What is FEA simulation


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What exactly is FEA (Finite Element Analysis)?

The numerical method known as the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to simulate physical phenomena in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). To deal with partial differential equations (PDE), numerical methods have been developed over the past few decades. A PDE is a mathematical equation with multiple independent variables, a unknown function that depends on those variables, and partial derivatives of the unknown function in relation to the independent variables. In physics and engineering, PDEs are frequently used to define multidimensional systems. In order to calculate relevant structural quantities like stresses, strains, and other quantities, these complex differential equations must be solved in order to estimate the structural behavior under the given conditions.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is currently one of the most popular approaches to solving partial differential equations. Using a numerical method, it approximates the problem’s solution and obtains the actual solution to these partial differential equations. Many engineering fields use Finite Element Analysis to solve real-world issues like structural mechanics, vibration, and heat transfer.

In a nutshell, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method (the Finite Element Method) that is used to predict how a component or assembly in your design will behave in real life. Additionally, it serves as one of the fundamental tenets in the creation of leading simulation software. Engineers use Finite Element Analysis to run virtual experiments, identify design flaws, also known as tension points, and eliminate the need for costly physical prototypes.

What’s the Process of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

Predicting the behavior of mechanical and thermal systems under their operating conditions, shortening the design cycle time, and increasing system performance are all goals that can be accomplished with the help of finite element analysis (FEA).

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The following are the fundamental steps of any Finite Element Analysis (FEA) procedure:

Geometric representation 

The CAD environment is where the geometry begins. Therefore, migrating the CAD model into a FEA-ready form is the first step. The geometric features of the system that will be analyzed and stored in a CAD database are created through geometric representation.

Discretization of geometry

Geometry is discretized by breaking it up into smaller, more straightforward geometric entities known as finite elements. The more common name for this discretization procedure is mesh formulation. The term “finite” is used to emphasize that the elements are not infinitesimally small, but rather relatively small in comparison to the size of the model as a whole.

Formulating the equations

 That describe how each finite element behaves is called element formulation. The governing equations are written with each element’s material properties in mind. Choosing a displacement function for each element is necessary for this. Most of the time, functions are used with linear and quadratic polynomials.

Assembly

From the equations of individual elements, determines the set of global equations for the entire model. The appropriate finite element mesh nodes are subjected to the loads and support (boundary) conditions.

Equations provide 

The answer to the unsolved nodal degrees of freedom (also known as generalized displacements).

Post processing 

Results in the creation of visualization plots for important quantities like stresses and strains.

Software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 

The accuracy and dependability of the analysis software are the most important considerations. How can you be sure that a particular FEA software’s results are reliable? Fortunately, what is FEA simulation software credibility is checked by an independent group. The National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards (NAFEMS) compares simulation software to established static, thermal, nonlinear, frequency, and linear dynamical studies with established, mathematically and empirically supported results.

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Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), designers and engineers can use SOLIDWORKS Simulation, a user-friendly analysis tool, to simulate and analyze design performance. NAFEMS has tested and verified each study type in SOLIDWORKS Simulation.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Your SOLIDWORKS CAD is fully integrated with The fact that you can conduct tests and evaluations in the same environment as the design process is a great feature of the SOLIDWORKS software. This makes it possible to evaluate product performance early in the design process. This saves money on physical prototypes and time spent switching between filed tests and changes.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides three different simulation solutions tailored to various user requirements:

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard

A well-known FEA software among mechanical engineers and product design engineers is Most of the time, structural, motion, and fatigue analysis of parts and assemblies are done with this FEA software.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional

Additional features like thermal, frequency, drop test, buckling, and optimization studies are included in. Sequential multi-physics simulation is another capability of this analysis software.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium:

Three advanced simulation studies are included in Linear Dynamics, Non-Linear Dynamics, and Non-Linear Static Engineers can effectively evaluate their designs for nonlinear and dynamic response, dynamic loading, and composite materials with this FEA software.


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Adnan Sarpal