How do you check your mechanical models and simulations?

1 Define the purpose

The first step to check your mechanical models and simulations is to define the purpose and scope of your project. What are you trying to achieve? What are the key questions you want to answer? What are the assumptions and limitations of your model? How will you measure the performance and quality of your simulation? By clarifying these aspects, you will be able to set realistic goals, select appropriate methods, and avoid unnecessary complexity and errors.

2 Choose the right software

The next step is to choose the right software for your mechanical models and simulations. There are many options available, ranging from general-purpose to specialized tools, from open-source to commercial products, from graphical to code-based interfaces. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to consider factors such as functionality, compatibility, usability, cost, support, and documentation. You may also want to compare different software and test their features and capabilities before making a final decision.

3 Build and refine your model

The third step is to build and refine your model using the software of your choice. This involves defining the geometry, materials, boundary conditions, loads, and other parameters of your system. You may also need to apply simplifications, idealizations, or approximations to make your model more manageable and realistic. You should always check your model for errors, inconsistencies, and redundancies, and make sure it matches your purpose and scope. You may also want to use some tools or techniques to improve your model, such as meshing, discretization, or optimization.

4 Run and analyze your simulation

The fourth step is to run and analyze your simulation using the model you have built and refined. This involves solving the equations, algorithms, or methods that govern your system's behavior, and generating the output data, graphs, or animations that show the results. You should always check your simulation for convergence, stability, and accuracy, and make sure it meets your expectations and criteria. You may also want to use some tools or techniques to enhance your simulation, such as sensitivity analysis, parameter variation, or post-processing.

6 Document and communicate your findings

The final step is to document and communicate your findings using the results of your verification and validation. Documentation is the process of recording and organizing all the information and details related to your project, such as objectives, methods, assumptions, data, results, and conclusions. Communication is the process of presenting and sharing your findings with your intended audience, such as colleagues, clients, or reviewers. You can use various formats and media to document and communicate your findings, such as reports, papers, slides, videos, or websites.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?