Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been widely implemented by the automotive industry as a productivity tool for design engineers to reduce both development time and cost. This essential work serves as a guide for FEA as a design tool and addresses the specific needs of design engineers to improve productivity. It provides a clear presentation that will help practitioners to avoid mistakes. Easy to use examples of FEA fundamentals are clearly presented that can be simply applied during the product development process. The FEA process is fully explored in this fundamental and practical approach that includes: Understanding FEA basics Commonly used modeling techniques Application of FEA in the design process Fundamental errors and their effect on the quality of results Hands-on simple and informative exercises This indispensable guide provides design engineers with proven methods to analyze their own work while it is still in the form of easily modifiable CAD models. Simple and informative exercises provide examples for improving the process to deliver quick turnaround times and prompt implementation.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Preface Chapter 1:?Introduction 1.1 What Is Finite Element Analysis? 1.2 What Is the Place of Finite Element Analysis Among Other Tools of Computer-Aided Engineering? 1.3 Fields of Application of FEA and Mechanism Analysis; Differences Between Structures and Mechanisms 1.4 Fields of Application of FEA and CFD 1.5 What Is “FEA for Design Engineers”? 1.6 Importance of Hands-On Exercises Chapter 2:?From CAD Model to Results of Finite Element Analysis 2.1 Formulation of the Mathematical Model 2.2 Selecting Numerical Method to Solve the Mathematical Model 2.2.1 Selected Numerical Methods in Computer Aided Engineering 2.2.2 Reasons for the Dominance of Finite Element Method 2.3 The Finite Element Model 2.3.1 Meshing 2.3.2 Formulation of Finite-Element Equations 2.3.3 Errors in FEA Results 2.4 Verification and Validation of FEA Results Chapter 3:?Fundamental Concepts of Finite Element Analysis 3.1 Formulation of a Finite Element 3.1.1 Closer Look at Finite Element 3.1.2 Requirements to be Satisfied by Displacement Interpolation Functions 3.1.3 Artificial Restraints 3.2 The Choice of Discretization 3.3 Types of Finite Elements 3.3.1 Element Dimensionality 3.3.2 Element Shape 3.3.3 Element Order and Element Type 3.3.4 Summary of Commonly Used Elements 3.3.5 Element Modeling Capabilities Chapter 4:?Controlling Discretization Errors 4.1 Presenting Stress Results 4.2 Types of Convergence Process 4.2.1 h Convergence by Global Mesh Refinement 4.2.2 h Convergence Process by Local Mesh Refinement 4.2.3 Adaptive h Convergence Process 4.2.4 p Convergence Process 4.2.5 The Choice of Convergence Process 4.3 Discretization Error 4.3.1 Convergence Error 4.3.2 Solution Error 4.4 Problems With Convergence 4.4.1 Stress Singularity 4.4.2 Displacement Singularity 4.5 Hands-On Exercises 4.5.1 Hollow Plate (Figure 4.33) 4.5.2 L Bracket (Figure 4.34) 4.5.3 2D Beam (Figure 4.35) Chapter 5:?Finite Element Mesh 5.1 Meshing Techniques 5.1.1 Manual Meshing 5.1.2 Semiautomatic Meshing 5.1.3 Automeshing 5.2 Mesh Compatibility 5.2.1 Compatible Elements 5.2.2 Incompatible Elements 5.2.3 Forced Compatibility 5.3 Common Meshing Problems 5.3.1 Element Distortion 5.3.2 Mesh Adequacy 5.3.3 Element Mapping to Geometry 5.3.4 Incorrect Conversion to Shell Model 5.4 Hands-On Exercises 5.4.1 BRACKET01 (Figure 5.24) 5.4.2 Cantilever Beam (Figure 5.25) Chapter 6:?Modeling Process 6.1 Modeling Steps 6.1.1 Definition of the Objective of Analysis 6.1.2 Selection of the Units of Measurement 6.1.3 Geometry Preparation 6.1.4 Definition of Material Properties 6.1.5 Definition of Boundary Conditions 6.2 Modeling Techniques 6.2.1 Mirror Symmetry and Antisymmetry Boundary Conditions 6.2.2 Axial Symmetry 6.2.3 Cyclic Symmetry 6.2.4 Realignment of Degrees of Freedom 6.3 Hands-On Exercises 6.3.1 BRACKET02-1 (Figure 6.14) 6.3.2 BRACKET02-2 (Figure 6.15) 6.3.3 BRACKET02-3 (Figure 6.16) 6.3.4 Shaft (Figure 6.17) 6.3.5 Pressure Tank (Figure 6.18) 6.3.6 RING (Figure 6.19) 6.3.7 Link (Figure 6.20) Chapter 7:?Nonlinear Static Structural Analysis 7.1 Classification of Different Types of Nonlinearities 7.2 Large Displacement Analysis 7.3 Membrane Stress Stiffening 7.4 Contact 7.5 Hands-On Exercises 7.5.1 Cantilever Beam (Figure 7.1) 7.5.2 Torsion Shaft (Figure 7.7) 7.5.3 Round Plate (Figure 7.12) 7.5.4 LINK (Figure 7.17) 7.5.5 Sliding Support (Figure 7.18) 7.5.6 CLAMP01 (Figure 7.21) 7.5.7 CLAMP02 (Figure 7.26) 7.5.8 Shrink Fit (Figure 7.27) Chapter 8:?Nonlinear Material Analysis 8.1 Review of Nonlinear Material Models 8.2 Elastic–Perfectly Plastic Material Model 8.3 Use of Nonlinear Material to Control Stress Singularity 8.4 Other Types of Nonlinearities 8.5 Hands-On Exercises 8.5.1 BRACKET NL (Figure 8.3) 8.5.2 L BRACKET (Figure 8.7) Chapter 9:?Modal Analysis 9.1 Differences Between Modal and Static Analysis 9.2 Interpretation of Displacement and Stress Results in Modal Analysis 9.3 Modal Analysis With Rigid Body Modes 9.4 Importance of Supports in Modal Analysis 9.5 Applications of Modal Analysis 9.5.1 Finding Modal Frequencies and Associated Shapes of Vibration 9.5.2 Locating “Weak Spots” in Structure 9.5.3 Modal Analysis Provides Input to Vibration Analysis 9.6 Prestress Modal Analysis 9.7 Symmetry and Antisymmetry Boundary Conditions in Modal Analysis 9.8 Convergence of Modal Frequencies 9.9 Meshing Consideration for Modal Analysis 9.10 Hands-On Exercises 9.10.1 Tuning Fork (Figure 9.12) 9.10.2 Box (Figure 9.1) 9.10.3 Airplane (Figure 9.2) 9.10.4 Ball (Figure 9.4) 9.10.5 Link (Figure 9.5) 9.10.6 Helicopter Blade (Figure 9.7) 9.10.7 Column (Figure 9.8) 9.10.8 Bracket (Figure 9.10) Chapter 10:?Buckling Analysis 10.1 Linear Buckling Analysis 10.2 Convergence of Results in Linear Buckling Analysis 10.3 Nonlinear Buckling Analysis 10.4 Summary 10.5 Hands-On Exercises 10.5.1 Notched Column—Free End (Figure 10.1) 10.5.2 Notched Column—Sliding End (Figure 10.2) 10.5.3 Button (Figure 10.11) 10.5.4 Curved Column (Figure 10.15) 10.5.5 Stand (Figure 10.16) 10.5.6 CURVED_SHEET (Figure 10.17) Chapter 11:?Vibration Analysis 11.1 Modal Superposition Method 11.2 Time Response Analysis 11.3 Frequency Response Analysis./li> 11.4 Nonlinear Vibration Analysis 11.5 Hands-On Exercises 11.5.1 Hammer Impulse Load (Figure 11.2) 11.5.2 Hammer Beating (Figure 11.2) 11.5.3 ELBOW_PIPE (Figure 11.7) 11.5.4 Centrifuge (Figure 11.10) 11.5.5 PLANK (Figure 11.13) Chapter 12:?Thermal Analysis 12.1 Heat Transfer Induced by Prescribed Temperatures 12.2 Heat Transfer Induced by Heat Power and Convection 12.3 Heat Transfer by Radiation 12.4 Modeling Considerations in Thermal Analysis 12.5 Challenges in Thermal Analysis 12.6 Hand-On Exercises 12.6.1 Bracket (Figure 12.1) 12.6.2 Heat Sink (Figure 12.2) 12.6.3 Channel (Figure 12.4) 12.6.4 Space Heater (Figure 12.6) Chapter 13:?Implementation of Finite Element Analysis in the Design Process 13.1 Differences Between CAD and FEA Geometry 13.1.1 Defeaturing 13.1.2 Idealization 13.1.3 Cleanup 13.2 Common Meshing Problems 13.3 Mesh Inadequacy 13.4 Integration of CAD and FEA Software 13.4.1 Stand-Alone FEA Software 13.4.2 FEA Programs Integrated With CAD 13.4.3 Computer-Aided Engineering Programs 13.5 FEA Implementation 13.5.1 Positioning of CAD and FEA Activities 13.5.2 Personnel Training 13.5.3 FEA Program Selection 13.5.4 Hardware Selection 13.5.5 Building Confidence in the FEA 13.5.6 Return-On Investment 13.6 FEA Project 13.6.1 Major Steps in FEA Project 13.6.2 FEA Report 13.6.3 Importance of Documentation and Backups 13.6.4 Contracting Out FEA Services 13.6.5 Common Errors in the FEA Management Chapter 14:?Misconceptions and Frequently Asked Questions 14.1 FEA Quiz 14.2 Frequently Asked Questions Chapter 15:?FEA Resources References Chapter 16:?Glossary of Terms Chapter 17:?List of Exercises Index About the Author