SOLIDWORKS Simulation
An Engineering View of
Finite Element Analysis
Reza Tabatabai, PhD
Sr. Technical Manager
Simulation Products
3DEXPERIENCE’Topics
> Approaches in solving engineering problems
> Finite Element Analysis (FEA) history
> Examples of Numerical methods
> Newton-Raphson
> Two-spring system matrix structural analysis
> From CAD Model to FEA Results
> Things to watch in analysis types, model setup, ...
> Multi-Physics
> The Science&Art of Engineering Design
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Engineering view of FEA
>» This is an engineering high-level view of FEA.
> Explanations focus on structural/mechanical applications.
» Specifics of FEA either discussed in other clips or not covered.
Shape functions
Elasticity lsoparametric element
. Residual stress Singularity
eigenvectors Plane stress Constitutive relationship
TerPa . bandwidth
lasticity Adaptive meshing pareve Gaussian elimination
; . interpolation
Plane strain axisymmetric Constraint equations
Orthotropic material compatibility Cauchy stressNe
Solving Engineering Problems
> Basic approaches
> Analytical
> Experimental
t& NumericalAnalytical Approach
> Only applicable to simplest cases
> Not applicable to real practical applications
Cantilever beam with end load 4
———— 7 c
paau-2) a
w(x) = P28 SEE | eeeee
Experimental Approach
> Need simplifications, scaling, calibration, etc.
» Expensive, difficult, time-consuming, prone to mistakes, ...Numerical Approach
» Using mathematics for simulation
> Suitable for computers
» Users can be trained more efficiently at required level.
> Wider range of applications, cheaper, easier and faster than
alternative approaches
ayExperiment vs. Simulation
» Resonance PlateExperiment vs. Simulation
> Resonance PlateExperiment vs. Simulation
» Resonance PlateExperiment vs. SimulationExperiment vs. SimulationExperiment vs. Simulation
[A> pag oi »
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Numerical Methods
> Example of Newton-Raphson
to find x in f(x) =0
>Use formula to iterate x = x,- (F(x,)/ f'(x,))
> Quadratic equation and its analytical solution
. -b+(P -4ac
ax +bx+c=0 7
2aee
Numerical Methods fivkoe
> Example: f(x)=2x2+3x-5=0
> Two analytical solutions: -2.5 and 1
> Newton-Raphson
DXQ= Xq7 (FOG)/ Fr) OF X= Xq~ ( (2K12+3X1-5) / (4X1 +3) )
a
1 +6 -3.66667 da i) 4.167442
2 -3.66667 -2.73333 2 4.767442 2.28625
3 -2.73333 -2.51373 3 2.28625 1.272448
4 2.51373 -2.50005 4 1.272448 4.018351Discretization
> Curved path is approximated by straight segments
> Measure the lengths and add upDiscretization
> Curved path is approximated by straight segments
> Measure the lengths and add upFEA History
> Research in the 1950s
> becoming practical with the introduction of computers
b starting with matrix structural analysis
> One of the biggest contributions:
b Prof. Ray Clough, University of California at Berkeley
b Also coined “Finite Element Method” terminology in his 1960 paper
Clouc, R.W., “The finite element method in plane stress analysis”, Proc. 2nd A.S.C.E. Conf. on Electronic
Computation, Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 1960.a
Spring Equation
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> 1-Dimensional Linear spring: F=ku | a. ,
> External force F, spring constant &, resulting displacement u
> Element stiffness formulation in matrix form
> End (nodal) forces f,
> End (nodal) displacements u;, uTwo Spring System
TKN Nive '
> Formulate element stiffness matrices individually based on
the internal end forcesee
Global Equation System
TANWWve :
> Equilibrium equation at all nodes between external and internal
forces Fy F, Fy
> —_ —
DF =0 —o —o— o—
fan, AO a, BO oe
» Assemble the global stiffness matrix and form the equation
system k -k 0) uw F
[K] {U} = {F} ( ne 3) = fe)
0 -ky k) U3 F3
» Apply boundary conditions: F;=F,=0 F3=F u,=0
> Solve equation system and find up, u3
reFinite Elements & Degrees of Freedom
> Meshing a continuum into finite elements
b> Elements
> Nodes / nN
