Finite Element Analysis Concepts: Via Solidworks

by John Edward Akin

Overview

Young engineers are often required to utilize commercial finite element software without having had a course on finite element theory. That can lead to computer-aided design errors.This book outlines the basic theory, with a minimum of mathematics, and how its phases are structured within a typical software. The importance of estimating a solution, or verifying the results, by other means is emphasized and illustrated. The book also demonstrates the common processes for utilizing the typical graphical icon interfaces in commercial codes. In particular, the book uses and covers the widely utilized SolidWorks solid modeling and simulation system to demonstrate applications in heat transfer, stress analysis, vibrations, buckling, and other fields. The book, with its detailed applications, will appeal to upper-level undergraduates as well as engineers new to industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789814313018
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/07/2010
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	348
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

Preface v

1 Finite Element Analysis Methods 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Basic Integral Formulations 2

1.3 Gather and Scatter Operators 5

1.4 Geometric Boundary Errors 7

1.5 Stages of Analysis and Their Uncertainties 8

1.6 Part Geometric Analysis and Meshing Failures 18

2 SolidWorks Simulation Overview 23

2.1 Simulation Study Capabilities 23

2.2 Element Types and Shapes 27

2.3 Element Interpolations 28

2.4 Common Modeling Errors 31

2.5 Infinite Corner Gradients 33

3 Concepts of Stress Analysis 35

3.1 Introduction 35

3.2 Axial Bar Example 38

3.3 Structural Mechanics 38

3.4 Equilibrium of a Single Restrained Element 41

3.5 General Equilibrium Matrix Partitions 44

3.6 Assembly of Multiply Element Connections 46

3.7 Solution Phases for Compound Elastic Bars 48

3.8 Structural Component Failure 52

3.9 Overall Factor of Safety 53

3.10 Element Type Selection 53

3.11 Simulation Fixture and Load Symbols 55

3.12 Structural Restraint Options in SolidWorks 57

3.13 Structural Connectors 58

3.14 Available Structural Loading Options 60

3.15 Available Material Inputs for Stress Studies 61

3.16 Stress Study Outputs 61

3.17 Stress Concentration and Defeaturing 65

3.18 Classic 1D Analytic Stress Solutions 67

4 Mesh Control in SolidWorks Simulation 73

4.1 Introduction 73

4.2 Example Initial Analysis 73

4.3 Splitting a Surface or Curve 76

4.4 Beginning SW Simulation Study 79

4.5 Mesh Control 80

4.6 Mesh Preview 82

4.7 Fixtures (Essential Boundary Conditions) 82

4.8 Pressure Loading 84

4.9 Run the Study 86

4.10 Validate the Design Revision 91

4.11 Other Aspects of Mesh Generation 93

5 General Solid Stress Analysis 95

5.1 Introduction 95

5.2 Flexural Analysis of a Zee-Section Beam 95

5.3 Ram Block Stress Analysis 103

6 Plane Stress Analysis 117

6.1 Introduction 117

6.2 Rectangular Beam Segment 118

6.3 Combining Load Cases 133

7 Rotational Loads and Accelerations 139

7.1 Introduction 139

7.2 Building a Segment Geometry 140

7.3 Part with Angular Velocity Load 142

7.4 Angular Acceleration Model 150

7.5 Proper Cyclic Symmetry Model 151

7.6 Cylindrical Component Displacements 156

8 Flat Plate Analysis 161

8.1 Introduction 161

8.2 Rectangular Plate 161

8.3 Surprising Corner Reactions 164

9 Shell Analysis 169

9.1 SolidWorks Shell Capabilities 169

9.2 Quarter Symmetry Tank Stress 171

9.3 Solid Stress Analysis Approximation with 2.5D 178

10 Space Truss and Space Frame Analysis 187

10.1 Introduction 187

10.2 Statically Determinate Space Truss 190

10.3 Analytic Beam Element Matrices 197

10.4 Frame Elements 201

10.5 Statically Indeterminate Space Frame 203

11 Vibration Analysis 217

11.1 Introduction 217

11.2 Finite Element Vibration Studies 219

11.3 Analytic Solutions for Frequencies 221

11.4 Frequencies of a Curved Solid 222

12 Buckling Analysis 229

12.1 Introduction 229

12.2 Buckling Terminology 232

12.3 Buckling Load Factor 233

12.4 General Buckling Concepts 233

12.5 Local Lateral Buckling of a Cantilever 234

13 Concepts of Thermal Analysis 241

13.1 Introduction 241

13.2 Thermal Analysis Input Properties 244

13.3 Finite Element Thermal Analysis 244

13.4 Classical 1D Thermal Solutions 250

13.5 Heat Transfer with an Orthotropic Material 258

13.6 General Anisotropic Material Directions 258

13.7 Analysis of a Block with a Cylindrical Hole 263

13.8 Crossing Pipes Analysis 273

13.9 Thermal Analysis of a Ram Block 283

13.10 Axisymmetric Thermal Analysis 291

14 Thermal Stress Analysis 299

14.1 Introduction 299

14.2 Layered Beam Thermal Stress Model 299

14.3 Ram Block Thermal-Stress Study 310

15 Related Analogies 315

15.1 Basic Concepts 315

15.2 Seepage Under a Dam 317

15.3 Potential Flow Around a Cylinder 321

References 327

Index 329