Finite Element Analysis of structures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Finite Element Analysis of structures - Essay ExampleEach element contains nodes which are points were the elements are mathematically connected to one another. The idea of dividing a domain up into subdomains is the basic principle of how FEA worksFEA consists of a computer model of a material or design that is stressed and analyzed for specific results. It is use in new product design, and existing product refinement. A company is able to verify a proposed design will be able to run to the clients specifications prior to manufacturing or construction. Modifying an existing product or structure is utilized to qualify the product or structure for a new service condition. In case of structural failure, FEA may be used to help determine the design modifications to meet the new condition.There are generally two types of digest that are used in industry 2-D modeling, and 3-D modeling. While 2-D modeling conserves simplicity and allows the analysis to be run on a comparatively normal co mputer, it tends to yield less accurate results. 3-D modeling, however, produces more accurate results while sacrificing the ability to run on all but the fastest computers effectively. inwardly severally of these modeling schemes, the programmer can insert numerous algorithms (functions) which may make the system be turn in linearly or non-linearly. Linear systems are removed less complex and generally do not take into account plastic deformation. Non-linear systems do account for plastic deformation, and many also are able-bodied of testing a material all the way to fracture. How Does Finite Element Analysis Work FEA uses a complex system of points called nodes which make a grid called a mesh . This mesh is programmed to contain the material and structural properties which define how the structure will react to certain loading conditions. Nodes are assigned at a certain density passim the material depending on the anticipated stress levels of a particular area. Regions which will receive large amounts of stress usually have a higher node density than those which experience little or no stress. Points of interest may consist of fracture point of previously tested material, fillets, corners, complex detail, and high stress areas. The mesh acts like a spider web in that from each node, there extends a mesh element to each of the adjacent nodes. This web of vectors is what carries the material properties to the object, creating many elements. A wide range of objective functions (variables within the system) are available for minimization or maximization Mass, volume, temperature strive energy, stress strain Force, displacement, velocity, acceleration Synthetic (User defined) There are multiple loading conditions which may be applied to a system. Next to Figure 3, some(prenominal) examples are shown Point, jam (Figure 3), thermal, gravity, and centrifugal static loads Thermal loads from solution of heat transfer analysis Enforced displacements Heat flux a nd convection Point, pressure and gravity dynamic loads Each FEA program may come with an element library, or one is constructed over time. Some sample elements are pole elements Beam elements Plate/Shell/Composite elements Shear panel Solid elements Spring elements Mass elements Rigid elements Viscous damping elements Many FEA programs also are render with the capability to use multiple materials within the structure such as Isotropic, identical throughout Orthotropic, identical at 90 degrees General anisotropic, different throughout Types of