What is Ansys LS-DYNA?
Ansys LS-DYNA is a highly advanced finite element software that specialises in dynamic and nonlinear simulations — widely recognised for robust, accurate analysis of crashes, impacts, and other high-speed events.
LS-DYNA stands out for its exceptional capabilities in complex dynamic simulations. Originally developed by the Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC) and acquired by Ansys in 2019, it has been the de facto standard for automotive crashworthiness simulation for decades. It excels at crash analysis, high-impact analysis, and a range of nonlinear problems including fractures, failures, and large deformations.
Deployment: On-premise (self-hosted) | HQ: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania (Ansys Inc.) | Targeted at medium-to-large businesses in automotive, aerospace, defence, and engineering.
Pros and cons of Ansys LS-DYNA
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface for explicit dynamics — contact definitions and meshing set up quickly once learned | Pre-processor less advanced than other CAE software — CAD modelling and meshing have limitations |
| Extensive material model library for crash/impact — composites, metals, polymers, all nonlinear | Post-processing utilities could be more refined — fewer data manipulation options than some competitors |
| Robust explicit dynamics — accurate results in complex fracture and failure scenarios | Requires manual definition of several control cards — automated workflow would improve usability |
| Ample online resources, tutorials, manuals, and active user community | Convergence and accuracy sensitive to model setup and mesh quality — requires expert knowledge |
| Seamless integration with other Ansys products via Ansys Workbench | Predominantly explicit — lacks the robust implicit or multi-physics scope of Ansys Mechanical |
| HPC-optimised — scales well for large-scale crash models across cores and nodes | Pricing not disclosed — generally high-end |
LS-DYNA pricing
LS-DYNA pricing is not publicly disclosed by Ansys — contact Ansys sales for a quote. It is generally considered high-end, reflecting its advanced capabilities and specialist market position in automotive and defence.
Key features of Ansys LS-DYNA
Complex nonlinear dynamic analysis
LS-DYNA excels at highly nonlinear simulations — crashes, impacts, and high-stress events — where deformation is large, materials fail, and the analysis cannot be linearised. This is the core capability that makes it the standard for automotive crash testing.
Extensive material model library
Hundreds of material models covering composites, metals, polymers, foams, concrete, and soil — critical for simulating the diverse materials present in automotive, aerospace, and defence structures under impact loading.
Explicit and implicit solvers
LS-DYNA supports both explicit and implicit time integration. Explicit is its primary strength — ideal for high-speed events. Implicit is available for slower dynamic and quasi-static analyses within the same environment.
Contact algorithms
Highly developed contact definitions covering automatic single-surface contact, eroding contact for fracture, and tied contact for multi-part assemblies — essential for crash simulation accuracy.
HPC and distributed parallel computing
LS-DYNA is optimised for high-performance computing environments, reducing simulation times for large-scale crash models. Scales linearly across multiple nodes with distributed memory parallel (MPP) solving.
Target market
LS-DYNA targets medium-to-large businesses in automotive, aerospace, defence, and engineering where complex dynamic simulations are crucial. It is the tool of choice for automotive OEMs performing regulatory crash testing (NCAP, FMVSS), defence contractors simulating ballistic penetration, and aerospace engineers studying bird strike and ditching scenarios.
Alternatives to LS-DYNA
| Alternative | Best for | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Abaqus/Explicit | Nonlinear explicit dynamics with advanced materials | Strong material modelling; tighter CAE integration; similar price tier |
| Altair RADIOSS | Crash and impact — part of HyperWorks suite | Unit-based HyperWorks licensing; strong for composites crash |
| Ansys Autodyn | Blast, explosion, ballistic penetration | Specialised for very high-velocity impact and blast scenarios |
| Ansys Mechanical (Explicit) | General multi-physics with explicit capability | Broader multi-physics scope; less specialised than LS-DYNA for crash |
Frequently asked questions
What is LS-DYNA used for?
Crash testing, impact analysis, and nonlinear transient dynamic simulations. Widely used in automotive, aerospace, and defence for safety testing, structural validation, and material failure analysis under extreme loading.
How much does LS-DYNA cost?
Pricing is not publicly disclosed. It is generally high-end. Contact Ansys sales for a specific quote based on your seat count and module requirements.
What is the best crash simulation software?
LS-DYNA is widely considered the leading option due to its advanced explicit dynamics and nonlinear material library. Other strong options include Abaqus/Explicit, Altair RADIOSS, and Ansys Autodyn.
Which companies use LS-DYNA?
Major automotive OEMs for crash testing (Toyota, BMW, GM), aerospace companies for structural impact analysis, and defence contractors for ballistic and blast simulation.
