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Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360

The foundation of engineering design is often coupled with validation. Simulation is a great tool that allows engineers to test, validate, and modify designs before they become a physical prototype. When used early in the process for simulation driven design and throughout the development process, simulation can help drive the design, make informed design decisions, speed up time to production, and most importantly, identify and eliminate costly design mistakes.

Like any other tool though, it must be used properly to yield the best results. In this course, we’ll explore the usage static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal and other mechanical simulation types to better understand how we can apply these tools to everyday design problems.

After taking this course, you'll be able to:

- Describe the simulation workflow in Fusion 360.

- Summarize the use cases for various types of simulation studies.

- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in more advanced Fusion 360 CAD and CAE skills.

- Explain and identify simulation results

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What's inside

Syllabus

Static Stress Simulation

In Week 1, we’ll explore the setup, solve, and understanding surrounding static stress simulations. Starting with the basics and moving to more advanced tools such as bolted connections we’ll walk through how to prepare and process a static simulation.

Using Shape Optimization to Drive a Design

In Week 2, we’ll cover shape optimization simulation study type to explore load paths in designs. This simulation study will help engineers identify critical load paths in a design to make more informed decisions on material removal.

Nonlinear Response, Buckling and Modal Frequencies

In Week 3, we’ll focus on some additional simulation study types in Fusion 360, namely nonlinear response, structural buckling and modal frequencies. These study types allow for greater insight into structural and mechanical problems associated with a wide variety of designs. We will focus on various aspects of our gear reduction assembly as well as explore other examples suited for these types of simulations.

Thermal and Thermal Stress

In Week 4, we’ll explore and compare the effects of thermal and thermal stresses on designs. Temperature and heat can be a major factor in the failure of a design so exploring a design’s performance can lead to better informed design decisions. As a bonus, we’ll also look at event simulation and how a design performs when subject to motion and how it responds to an impact.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Students will gain insight on simulation workflow in Fusion 360

Students will explore and gain skills in using advanced CAD and CAE tools in Fusion 360

Students will explore various types of simulations to assist in design, such as static stress simulation, shape optimization, and thermal and mechanical simulation

Students will receive instruction from Autodesk, a respected name in design software

This course is designed for engineers and designers with basic knowledge of Fusion 360

Students will learn how to analyze simulation results to make informed decisions in design

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Reviews summary

Simulation analysis for mechanical engineers

Learners say that Fusion 360 Simulation Analysis is a largely positive course that gives mechanical engineers a solid foundation in using Fusion 360 to perform simulations. The well-organized course features engaging assignments, helpful practice problems, and clear explanations. However, some learners note that cloud credits may be required to complete all the exercises.

Organized and structured course.

"The course is well-organized."

Helpful practice problems.

"The course features helpful practice problems."

Clear explanations.

"The clear explanations make the subject easy to understand."

Engaging and helpful assignments.

"The course features engaging assignments."

Well-received course.

"Learners say that Fusion 360 Simulation Analysis is a largely positive course that gives mechanical engineers a solid foundation in using Fusion 360 to perform simulations."

Cloud credits may be required.

"However, some learners note that cloud credits may be required to complete all the exercises."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360 with these activities:

Review Static Stress Simulation and Shape Optimization

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Refresh your prior knowledge in these concepts to better succeed in this course

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Recall the setup and execution of Static Stress Simulations
Go over Shape Optimization to prepare for its application

Reach out to industry professionals for mentorship

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Gain insights and guidance from experienced professionals

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors in the field
Reach out to them and request their guidance

Build a Mechanical Assembly using Fusion 360

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Complete a hands-on project that applies the principles you learn in this course

Browse courses on Fusion 360

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Identify a suitable mechanical assembly to build
Collect the necessary materials and components
Use Fusion 360 to design the assembly
Assemble and test the mechanical assembly

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Conduct Thermal and Nonlinear Response Simulations

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Solidify your understanding through repetitive exercises

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Define the necessary boundary conditions and loading
Run the simulations and analyze the results

Mentor other students in the course

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Strengthen your understanding by teaching others

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify students who may need assistance
Provide guidance, support, and encouragement

Participate in design challenges or hackathons

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Test your skills and knowledge in a competitive environment

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Identify relevant design challenges or hackathons
Form a team and develop a solution to the challenge
Submit your solution and compete for prizes or recognition

Career center

Learners who complete Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Simulation Engineer

Simulation Engineers use simulation software to analyze and predict the behavior of products and systems. They work closely with other engineers and designers to ensure that products are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course provides Simulation Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Simulation Engineers to master.

