Brief History

• 80 years ago, mathematical methods were developed (energy methods)
• 60 years ago, numerical methods developed (frame, truss, spar)
• 50 years ago, analog computers (matrix methods)
• 40 years ago, FEA started (3D strain and stress behavior)
  • FEA: A continuous solid is subdivided into small, but finite pieces (elements). Behavior in each element is assumed to obey some simple, selected formula and all together, these elements represent the response of the whole structure.
  • NASTRAN, ANSYS
• 25 years ago, digital computing (higher speeds, larger memory)
  • Mechanica, COSMOS, NISA, ALGOR, & others
• 15 years ago, transient, nonlinear, highly specialized problems like CFD, hyper-elastic, visco-elastic, large strain, etc.

Designing with FEA

• FEA is easy to run, but achieving useful results requires some skill
• Cost of design changes at different points of the product development cycle
• Software simulation of design vs. build & break process of design
• Pro-active (during design process) vs. Re-active (forensic) behavior
• Trends vs. Absolute results
• Data is incomplete, material is unknown, loads may be poorly described
• Assumptions are made, documented, and evaluated in light of the results
• Results MUST BE verified and validated

Problem Solving Process

1. Carefully and fully define: Goal or Objective
2. Gather CORRECT input data: geometry, material properties, loading
3. Solve
4. Verify and Document

READING ASSIGNMENT:

ANSYS Help System

ANSYS Operations Guide

Chapters 1; 2; 3-Intro, 3.2 - 3.2.1.3, 3.3; 4 - 4.3.7; 5; 8