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Understanding Singularities
(Beginners’ Guide)
In general, we can decompose errors in FEA—finite element analysis—in three
main groups:
Furthermore, it must be kept in mind that the finite element method, in addition to
the other numerical methods (FVM, FDM, BEM) consists of approximations.
The finite element description is a boundary value problem (BVP), which means
there is a differential equation with a number of constraints called boundary
conditions.
The solution to a BVP must resolve the differential equation and satisfy the
boundary condition (which I will elaborate in more detail in another article).1
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If you are a newbie to finite element analysis, you might assume that a singularity
is a term derived from a science-fiction movie like Star Trek.
Singularities can be confusing because they cause an accuracy problem inside the
model, which implies a problem with visualization because singularities extend
the range of the stresses. This means that smaller stresses can appear to be
negligible.
But what causes singularities? If you some online research, you will find a
multitude of causes and explanations. However, summa summarum, we can
confidently identify boundary conditions as the major cause.
or combinations of the methods mentioned: hr, which is good for regions with
large stress gradients, and hp or hpr
h-method = MesH
p-method = Polynomial order
r-method = Relocate node
Check that your software is operating with the values you typed in!
Look at the deformed shape in the post-processing part of your
simulation and check if the result is roughly what you expected.
I hope this article gave you some useful tips on how to avoid errors in FEA and
better understand singularities. If you’d like to learn more about the SimScale
cloud-based simulation platform and its features, download this overview.
Alternatively, watch the recording of our “More Durable Consumer Products with
FEA” webinar. All you need to do is fill out this short form and it will play
automatically.
Set up your own simulation via web in minutes by creating a free account on the
SimScale platform. No installation, special hardware or credit card is required.
References