SOLIDWORKS Simulation offers four solvers:
- Direct Sparse solver
- Large Problem Direct Sparse
- Intel Direct Sparse
- FFEPlus (iterative)
In general, all solvers give comparable results if the required solver options are supported. While all solvers are efficient for small problems (25,000 degrees of freedom or less), big differences in performance (speed and memory usage) occur in solving large problems.
If a solver requires more memory than available on the computer, the solver uses disk space to store and retrieve temporary data. When this situation occurs, a message appears saying that the solution is going out of core, and alerts the user to switch to Large Problem Direct Sparse. The Large Problem Direct Sparse and Intel Direct Sparse solvers improve solution speeds by enhanced memory-allocation algorithms and multi-core processing capabilities.
The following factors help you choose the proper solver:
- Size of the problem
In general, FFEPlus is faster in solving problems with degrees of freedom over 100,000. This solver becomes more efficient as the problem gets larger. - Computer resources
The Direct Sparse solver, in particular, becomes faster with more memory available on your computer. - Analysis options
- Element type
- Material Properties
When the moduli of elasticity of the materials used in a model are very different (like Steel and Nylon), iterative solvers are less accurate than direct methods. The Direct Sparse solver is recommended in such cases.
A solver can be selected in the study properties. Since the choice of the most suitable solver requires some experience, and automatic selection has been implemented as well. Use this option if you are not sure which solver is best suited for your analysis.