FEA in Practice 20.04

Finite Element Analysis
in Practice
Copyright 2007 ALGOR, Inc.

Finite Element Analysis in
Practice
Introduction

Overview
This course is taught with a mix of
theoretical information and applied finite
element analysis (FEA). Concepts are
illustrated with simple, hands-on
exercises.
Models are created that illustrate a broad
range of topics including theory, element
types, analysis types, meshing
techniques, results evaluation and more.

What is FEA?
FEA is a mathematical solution to
engineering problems where a physical
model is divided into discrete
components.
FEA models are defined by nodes and
elements (commonly called a mesh).

What is FEA?
Basic engineering equations, such as
Hookes law, are solved at the nodes and
elements.
A matrix equation with terms from each
element is solved.

What is FEA?
Predicts change within the element (e.g.,
deformation, stress).
The results are plotted on the model by
color to show the lowest and highest
values.

Why Use FEA?
Provides a non-destructive means of
testing products.
Faster prototyping for what if scenarios.
Design optimization.
Speed up time to market by shortening the
design cycle.

Best Practices
FEA requires engineering judgment. In
the best case, you should know the
approximate answer before you begin.
Proper selection of elements, materials,
loads, constraints and analysis
parameters comes from experience.

Best Practices
Understand that the computer model
never matches reality (its only an
approximation).
The surest route to failure in FEA is to
underestimate the complexity of the
technology.

FEA in Different Industries
The link below may be used to access
examples of various types of FEA models
from different industries:
ALGOR Software in Action

in Practice
FEA Overview
and Examples

The Basic Steps of FEA
Build/Mesh a Model
Define FEA Model

Analysis and Element Types
Define Loads and Constraints
Analyze Model (Solve)
Review Results and Create

Presentations

Example Using ALGOR
Create Mesh in FEA Editor
Environment
Setup Analysis Type, Element Type F

and Materials in the FEA Editor E
Environment
M
Apply Loads and Constraints in the
P
FEA Editor Environment R
O
Analyze Model (Solve)
Review Results in the Results

Environment and Create an HTML
Report in the Report Environment
FEMPRO Interface
A. Title bar
B. Menu bar
C. Toolbars
D. Tree view
E. Working
area
F. Miniaxis
G. Status bar

Create Mesh
Open and mesh models Generate 2-D and 3-D

from CAD solid modelers meshes from sketches.
or universal files.
Add lines to existing
meshes.

Assign FEA Parameters
Assign element types and parameters.

Assign material properties.
Apply loads and constraints.
Assign analysis parameters.
Analyze the model. Copyright 2007 ALGOR, Inc.
Review Results
Results Environment
Review the model setup.
Review the analysis results.
Create images or animations of results.
Present Results
Report Environment
Generate a report of the analysis for
presentation purposes.
Add images or animations in an appendix.
View summary and log files from the analysis.
in Practice
Introductory
Example

Opening the Model
Select File: Open...
Change the file type to
STEP (*.ste, *.stp, *.step)
Select MotorMount.stp
Choose Yes if prompted
regarding Surface Knitting.
(Note: This prompt may be
disabled within the Tools:
Options: CAD Import dialog.)
Choose Static Stress with
Linear Material Models
when prompted.

Creating a Mesh
Go to the model mesh
settings dialog (Mesh:
Model Mesh Settings).
Move the Mesh Size slider
to 150% of the default
mesh size.
Create a mesh by pressing
the Mesh model button.

Applying the Materials
Select the Material
headings in the model tree
view for all three parts by
clicking on the first one
and holding down the
<Ctrl> key while clicking
on the second and third
ones.
Right click on any of the
selected headings and
choose Modify:
Materials....
Select Steel (ASTM-A36)
from the list and click
OK.

Applying the Loads
Rotate the view as required
to see the top surfaces of
the brackets.
Use the surface selection
option.
Select the two top surfaces
of the brackets.
After the surfaces are
selected, right click and
select Add: Surface
Pressure/Tractions....
Enter a pressure of 20 psi.

Applying the Constraints
Rotate the model as
required to see the
surfaces of both holes
running through the shaft.
Select the inside surfaces
of both holes. (Note: There
are two surfaces per hole.)
After the surfaces are
selected, right click and
select Add: Surface
Boundary Conditions....
Press the Fixed button
and then the OK button.

Reviewing the Results
Run the analysis by
selecting Analysis:
Perform Analysis....
Once the analysis is
complete, the von Mises
stress results will appear.

Creating a Report
Select the Report tab at
the bottom of the screen.
Select the HTML Report
heading.
Right click and select the
Report Wizard command.
This will take you through
a seven-step wizard and
produce an HTML report.

