SolidWorks FEA Simulation

At Hamilton By Design, we use SolidWorks Simulation FEA to help mining, manufacturing, power generation and industrial clients make better decisions before anything is cut, welded or installed.

Whether you’re upgrading a chute, checking a pressure vessel, or validating a complex brownfield retrofit, our team can simulate real-world loads, temperatures and constraints so you know how your design will behave in service.

Why use SolidWorks FEA with Hamilton By Design?

Mechanical engineers with real site experience – CHPPs, conveyors, reclaimers, pressure vessels, structures and plant equipment.
Seamless link to 3D CAD – we model in SolidWorks, analyse in SolidWorks Simulation, then deliver fabrication-ready drawings.
Engineering-grade results – correct boundary conditions, meshing control and code-aligned assessment where required.
Clear reports for decision-makers – not just stress plots, but explanations, factors of safety and practical recommendations.

Our SolidWorks FEA Capabilities

We offer a broad range of analysis types, from straightforward linear static checks through to advanced contact, thermal and fatigue studies.

1. Linear Static & Structural Integrity

For components and assemblies under static loading:

Linear Static (parts and assemblies)
Linear Static – multi-body assemblies
Beam and Shell element models for frames, platforms, platework and tanks
Static Stress (parts)
Static Stress (assemblies)
Contacts and contact sets (bonded, no-penetration, friction etc.)
Large displacement behaviour for flexible or slender structures

Typical use cases:

Platforms, walkways, supports, frames
Brackets, bases, machine frames and guarding
Brownfield modifications and tie-ins

2. Modal, Frequency & Buckling Analysis

Understanding how structures respond to vibration and instability:

Frequency / Modal analysis
Modal / Frequency analysis (eigenfrequencies and mode shapes)
Buckling Analysis (eigenvalue / linear buckling)
Modal / Buckling studies for slender structures

Typical use cases:

Avoiding resonance in platforms, ducts, chutes and pipework
Screening structures against equipment running speeds
Checking risk of buckling under compressive loads

3. Thermal Analysis (Steady & Transient)

Thermal loading can be just as critical as mechanical loading. We perform:

Steady State Thermal analysis
Transient Thermal analysis
Coupled thermal–stress workflows (temperature → stress)

Typical use cases:

Hot chutes, ducts, kilns and enclosures
Equipment in high-temperature environments
Evaluating thermal gradients prior to stress assessment

4. Fatigue & Life Estimation

Assessing how long components are likely to last under cyclic loading:

Fatigue analysis using Stress-Life (SN curves)
Fatigue Analysis / Fatigue (SN Curves)
Fatigue – Stress-Life (SN curves) for variable loading conditions

Typical use cases:

High-cycle fatigue in vibrating plant and supports
Welded details on chutes, frames and platforms
Repeated loading on mechanical components

5. Drop Test & Impact-Type Events

Where equipment may be dropped, impacted or experience short-duration loads:

Drop Test simulations (rigid and flexible bodies)
Drop Test (explicit-like method within SolidWorks Simulation)

Typical use cases:

Handling frames, lifting devices, skids
Enclosures, housings and protective covers
Equipment subject to accidental drop or impact

6. Pressure Vessel & Stress Linearisation

We support pressure vessels and pressurised equipment with:

Pressure Vessel evaluation
Pressure Vessel / Stress Linearization for membrane and bending stress extraction
Assessment against design criteria (in conjunction with relevant codes/standards as required)

Typical use cases:

Tanks, vessels, pipework branches and nozzles
Pressure retaining components in process plants

7. Topology Optimisation & Design Refinement

For weight reduction and concept development:

Topology Optimisation for parts and sub-assemblies
Using optimisation results to drive manufacturable designs in SolidWorks

Typical use cases:

Lightweight brackets and frames
Concept development where weight, stiffness or cost must be balanced

8. Motion & Load Extraction

Understanding motion and using it to drive realistic FEA loads:

Time-based Motion studies
Load extraction from motion into FEA (reaction forces, accelerations, etc.)

Typical use cases:

Mechanisms with moving arms, linkages or tooling
Equipment where dynamic loads dominate over static loads

9. Advanced Contacts, Meshing & Convergence

Robust results rely on correct discretisation and contact definition. We provide:

Advanced Contacts (nonlinear contact behaviour, friction, separation)
Advanced meshing strategies for complex geometry
Local mesh refinement around welds, holes, notches and stress raisers
Mesh convergence checks for confidence in results

Reporting & Engineering Documentation

Every simulation is backed by clear, traceable documentation, including:

Description of the model, loads, boundary conditions and assumptions
Material properties and factors of safety used
Key plots: stress, displacement, factor of safety, temperature, modes, buckling shapes etc.
Fatigue life estimates where applicable
Mesh screenshots and convergence discussion
Practical engineering recommendations (e.g. increase plate thickness, add stiffeners, adjust weld details).

These reports can be issued in PDF format for internal review, client submissions or integration into your broader design dossier.

How We Work With You

Define the problem – loads, constraints, operating conditions and success criteria.
Build or import the CAD model – we model in SolidWorks or clean up your existing geometry.
Set up the study – select the appropriate FEA type, materials, contacts and mesh.
Run and refine – iterate as needed to achieve stable, converged results.
Recommend improvements – we help you interpret the results and adjust the design.
Deliver documentation – final models, plots and reports ready for approval or fabrication.

Discuss Your Next SolidWorks FEA Project

If you need confidence that your design will perform as intended – whether it’s a small bracket or a critical plant upgrade – our team can help.

Hamilton By Design combines SolidWorks FEA simulation with practical engineering and fabrication understanding to de-risk projects across mining, heavy industry, power generation and manufacturing.

Get in touch to discuss your next project, share a model, or explore whether FEA can help you solve a specific problem before it becomes a shutdown headache.