Contract for George P. Widas

810 Cambridge Rd
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 951-5623

E-mail: gwidas@vt.edu

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
Definition

Computer model of parts and/or materials
Models reactions to set conditions such as

Applied loads
Temperatures
Pressures
Centripital forces

(LINK to theory)
Uses

New product design
Product redesign
Conserves time, money

2-D Modeling

Less accurate
Conserves simplicity

3-D Modeling

Requires powerful computer
More accurate results

General F.E.A. Modeling (LINK to simple program)

Nodes

Node assignment
Node density
Points of interest

Fracture point
Fillets/corners
Complex detail
High stress areas

Mesh

Connects each node to adjacent nodes
Carries material properties to object

E, V, Cp, etc

Boundary conditions

Loads
Temperatures
Environmental limitations
Fluid pressures
Centripital forces

Execute the program
Results

Deformation
Fracture
Stress concentration

(LINK to examples)

History- I am still searching for further information for even a basis for a page
HTML

Should contain two pages, with several links as noted
Links to rest of FRACTURE would make sense

Visualization

Approximately 6-8 images, still searching for more


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Submitted by Peter Widas,
Virginia Tech Materials Science and Engineering


Last revised: March 18, 1997