Engineering Analysis with SolidWorks Simulation 2012 goes beyond the standard software manual. Its unique approach concurrently introduces you to the SolidWorks Simulation 2012 software and the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) through hands-on exercises. A number of projects are presented using commonly used parts to illustrate the analysis features of SolidWorks Simulation. Each chapter is designed to build on the skills, experiences and understanding gained from the previous chapters. Topics covered: Linear static analysis of parts and assemblies Contact stress analysis Frequency (modal) analysis Buckling analysis Thermal analysis Drop test analysis Nonlinear analysis Dynamic analysis Random vibration analysis h and p adaptive solution methods Modeling techniques Implementation of FEA in the design process Management of FEA projects FEA terminology Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Static analysis of a plate 3. Static analysis of an L-bracket 4. Stress and frequency analysis of a pipe support 5. Static analysis of a link 6. Frequency analysis of a tuning fork and a plastic part 7. Thermal analysis of a pipeline connector and heater 8. Thermal analysis of a heat sink 9. Static analysis of a hanger 10. Analysis of contact stress 11. Thermal stress analysis of a bi-metal loop 12. Buckling analysis of an I-beam 13. Static analysis of a bracket using adaptive solution methods 14. Drop test 15. Selected nonlinear problems 16. Mixed meshing problem 17. Analysis of a weldment using beam elements 18. Review of 2D problems 19. Vibration Analysis - Modal Time History and Harmonic 20. Analysis of random vibration 21. Miscellaneous topics 22. Implementation of FEA into the design process 23. Glossary of terms 24. Resources available to FEA Users 25. List of exercises