What do you like best about Altair SimSolid?
I have been using SIMSOLID for over two years, and its advanced meshless modeling capabilities have proven invaluable in expediting the analysis of complex geometries. This software has significantly enhanced my ability to provide rapid results to my CAE team, enabling them to make timely decisions and implement appropriate design modifications.
SIMSOLID has been particularly beneficial during the conceptual design phase of several projects, including the design of lifting devices, steel structures, rail structures, heavy mining equipment, and various general mechanical systems. The efficiency of the software has allowed me to assess the reliability of multiple design iterations quickly and effectively, thus saving considerable time during the early stages of development. Once a mature design is reached, I conduct further validation using more detailed finite element analysis (FEA) tools, such as HyperMesh, to obtain more precise stress values.
The ability to extract reaction forces, apply contact interactions swiftly, assign various joint properties, and conduct a range of analyses—from linear static to fatigue and complex vibration analysis—are some of the key features that make SIMSOLID highly efficient for preliminary evaluations. This versatility has been instrumental in providing swift insights into design iterations and offering informed recommendations.
In summary, SIMSOLID has been a crucial tool for my team during the conceptual phase of design, allowing for the timely selection of appropriate design modifications and significantly reducing the time required to achieve a mature model. Once the design has reached this stage, detailed FEA software is employed for final validation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about Altair SimSolid?
While SIMSOLID offers significant advantages in rapid conceptual analysis, there are a few areas where it falls short. First, the accuracy of stress values can sometimes be a concern, especially when compared to more detailed finite element analysis tools. While it serves well in the early stages of design, the stress results often require further validation through more robust FEA software to ensure precision.
Additionally, the running time can be significantly impacted when dealing with multiple contact interactions, which detracts from the software's otherwise efficient performance. This issue becomes particularly noticeable in complex assemblies where multiple joints or contacts are involved, leading to longer computation times.
Finally, the lack of geometry editing features within the software is a limitation. Users must often rely on external CAD tools for modifications, which can interrupt the workflow and lead to inefficiencies. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.