Simulation Software

Simulation software allows engineers to evaluate, optimize, and compare product designs by modeling real world events in a computer generated environment. It is a facet of computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Simulation software can create any model that is governed by equations or mathematical data and place it in a pre-defined system. By analyzing these constructs, engineers can observe how the model and system interact, thereby predicting performance, defects, stresses, and product lifespan.

Examples of commonly modeled products are mechanics, electrical systems, chemical reactions, heat, and weather. Vendors may offer libraries that simulate industry specific scenarios, such as construction, aviation, road and pedestrian traffic, electrical circuitry, fluid dynamics, and many more.

Simulation and CAE software are highly related to computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD software is mostly concerned with the design of products where CAE software is focused on the testing and simulation of products. Leading vendors may offer CAD modeling and CAE simulation engines that are tightly integrated, under the same product line. Alternately, simulation software may offer integrations with many popular third-party CAD applications.

Simulation software designed for computer-aided engineering (CAE) provides the following features:

• Predefined library of features, shapes and objects for modeling

• Predefined modeling scenarios (e.g. weather stress), including industry-specific toolsets

• Pre-processing tools allow the user to define various materials, conditions, and other simulation variables

• Tools to import product model data from CAD application

• Integrated environment with CAD modeling studio to edit product geometry without leaving app

• Virtual validation testing, such as fault tolerance

• Test multiple product designs against each other for superior performance or resilience

• Post-processing tools include simulation results, charts and other data analyzation tools