This question is branched from my original thread: Static simulation of uniform load on extrusion
I was eventually able to get some results on the stresses and displacement of the extrusions but after letting the solver run for over 20 hours. Currently evaluating whether to get the full simulation package of SolidWorks but there is still some doubts on the capabilities of the software. I am able to get results but after a very long time of simulation and that's if the solver doesn't crash. I am currently running a PC with a I7-4770S CPU @ 3.10 GHz and 12.0 GB memory standard 7200 rpm HD SATA 3. The extrusions that I generally work with are complicated shapes and curves I eventually want work up to larger assemblies of these components. Will SolidWorks be able to run accurate analysis on these type of extrusions?
First, turn off hyperthreading, that will speed up your solve a fair amount. Second, how many DOF are you going to do? If you can get a SSHD to run the data/solve on it will help. What do you consider 'large'? It isn't so much the number of parts as it is the complexity of the geometry. If you are using contact surfaces and fasteners then it will take a lot more time.
I've got a M6800, loaded, and even w/ 32GB I have had models with 20M DOF run in fewer than 75 hours.