagnostics
- Tips for Using Shell Elements
- Hardware Considerations in Meshing
- Solvers in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- Choosing a Solver
Appendix B: Customer Help and Assistance
- Customer Help and Assistance
Testimonials
"The SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials course gave us analysis results for different conditions which improved our understanding of the concepts."
— Jason Yu, O'Brien Installations.
"Instructor was brilliant, and brought a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge to the class. My favorite part of the course was the Design Study, as this has a lot of applications for the stuff that I do."
— Aidan Aird, Developing Innovations.
"I gained tips and more experience using SOLIDWORKS Simulation software."
— Deming Hao, Vuteq Canada
"The instructor was amazing! There was not a dull moment in the whole course"
— Wayne Taylor, Hamilton Kent Inc.
"I enjoyed the instructors enthusiasm. I will be able to validate my designs now."
— Rob Ferns, Kilmarnock.
Training Methods
Choose from three different training methods available to you

Group/Public Training
Receive SOLIDWORKS training as a group in a traditional classroom environment.
Classes can be taken in one of our 12 training locations across Canada using SOLIDWORKS approved training content and methodologies.
Advantages
- Cost effective training method.
- Leave the office to concentrate on learning.
- Learn more through group questions and feedback.

Live Online Training
With our online training you will experience an interactive learning environment where you can give feedback, gain access to the SOLIDWORKS training files and get time to work on training exercises.
Advantages
- Online courses are typically half day sessions.
- More effective than video based training, with recorded videos learners are often not as focused on the training and skip exercises.

Onsite at your location
Receive training at your place of work. This style of flexible training is perfect for teams or individuals who are faced with a specific challenge and require personalized courses with on-the-job coaching.
Advantages
- Use our state-of-the-art mobile classroom at your facility.
- Bring your team up to a consistent level of knowledge by having them take the same training at the same time.
- Benefit from flexible scheduling options.
Upcoming Classes
Choose a SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials class from the list below
Start | Duration | Location | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Monday, 12th June, 2023 | 5 Days (5 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 19th June, 2023 | 3 Days (7 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 10th July, 2023 | 3 Days (7 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 14th August, 2023 | 3 Days (7 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 11th September, 2023 | 5 Days (5 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Tuesday, 10th October, 2023 | 3 Days (7 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 13th November, 2023 | 5 Days (5 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
Monday, 11th December, 2023 | 3 Days (7 hours/day) | Online | Get a Quote |
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials class not listed for your required date or location?
Get a quote for the course and let us know the date and location where you require training.
Or learn more about our On-the-job Coaching and Customized SOLIDWORKS Training services.
Get Custom Training
Contact us to learn how the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Essentials course can be included in custom training for your business