Additional Examples
Refer to the Tutorials command

within FEMPROs Help menu for
additional analysis examples.

in Practice
FEA
Concepts

What is a DOF?
The unknowns in a finite element
problem are referred to as degrees of
freedom (DOF).
Degrees of freedom vary by element and
analysis type.
DOF Type Action Application

Displacement Force Structural
Temperature Heat Flow Rate Thermal

What is a DOF?
Uy
Rot y
Rot x
Node
Ux
Rot z
Uz

Node
A node is a coordinate location in space
where the DOF are defined. The DOF of
this point represent the possible response
at this point due to the loading of the
structure.

Element
An element is a mathematical relation that
defines how the DOF of a node relate to
the next. These elements can be lines
(beams), areas (2-D or 3-D plates) or
solids (bricks and tetrahedrals).

Nodes and Elements
A node has a given set of DOF, which
characterize the response. For structural
analyses, these DOF include translations and
rotations in the three global directions.
The type of element being used will also
characterize which type of DOF a node will
have.
Some analysis types have only one DOF at a
node. Examples of these analysis types are
temperature in a heat transfer analysis and
velocity in a fluid flow analysis.
Element Connectivity
Elements can only transfer loads to one
another via common nodes.
No Communication Communication
Between the Elements Between the Elements

Stress and Strain Review
The basic stress and strain equations:
F
A

E
L
FL
dx =
0 E
Stress
Basic equations do not require the use of
a computer to solve.
Computer-based analysis is needed when
complexity is added as follows:
Geometric complexity makes the elasticity
equation difficult or impossible to solve.
Variations in material properties exist throughout
the part.
Multiple load cases and complex or combined
loading exists.
Dynamics are of interest.
General Case
The DOF components of each element
combine to form a matrix equation:
[K] {d} = {A}
[K] = element stiffness components

{d} = DOF results (unknown)
{A} = action value (e.g., force, temperature)
Structural FEA Equation
To determine the displacement of a simple linear
spring under load, the relevant equation is:
{f} = [K] {d}

Known Unknown
where {f} = force vector

[K] = stiffness matrix
{d} = displacement vector

FEA Equation Solution
This can be solved with matrix algebra by
rearranging the equation as follows:
-1
{d} = [K] {f}

Calculation of and
Strains are computed based on the
classical differential equations previously
discussed.
Stress can then be obtained from the
strains using Hookes law (F = kx).

Dynamic Equation
For a more complex analysis, more terms
are needed. This is true in a dynamic
analysis, which is defined by the following
equation:
{f} = [K] {d} + [c] {v} + [m] {a}
where... {f} = force vector
[K] = stiffness matrix
{d} = displacement vector
[c] = damping matrix
{v} = velocity vector
[m] = mass matrix
{a} = acceleration vector
Other Applications
FEA can be applied to a wide variety of
applications such as:
Dynamics
Nonlinear Materials
Heat Transfer
Fluid Flow
Electrostatics
Piping Design and Analysis

Exercise A
FEA Example by Hand
F = 10,000 lb 2 3
A = 2 in2
E = 30 x 106 psi L
L = 10 ft
= 45 1

4
F
L

Element 1
2
0 0 0 0
k
30 x10 2
6 0 1 0 1
120 0 0 0 0 L

0 1 0 1
1

Element 2
0 .5 0 .5 0 . 5 0 .5 3
k

30 x10 6 2 0.5 0 .5 0 . 5 0 .5

0 . 5 0 . 5 0 .5 0 .5
120 x 2
0 . 5 0 . 5 0 .5 0 .5

Element 3
1 0 1 0 1 4
k

30 x106 2 0 0 0 0
120 1 0 1 0 F
L

0 0 0 0

Total Stiffness Matrix
1.354 0.354 0 0 0.354 0.354 1 0
0.354 1.354 0 1 0.354 0.354 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
k 500,000
0.354 0.354 0 0 0.354 0.354 0 0

0.354 0.354 0 0 0.354 0.354 0 0
1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Force and Displacement
Vectors
0 D1x
10,000 D
1y
F2 x 0

F2 y 0
F
D
F3 x 0

F3 y 0
F4 x 0

F4 y 0

Displacement and Stress
Results
2
D1x 0.414 x10 in 1 3965 psi
2 2 1471 psi
D1 y 1.59 x10 in
3 1035 psi

ALGOR Model

ALGOR Results
2 1 3964 psi
D1x 0.414 x10 in
2
2 1464 psi
D1 y 1.59 x10 in
3 1036 psi

in Practice
Analysis
Options

Choosing an Analysis Type
The first decision in the FEA process is to
decide what type of analysis you need to
run.
The analysis type will dictate what type of
results you will obtain.
For example, if you need the displacement
of your part, then you will need to run a
structural analysis.

