Evaluating Angular Deformation using SOLIDWORKS Simulation

When post-processing simulation results, we may want to evaluate the angular displacement of components. Angular deformation represents the rotational displacement of a body or region about a defined axis under applied loads.

This is particularly important when torsional loads are applied. SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 introduced a much-needed simulation post‑processing enhancement: angular deformation resultant plots. This feature allows engineers to directly visualize rotational deformation in degrees or radians, eliminating the need for manual calculations.

Angular Deformation in SOLIDWORKS 2025 and Older

In versions prior to SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026, there isn’t a direct method to display an angular displacement plot or its values. In older versions leading up to 2026, displacement plot options allow plotting resultant displacement and displacements along X, Y, or Z.

If a reference entity, such as a reference axis, is selected, the displacements would be reported in cylindrical coordinates and display the radial, tangential, and axial displacements. There isn’t a way to directly display angular deformation.

How to Show Angular Displacement in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2025

To illustrate the calculation of angular displacements in versions before 2026, consider a shaft fixed at one end with a torque load on the opposite end. Using tangential displacement values and model dimensions, the arc length formula has to be used to determine angular deformation.

For the tangential displacement plot, users can plot UY displacement and select the cylinder axis as shown in the image below. This transforms the coordinate system from rectangular to cylindrical.

Once the tangential displacement is determined, users can convert the tangential (theta) component of displacement from inches to degrees using arc length and circumference. Using the formula, theta = (180 * Y)/(π * r), where Y is the tangential displacement UY value at a specific node in units of length, and r is the distance from the axis to the specific node.

Using tangential displacement to calculate angular displacement

In the above example, the value of Uy for the node being probed is 0.05907mm. This node is at a distance of 5mm from the axis of the shaft. It is on the circumferential edge, thereby representing the radius of the undeformed cylinder. Plugging in these values in the formula, theta is 0.6747 degrees.

Angular Deformation in SOLIDWORKS 2026

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026, users can now directly create an angular deformation plot. Using the standard displacement plot option, select AR: Angular Rotation from the dropdown menu and select the corresponding rotation axis.

This generates an angular rotation/deformation plot. The results are displayed in either degrees or radians, aligning with common mechanical engineering conventions. As shown in image below the angular deformation plotted is SOLIDWORKS Simulation shows a value of 0.6769, which is close to that obtained by hand calculation.

Creating an angular deformation plot in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026

Considerations for Angular Displacement Plots

The angular displacement plot is available only for static and nonlinear static studies. Although this plot is available for studies with all solid, shell, and beam elements, the plot is not available when the study consists of mixed meshes. As of now, the creation of time-history plots of angular rotations for nonlinear studies is not supported.

Some of the key applications of this plot include evaluating torsional twist for torsion members used in power transmission, analyzing mechanisms that have rotational joints, pinned connections, and hinges.

Extending Simulation Capabilities with SOLIDWORKS 2026

The introduction of angular deformation plots in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 is an engineer‑driven enhancement that eliminates the need for manual calculations derived from linear displacement results. This feature helps improve accuracy as well as productivity in structural analysis workflows, thereby empowering design engineers for further product innovation.

SOLIDWORKS 2026 is packed with engineering-focused enhancements that can streamline your design process. The angular deformation plots are joined by other improvements to beam elements, remote loads, and buckling studies.

To learn more about SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026, read our article here.