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Writer's pictureHichem Djadoudi

LS-DYNA Expert Review, Pricing and Alternatives - 2024

Updated: Mar 21

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What’s special about LS-DYNA?

Ansys LS-DYNA stands out for its exceptional capabilities in handling complex and dynamic simulations. It excels in areas such as crash analysis, high-impact analysis, and a range of nonlinear problems, making it a preferred choice in industries like automotive and defence.

Product: LS-DYNA

Founding Date: 1979

Company: Ansys, Inc.

IPO Status: Public

Founders: John Swanson

Deployment Type: On-premise (self-hosted)

Free Trial: Not available

Company HQ: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Rating: 4.1⭐ | 48

 

Table of Contents:

 

What is LS-DYNA?


Ansys LS-DYNA is a highly advanced finite element software that specializes in dynamic and nonlinear simulations. It's widely recognized for its robust and accurate analysis capabilities, especially in scenarios involving complex materials and behaviors, like impacts and crashes.



LS-DYNA screenshot worquick



Pros of Ansys LS-DYNA


  • I found the interface to be quite user-friendly and easy to navigate once I got the hang of it. Even as a beginner, I was able to pick it up quickly and start simulating basic models.

  • There is a wide variety of material models available for crash/impact analysis, which is the main strength of LS-DYNA. I could find all the nonlinear material models I needed for my automotive and aerospace projects.

  • The explicit dynamics capabilities are robust and I was able to produce accurate results in complex scenarios involving fractures, failures etc. It's a great tool for non-linear transient dynamics problems from my experience.

  • Contact definitions and selections can be set up rapidly thanks to the intuitive interface. Other pre-processing tasks like meshing and assigning material properties are also straightforward in my opinion.

  • There are ample online resources, tutorials, manuals and a helpful user community that assisted me when I got stuck while using the software.


Cons of Ansys LS-DYNA


  • While the pre-processor is decent, it could be more advanced and on par with other CAE software based on my experience. The CAD modeling and meshing capabilities have some limitations that I encountered.

  • The post-processing utilities could be more refined as well in my opinion. Data visualization and manipulation options are fewer compared to other FEA products I've tried.

  • It takes more effort for me to set up an analysis in LS-DYNA compared to implicit solvers. The pre-processing requires me to define several control cards manually. An automated workflow would enhance usability from my perspective.

  • I found that convergence issues and results accuracy can be sensitive to model setup, mesh quality, and solution parameters. More guidance or adaptive controls would be useful for non-experts like myself initially.

  • LS-DYNA is predominantly used for explicit dynamics and lacks robust implicit solvers or capabilities seen in multi-physics FEA tools based on my experience. Its scope is narrower compared to ANSYS from what I've gathered.


 

Diving Deep into the Sophistication of Ansys Mechanical Solutions

At WorQuick, our passion for engineering excellence is evident. Central to our expertise is Ansys Mechanical, an esteemed player in the vast world of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Many acknowledge Ansys Mechanical for its capabilities in structural studies, thermal assessments, and multibody simulations. However, we push the boundaries. We exploit its strengths in areas such as acoustics, fatigue and durability evaluations, and the world of additive manufacturing modeling. Our engagement goes beyond simple utilization; we elevate its features through custom scripts, extensions, and machine learning integrations. Our ambition is to set new benchmarks in global engineering with pioneering solutions. For organizations seeking to enhance their design and analysis strategies, our bespoke scripts and extensions provide unparalleled automation advantages. Eager to advance your engineering game? Reach out to see how we can metamorphose your FEA endeavors.

 

Ansys LS-DYNA Pricing


Pricing details for Ansys LS-DYNA are not publicly disclosed, but it is generally known to be on the higher end, reflecting its advanced capabilities and market position.


LS-DYNA's Target Market


Ansys LS-DYNA is targeted towards medium to large businesses in sectors like automotive, aerospace, defense, and engineering, where complex dynamic simulations are crucial.


LS-DYNA Features


  • LS-DYNA is renowned for its ability to perform complex non-linear dynamic analyses, which is essential for accurately simulating real-world scenarios such as crashes, impacts, and other high-stress events.

  • The software includes a diverse array of material models, making it suitable for simulating different materials, including composites, metals, and polymers. This versatility is crucial for industries like automotive and aerospace.

  • LS-DYNA's solver is designed for efficiency and accuracy, especially in handling high-speed dynamic events. It supports both explicit and implicit integration methods.

  • While the software is primarily known for its solver capabilities, it also offers integrated tools for pre-processing (like meshing) and post-processing (like result visualization), which are vital for a complete simulation workflow.

  • The graphical user interface (GUI) is intuitive, aiding users in setting up and managing simulations more efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for new users or those dealing with complex simulations.