Analysis Options
Linear Electrostatic
Linear static Current and voltage
Linear dynamics
Field strength and
Fatigue voltage
Nonlinear
Nonlinear static Multiphysics
MES Steady coupled fluid flow
Thermal and thermal
Steady-state heat transfer Piping Design and
Transient heat transfer Analysis
Fluid Flow
Steady fluid flow
Unsteady fluid flow
Flow through porous media
Structural
Linear static
Small changes in stiffness.
No changes in loading direction.
Material remains in the linear elastic range.
Small deformation and strain.

Structural
Linear dynamics
Natural frequency (modal)
Response spectrum
Random vibration
Frequency response
Transient stress (direct integration)
Transient stress (modal superposition)
Critical buckling load
Dynamic Design Analysis Method (DDAM)
Structural
Fatigue
Product life cycle simulation (failure).
Stress-based fatigue life calculation.
Strain-based fatigue life calculation.

Structural
Nonlinear/MES
Linear and nonlinear material models.
Large deformation and strain.
Failure due to:
Material yielding.
Local and structural buckling.
Permanent deformation residual stress.

Large-scale motion.

Structural
Nonlinear/MES
Surface-to-surface contact
Impact
Creep

Thermal
Steady-state heat transfer
Steady-state conditions
Transient heat transfer
Time-varying conditions

Fluid Flow
Steady fluid flow
Unsteady fluid flow
Flow through porous media

Electrostatic
Electrostatic current and voltage
Electrostatic field strength and voltage

in Practice
Element
Options

Choosing an Element Type
Selecting the type of element will depend
on the following:
Analysis type selected.
How you create your mesh.
Assumptions you can make about geometric
properties.

Element Categories
Line Elements: A line connecting 2 nodes
(beams, trusses, springs, actuators,
pipes, etc.)
Area (2-D) Elements: A cross-section of a
part. Must be 3 or 4 lines enclosing an
area.

Element Categories
Area (3-D Planar) Elements: Midplane of a
part in space. Must be 3 or 4 lines
enclosing an area.
3-D Solid Elements: Must be 4, 5, 6 or 8
nodes enclosing a volume.

in Practice
Meshing and
Modeling

Proper Modeling Techniques
For any region (3, 4, 5, 6 or 8-nodes) to be

a valid element, it must:
Consist of either three (triangular) or four
(quadrilateral) undivided line segments. If a side
consists of multiple line segments, the region is
invalid.
Not have curved or arched sides.

Certain shapes can create elements which

are not recommended for FEA analysis.
The following regions will be eliminated:
Regions with any collinear or concave sides.
Regions with a highly nonflat curvature in a 3-D
drawing.

Valid and Invalid Regions

Meshing Guidelines
Meshing can be completed either by using
automatic mesh engines or by creating a
mesh by hand.
Automatic mesh generation is usually
completed on CAD solid models.
Hand meshing is usually done on
simple models that require a structured
mesh.

Hand Meshing
There are two types of hand meshing:
building from scratch and building from a
wireframe.
Building from scratch:
Draw the elements by hand one at a time to create
a structured mesh.
Building from a wireframe:
Build a 2-D or 3-D wireframe of the model, apply a
watertight surface mesh, and use an unstructured
mesh engine to generate the internal elements.

in Practice
Loads and
Constraints

Introduction to Loads and
Constraints
You will have to decide what type of loads
and constraints will properly define the
engineering criteria for the model.
In FEA, there are different types of loads
and constraints for each analysis type.
Applying the proper loads and constraints
is one of the most important factors in
getting the correct answer.
Always double check your model.

Types of Loads and
Constraints
There are multiple ways to apply different
loads and constraints to a model:
Nodal
Edge
Surface
Element

Structural Nodal Loads
Displacements
Forces
Lumped Masses
Moments
Temperatures (thermal stress)
Voltages (piezoelectric materials)

Structural Nodal Constraints
Boundary Conditions: Prevent specified
DOF from undergoing translation or
rotation in a specified direction.
Boundary Elements: Act like a spring with
a specified stiffness along a specified
direction.

Using Boundary Conditions to Model
Symmetry
Along the line or plane of symmetry, boundary
conditions must be applied to represent the
symmetrical part, as follows:
Out-of-plane displacement = 0
Two in-plane rotations = 0

P P
P
Line of
Symmetry

Boundary Conditions
Proper boundary conditions are
necessary for an accurate analysis.
The global stiffness of the system must be
modeled correctly for any local behavior
to be captured correctly.

Boundary Conditions
The two most unwanted FEA effects to
watch out for are:
Overstiffening
Understiffening
Unlike the real-world equivalent,
constraints in FEA are perfect.

