King's FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS WITH SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION combines presentation theory with solid mechanics calculations to confirm students’ configurations. This innovative approach explains concepts using examples and investigations that equip students for a range of applications.

The author demonstrates calculations in PTC Mathcad, providing an interactive "what-if" environment. Students then build SOLIDWORKS Simulations. The book emphasizes the fundamentals with a focus on 3D analysis of real-world designs. Students learn critical concepts such as singular stiffness matrices, digital resolution, and rigid-body motion. They build a small FEA software program in PTC Mathcad that implements a 1D spring model. Investigations explore the effects of changing analyses as students compare solutions, identify errors, make decisions, and explore alternative configurations and new models.

1. Introduction.
Geometry: 3D Solids Model. Configure Options for the Simulation. Material Property Values. Restraints: Values, Locations, and Directions. Loads: Values, Directions, Locations, and Types. Mesh. Execution and Results. Investigation and Interpretation of Results. Investigation Activity. Potential Errors. FEA Application.
2. 1D Spring Element Model.
Introduction. Problem Definition. General Exact Solution. Specifically Valued Exact Solution. Solution with Finite Elements. Investigation Activity.
3. Truss and Beam Element Models.
Truss Element Models: Introduction. 2D Spring-Element Model. Pin and Roller Restraints. FEA Rules. Creating Truss-Element Models. Analysis of a Truss-Element Model. Investigation Activity. Defeaturing. Beam-Element Models: Introduction. Beam Directions and Sign Conventions. Analysis of a Beam-Element Model. Interpretation of Results.
4. 3D Tetrahedral Element Models.
Introduction. Mesh Design. Adaptive Methods. 3D Stress. Poisson Effect. Investigation Activity. Interpretation of Results.
5. Solid Model Loads.
Simulating Physical Reality. Edge Loads. Split-Surface Loads. Vertex and Point Loads. Distributed Force Loads. Remote Loads. Pressure. Torque. Bearing Loads. Gravity. Centrifugal Loads. Distributed Mass. Thermal Effects. Combined Loading.
6. 3D Solid Model Restraints.
Introduction. Degrees of Freedom. Restraint Types and Symbols. Planar Reference Geometry. Cylindrical Reference Geometry. Spherical Reference Geometry. Nonzero Displacement. Advanced Restraint Group. Contradicting Restraints. Model Stability. Axially Loaded Bar Example.
7. Failure Criteria.
Introduction. Brittle and Ductile Materials. Von Mises Failure Criterion. Tresca (Maximum Shear Stress) Failure Criterion. Maximum Normal Stress (Coulomb) Failure Criterion. Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion. FOS Results. Custom Materials. Interpretation of FOS Results.
8. Symmetry Models.
Introduction. Plate-with-Hole Mode. Reflective Symmetry. Cyclic Symmetry.
9. Assembly Models.
Introduction. Beam Assembly Model Example. Positioning Components. Beam Assembly Solid Model. Assembly FEA. Beam Assembly FEA Example. Local Analysis of Assembly Models.
10. Special Topics.
Shell Element Models. Frequency Analysis. Buckling Analysis.
Heat Transfer.
Appendix A: Simple 3D Solid Models.
Appendix B: Simple PTC Mathcad Worksheets.
Appendix C: Special Mechanical Connectors.

King's FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS WITH SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION combines presentation theory with solid mechanics calculations to confirm students’ configurations. This innovative approach explains concepts using examples and investigations that equip students for a range of applications. The author demonstrates calculations in PTC Mathcad, providing an interactive "what-if" environment. Students then build SOLIDWORKS Simulations. The book emphasizes the fundamentals with a focus on 3D analysis of real-world designs. Students learn critical concepts such as singular stiffness matrices, digital resolution, and rigid-body motion. They build a small FEA software program in PTC Mathcad that implements a 1D spring model. Investigations explore the effects of changing analyses as students compare solutions, identify errors, make decisions, and explore alternative configurations and new models. PROVEN METHODOLOGY HAS BEEN CLASSROOM-TESTED. The author has thoroughly tested and refined this book's unique approach, working with a large number of students and multiple faculty throughout a number of years. THIS EDITION EMPHASIZES THE ANALYSIS OF STRESS AND DISPLACEMENT OF SOLIDS. Careful attention to these critical areas prepares students for success in today's workplace.