Finite
Element Analysis (FEA) uses a mathematical model to represent an object or
phenomenon
The
main consideration is to chose an appropriate model for the system at hand.
Two
theories that will govern most physical phenomenon are:
| Theory
of Elasticity |
| Deformation Theory of Plasticity |
A
problem in FEA can be broken down into two groups: group 1, the physics and
mathematical equations that define the problem, group 2, the mathematics used to
solve the problem.
FEA
can be used to solve problems dealing in structural analysis, fluid flow,
thermal analysis.
There
are many types of Finite Element Analysis type software available today.
For learning purposes this site will pertain to one FEA package.
The examples and tutorials on this site are specific to the INCAD
Design/Pro/Engineer (core package) provided by Algor a.k.a Algor FEA. The information contained here may be applied in theory only
to other FEA packages.
Specific
capabilities of the Algor FEA core package are:
The
core package imports files from Pro/Engineer, capturing the exact assembly or part geometry, eliminating file
translation problems, and performs static stress, linear dynamic and steady-state and
transient heat transfer analysis.
The
static stress analysis includes linear materials models, the weight, center of
gravity and mass moment of inertia processor and linear contact with gap/cable
elements.
Linear
dynamic analysis includes natural frequency (modal), response spectrum, random
vibration, frequency response, transient stress, transient stress, critical
buckling load and natural frequency with load stiffening.
Heat
transfer solves linear and nonlinear thermal designs with conduction,
convection, heat flux, heat generation and radiation loading in steady-state or
transient analyses through multiple load curves.