The following shows the results of a test case using SkyCiv against a third party brick-element FEA solver. The solvers are setup substantially different, and run different analysis – but show the accuracy of 3D FEA solvers in comparison to 1D or 2D element analysis as used in SkyCiv.
Given the limitations of SolidWorks – we had to assume a single section property to allow us to model using Truss Members – making it easier to model in CAD. Modelling different section values would have doubled the CAD modelling time.
Experiment Conditions
| Item | SkyCiv | CAD/FEA Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | I7-6700 @2.6GHz – Mozilla FireFox | I7-6700 @2.6GHz | |
| User Proficiency | Intermediate | Intermediate | |
| Analysis Type | 1D elements | 3D FEA using ANSYS | |
| Software | SkyCiv Structural 3D | Solid Works / ANSYS | |
| Mesh Coarseness | Medium (25 eval points) | ANSYS Default Meshing Setting | |
| Model Graphic | |
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Setup Time
| Item | SkyCiv | CAD/FEA Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Loadup | 1 minute | 5 minutes | |
| Modelling | 12 minutes | 120 minutes | |
| Meshing | 0 minutes | 15 minutes | |
| Applying Loads | <1 minute | 3 minutes | |
| Solving Time | <1 minute | <1 minute | |
| Total | 0.25 hours (15 minutes) | 2.4 hours (144 minutes) |
Results
| Item | SkyCiv | CAD/FEA Analysis | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Displacement | 1.1446mm | 1.0602mm | 7.4% | |
| Analysis Report | SkyCiv | ANSYS |
SkyCiv Free Frame Calculator
SkyCiv FREE Frame Calculator will generate and find the bending moment and shear force diagrams of a 2D frame structure. The free version allows you to input frames with a maximum of 3 members with applied point loads and moments for 2D frame analysis. Give the calculator a try or sign up for free today to get started with the software!
