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Design simulation

Design simulation helps manufacturers verify and validate the intended function of a product under development in earlier stages of design. Computer-aided design (CAD) designers can integrate simulation to understand how design changes impact performance immediately.

What is design simulation?

Design simulation helps manufacturers verify and validate the intended function of a product under development in earlier stages of design. CAD designers can integrate design simulation to immediately understand how design changes impact performance.

Design simulation helps manufacturers verify and validate the intended function of a product under development, as well as the manufacturability of the product. The word “simulation” is often used as the generic term for computer-aided engineering (CAE). Several design simulation approaches have become standard components of product development in many industries, and they continue to grow in importance as inexpensive, faster computers and affordable, easy-to-use design simulation software allow users to address new technologies and applications.

Simulation models are mathematical equations representing the system's behavior in a physical domain of interest. The complexity of mathematics depends on the availability of data and varies in the function of the application and the design stage.

In early development, typically more simple system representations use analytical assumptions and verify the interaction between several physical aspects on a concept level. In late development stages, typically very complex, application-specific models are used for validation and refinement. The applications can cover aspects such as structural behavior, acoustics, structural dynamics, thermal and flow analysis, fuel economy, control development and much more.

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Uncover the benefits

Reduce product development costs and time by avoiding recurrent physical prototype testing and improving quality.

Increase performance

Design simulation helps you design more robust parts and products that meet or exceed performance requirements.

Time reduction

Design simulation helps give designers more immediate feedback on how their part will perform so they can iterate on designs faster.

Cost reduction

Design simulation helps reduce costs and increases design efficiency by removing unnecessary material and weight and reducing prototypes.

Features of design simulation

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Generative Design

Design exploration, generative design and optimization helps you create unique geometry based specifically on the loads your product will experience in its environment. Simulation techniques like topology, shape and lattice optimization can lead to lighter parts that help exceed requirements.

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Physics-driven performance

Design simulation can include a wide range of analyses that virtually test the physics-based behavior of a product under various operating and environmental conditions. Unlike trial-and-error, a smart simulation process allows targeted implementation of design choices in various stages.

Engineer using computer-aided design software on multiple monitors in an office setting

Manufacturability

It includes the simulation of forming, stamping, machining and other processes to determine the design's manufacturability, and the effect of design changes on the manufacturing method.

An engineer looking at a bike design simulation on a screen.

Models vs. physical prototypes

Simulation models offer more flexibility in the product development process than physical prototypes. Creating design alternatives requires only a few button clicks, and testing them does not require a complicated setup.

Related products

Try design simulation software for free

Person using computer software with 3D model of mechanical part and simulation data visible on screen

NX design simulation trial

  • Shorten development and reduce costs by performing simulation directly within the NX design environment
  • Predict product behavior for structural, thermal, and motion performance during design
  • Rapidly iterate designs to quickly understand the impact of design changes on product performance

Learn more

Watch

On-demand webinar | Simulation process and data management for ship design

On-demand webinar | Motion simulation for designers

Listen

Podcast | Advancing electric motor design and simulation

Read

White paper | Thermal analysis in machine design with a CAD-embedded CFD solution

White paper | How to increase ship design productivity with a simulation-driven approach