CAD Model to FEA Results

Creating the mathematical model

FEA begins by defining a CAD model of the part to be analyzed.

This CAD model is the basis for creating mathematical model.

Once we have the CAD model we define material conditions the loading and the boundary conditions.

Geometry Type of CAD model depends on the analysis we require to perform. E.g CAD model of surfaces may be good for displacement analysis, but volume model is required for stress analysis.

Geometry of CAD data and the Boundary conditions with the loading define the mathematical model.

Mathematical Model = CAD Geometry + Boundary Conditions

So, the mathematical model is defined by our objective for the analysis, and effectively represents the characteristics of design required by us at lowest cost.

This mathematical model is solved using FEM, to give defined outputs.

Steps in FEM, Finite Element Model

Meshing – Splitting the cad model into finite elements. This is a type of simplification to solve the mathematical model.

Solving – The discretized model is solved. E.g solving the stiffness matrix equation of force-displacement to find displacement.

Errors – During modeling (modeling error), meshing (discretization error), solving and interpreting results (FE results).

Only discretization errors are specific to FEM, which can be controlled using FEM techniques.

Industrial FEA