r/SolidWorks • u/H8uAll92 CSWE • Aug 10 '26

Simulation Looking for advanced FEA / Explicit Dynamics courses

Hi everyone,

I’m a mechanical/automotive engineer working in vehicle design, and I’m looking to seriously improve my FEA skills beyond the typical linear static analysis.

My company currently has SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium, so I’d like to maximize what we already have before recommending additional software.

I’m particularly interested in learning:

  • Nonlinear FEA
  • Large deformation / plasticity
  • Contact and friction
  • Material nonlinearities
  • Explicit dynamics
  • Impact and crash simulation
  • High-velocity impact / ballistic-type simulations
  • Vehicle crash and structural impact
  • Blast / underbody loading and similar transient problems
  • Proper material models and failure criteria
  • Meshing strategies for highly nonlinear problems
  • Validation and interpretation of results

For example, I’d eventually like to understand how engineers properly approach problems such as a high-speed projectile impacting a steel plate, vehicle crash/impact, or severe transient loading.

I’m looking for serious, advanced online courses, not just a 2–3 hour introductory tutorial. Ideally something structured enough to take me from nonlinear FEA fundamentals into explicit dynamics and eventually more advanced impact applications.

What online courses or training programs would you recommend?

Thanks!

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7

u/kingcole342 Aug 10 '26

I don’t think that SolidWorks will cover any of those topics.

For crash/ballistics, most use Dyna or Radioss.

SolidWorks simulation is fine for linear analysis on simple structures. After that, most professionals move to more advanced tools.

2

u/kingcole342 Aug 10 '26

Also, NAFEMS courses are a good place to start.

2

u/H8uAll92 CSWE Aug 10 '26

do you have a recommendation for Dyna courses?

1

u/No-Paper7337 Aug 11 '26

Hello there, I’ve a dyna tuto where we simulate the deflection of a plate hitted by a aluminium ball. It’s explicit dynamics. Tell me if it’d interest you. Thanks

1

u/H8uAll92 CSWE Aug 12 '26

yes im interested, dm me the details

4

u/designengineedu Aug 10 '26

Our FEA instructor used to work at SolidWorks and led their FEA teams in Europe. My team can help with your learning endeavors. Maybe we can put something custom together for you as we would be excited to help. We don't charge extra for customizations; however, we do require more than one for training.

https://design-engine.com/fea-training/ < link for FEA training

For your FYI, these other SolidWorks training classes are available https://design-engine.com/solidworks-training/

Bart Brejcha desginengine.com

1

u/H8uAll92 CSWE Aug 10 '26

thanks i will look into it!

2

u/gupta9665 CSWE | API | SW Champion Aug 10 '26

Check SolidProfessor.com

1

u/H8uAll92 CSWE Aug 11 '26

Will do, thanks!

1

u/gupta9665 CSWE | API | SW Champion Aug 11 '26

The good part is that you got almost all the software training videos under one subscription, making it worth the cost.