Summary
This chapter provided a short overview of the importance, applications, and basic concepts of finite element simulation (such as discretization, elements, the types of elements, nodes, the main phases in finite element simulation, and more). We also initiated our exploration of the theme of this book by introducing the SOLIDWORKS general interface and the SOLIDWORKS Simulation interface.
Subsequent chapters of the book will take a detailed look at the use of SOLIDWORKS Simulation for the analyses of different kinds of structures. In the next chapter, we will examine the analysis of bars and trusses.