Why Nonlinear Analysis Using SolidWorks Simulation Premium?

When to perform Nonlinear Analysis?

Linear Analysis	Nonlinear Analysis
When the material is linear elastic, where the geometry will return to original shape	Linear approximation is fast and efficient solution for many engineering problems. However, most of the real life problems in engineering world are nonlinear
Deformations are small	In many cases, simply understanding the effects of nonlinearity can enable the design engineer to make sound design decisions based on linear results
Loads and restraints are constantly applied to the model, without change in magnitude or direction	Even though nonlinear solution runs take longer time, it replicates the actual physical system being analyzed and the test results will correlate very accurately.

Types of Nonlinearity:

·         Geometric Nonlinearity

·         Contact Nonlinearity

·         Material Nonlinearity

Above types of Nonlinearity exists typically in any assembly made up of any plastic or rubber parts.

Symptoms for Nonlinearity:

•      Stress levels approach the yield point

•      Coupled displacements are restrained

•      Large Displacements are expected

•      Unreasonably High Deflections are observed

•      Two surfaces or curves penetrate

Follow Standard Analysis Workflow:

Stage_1: Assign Material Properties for given parts / assembly connected by correct type of  bonding

Stage_2: Set up operating conditions

Stage_3: Set up Nonlinear Analysis Properties.