Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360 (Coursera)

Offered by Autodesk,
Simulation Analysis for Mechanical Engineers with Autodesk Fusion 360 (Coursera)

The foundation of engineering design is often coupled with validation. Simulation is a great tool that allows engineers to test, validate, and modify designs before they become a physical prototype. When used early in the process for simulation driven design and throughout the development process, simulation can help drive the design, make informed design decisions, speed up time to production, and most importantly, identify and eliminate costly design mistakes.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Like any other tool though, it must be used properly to yield the best results. In this course, we’ll explore the usage static stress simulation, shape optimization, thermal and other mechanical simulation types to better understand how we can apply these tools to everyday design problems.
After taking this course, you'll be able to:

  • Describe the simulation workflow in Fusion 360.
  • Summarize the use cases for various types of simulation studies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in more advanced Fusion 360 CAD and CAE skills.
  • Explain and identify simulation results

What You Will Learn

  • Describe the simulation workflow in Fusion 360.
  • Summarize the use cases for various types of simulation studies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in more advanced Fusion 360 CAD and CAE skills.
  • Explain and identify simulation results

Course 3 of 4 in the Autodesk CAD/CAM/CAE for Mechanical Engineering Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Static Stress Simulation
In Week 1, we’ll explore the setup, solve, and understanding surrounding static stress simulations. Starting with the basics and moving to more advanced tools such as bolted connections we’ll walk through how to prepare and process a static simulation.

WEEK 2
Using Shape Optimization to Drive a Design
In Week 2, we’ll cover shape optimization simulation study type to explore load paths in designs. This simulation study will help engineers identify critical load paths in a design to make more informed decisions on material removal.

WEEK 3
Nonlinear Response, Buckling and Modal Frequencies
In Week 3, we’ll focus on some additional simulation study types in Fusion 360, namely nonlinear response, structural buckling and modal frequencies. These study types allow for greater insight into structural and mechanical problems associated with a wide variety of designs. We will focus on various aspects of our gear reduction assembly as well as explore other examples suited for these types of simulations.

WEEK 4
Thermal and Thermal Stress
In Week 4, we’ll explore and compare the effects of thermal and thermal stresses on designs. Temperature and heat can be a major factor in the failure of a design so exploring a design’s performance can lead to better informed design decisions. As a bonus, we’ll also look at event simulation and how a design performs when subject to motion and how it responds to an impact.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to the finite element method as applicable to a range of problems in physics and engineering sciences. The treatment is mathematical, but only for the purpose of clarifying the formulation. The emphasis is on coding up the formulations in a modern, open-source environment that can be expanded to other applications, subsequently.

Oct 5th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Industrial Applications of AI (Coursera) Coursera
L&T EduTech

Industrial Applications of AI (Coursera)

The course Embarks on a transformative learning journey exploring the power of Artificial Intelligence across diverse fields such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and general applications. This course elevates the learner’s insight on AI towards the real-world practices by bridging the gap between theory and practical applications. It also provides hands-on experience of applying AI algorithms into potential applications.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Intelligent Machining (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Intelligent Machining (Coursera)

Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing machine tools that are self-aware – they perceive their own states and the state of the surrounding environment – and are able to make decisions related to machine activity processes. This is called intelligent machining, and through this course students will receive a primer on its background, tools and related terminology.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
VLSI CAD Part I: Logic (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

VLSI CAD Part I: Logic (Coursera)

A modern VLSI chip has a zillion parts -- logic, control, memory, interconnect, etc. How do we design these complex chips? Answer: CAD software tools. Learn how to build thesA modern VLSI chip is a remarkably complex beast: billions of transistors, millions of logic gates deployed for computation and control, big blocks of memory, embedded blocks of pre-designed functions designed by third parties (called “intellectual property” or IP blocks). How do people manage to design these complicated chips? Answer: a sequence of computer aided design (CAD) tools takes an abstract description of the chip, and refines it step-wise to a final design.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Siemens NX Mastery: Advanced Design & Applications (Coursera) Coursera
Siemens

Siemens NX Mastery: Advanced Design & Applications (Coursera)

Welcome to Siemens NX Mastery: Advanced Design & Applications! This course builds upon the foundational knowledge found in our introductory course, "Intro to Siemens NX: Engineering Essentials and Part Design". Siemens NX is an integrated solution for computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE). It is a flexible and powerful tool that helps engineers and designers in various disciplines to create, simulate, and manufacture products.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to the study of bodies in motion as applied to engineering systems and structures. We will study the dynamics of particle motion and bodies in rigid planar (2D) motion. This will consist of both the kinematics and kinetics of motion. Kinematics deals with the geometrical aspects of motion describing position, velocity, and acceleration, all as a function of time. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on these bodies and how it affects their motion.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know (Coursera)

We explore “10 things” that range from the menu of materials available to engineers in their profession to the many mechanical and electrical properties of materials important to their use in various engineering fields. We also discuss the principles behind the manufacturing of those materials. By the end of the course, you will be able to: recognize the important aspects of the materials used in modern engineering applications; explain the underlying principle of materials science: “structure leads to properties,”; identify the role of thermally activated processes in many of these important “things” – as illustrated by the Arrhenius relationship; relate each of these topics to issues that have arisen (or potentially could arise) in your life and work.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve engineering mechanics problems. Concepts will be applied in this course from previous courses you have taken in basic math and physics. The course addresses the modeling and analysis of static equilibrium problems with an emphasis on real world engineering applications and problem solving.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
3D CAD Fundamental (Coursera) Coursera
National Taiwan University

3D CAD Fundamental (Coursera)

There have many three-dimensional shape of the object in your brain that are wanted to share, but do not know how to express? How to "sketch" the three-dimensional image in your mind? 3D modeling technology can help us construct the most intuitive and understandable three-dimensional model. The use of floor plan interpret the three-dimensional object process-the most direct and effective expression of our ideas.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
VLSI CAD Part II: Layout (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

VLSI CAD Part II: Layout (Coursera)

A modern VLSI chip is a remarkably complex beast: billions of transistors, millions of logic gates deployed for computation and control, big blocks of memory, embedded blocks of pre-designed functions designed by third parties (called “intellectual property” or IP blocks). How do people manage to design these complicated chips? Answer: a sequence of computer aided design (CAD) tools takes an abstract description of the chip, and refines it step-wise to a final design.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Advanced Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Three Dimensional (3D) Motion (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Advanced Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Three Dimensional (3D) Motion (Coursera)

This course is an advanced study of bodies in motion as applied to engineering systems and structures. We will study the dynamics of rigid bodies in 3D motion. This will consist of both the kinematics and kinetics of motion. Kinematics deals with the geometrical aspects of motion describing position, velocity, and acceleration, all as a function of time. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on these bodies and how it affects their motion.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks