Which CAD to choose?

Question

CAD/CAM

Hello.
I want to learn some CAD. And of course the question arose with an edge - which one?
Let's start with the fact that for a long time I wanted to draw a couple of "super-secret" gizmos in order to have a kinematic model and understand whether it will work as planned or not. From here, the initial requirements for the system are:
Mandatory:
- The presence of a simulation of a suspended load in the kinematic model - i.e. for example, so that it would be possible to depict a simulator for traction of the upper block. For some reason, I did not find on my own in any CAD that I came across, the presence of cables or ropes and their simulation
- 3D
- Calculations of loads, wear resistance.
The bonus will be the ability to draw a telescopic hydraulic cylinder on such a system and make a simulation of its operation, with calculations for loads and resulting pushing forces.
Looked towards SolidWorks and Catia V6. I read their descriptions and modules for them, watched video tutorials and review videos, all sorts of demonstrations.
There and there, I did not see the normal behavior of the cables.
SolidWorks liked the presence of modules of flexible materials such as "fabric" (ExactFlat) and the analysis of the model for wear resistance, the effects of air currents, and the simulation of the propagation of light rays. But in SolidWorks, the kinematics seemed too clumsy and unfriendly, where the same springs work out only as you animate them.
And the similarity of the cable in the lessons was laid out only in a perverted way by gluing small solid objects (which is somewhat inaccurate for determining the same loads)
In Catia V6 (3DExperience). According to video tutorials and reviews - I liked a lot. For example, well-made kinematics, the same springs, simulation of the operation of engines with forces, etc. Working with the model, unfortunately, only in 3D, but more comfortable than in SolidWorks.
But I have not found anything about flow simulation modules, for example, and working with soft materials (except for plastic and simulation of "filling" shapes). And one more thing - I did not find a local version in CATIA V6. So I realized that it will work only if there is a server part with MS SQL, and such good requirements for the server itself. And the volume of distributions under 29 GB. embarrass.
Looked at Compass 3D.
But then again - there are no ropes, soft materials, and with simulations and analysis, they still do not reach the first two.
Plus, the compass seemed less friendly to beginners.
ZY:
A secondary question arises looking at the prices of all these products. Where do the specialists working in them come from, if a mere mortal cannot buy such software for study? Somewhere on the forums they suggested that the same licensed CATIA costs from 300K rubles.
Most likely I will turn to torrents for a search, so I would not like to offend local developers, such as Compass3d, in the same way.

Answer 1

The functionality you need is in CATIA. Whether it is in SolidWorks, I don’t remember exactly. I think the best solution is to write a letter to the developers, Dassault Systemes . At the same time, they will tell you how best to proceed with the acquisition of a license, what conditions are available for individuals. For learning purposes, there is definitely an opportunity to get Solid Works for free.
Both SW and CATIA can work locally. More specifically, CAD, CAM, CAE modules. The PLM functionality in CATIA only works with the server side, as it is largely a workflow system.
You can make a model in CAD SolidWorks and then export it to a CAE module in another software. SW really does not have the widest possibilities in terms of kinematics - the program is designed for relatively simple productions.
Another option is to search Google Maps for something like "computer aided engineering rope". You will see that often the cables are a solid model of interlaced metal strands with the corresponding material indicated, which is then transferred to the CAE module. Handles-handles :-) What you can do is find ready-made 3D models of typical cables on the Internet and import them into your project.
Compass 3D has slightly different design logic, and limited features compared to CATIA, SW or NX. However, it is easier to learn. Not sure if it will solve the problem.
Let me say a little lyric - Computer-aided design systems are needed where they plan to manufacture technical products. In our country, almost nothing is produced of their own, and therefore CAD/CAM/CAE specialists are in very little demand. Without experience - 40k, 1-3 years of experience - 60k, 3-6 years of experience 70-90k. The number of vacancies is negligible, the employers are soviet.

Answer 2

The de facto standard in foreign engineering is NX.

Answer 3

Also recently there was a similar task, I don’t know about simulation. But I found an answer, or rather not even an answer, but a list of CAD programs and I already chose from them, according to the general parameters of SolidWorks. Here are the top CAD programs , and perhaps you will find the answer to your question. It also describes the cost and general usage statistics for various parameters.