Solver Setup
Choose the right solver type and configure calculation parameters.
The solver is the mathematical core of every FEM simulation — it solves the equation system built from your geometry, materials, loads, and boundary conditions.
Solver types
| Solver | When to use | | --- | --- | | Linear Static | Standard choice for most tasks. Assumes small deformations and linear material behaviour. Fastest. | | Nonlinear Static | Large deformations, plasticity, or contact problems. Longer computation, requires parameter tuning. | | Modal | Vibration analysis — calculates natural frequencies and mode shapes. No loads required. |
Setup process
- Open the Calculation section
- Select the solver type
- Review the summary — geometry, material, loads, boundary conditions
- Adjust parameters if needed
- Proceed to job submission
Key parameters
| Parameter | Description | | --- | --- | | Convergence tolerance | Maximum allowed residual — smaller = more accurate but slower | | Maximum iterations | Solver aborts if not converged within this limit | | Load steps (nonlinear) | More steps = better convergence for highly nonlinear problems | | Contact stiffness | Controls penetration vs. convergence trade-off |
Only change default values if you have a specific reason to. Incorrect convergence tolerance or load step settings are a common cause of unnecessary solver failures.
Common mistakes
- Choosing nonlinear when linear would suffice — wastes computation time
- Using the linear solver with active frictional contact — produces incorrect results
- Wrong solver type for the analysis goal (e.g., linear static for a vibration question)