What level of ANSYS expertise do I need for basic product validation versus advanced optimization?
Basic structural analysis and simple fluid flow studies need intermediate-level skills, but optimization workflows, multiphysics coupling, and custom scripting require advanced expertise. For most product validation, you want someone with 2+ years of hands-on ANSYS experience who can set up simulations independently and validate their results.
How can I tell if someone actually knows ANSYS well versus just putting it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through their simulation setup process, including how they choose mesh density, boundary conditions, and convergence criteria. Real ANSYS users will discuss validation methods, talk about times simulations failed and how they fixed them, and can explain the physics behind their modeling choices. They should also mention specific modules they've used.
Can ANSYS handle any engineering simulation, or are there limitations I should know about?
ANSYS is incredibly powerful but isn't magic - it's limited by the quality of your input data, material properties, and boundary conditions. It can't predict manufacturing defects, material inconsistencies, or real-world conditions you don't model. Complex multiphysics problems can also require significant computational resources and expertise to set up correctly.
How well does ANSYS work with our existing CAD software and engineering tools?
ANSYS integrates directly with major CAD platforms like SolidWorks, CATIA, and Inventor, allowing you to import geometry seamlessly. It also connects with MATLAB and Python for custom scripting and data analysis. However, complex assemblies may need geometry cleanup, and some advanced CAD features don't always transfer perfectly.
How long does it typically take to complete different types of ANSYS projects?
Simple stress analysis might take 1-3 days, while complex multiphysics simulations can take weeks to set up and run. Optimization studies with multiple design variables often require 1-2 weeks. The timeline depends heavily on model complexity, required accuracy, and whether you're doing parametric studies or single-point analysis.
What kind of ongoing support will I need after an ANSYS project is completed?
Most ANSYS projects need periodic updates as designs change, plus someone who can interpret results for new scenarios. You'll likely need quarterly check-ins for active projects and annual reviews for established simulation workflows. Having access to an ANSYS expert for troubleshooting and model updates is usually more cost-effective than trying to handle everything in-house.
