To use the tutorials, you need LS-DYNA or a free pre/post-processor.
Most new users ignore the manuals because they are 3,000+ pages long. But they are 100% free and contain the best tutorials.
How to Search the Manuals: Don't read them linearly. Use Ctrl+F to find your error code. The manual will tell you exactly what went wrong.
LS-DYNA is arguably the most powerful and widely used software in the world for explicit dynamics and non-linear finite element analysis (FEA). From simulating car crashes and metal stamping to analyzing drop tests and blast loading, LS-DYNA solves complex real-world problems that traditional FEA software cannot handle. ls dyna tutorials free
However, for students, startups, and professional engineers looking to upskill, the biggest barrier is not the software's complexity—it is the cost of training. Official training courses can cost thousands of dollars. This leads to the most searched question in the CAE community: Where can I find high-quality LS-DYNA tutorials for free?
This guide compiles the best free resources, from beginner basics to advanced solver settings, to help you get started without spending a dime.
The Tool You Already Have
LS-PrePost is the free pre/post-processor for LS-DYNA. Most users ignore its internal help system, but it includes interactive tutorials accessible via Help > Tutorials.
Many top engineering schools have moved their LS-DYNA courses online for free.
Troubleshooting Tutorials
r/LSDYNA and the "LS-DYNA Community" Discord server are goldmines. Users frequently share .k files and ask "Why did this fail?" Reading those threads is a free tutorial in error solving.
Open Source Models
Many researchers publish their LS-DYNA input decks on GitHub. Search for ls-dyna keyword file or crash simulation k file. You can download entire foldable phone simulations, ballistic impact models, or MEMS devices. Study their keywords. That is a live, free tutorial. To use the tutorials, you need LS-DYNA or