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CAE Engineer

CAE Engineers use simulation software to analyze and predict the behavior of products and systems. They play a critical role in the design and development process, helping to ensure that products are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course provides CAE Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, including static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and systems that enable society to function. They use their knowledge of engineering principles to create solutions to real-world problems. This course provides a solid foundation in simulation for Mechanical Engineers, which is an essential skill for designing and building safe and efficient machines and systems. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Mechanical Engineers to master.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers create and develop new products and systems. They use their knowledge of engineering principles to ensure that products are functional, safe, and efficient. This course provides Design Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design better products faster. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Design Engineers to master.

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Product Engineer

Product Engineers are responsible for the development and production of products. They work closely with other engineers and designers to ensure that products meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course provides Product Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design better products faster. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Product Engineers to master.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and develop complex systems. They work closely with other engineers and scientists to ensure that systems meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. This course provides Systems Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and develop better systems faster. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Systems Engineers to master.

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R&D Engineer

R&D Engineers research and develop new technologies and products. They work closely with other engineers and scientists to create new solutions to real-world problems. This course provides R&D Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and develop better products faster. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for R&D Engineers to master.

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Design Verification Engineer

Design Verification Engineers ensure that products and services meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. They work closely with other engineers and designers to identify and eliminate potential problems. This course provides Design Verification Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and conduct more effective tests. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Design Verification Engineers to master.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers plan and oversee the production of products. They work closely with other engineers and designers to ensure that products are manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively. This course provides Manufacturing Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to identify and eliminate potential manufacturing problems early in the design process. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Manufacturing Engineers to master.

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Test Engineer

Test Engineers conduct tests to ensure that products meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. They work closely with other engineers and designers to identify and eliminate potential problems. This course provides Test Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and conduct more effective tests. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Test Engineers to master.

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Quality Engineer

Quality Engineers ensure that products and services meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. They work closely with other engineers and designers to identify and eliminate potential problems. This course provides Quality Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and conduct more effective tests. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Quality Engineers to master.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and improve materials for use in a wide range of applications. They work closely with other engineers and designers to select the right materials for specific applications. This course provides Materials Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to predict the behavior of materials under different loading conditions. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Materials Engineers to master.

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Validation Engineer

Validation Engineers ensure that products and services meet customer requirements and are safe, efficient, and reliable. They work closely with other engineers and designers to identify and eliminate potential problems. This course provides Validation Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to design and conduct more effective tests. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Validation Engineers to master.

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Technical Sales Engineer

Technical Sales Engineers sell and support technical products and services. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and provide them with the best possible solutions. This course provides Technical Sales Engineers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to better understand the products they sell and to provide better support to their customers. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Technical Sales Engineers to master.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and manage projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. They work closely with other team members to coordinate activities and resolve problems. This course provides Project Managers with the skills needed to use Fusion 360 for simulation, which can help them to better understand the technical aspects of projects and to make better decisions. The course covers static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal stress, and nonlinear response, all of which are important topics for Project Managers to master.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360.

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design

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A comprehensive reference on computer-aided engineering, including finite element analysis and design. Covers advanced topics such as nonlinear analysis and contact mechanics.

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design

Hardcover

$$$

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design

Kindle Edition

$$$$

Energy Principles and Variational Methods in...

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A comprehensive reference book on the finite element method, providing a rigorous mathematical foundation and practical implementation techniques. Explores various types of finite elements and their applications in engineering.

Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Simulation analysis for mechanical engineers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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