Solidwork Simulation Information

Sometimes the model need to be simplified (defeature, idealization, or cleanup) in order to mesh properly or save computation time.
Brick element is more reliable, but Solidwork Simulation can only use
triangular element due to the restrain of reliable automesher.
Use second-order element in simulation. First-order element is not accurate
(otherwise need lots more small element). Untick Draft quality mesh to
switch to second order element.
Tetrahedral solid element has 3 degree of freedom for each node. 2D
triangular element and 1D beam element have 6 degree of freedom for each
node.
For solid element, use at least two layer of element across wall thickness to
achieve accurate result.
Solid element or shell element? An example a rectangular plate, if
width/thickness ratio is less than 7, use solid element; if width/thickness is
greater than 20, use shell element. For ratio in between, depends or as users
favour.
A moment can only be applied if shell elements are used. Solid elements have
only three degrees of freedom so moment cant be applied to solid element. If
need to apply moment to solid element, it must be represented by appropriate
distributed forces, or remote loads.
If adjacent mesh size differ a lot, the meshing may fail. For example, a blind
raise face flange, the global size is 22mm, and the local mesh control specify a
2mm mesh at raise face region, it is not possible to get a smooth transition
between the two mesh. In this case will be better to coarse the local mesh, say
to 8mm, rather than applying additional local mesh (which create unnecessary
very fine mesh.
In an assembly, if the mesh failure diagnostic shown that the software fail to
mesh a component and a few trials keep failing, it is a good practice to open
the part and try the mesh separately.
Material properties: E=9.K.G/(3.K+G), v=(3.K-2.G)/(6.K+2.G), where EYoungs modulus, K-bulk moduli, G-shear moduli, and v Poissons ratio (from
training book P335)
Displacements are the primary unknown in FEA and, as such, will always be
significantly more accurate than strains and stresses. A relatively coarse mesh

is sufficient for satisfactory displacement results, while significantly finer

mesh is generally required for satisfactory stress results.
Fix bolt hole often cause singularity problem around the edge. May consider
to fix the whole face at contact instead.
To specify displacement constraint in certain direction, use advanced option
under fixture, and define displacement constraint (0 if fixed in chosen
direction, or a number if want to investigate the resulting stress for certain
displacement) relative to reference plane or axis.
Compatible mesh is somewhat more accurate than incompatible mesh, but it
takes longer and put more strain on the mesher. Try changing mesh to
incompatible if the compatible mesh fails.

Note: Read Lesson 3 in more detail. Not fully understand yet regarding contact set.