> Degree of Freedom fa agg
> Many element types and formulations exist bea
>0, 1, 2, 3D elements i
» eg. mass, beam, shell, solid
> Element formulations
» eg. 4/10 noded TETs, 3/6 noded thin&thick shells, beamsee
FEA: 2-spring system to a Continuum
> Two spring system
b> Element stiffness: spring constant
> 1 dimensional, 1 DoF/node
> Continuum (infinite number of springs)
b> Meshing & discretization (finite number of springs)
> Element stiffness formulations
> Material model
> Various study types
> A lot more complicated (mostly in the background), yet the same
proven fundamental conceptsFrom CAD Model to FEA Results
Study type
‘Atnecessary) Fixtures Discretization Numerical solver
+ Loads ,
- Rey- meen: Sep -
FEA Pre-processin: FEA Solution FEA Post processin
a 9 ges geeseApplications of FEA
> Started with Structural and expanded into other fields of
> Mechanical
> Thermal
> Fluid Flow (CFD)
> ElectromagneticsRestraints & Model IsolationNuances
> An example of a cantilever
Force on the surface
Prescribed displacement on the edge
Prescribed displacement on the surface
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Failure Criteria
> Various failure criteria depending on analysis types and
requirements
>eg. von-Mises stress < material yield strength
yo 5lsx -SY)’ +(SY-Sz)* + (SZ- sx)?] + 3(TXY? + TYZ? +TZx?)
> Other failure criteria depending on material and functional
requirementsLinear vs. Nonlinear behavior
> Linear vs. Nonlinear materials
> Nonlinear material models
> Elastic, plastic, hyperelastic, ..., Nitinol
> Small vs. Large deformation
> Direct vs. iterative solvers
Se
> General contact
EE al deformationa
Simulation of Reality
> WYSIWYG: What You See Is What You Get
>in computer programming and desktop publishing
> WYGIWYS: What You Get Is What You Setup
> appropriate for FEA
> In using FEA
> Get properly trained for your level of usage
> Examine different scenarios
> Verify your results through experiments, expert reviews or other
meansa
Sources of Approximation
> Input approximations
> Geometry
> Model isolation
> Boundary conditions
> Loads
> Modeling approximations
Material model
> Element selection
> Convergence
> Reduce approximations without over-complicating the problem
ee a find the — balance.Levels of Complexity
> Linear elastic static analysis of a simple part
> Nonlinear dynamic analysis of car crash testing
> Short duration shock loading
> Contact and large deformations < |
> Plasticity and large strains
> Non-conventional material models
> Crack propagation
> fracture mechanic and material rupture
basMulti-Physics
> Multi-Physics
> One-directional
> Fully coupled (Fluid-Solid Interaction)Multi-Physics
> Mechanical-Electrical-Fluid Flow
> Dassault Systemes Simulia: The Living Heart Projectee
The Science&Art of Engineering Design
> Many solutions for a given problem.
> Choice dependent on many factors:
> Available technology
> Cost& time constraints
> Functional requirements
> Aesthetics
> Optimizeee
The Science&Art of Engineering Design
“Tecoma Narrows Bridge Golden Gate Bridge
> Strength
> Vibration
> Wind
» Earthquake
D..
» Study ALL possible modes of failure.ee
Summary
> Considering the many limitations of other approaches, numerical methods are
powerful tools to better understand and simulate reality. Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) is well researched and extremely appealing for virtual prototyping.
> FEA lends itself beautifully to simulate many applications and in different fields,
from the preliminary design of a simple part to complicated model of an airplane
and understanding the most complex behaviors such as a beating human heart .
> As powerful as the FEA methodology is, and as sophisticated software packages
continue to become, this is still a tool. It is therefore incumbent upon the
engineer to use it properly and effectively.
> As engineers, there are many ways to design a product. FEA isan excellent tool to
come up with better, cheaper and more efficient products.