Linear Surface Loads
Uniform or Hydrostatic Pressure and
Traction
Applied to the face of plate, composite and brick
elements.
Applied to the edge of 2-D and membrane
elements.
Surface Force
Can specify magnitude and direction of a force
that will be evenly distributed over a given
surface.

Linear Surface Loads
Variable Pressure or Traction
Define a function of the position that controls the
magnitude of the load over the surface.

Linear Element Loads
Gravity/Acceleration
Can specify gravitational or general acceleration
value and direction. You must have a mass
density defined for each part.
Centrifugal Loads
Specify center of rotation, angular velocity and
acceleration values.
Distributed Loads
Specify the magnitude and direction at each end
of beam elements.

in Practice
Truss
Elements

Truss Elements
Truss elements are two-node
members, which allow arbitrary
orientation in the X, Y, Z system.
The truss transmits axial force
only, and in general, is a three
DOF element (i.e., three global
translation components at each
end of the member). Trusses are
used to model structures such
as towers, bridges and buildings.
Truss Elements
Guidelines for using truss elements:
The length of the element is much greater than
the width or depth (approximately 8-10 times).
It is connected to the rest of the model with
hinges that do not transfer moments.
The external applied forces are only at joints.

Exercise B
Truss Frame Model
Objective: Construct and analyze a frame of truss
elements loaded with 2 nodal forces.
Geometry: Cross-sectional area = 1 in2.
Material: Aluminum (6061-T6).
Loads: Nodal forces as shown
in the image to the right.
Constraints:
Fully fixed at Point A.
Ty and Tz constrained at Point G.
The rest of the model will have Tz
constrained.

in Practice
Beam
Elements

Beam Elements
Beam elements are slender
structural members that offer
resistance to forces and bending
under applied loads.
Beams are found in building
frames, transmission towers and
bridges.
A beam differs from a truss in that
a beam resists moments (twisting
and bending) at the connections.

Beam Elements
Beams use a third node to define the
orientation.
Cross-sectional properties are defined for
bending about both the strong and weak
axes.

Beam Elements
Guidelines for using beam elements:
The length of the element is much greater than
the width or depth.
The element has constant cross-sectional
properties.
The element must be able to transfer moments.
The element must be able to handle a load
distributed along its length.

Exercise C Support Beam
Under Gravity
Objective: Determine the
maximum deflection of the beam
due to its own weight.
Geometry: W10 x 100 cross-
section.
Material: Steel (AISI 4130).
Loads: Gravity in the -Y direction.
Constraints:
Each end has constraints against all
DOF except for Rz.

in Practice
2-D
Elements

2-D Elements
Two-dimensional elements are
three- or four-node elements
that are formulated in the Y-Z
plane. They are used to model
and analyze objects such as
bearings, seals or structures
such as dams.

2-D Elements
2-D Geometry Types
Axisymmetric: For parts that are revolved about
an axis.
Plane strain: No deflection normal to the cross-
section (e.g., a large dam).
Plane stress: No stress normal to the cross-
section (e.g., a plate under axial load).

2-D Elements
Create wireframe sketches for each part in
the FEA Editor environment.
Use the 2-D mesh engine to generate the
2-D elements.

Exercise D - Axisymmetric
Thick-walled Cylinder
hoop stress at the inner
radius of the cylinder from
the applied pressure load.
Loads: Uniform internal
pressure of 10,000 psi.
Constraints: The bottom
edge will have Tz
constraints.

in Practice
Plate
Elements

Plate/Shell Elements
Plate/shell elements are three- or
four-node elements formulated in
three-dimensional space. These
elements are used to model and
analyze objects such as pressure
vessels and automotive body parts.
A thickness is assigned to the
elements.
Stresses will vary linearly through
the thickness.

Plate/Shell Elements
Guidelines for using plate/shell elements:
The thickness is small in relation to the length
and width (about 1/10).
Good for small displacements and rotations.
Elements remain planar (i.e., no warpage).
No rotation about the direction normal to the
element.

Membrane Elements
Three- or four-node elements
formulated in three-dimensional
space.
Used to model "fabric-like"
objects such as tents or cots,
or structures such as the roof
of a sports stadium.
Model solids of a specified
thickness, which exhibit no
stress normal to the thickness.
Composite Elements
There are two types of
composite elements:
thin or thick.
Each element can have multiple
lamina with different material
properties and fiber
orientations.
Multiple failure criteria are
available.

Exercise E - Plate Under
Uniform Pressure
Objective: Determine the maximum stress in the
plate from the applied pressure load.
Geometry: The plate is 10 x 5 x 0.25.
Loads: Uniform pressure
of 50 psi.
Constraints:
The two long edges will have
Ty and Tz constraints.
One short edge will have Tx
and Tz constraints.

in Practice
Brick
Elements

Brick Elements
Brick elements are four-,
five-, six- or eight-node
elements formulated in
three-dimensional space.
Brick elements should be
used when the stress
through the thickness
of a part is important.

