Finite Element Analysis Training
Campbell Consulting is a provider of basic finite element analysis (FEA) training designed to provide the design engineer with a background to perform FE analysis and to aide organizations to maximum the ROI in their FEA technology investment.
- FEA training through Campbell Consulting will be customized to work with the products developed by the customer.
- Training will be provided on-site and in a time frame to minimize downtime for engineering personnel.
- The engineer will come away with the background to perform FE analysis that will transfer to their specific FEA software.
Course - FEA Best Practices
Description
This course is designed to bridge the gap between procedurally oriented vendor training seminars and mathematically oriented finite element method classes. The course material is derived from applied FEA experience and is presented in a clear style developed from years of FEA training and support. FEMAP/CAEFEM is used for exercises and demonstrations, the training material is designed to cross and be used with the FEA tool being used by the students.
The course presents a variety of topics relevant to every engineer or manager of engineers engaged in the simulation of thermal and mechanical systems with the use of finite element software. Every manager must be able to ask and every analyst must be able to answer the questions "how do your assumptions impact the accuracy of your finite element model?" and "how do you use FEA results to make responsible engineering decisions?" To help students answer these all-important questions, reliable and practical techniques are presented with clarity and insight. In addition to these issues, specific modeling techniques are presented to help make the most of your time. In addition, guidance is provided as to how to select the right approach for a given problem taking in to consideration the current state-of-the art in computer hardware and software resources.
Course Outline and Highlights
- Insight is provided into which types of problems are considered readily solvable and which classes of problems are not practical for FEA.
- The question of how FEA is best used in concert with CAD, prototype testing, and field failures in an overall design plan is addressed. Element theory is covered in a way that helps the student to see the physical effects of numerical assumptions.
- Guidelines for element selection are presented in the context of typical problems.
- The analyst will be giving information allowing him/her to balance the demands of accuracy and efficiency by using the appropriate element. Provide flexible guidelines, which can be applied to a wide range of problems.
- Solver technology (e.g., frontal, iterative, sparse) and solution methods (e.g., static/dynamic, steady-state/transient, implicit/explicit, linear/nonlinear) will be explained so that students will leave with a clear understanding of all analysis tools in their arsenal.
Advice is given for many common modeling situations such as analysis of beam and shell structures, meshing to capture dynamic response, and modeling interfaces. - Time saving techniques, common pitfalls, and practical skills will be the focus.
- Other topics of common interest include modeling of interference fits, bolted joints, threaded connections, and mixing of incompatible element types.
A plan for evaluating the accuracy of results by verifying the finite element method was implemented appropriately is presented. - A checklist is provided to give the analyst covering topics such as free-body diagrams, primary and secondary results items, nodal stress averaging, convergence studies, and mesh discretization error measurement are covered for this purpose.
- Major questions addressed by the course include "how does one define failure?" and "how can FEA results be used to determine if failure is likely or has occurred?”
The main goal of the FEA Modeling Best Practices course is to equip students to use FEA with skill and confidence, regardless of their FEA software of choice.
To talk with us about product demonstrations and purchase,
please contact John Campbell. Phone: (262) 638-9157
info@consultfeacampbell.com
