Chapter 4. Finite Element Modeling and Solution Techniques
Chapter 4. Finite Element Modeling and Solution Techniques
I. Symmetry
A structure possesses symmetry if its components are arranged in a periodic or reflective manner.
Types of Symmetry: Reflective (mirror, bilateral) symmetry Rotational (cyclic) symmetry Axisymmetry Translational symmetry ...
Examples:
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Applications of the symmetry properties: Reducing the size of the problems (save CPU time, disk space, postprocessing effort, etc.) Simplifying the modeling task Checking the FEA results ...
Symmetry of a structure should be fully exploited and retained in the FE model to ensure the efficiency and quality of FE solutions.
Examples:
Cautions: In vibration and buckling analyses, symmetry concepts, in general, should not be used in FE solutions (works fine in modeling), since symmetric structures often have antisymmetric vibration or buckling modes.
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