Exercise F
Cantilever Beam Model
maximum bending stress
in the beam from the
applied load.
Material: Steel (4130).
Loads: 10,000 pounds distributed
across the free end.
Constraints:
The center row of nodes at the fixed end
will be fully constrained.
The rest of the nodes at the fixed end will
have Tx constraints.
in Practice
Comparing
Element
Types

Exercise G - Comparing
Element Types
2-D: Apply a 100 psi pressure to
the top edge.
Plate: Model the 10 x 0.5
dimensions with a thickness of
Objective: Analyze a beam 0.25. Apply nodal forces
model using different element equivalent to the pressure load.
types and compare the results. The forces at the end nodes
Material: Steel (AISI 4130). should be half the magnitude of
Loads: 100 psi in the -Z the forces at the interior nodes.
direction on the top of the beam. Plate: Model the 10 x 0.25
dimensions with a thickness of
Constraints: Fixed at the left
0.5. Apply a 100 psi pressure
end and simply supported at the
load in the Z direction to the
right.
surface of the plate elements.
Elements
Brick: Apply a 100 psi pressure
Beam: Convert the 100 psi load to the top surface.
over the 0.25 width to a 25 lb/in
distributed load.
Comparison of Results

in Practice
Mesh
Convergence

Mesh Convergence
For mesh convergence testing, it is
suggested that you run at least three
analyses at different mesh sizes:
Coarse
Fine
Somewhere in between coarse and fine

Mesh Convergence
Usually, you will not see much change in
the direct equation solutions (such as
displacements) for the differing mesh
sizes.
You will see the numerical method
answers (such as stresses) converge to
an answer as the mesh gets finer.

Exercise H
Mesh Convergence
Objective: To perform a 2-D analysis using plane
stress elements on a classical problem by
utilizing different meshes of 200, 400, 800, 1600
and 3200 elements.
Geometry: Thickness = 1.0.
Material: Stainless steel (AISI
302) cold-rolled.
Loads: 1000 psi on one edge
as shown in the image.
Constraints: Fixed at opposite
end as shown in the image.
Mesh Convergence Example

in Practice
Meshing CAD
Solid Models

Meshing CAD Models
Build a solid model in any CAD solid
modeler.
Using direct CAD/CAE data exchange or a
universal file (IGES, STEP, ACIS), open the
model.
Create a mesh on the model.

Mesh Refinement
To optimize solution time, it is useful to
create a fine mesh in areas where the
results are critical and a coarser mesh in
areas where the results will not be as
high.
You can add refinement points to achieve
localized refinement.

Exercise I - Bracket Model
maximum stress in the
bracket from a load applied at
the hole.
Material: Steel (ASTM - A514).
Loads: 40 pounds in the -Y
direction at the hole.
Constraints: The back surface
is fully constrained.

Midplane Meshing
Refer to FEMPROs Help: Tutorials menu

command. The Computer Case CAD Model
tutorial listed under Meshing and Modeling
Tutorials demonstrates midplane meshing.

Assembly Meshing
When working with multiple parts in an
assembly, it is critical that the meshes
match between the parts if they are to
interact with each other (via bonded,
welded, surface or edge contact).
If the parts that come together should be
free to slide along each other or separate
but not penetrate each other, then surface
or edge contact should be used to
produce the desired interaction.
Exercise J
Hanger Assembly Model
Objective: Determine the maximum
stress in the hanger assembly from
a load applied at the center of the
shaft.
Mesh the model at 175% of the
default mesh size.
Material: Brackets: Steel (4130)
Shaft: Iron
Loads: 100 pounds in the -Y
direction. Distribute over a full ring
on nodes at the center of the shaft.
Constraints: The bottom surfaces of
both brackets are fully constrained.

in Practice
Combining
Element Types

Combining Element Types
Any combination of element types is
possible in an assembly.
Nodes must be matched where the parts
meet in order for loads to be transferred.
The available DOF of the element types
that are connected must be considered to
avoid unstable geometry.

Combining Element Types
Non-brick elements may be created using
the plate/shell or midplane mesh settings,
by using structured meshing tools, via
tools such as Create bolt and Create
Joint, or they may be manually drawn.

command. The Crank CAD Model
tutorial listed under Meshing and
Modeling Tutorials demonstrates the
combination of brick and beam elements.
in Practice
Contact

Contact
Select part or surface pairs in the FEA
Editor environment and specify edge or
surface contact.
The nodes on the surfaces will be able to
move apart from each other with no
restrictions.
The nodes will translate loads when they
move together.
An iterative solution is used to determine
which nodes are in contact.

