Technology

What method is SimSolid using?

SimSolid is a generalization and extension of the finite element method.

Does SimSolid have a Linux version?

Yes.

What differentiates SimSolid from other simulation solutions?

SimSolid is a fully-featured structural analysis solution that can analyze complex parts and large assemblies efficiently on a desktop class computer. It eliminates geometric simplification and meshing, the two most time-consuming tasks in other simulation software. The solution is both fast and accurate and helps achieve meaningful design inputs in seconds to minutes without the need for high-performance computing machines.

How is SimSolid different from traditional FEA (h and p-element)?

  • SimSolid is a generalization and extension of the finite element method. In SimSolid, each part can be represented by a single region or large general shaped regions.
  • Solution refinement is performed via p-enrichment or via introduction of special non-polynomial functions. Solution adaptation is based on relative local energy density changes and absolute errors on region boundaries.
  • The degrees of freedom are also not point wise, they can be associated with volumes, surfaces, lines and/or point clouds. DOF are integrals over corresponding geometrical objects, not nodal. Depending on the solution adaptation, there can be many degrees of freedom for a single associated geometry object.
  • Boundary compatibility is met approximately between regions and is adjusted during each solution pass.

Is SimSolid based on iso-geometric analysis?

SimSolid is not based on iso-geometric analysis. Unlike SimSolid, IGA is not mesh free. It is a finite element method that requires analysis-ready geometry and hence (iso-geometric) elements.

What makes SimSolid so fast?

The number of degrees of freedom used to represent the geometry can be orders of magnitude less compared to traditional FE. SimSolid is also multi-threaded.

Is SimSolid a displacement or force-based formulation?

SimSolid is a displacement-based finite element formulation.

Is SimSolid accurate?

The accuracy of SimSolid across a range of typical solution domains has been confirmed by comparing against well-known reference solutions. For examples, refer to Verification Problems.

What error criteria does SimSolid use?

There are two primary absolute error criteria used:
  1. Displacement error at boundary with prescribed displacements.
  2. Traction error at boundary with loads. There are several relative error criteria (frequency, strain energy, etc.) used.