King's FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS WITH SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION combines presentation theory with solid mechanics calculations to confirm students’ configurations. This innovative approach explains concepts using examples and investigations that equip students for a range of applications. The author demonstrates calculations in PTC Mathcad, providing an interactive "what-if" environment. Students then build SOLIDWORKS Simulations. The book emphasizes the fundamentals with a focus on 3D analysis of real-world designs. Students learn critical concepts such as singular stiffness matrices, digital resolution, and rigid-body motion. They build a small FEA software program in PTC Mathcad that implements a 1D spring model. Investigations explore the effects of changing analyses as students compare solutions, identify errors, make decisions, and explore alternative configurations and new models.