What basis does SOLIDWORKS Simulation use to calculate structural failure?

SOLIDWORKS Simulation calculates structural failure based on material yield, which refers to the point at which a material begins to deform plastically and will not return to its original shape once the load is removed. When evaluating structures under various loads, SOLIDWORKS checks if the stress in any part of the model exceeds the yield strength of the material. If the material yields, it indicates that permanent deformation will occur, which is a clear sign of potential structural failure.

By focusing on yield strength, SOLIDWORKS can provide crucial insights into whether a design can withstand operational loads without risking permanent damage. Other factors, like buckling, fatigue, and creep, are important for different types of structural analyses, but the primary basis for calculating imminent failure in a typical static load scenario is the yield criterion. This positions yield strength as a foundational concept in assessing material performance in structural applications.