Stepped Bar
Stepped Bar
1. What is Discretization?
Discretization means dividing the body (system) into an equivalent system of finite elements with associated
nodes and elements.
2. Difference between Mapped and Free Meshing
Free Meshing:
- Has no element shape restriction.
- The mesh does not follow any pattern.
- Suitable for complex shaped areas and volumes.
Mapped Meshing:
- Restrict element shapes to quadrilaterals.
- Typically has a regular pattern with obvious rows of elements.
- Suitable only for regular areas and volumes such as rectangles and bricks
3. What is Shape Function?
The shape function is the function which interpolates the solution between the discrete values obtained at the
mesh nodes.
4. What is Array?
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is a file format which defines a vendor neutral data format that
allows the digital exchange of information among Computer-aided design (CAD) systems.
AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed
by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
The p in p-method stands for polynomial. Increasing the polynomial order of the shape function changes the
accuracy of the p-method. This allows a very complex displacement function to be approximated across a large
element.
In terms of computing time, the h and p methods will have about the same requirements. In each case you are
solving for about the same number of nodes. The h-method increases the number of nodes by adding more
elements. The p-method increases the number of nodes by increasing the order of the shape function.
10. What is post processing?
Post-processing may be defined as the “art of results representation”. Post processing of finite element data
generally requests additional software to organize the output.
Step 2
Choose a displacement function within each element.
Step 3
Relate the stresses to the strains through the stress/strain law—generally called the constitutive law.
Step 4
Derive the element stiffness matrix and equations. Use the direct equilibrium method, a work or energy
method, or a method of weighted residuals to relate the nodal forces to nodal displacements.
Step 5
Assemble the element equations to obtain the global or total equations and introduce boundary conditions.
Step 6
Solve for the unknown degrees of freedom (or generalized displacements).
Step 7
Solve for the element strains and stresses.
Step 8
Interpret and analyze the results for use in the design/analysis process.
AGMA - American Gear Manufacturers Association: comparative analysis between the ISO and AGMA
standards, focused on tooth-root strength, based on the precise FEM modeling of spur and helical gears.
Von Mises stress is a geometrical combination of all the stresses (normal stress in the three directions, and all
three shear stresses) acting at a particular location.
Von Mises stress is widely used by designers, to check whether their design will withstand given load condition.
Concept of Von mises stress arises from distortion energy failure theory. According to von Mises’s failure
criterion, the material under multi-axial loading will yield when the distortional energy is equal to or greater
than the critical value for the material.
Von Mises stress is useful for materials which classify as ductile. If the Von Mises stress at a particular location
exceeds the yield strength, the material yields at that location. If the Von Mises stress exceeds the ultimate
strength, the material ruptures at that location. For brittle materials, the Von Mises stress concept isn't
applicable. Instead, maximum principle stress (normal stress on the plane at which it is maximum) is what is
used to predict failure.
18. What should be the element type for a system of air flow over a car?
Only fluid domain is meshed, no need to mesh the car. The top surface of the car is assumed as a wall.
19. What is variational approach?
The variational method is the more straight forward approach and involves minimizing the potential energy of
the system.
To illustrate the variational formulation, the finite element equations of the bar will be derived from the
Minimum Potential Energy principle.
20. Minimum Total Potential Energy Formulation
23. Difference between CST and LST, CST advantage over LST