Arm-architectureHow-ToBeginner · 4 min read

How to Run Static Analysis in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To run Static Analysis in SolidWorks, open your part or assembly, go to the Simulation tab, and create a new Static Study. Apply fixtures and loads, then run the study to see stress, displacement, and factor of safety results.

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Syntax

Static analysis in SolidWorks follows a clear workflow using the Simulation add-in. The main steps are:

Create a Static Study: Defines the type of analysis.
Apply Fixtures: Fix parts to simulate real-world constraints.
Apply Loads: Add forces, pressures, or gravity.
Mesh the Model: Break the model into small elements for calculation.
Run the Study: Calculate stresses and displacements.
Review Results: Visualize stress, displacement, and safety factors.

arm_architecture

Simulation > New Study > Static
Apply Fixtures
Apply Loads
Mesh Model
Run Study
Review Results

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Example

This example shows how to run a static analysis on a simple bracket part:

Open your bracket model in SolidWorks.
Enable the Simulation add-in via Tools > Add-Ins.
Go to the Simulation tab and click New Study, select Static.
Right-click Fixtures and select Fixed Geometry on the mounting holes.
Right-click External Loads and apply a force on the bracket arm.
Click Mesh to generate the mesh.
Click Run to start the analysis.
View the stress and displacement plots in the results.

arm_architecture

1. Open bracket.sldprt
2. Tools > Add-Ins > Enable Simulation
3. Simulation > New Study > Static
4. Fixtures > Fixed Geometry on holes
5. External Loads > Force on arm
6. Mesh > Create Mesh
7. Run > Run Study
8. Results > View Stress and Displacement

Output

Stress plot shows max stress at the arm with 25 MPa Displacement plot shows max displacement of 0.5 mm at the free end

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when running static analysis in SolidWorks include:

Not enabling the Simulation add-in: The Simulation tab won't appear without it.
Incorrect or missing fixtures: Without proper constraints, the model may show unrealistic results or errors.
Applying loads incorrectly: Loads must be applied on correct faces or edges to simulate real conditions.
Ignoring mesh quality: Too coarse mesh can give inaccurate results; too fine mesh increases computation time.
Not checking units: Ensure consistent units for loads and geometry.

Wrong way example: Applying a force on a vertex instead of a face can cause errors.

Right way example: Select the face area where the force realistically acts.

arm_architecture

Wrong:
External Loads > Force on vertex

Right:
External Loads > Force on face

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Quick Reference

Step	Description
Enable Simulation Add-in	Tools > Add-Ins > Check SolidWorks Simulation
Create Static Study	Simulation tab > New Study > Static
Apply Fixtures	Fix geometry to simulate constraints
Apply Loads	Add forces, pressures, or gravity
Mesh Model	Generate mesh for calculations
Run Study	Calculate results
Review Results	View stress, displacement, safety factors

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Key Takeaways

Enable the SolidWorks Simulation add-in before starting static analysis.

Apply correct fixtures and loads to simulate real-world conditions accurately.

Use an appropriate mesh size to balance accuracy and computation time.

Always review stress and displacement results to validate your design.

Check units and model setup carefully to avoid errors.