  • LS-DYNA supports scripting and customization, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and tailor the software to their specific needs.

  • Seamless integration with other Ansys products enhances its utility, allowing for a more comprehensive simulation environment.

  • The software is optimized for HPC environments, which is critical for reducing simulation times, especially for large-scale or highly complex models.

  • LS-DYNA supports both explicit and implicit time integration methods, making it versatile for a variety of simulation scenarios, including those that require detailed analysis over longer periods.

  • One of the standout features of LS-DYNA is its specialization in impact and crash analysis, which is why it is widely used in the automotive and defense industries for safety testing and design optimization.


LS-DYNA Deployment Type and Implementation


LS-DYNA is primarily an on-premise solution, requiring installation on individual workstations or servers. Its integration with other Ansys tools allows for a more streamlined workflow within the Ansys ecosystem..



LS-DYNA Customer Support


Support options include a comprehensive knowledge base, user forums, and dedicated support teams. However, the availability and quality of these resources can vary.


Ansys LS-DYNA Integrations


The software integrates well within the Ansys suite and supports connections with various CAD and other simulation tools, enhancing its versatility in different engineering workflows.


Ansys LS-DYNA Scripting, Customization and Automation


LS-DYNA supports various scripting and customization options for more advanced users, allowing for automation of repetitive tasks and the development of custom simulation workflows.


In summary, Ansys LS-DYNA is a powerful tool for complex, dynamic simulations. Its blend of user-friendliness and advanced capabilities makes it a top choice in industries requiring high-fidelity simulations. However, the software's learning curve and system requirements should be considered when opting for this solution.


The company behind LS-DYNA


For over 50 years, Ansys Inc has been a leader in engineering simulation software, enabling companies to virtually create and test products before physically manufacturing them. Founded in 1970, Ansys offers a suite of physics-based simulation tools that help engineers gain crucial insights needed to optimize product design.

With a focus on developing the most advanced simulation technologies, Ansys software is deployed across major industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical devices. Large organizations including BMW, Siemens, and NASA leverage Ansys solutions to digitally validate product performance, reliability, and safety.

Ansys' wide range of multiphysics simulation capabilities allows users to account for diverse real-world conditions during virtual testing. Companies can evaluate structural integrity, fluid flow, electromagnetics, acoustics, and other key parameters using Ansys solvers. The software integrates robust design optimization, validation, and process automation features as well.

Through its relentless commitment to innovation, Ansys has earned its position as a recognized pioneer and leader in the engineering simulation space for over five decades, enabling enterprises to transform their design processes using predictive simulation.


Ansys LS-DYNA FAQs


What is the use of LS-DYNA?

LS-DYNA is used for advanced engineering simulation, particularly in dynamic and non-linear scenarios. It is widely utilized for crash testing, impact analysis, and simulating complex material behaviors under various stress conditions. Its applications extend across automotive, aerospace, defense, and construction industries.


What is the LS-DYNA code?

The LS-DYNA code refers to the computational algorithms and numerical methods that underpin the software. It is a finite element analysis (FEA) code used for solving complex physics problems, particularly involving dynamics and material non-linearity.


Which companies use LS-DYNA?

Many companies across diverse industries use LS-DYNA, especially those in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and defense sectors. Prominent users include major car manufacturers for crash testing, aerospace companies for structural analysis, and engineering firms involved in safety and material testing.


What is the best crash simulation software?

While "best" can be subjective and dependent on specific needs, LS-DYNA is often considered one of the leading software packages for crash simulation due to its advanced capabilities in dynamic and non-linear analysis. Other notable software includes Ansys Autodyn, Abaqus, and Altair HyperCrash.


What are the advantages of LS-DYNA?

LS-DYNA offers several advantages:

  • High accuracy in dynamic and non-linear simulations.

  • Extensive material and element libraries.

  • Capabilities for simulating complex real-world scenarios like crashes.

  • Flexibility in modeling and computational efficiency.

  • Integration with various CAD and CAE tools.


How do you take Dyna?

This question seems a bit unclear. If it's about how to use LS-DYNA, it typically involves setting up simulation models, defining materials and boundary conditions, running the simulation, and then analyzing the results. Training and experience are required to effectively use LS-DYNA.


What is the difference between LS-DYNA and Autodyn?

Both LS-DYNA and Autodyn (another product from Ansys) are used for dynamic simulations, but they have different strengths. LS-DYNA is known for its extensive capabilities in crash and impact simulations, while Autodyn excels in explicit dynamics and is often used for simulations involving fluids, gases, and blast analysis.


What is the history of LS-DYNA?

LS-DYNA was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. John O. Hallquist at Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC). Originally designed to address complex non-linear and dynamic problems, it has evolved to become a leading software in finite element analysis, widely used in various industries.



Ansys LS-DYNA Alternatives



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