Contact
Contact is not considered during the first
iteration. Therefore, it may be necessary
to apply weak elastic boundary elements
to ensure stability.
When specifying linear contact, only the
first load case is considered. Any other
load case(s) defined within the Analysis
Parameters dialog box will be ignored.

Exercise K
Linear Contact Model
Objective: Determine the stress in the
assembly for a maximum load of 1,000
pounds applied to the bottom of the latch.
Material: Latch: Iron, Fe
Handle: Brass, Red
Housing & Base Plate:
Steel (ASTM - A36)
Constraints:
Four bolt holes are fully constrained.
Weak (100 lb./in.) rigid boundary elements in the X, Y, and Z
directions at the back face (+Y end) of the latch.
Load: 1,000 pounds will be applied in the Z direction
at the underside of the latch extension.
Default contact should be Bonded. Surface contact
should be defined between the latch and the housing,
and between the latch and the base plate.
in Practice
Solving
Options

Introduction to Solvers
There are many different ways to solve the
matrices that were discussed earlier.
As computers get faster, new
technologies are used that create faster
processing of the equations.
You should usually accept the default
settings, which are optimized for the
fastest processing.

Solver Options
Sparse
Solves only non-zero equations
Skyline
Variable bandwidth
Banded
Fixed bandwidth
Iterative
Requires a tolerance and initial conditions
in Practice
Results
Evaluation

Result Options
The types of results depend on the type of
analysis that is performed.
For example, a structural analysis will
give you displacement and stress results
while a thermal analysis will give you
temperature and heat flux results.

How Results are Calculated
The results are either calculated directly
through linear equations or calculated
through numerical integration methods.
For example, displacements are
calculated directly from Hookes law, but
strains are calculated through numerical
methods.

How to Justify Your Results
The best method for justification is to run
the model with different mesh sizes.
Remember, you are approximating an area
or volume with the elements.
The better the quality of the elements, the
better the results.
Usually a fine mesh will give more
accurate answers than a coarse mesh.
Verify that reaction forces are as expected.
Structural Results
Displacement (unit: length)
Stress (force / length2)
Strain (length/length)
Reaction Forces (internal nodal forces)
Note: Equivalent forces applied to elements to produce
expansion or contraction associated with thermal effects will be
included in this result.
Residual Forces (support reactions)

in Practice
Presentation
of Results

Presentation Guidelines
Use colors that will stand out from each
other.
Make presentations that everyone can
understand.
Remember that many people looking at
engineering reports are not engineers.
Have a standard template.
Include 3-D representations with charts
and graphs.
Presentation Options
Contour images
Animations
Time-dependent plots
Report generation

Contour Images

Animations

Time-Dependent Plots

Report Generation

in Practice
Other Analysis
Types

Thermal Analyses
The following two types of thermal analysis
are available:
Steady-State Heat Transfer

Transient Heat Transfer

Thermal Elements
Thermal elements are geometrically
identical to the corresponding structural
elements. The available types are:
Rod
2-D
Plate
Brick

Thermal Nodal Loads
Initial Temperature
Specify a certain temperature that an area will
begin the analysis at (transient analysis).
Applied Temperature
Specify a certain temperature that a node is kept
at due to a heat source.

Thermal Surface Loads
Convection
Assign a convection coefficient and the ambient
temperature.
Radiation
Assign the radiation function and the ambient
temperature.
Heat Flux
Assign the amount of heat added or removed per
unit area.

Thermal Element Loads
Heat Generation
Enter the amount of volumetric heat generated in
a given part.

Body-to-Body Radiation
Define the surfaces that will exchange
heat through radiation and assign
emissivity values.
Define body-to-body radiation enclosures
(i.e., groups of surfaces that will radiate
to/from each other).
The processor will automatically calculate
the view factors between elements.

Thermal Contact
Used to simulate imperfect thermal
conduction between two parts or a
substance between two parts that is not
modeled (i.e., epoxy).
Define contact pairs in the FEA Editor
environment.
Define the resistance value between the
surfaces.

Thermal Results
Temperature
Heat flux (energy / time / length2)
Heat rate of face (energy / time)

Exercise L - Thermal Model
Objective: Analyze
the thermal effects of
a material containing
hot and cold water
pipes.
Material: Steel (ASTM - A514)
Loads:
in lbs
Small hole: Convection coefficient = 93,380 in 2 sec F
Ambient temperature = 180F
in lbs
Large hole: Convection coefficient = 46,690 in 2 sec F
Ambient temperature= 45F

Electrostatic Analyses
The following two types of electrostatic
analysis are available:
Electrostatic Field Strength and Voltage

Electrostatic Current and Coltage

Electrostatic Elements
Electrostatic 2-D and brick elements are
geometrically identical to the structural
elements.

