You are best to use averaged stress methods across the weld but if you refine the mesh sufficiently and/or linearise the stress through the weld throat, then you can get accurate local stress results (won't be able to linearise in Inventor though).

but it was a very capable program.Ī singularity is a singularity, basic FEM theory and doesn't matter what software you are using. Why they don't incorporate more plassotech features, I don't know. Adding 'thin elements' or whatever they have called shell elements will be a big advantage for Inventor.

I could go on about the limitations but essentially if you know what you are doing you can use Inventor for some simple simulation work with accurate results. Also the contact options and post processing tools hindered his ability to adequately validate his design. Basically the problem was a designer using a tool designed for engineers and lack of training in setting up a simulation. So while a designer could use Inventor to roughly design a part, I would not recommend to use it for the engineering design.įor example I was supplied with a part from another engineer who had a designer at another company questioning why we were saying his part was failing (just as it was about to go into production). Inventor can be used for basic simulation and optimisation but you are very limited by features, most of which are required to competently conduct FEA and generate reports for professional use. Yes, Autodesk Simulation (ASM) is much better than Inventor Simulation. Does anyone have experience using Inventor for welds? RE: Stress Analysis of Weldments In Inventor or Algor GregLocock (Automotive) 19 Apr 12 05:52 Is it easy to transfer a model to it from Inventor or am I better off with a different FEA package? Will it give valid results near the welds? Is Autodesk Mechanical Simulation (Algor)a good alternative? I understand the limitations of Inventor, however the majority of my office uses it for drafting for which it is very powerful. I usually change the bonded contact between the flange and other member (not the welded area) to 'separation/no sliding' contact but I have had a number of doubtful results here. I also have a number of issues when I try to model a flange that has been welded around its outside to another member or indeed, when I bolt the flange to the other member. I get a lot of stress singularities here. Generally it is ok unless I am interested in the stresses in the weld. I am using Inventor 2011 for FEA of welded structures.

Autodesk inventor 2010 stress analysis