For those that use AutoCAD Mechanical which is the mechanical design specific flavor of AutoCAD are you aware there is Finite Element Analysis FEA? I have been using AutoCAD Mechanical since it was acquired from GENIIUS by Autodesk back when I was a customer in Oregon. The 2D FEA feature has been in AutoCAD Mechanical since I can remember but you hear very little about it or people are shocked when they realize this powerful feature is in there. It is not the complex 3D modeling and simulation you get with Autodesk Inventor but a great AutoCAD based 2D FEA to give you valuable design feedback on your 2D sections including Von Mises, defection mesh and more,

Below is a solved 2D FEA of a section fixed at both ends and a load in the middle just like me sitting on a park bench <Jethro Tull flashback>.

FEA in AutoCAD Mechanical is one of those hidden gems.

Cheers,
Shaan.