Electrostatic Nodal Loads
Applied Voltages
Specify a certain voltage that a node is kept at
due to a voltage source.
Temperatures
Specify temperature of a node for temperature-
dependent material properties.

Electrostatic Results
Voltage (Volts or mV)
Current (Amps or mA / length2)
Current Rate of Face (Amps or mA)
Electric field (voltage/length)
Displacement field (force/voltage * length)
Electrostatic force
Electrostatic charge (current * time)

Electrostatic Analysis
Exercise

command. Follow the Radial Comb Motor
Electrostatic Analysis tutorial listed under
Analyzing and Evaluating Results Tutorials
for further information on performing an
electrostatic analysis

Fluid Flow Analyses
The following three types of fluid flow
analysis are available:
Steady Fluid Flow

Unsteady Fluid Flow
Flow Through Porous Media

Fluid Flow Elements
The fluid flow 2-D and brick elements are
geometrically identical to the structural
elements.

Fluid Flow Loads
Prescribed Velocity
Can be used to specify an inlet velocity or zero
velocity along a wall.
Surface Prescribed Inlet/Outlet
Fan Curves
Can be used to model flow generated by intake,
exhaust or internal fans.
Rotating Reference Frames
Can be used to model flow in rotating machinery.
Gravity
Fluid Flow Loads
Pressure/Traction
Applied normal to the edge of 2-D elements.
Applied normal to the face of 3-D elements.
Applied in a specified vector direction to the edge
of 2-D elements or the face of 3-D elements.
Buoyancy Force
Apply thermal results from a steady-state heat
transfer analysis to a steady fluid flow analysis.
Surface Prescribed Turbulence Condition
Surface Prescribed Wall Roughness
Fluid Flow Results
Velocity (length/time)
Pressure (force/length2)
Stress tensors (force/length2)
Reaction forces

Fluid Flow Analysis

command. Follow the Ball Valve Fluid Flow
Analysis tutorial listed under Analyzing and
Evaluating Results Tutorials for further
information on performing a fluid flow
analysis.

in Practice
Combining
Analysis
Types

Multiphysics
A multiphysics analysis combines the effects of
multiple analysis types.
The original analysis is performed.
Another analysis is set up using the results from
the original analysis as the loading in the
subsequent analysis.
For some analyses, iterations are required to
reach a steady solution.
Steady or unsteady coupled fluid flow and thermal
analyses solves for fluid and thermal results
simultaneously.

Examples of Combining
Analysis Types
Apply temperature results from a heat transfer
analysis to a stress analysis to analyze thermal
stress.
Apply current results from an electrostatic
analysis to a heat transfer analysis to analyze
Joule heating.
Apply velocity results from a fluid flow analysis to
a heat transfer analysis to analyze forced
convection.
Apply temperature results from a heat transfer
analysis to a fluid flow analysis for natural
convection (where the flow does not significantly
influence the temperature distribution).

Forced Convection
Perform a fluid flow analysis.
Apply the velocity profile as input for a
heat transfer analysis.
The convection generated by the velocity
profile will be applied to the heat transfer
model during the analysis.

Thermal Stress Analysis
Perform a heat transfer analysis.
Apply the temperatures as input for a
structural analysis (linear or non-linear).
The expansion caused by the temperature
profile will produces displacements and
stresses during the structural analysis.

Analysis of Stresses due to
Electrostatic Forces

command. Follow the Radial Comb Motor
Static Stress Analysis tutorial listed under
for further information on performing a
multiphysics analysis of structural stress and
displacement due to electrostatic forces.

in Practice
Material
Models

Background on Material
Models
Material models are subsets of the element
types.
These properties allow you to make
decisions on what type of material
properties will be used for each part in the
model.
For example, if a part will see the plastic
region of a stress versus strain curve, you
should select one of the von Mises material
models for an elastic/plastic analysis.
Isotropic
This is the standard material model. The
material properties are independent of
direction.

Orthotropic
This material model can have different
properties in the three orthogonal
directions.
The required properties are identical to
the isotropic material model. However,
you enter separate values for the three
directions.

Temperature-Dependent
For some elements, the properties for
both isotropic and orthotropic materials
can be defined on a temperature-
dependent basis.
The values are linearly interpolated
between the specified temperature points.

Elastic-Plastic (von Mises)
These material models are based on a bilinear
stress-strain curve. A modulus for the elastic
region, a yield point and a modulus for the
plastic region are defined.
Variants are available that allow you to define
true stress-strain curves for materials when a
bilinear curve is not sufficient.
Isotropic hardening and kinematic hardening
variants are available. One of the von Mises
with Kinematic Hardening models is recom-
mended when reversing strain cycles occur.

