Ansys Discovery

Ansys Discovery - Enterprise 3D Product Simulation Software

Ansys Discovery brings simulation to the very start of design. Engineers change the geometry and see the effect on stress, temperature, vibration or flow within seconds, while a concept is still inexpensive to change.

Discovery is also a complete 3D modelling environment and the successor to SpaceClaim. The direct modelling tools engineers know are here, and since 2025 R1 all new Ansys geometry development has been focused on Discovery.

Ansys Discovery 2026 R1

• Conjugate heat transfer with Joule heating: electrical conduction and CHT in a single set-up for early electronics-cooling studies, plus fluid virtual walls.
• Fluids meshing: automatic sharp-edge capture and a capture-thin-structures option for fins and narrow channels.
• Handoff to Icepak and Mechanical: one-click transfer of electronics cooling models to AEDT Icepak, and thermal and pressure data to Mechanical.

Read more: What's New in Ansys Discovery 2026 R1

Ansys Discovery Enterprise

Full capability across all physics, including multiphysics.

Ansys Discovery Premium

Most structural simulation capabilities, plus entry-level fluids.

Ansys Discovery Pro

The complete 3D modelling toolset, plus single-part structural analysis.

Real-Time Simulation with High-Fidelity Validation

Move a face, change a wall thickness or reposition an inlet, and the results update immediately; it is the fastest way to eliminate weak concepts. When greater accuracy is needed, Discovery switches to high-fidelity solvers, including the Ansys Mechanical solver for structural results.

Parameter Studies and Topology Optimisation

Parameter studies sweep design points automatically to map the trade-offs, and topology optimisation generates shapes that respect manufacturing constraints.

Direct Modelling and CAD Clean-Up

Direct modelling, one-click clean-up and simplification of imported CAD are built in. Geometry preparation is often the slowest stage of a simulation project, and it is where Discovery saves the most time. Existing SpaceClaim scripts generally run unchanged.

Common Design Simulation Consultation Topics

• SpaceClaim to Discovery migration: moving users, scripts and workflows across.
• Concept design studies: comparing design options early with real-time simulation.
• Lightweighting: topology optimisation to reduce part weight.
• CAD preparation: cleaning supplier or legacy CAD for analysis.

Have a project outside this list? Send us the specification. Where a study needs specialist knowledge, we draw on our wider Ansys partner network.

Related Products

• Ansys SpaceClaim: the previous geometry tool; in maintenance since 2023 R2 and not installable from 2027.
• Ansys Mechanical: detailed FEA once a concept is chosen.
• Ansys Icepak: detailed electronics cooling; Discovery models hand over in one click.

Ansys Discovery FAQ

Is Ansys Discovery replacing SpaceClaim?

Yes. SpaceClaim has been in maintenance mode since 2023 R2 and will not be available to install from 2027. We can help you plan the transition.

Can we evaluate Discovery?

Yes. Ansys trials are available on request.

Oct ’26 update by the CADIT Ansys FEA Team.