Have you ever started a SOLIDWORKS Simulation study that you thought was pretty straightforward, but after six months (including several missed deadlines and scope changes) ended up right back where you started? Well, you aren't alone. One of the main topics we teach in our Analysis Mentoring sessions is how to properly plan your analysis before you start, which will increase your productivity and minimize headaches down the road.
Just like planning a road trip, an efficient analysis requires a road map that tells you where you are starting, where you want to go, and the planned route to get there. Some of the questions we want answers to, before we start out on our analysis “road trip” are:
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What is my end goal?
- Answering this will maintain the focus of your analysis and dictate what type of analysis or analyses you will run, what outputs you'll need, etc.
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What assumptions will I make?
- Every analysis has some assumptions built-in.
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Which model should I use?
- Do I simplify the existing model? Do I create a new simplified model?
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What kind of accuracy am I after?
- Of course... the initial answer is always "As accurate as possible!"
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Which analysis should I use?
- Which analysis or analyses you run will depend on what your loading conditions are and what answers you're trying to get
In February, I presented a webinar on how we in the Analysis Services team plan and prepare for analysis projects. We had a great turnout for the session and got a lot of positive feedback from all the attendees.
For anyone who wasn't able to join, here’s a copy of the PowerPoint presentation:
And here's a recording of the webinar:
If you want to learn more about how Hawk Ridge Systems’ Analysis Consulting and Training Services can help you and your design process, don’t hesitate to give us a call, or email us at simulationservices@hawkridgesys.com.