Hyperelastic and Foam
Material Models
The following rubber-like (hyperelastic)
material models are available:
Mooney-Rivlin Yeoh
Arruda-Boyce Neo-Hookean
Ogden Van der Waals
The following foam-like material models
are available:
Blatz-Ko
Hyperfoam (accounts for compressibility)

Drucker-Prager
This material model is used to model rock
and concrete.

Viscoelastic and
Viscoplastic
These material models are used to
account for rate-dependent material
behavior due to dissipative losses from
viscous effects. The viscoelastic material
models are variants of the previously
listed hyperelastic material models.
A material model that can be used to
model thermal creep is also available
(Thermal Creep Viscoelastic).

Thermoelastic and
Thermoplastic
These material models are used for
thermal stress analyses. The
Thermoplastic model is used when
stresses beyond the yield point occur.

Piezoelectric
This material model is for parts that
experience stress due to a voltage
distribution.

Curve
This material model allows you to input a
bulk modulus versus strain curve to
control the behavior of the part.

Reinforced Concrete
This material model allows different
tensile and compressive behaviors. It can
simulate cracking and crushing failure of
concrete under relatively monotonic
loading. A maximum of three independent
directions of rebar are allowed for the
concrete material. The rebar locations (in
height or depth) are not considered; they
are treated as "smeared" throughout the
part.

Exercise M - Nonlinear
Material Model
Objective: Analyze a cantilever beam with an
elastic material model. Determine if yielding
occurs. If yielding occurs, analyze the model
with a plastic material model.
Geometry: The beam is 10 long
and is 5 x 5 square.
Material: Steel (ASTM - A36)
Loads: 7,000 pounds in the
-Y direction at the free end.
Load curve:
Constraints: The fixed end is fully
Time
constrained. (s)
Multiplier
Duration: 10 seconds.
0
10
0
1
Capture rate: 1 step per second.
in Practice
Mechanical
Event
Simulation
(MES)

Kinematic Elements
Kinematic elements can be either 2-D or
3-D elements.
Kinematic elements do not experience
strains and do not report stresses.
Otherwise, these elements behave just like
flexible brick elements.
They have an advantage over conventional
brick elements because of their small
contribution to the size of the global stiffness
matrix. This results in faster run times.

Contact Elements
Contact elements can have
different stiffness values in
compression and tension.
These elements can also have
a breaking stress at which
point the stiffness will be zero.
These elements can be used to
simulate cables.

Coupling Elements
Coupling elements aid in the
simulation of parts that
"couple" at a known length.
This coupling is modeled by
introducing a stiffness when it
reaches this length. This
stiffness is calculated using the
modulus of elasticity, a
coupling area and the length of
the element.
Dashpot Elements
Dashpot elements can be used
to apply local damping to a
model.
You can specify a damping
coefficient that will control how
much these elements affect
motion.

Actuator Elements
Actuator elements are line
elements whose lengths can
change over time.
They are used to simulate
defined movement of a part
(e.g., hydraulic cylinders or
solenoids).

Slider Elements
A slider element consists of
two collinear lines connected at
one node.
The node in the middle will be
allowed to move along the line
defined by the other two points,
letting the node slide such as
a slot.

Pulley Elements
Pulley elements
consist of three nodes:
driver, pivot and slack.
As the driver node
moves toward or away
from the pivot, the
slack node will move in
the opposite direction
by a set relationship.

Pipe Elements
Pipe elements allow you to
model piping systems under
internal pressure loads.
The pipe elements can be
either straight sections or
bends.

Hydrodynamic Elements
Hydrodynamic elements
can be either 2-D or 3-D
elements.
These elements allow for
the simulation of the
interaction of fluids with
solids without considering
the details of the flow.

Impact Planes
Specify a wall or floor parallel to the
global X, Y and Z axes.
Objects will not be able to pass through
this plane.

Surface-to-Surface Contact
Specify two or more surfaces that may
come into contact during the event
duration.
Can include static and dynamic friction
effects.
A slide, no bounce option is available to
prevent objects from separating once
theyve come into contact.

Mechanical Event
Simulation Example

command. Follow the Piston Mechanical
Event Simulation tutorial listed under
for further information on performing a
mechanical event simulation (MES) analysis.

FEA in Practice 20.04

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Finite Element Analysis

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ALGOR Software in Action

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Define FEA Model

Define Loads and Constraints

Analyze Model (Solve)

Review Results and Create

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Setup Analysis Type, Element Type F

Review Results in the Results

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Open and mesh models Generate 2-D and 3-D

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Assign element types and parameters.

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Refer to the Tutorials command

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DOF Type Action Application

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[K] {d} = {A}

[K] = element stiffness components

{f} = [K] {d}

where {f} = force vector

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Permanent deformation residual stress.