What is MODSIM?

MODSIM unifies modeling and simulation on a common data model within a single user experience on the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform. In contrast to the traditional CAE processes, the MODSIM processes are cyclical rather than linear. In a MODSIM loop, modeling processes such as geometry cleanup, meshing, connections, and simulation processes, such as adding initial conditions, interaction, and boundary conditions, are performed without ever exporting the data. Instead, it is done by enriching the data at various stages. Thus, in a MODSIM loop, the simulations are updated automatically if there are any changes to the initial design. This is revolutionary compared to the traditional process, where you may have to start over. In addition, design exploration through the automation of parametric design space is an integral part of MODSIM core processes. It allows for what-if studies and has a significant impact on efficiency savings.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform integrates data, systems, processes and people in one place. The platform is the single source of truth where companies can have well-defined and interoperable layers of product development like program management, product management and test management that work together with MODSIM. MODSIM on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is the key enabler for:

  • Simulation Process Transformation – A radical change towards well-documented processes that are automated, and integrated.
  • Digital Engineering Transformation – Create a more desirable product by making your engineering more accelerated, innovative and efficient.

Key Benefits of MODSIM

Faster Time to Market

Dramatically reduce development time by upto 90% and from months to weeks

Reduce Late-Stage Failures

MODSIM enables a simulation-empowered shift-left strategy that pulls verification and validation upfront in the design concept stage and reduces the risk of late-stage failures and reworks.

Accelerate Innovation

By embedding simulation within the design process engineers can accurately predict product behavior. Automating the design exploration space with multiple iterations reduces uncertainty.

Reduce Cost

See significant improvement in product efficiencies of up to 40%, achieve weight savings of up to 20%, and reduce the capex cost of up to 8%

The continuous pursuit of cleaner cars and much shorter development timescales demands a much closer integration between CAD and CAE and a greater confidence in the CAE predictions. At Jaguar Land Rover, we have invested heavily in the deployment of 3DEXPERIENCE as the backbone for engineering as we believe that this platform will give us the close integration and confidence in simulation that we need.

Jose Garcia-Urruchi

Jose Garcia-Urruchi

Head of Digital Design Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover

Customer Testimonials

Learn how leading companies are using SIMULIA MODSIM solutions to streamlining design and engineering processes

A Common Data Model

You can maximize your design process using advanced simulation tools such as Abaqus, PowerFLOW, and CST Studio Suite within your familiar design environment, like CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, and other popular CAD systems. 

With MODSIM processes, you can embed requirements, design intent, and even your thought process directly into the design itself, allowing you to capture and replicate your design and simulation processes easily. MODSIM unifies the data model behind CAD and CAE, eliminating the need to export or convert models for simulations. 

It is also seamlessly integrated with the PLM system, enabling efficient collaboration with partners, suppliers, and consultants for significant efficiency savings over disconnected legacy systems.

A common data model > Dassault Systemes
multidisciplinary collaboration > Dassault Systemes

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The MODSIM process, available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, designs and simulates, bridging the gaps between engineering disciplines and enabling truly integrated multiphysics simulations. With the SIMULIA portfolio covering a wide range of physical behaviors such as structural, fluid, electromagnetics, acoustics, and multibody systems, MODSIM allows for simulations that consider the interactions of these different physical aspects, providing an accurate representation of the true behavior.

SIMULIA provides project management capabilities that offer insight and confidence, as well as transparency and traceability across the design process. This includes the ability to track issues, manage changes, and access work in progress at any time. With MODSIM and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, teams can validate their designs on the fly, enabling efficient and effective project management.

Shift-Left Strategy

MODSIM enables a simulation-empowered shift-left strategy that pulls verification and validation upfront in the design concept stage and reduces the risk of late-stage failures and reworks. 

Concept Structure Engineers allow designers to run simulations as the product develops. The lattice designer creates simulation-aware geometry, moving away from traditional geometry into something that is ready for simulation upfront. These concepts help achieve massive efficiency gains and deliver innovative products on time at a lower cost with less prototyping.

shift left strategy > Dassault Systemes
democratization of simulation > Dassault Systemes

Democratization of Simulation

Democratize simulation and make even complex simulation workflows available to designers and non-experts on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to speed up the design process. 

High-value simulation workflows can be standardized and templatized to allow consistent, repeated use of high-quality simulation best practices. This also frees up the simulation experts to focus on higher-value work.

MODSIM for Engineers

MODSIM on the Dassault Systemes 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a unique next-generation engineering and design paradigm that unifies modeling and simulation. In this e-book, we explain some of the benefits experienced by a fictional electric drive development team using MODSIM, including:

  • Common model build
  • Automated modeling
  • Design in your comfort zone
  • Automatic simulation set-up
  • Democratization
  • Single source of truth
  • Platform integration

Simulation Processes Automation

MODSIM Automated Design Updates

Automated Design Updates

MODSIM process automates design updates so you don’t have to start over and previous designs can be repurposed to create a family of products. The animation here shows how an extreme design change from performance to mass-market electric motor is done almost automatically with little interference.  We start with a vehicle requirement at a high level. It is cascaded down to system requirements for the electric drive unit. We then cascaded those down further to the system model parameters for the e-drive unit, and then we updated our model, which updates our simulation, and that updated our test outcome. The test outcome will go back to the product manager who will update the vehicle requirements. This workflow also uses out-of-the-box automated simulation templates that can be used by the designer with little or no simulation expertise.

Digital Engineering Transformation

MODSIM accelerated product development

Accelerated Product Development

The most obvious impact of implementing the MODSIM-based process is that it completely automates previously manual tasks, meaning that they can be done more rapidly. For example, we can dramatically accelerate automated processes and reduce the development time of a battery pack for a new electric vehicle. 

The streamlined MODSIM process accelerates the development of battery pack design across different platforms, regions and cell types using a parametrized system model and advanced apps within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, such as Layered Product Design, Material Homogenization, Concept Structure Engineering and Visual Scripting.

MODSIM - Where to Find It?

MODSIM with CATIA

CATIA shifts expectations from traditional 3D CAD (computer‑aided design) to cognitive augmented design, which fuses modeling and simulation. 

By leveraging knowledge, know‑how, and proven technology to automate design, CATIA supports a performance-driven design approach from the concept phase onward. This powerful combination can help companies successfully execute their innovation strategies and shape more sustainable, market-leading products.

Start Your Journey

The world of unified Modeling and Simulation is changing. Discover how to stay a step ahead with SIMULIA.

FAQs About MODSIM

Also Discover

eVTOL Design and Simulation
Simulation for Urban Air Mobility (UAM)
Connected Systems Simulation
Simulation of Connected Systems and Devices Enables Efficient Product Design and Certification

Learn What SIMULIA Can Do for You

Speak with a SIMULIA expert to learn how our solutions enable seamless collaboration and sustainable innovation at organizations of every size.

Get Started

Courses and classes are available for students, academia, professionals and companies. Find the right SIMULIA training for you. 

Get Help

Find information on software & hardware certification, software downloads, user documentation, support contact and services offering