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CFD and FEA Module - FEA Assignment 04 31738 - 2025

CFD and FEA

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102 views2 pages

CFD and FEA Module - FEA Assignment 04 31738 - 2025

CFD and FEA

Uploaded by

kristen1256907207
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING


ASSIGNMENT
Module title: CFD and FEA (Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis)
Module code: 04 31738
Topic: Finite element analysis (FEA)
Lecturer: Dr. S.L. Soo

This assignment consists of 2 sections – Section A and Section B. You must attempt and complete
both sections of the assignment. Details of the problems and requirements for each section are outlined
below. Read the assignment brief carefully so that you clearly understand the requirements for both
sections. Use of generative AI is not permitted for this assignment.
SECTION A:
Figure 1 shows a thin rectangular plate with a through hole in the middle of the plate. The plate has a
length (L) of 750 mm, a width (W) of 500 mm and thickness (t) of 2 mm, while the hole through the
middle of the plate has a diameter (D) of 385 mm. A tensile load (F) of 20,000 N is applied at each end
of the plate. The plate is made from a solution treated and aged nickel-based superalloy (Inconel 718).
Its behaviour is elastic-plastic according to the data below.

You can assume the following information:


Yield strength = 1186 MPa
UTS = 1400 MPa @ engineering strain of 15%
Young’s modulus, E = 200 GPa
Poisson’s ratio, υ = 0.3

Figure 1: Plate with a central hole

I. Using a suitable FE software such as ABAQUS (or an alternative commercial package), perform a
finite element analysis to determine the maximum stress developed in the plate as a result of the
applied force. Where appropriate, employ suitable simplifications, assumptions or
approximations for your model and ensure that boundary conditions, loading and material
properties/behaviour are correctly described. A number of simulations are to be carried out by
utilising different numbers of continuum (solid) type elements in the range listed below in order
to investigate the effect of element size/mesh density on the output measures:
a) 30-60 b) 160 – 300 c) 600 – 1200 d) 2500 – 6000 e) ~9,000
Plot graphs of maximum stress in the plate versus number of elements in the model. Record the
analysis time required for each of the models. Validate the predicted outputs from your model
using analytical stress concentration calculations.
II. Formulate another FE analysis on the same structure but this time with an 85,000 N load applied
using the ‘most appropriate’ mesh density derived from Part I. Evaluate the results accordingly
and comment on any issues you may observe.

Requirements:
Write a report (not more than 2000 words excluding references, figure captions and appendices) with a
brief introduction and statement of the problem/aims, a description of the modelling
methodology/steps undertaken (e.g. analysis type, element type, justification for selection,
simplifications, etc.), details of the data obtained (graphs showing relationship of modelled maximum
stress vs. mesh density, sample displacement plots and any relevant contour plots deemed necessary)
together with comments/discussion on the results and comparisons of the predicted outputs against
the theoretical values (calculated). The assignment will be assessed based on a clear introduction and

CFD & FEA (04 31738), 2024/2025 - SLS


statement of the aims/objectives, structure of the report, model formulation, presentation of
modelled results data, discussion of the results (you are expected to discuss any observed
discrepancies between the predicted results/trends and calculated values and highlight reasons for the
variations and suggest possible solutions) and conclusions arising from the simulations together with
any relevant commentary/information pertaining to the problem.
This section is weighted at 70% of the assignment and the general marking criteria (incorporating
expectations of English language proficiency) is detailed in the module Canvas page.

SECTION B:

The structure shown in Figure 2 was modelled using three plane strain triangular shaped elements. The
loading and corresponding boundary conditions are shown together with the relevant material
properties provided. The nodal coordinates are in mm.

Poisson’s ratio, ν = 0.3

Thickness, t = 100.0 mm

Young’s modulus, E = 150 GPa

Figure 2: Structure modelled with plane strain elements

Requirements for Section B:


Using 2D stress analysis, determine the displacement vector of node 4 due to the loads applied on the
structure and calculate the corresponding strain (ε) and stress (σ) vectors in element (3). In your
solution, you will need to clearly show your working / calculations for the following components:

i) The stiffness matrix [k] for each of the 3 individual elements

ii) Formulation of the global stiffness matrix

iii) Assembly of the system equations with the appropriate boundary conditions / unknown
variables (nodal displacements, reaction forces etc.) in order that the displacements can be
calculated.

iv) The corresponding [B] and [D] matrices

This section is weighted at 30% of the assignment.

SUBMISSION:

Please ensure that you include both sections in a single document / file, which is to be submitted on
Canvas by 14:00 on Wednesday the 8th of January 2025.

CFD & FEA (04 31738), 2024/2025 - SLS

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