Chapter 6: Performing a Thermal Strain Simulation

Thermal Strain simulations provide the highest degree of accuracy by predicting how thermal cycling affects strain accumulation at each location within a part. It uses inherent strain but also implements a thermal ratcheting algorithm to locally modify the inherent strain value.

In addition to the standard inputs as described in Set Up a Simulation - Assumed Strain, you will need to:

  • Consider using a Mesh Resolution Factor, a scaling factor to control speed versus accuracy of the simulation

  • Select an Ansys predefined, thermally validated material

  • Define additional configuration parameters of your 3D printing machine