CAE (302050) TE Mech.

VIVA Questions and answers

VIVA Questions and Answers

TE (Mechanical Engineering)

Name of the Lab

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)

Course Code
302050

Prepared by:
Dr. Kiran Dattatray Devade

(An autonomous Institute)

Affiliated to

Savitribai Phule Pune University

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VIVA Questions and answers

Experiment No.1
Title of the Experiment: 1D Bar Element – Structural Linear Analysis

Viva Sample Questions and Answers:

1. What is Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

Answer: FEA is a numerical method used to approximate solutions to complex
engineering problems by dividing a large system into smaller, simpler parts called
finite elements. These elements are interconnected at nodes, and the equations
governing their behavior are solved to predict the behavior of the entire system.
2. What are the primary applications of FEA?
Answer: FEA is widely used in structural analysis (stress, strain, deflection), vibration
analysis (natural frequencies, mode shapes), thermal analysis (heat transfer, thermal
stresses), fluid dynamics, and electromagnetic analysis.
3. Describe a 1D bar element in FEA.
Answer: A 1D bar element is the simplest finite element used to model structures
subjected to axial loads. It has two nodes, each with a single degree of freedom (axial
displacement), and is characterized by properties such as length, cross-sectional area,
and material modulus of elasticity.

4. What assumptions are made in modeling a 1D bar element?

Answer: Assumptions include:
 The bar is perfectly straight and has a uniform cross-sectional area.
 Material behavior is linear-elastic, homogeneous, and isotropic.
 Deformations are small, and only axial loads are considered, neglecting
bending, torsion, and shear effects.

5. What are shape functions, and what is their role in FEA?

Answer: Shape functions are mathematical functions used to interpolate the solution
(e.g., displacement) within an element based on nodal values. For a 1D linear bar
element, the shape functions N1 and N2 are linear and defined as: N1(ξ)=1−ξ/2,
N2(ξ)=1+ξ/2 where, ξ is the local coordinate ranging from -1 to 1. These functions
ensure continuity between elements and approximate the field variable within the
element.

6. What are the steps involved in performing FEA using 1D bar elements?
Answer: The general steps include:
1. Discretization: Divide the structure into finite elements (meshing).
2. Selection of Element Type: Choose appropriate elements (e.g., 1D bar
elements for axial load analysis).
3. Derivation of Element Equations: Formulate stiffness matrices and load
vectors for each element.
4. Assembly: Combine element equations to form the global system equations.

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5. Application of Boundary Conditions: Incorporate supports, constraints, and

external loads.
6. Solution: Solve the global equations to find nodal displacements.
7. Post-Processing: Calculate derived quantities like strains and stresses.

7. How do you apply boundary conditions in a 1D bar element analysis?

Answer: Boundary conditions are applied by modifying the global stiffness matrix and
load vector to account for constraints (e.g., fixed supports) and external forces. This
typically involves setting the displacements at constrained nodes to zero and adjusting
the equations accordingly to solve for the unknown displacements at free nodes.

8. When would you choose to perform a nonlinear analysis instead of a linear one?
Answer: Nonlinear analysis is necessary when the assumptions of linearity are
violated, such as in cases involving large deformations, material nonlinearity (e.g.,
plasticity), or complex boundary conditions that cause nonlinear load-displacement
behavior.
9. What are the limitations of using 1D bar elements in structural analysis?
Answer: Limitations include:
 Inability to model bending, torsional, or shear effects.
 Unsuitability for analyzing complex geometries or loadings that induce multi-
axial stress states.
 Assumption of uniform cross-section and material properties along the element
length.

******

Experiment No.2

Title of the Experiment: Truss Analysis using 1D Element

Viva Sample Questions and Answers:

1. What is a truss in structural engineering?
Answer: A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at their
end points, typically arranged in interconnected triangles. This configuration
efficiently carries loads primarily through axial forces (tension or compression),
making trusses both strong and lightweight.
2. What assumptions are made in truss analysis?
Answer: Key assumptions include:
 Members are connected by frictionless pins.

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 Loads and reactions are applied only at the joints.

 Members are straight and experience only axial deformation.
 Self-weight of members is often neglected unless specified.
3. How is a truss modeled using 1D elements in FEA?
Answer: In FEA, each truss member is represented as a 1D element with properties
such as length, cross-sectional area, and material modulus of elasticity. Nodes are
placed at the joints, and each node typically has translational degrees of freedom in
two or three dimensions, depending on the analysis.
4. What is the significance of the stiffness matrix in truss analysis?
Answer: The stiffness matrix relates nodal displacements to applied forces. For a
truss element, it is derived based on the element's geometry and material properties
and is essential for assembling the global stiffness matrix of the entire structure.
5. What role do boundary conditions play in truss analysis?
Answer: Boundary conditions define how the truss is supported and are crucial for
ensuring a well-posed problem. They influence the global stiffness matrix and the
resulting displacement and force calculations.
6. How do you handle temperature effects in truss analysis?
Answer: Temperature changes can induce thermal strains in truss members. These
are accounted for by incorporating thermal expansion coefficients into the analysis,
leading to additional forces or displacements.
7. What are common sources of error in FEA of trusses?
Answer: Errors can arise from incorrect modeling assumptions, inadequate mesh
refinement, numerical inaccuracies, or improper application of boundary conditions
and loads.
******

Experiment No.3

Title of the Experiment: Plate with hole – Structural Linear Analysis.

Viva Sample Questions:

1. What is the significance of analyzing plates with holes in structural engineering?

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Answer: Plates with holes are common in engineering structures due to requirements
for bolts, rivets, or weight reduction. Analyzing these plates is crucial because holes
introduce stress concentrations, which can significantly affect the structural integrity
and load-bearing capacity.
2. Differentiate between thin and thick plates in the context of FEA.
Answer: Thin plates have a thickness much smaller than their other dimensions and
typically follow Kirchhoff-Love theory, assuming negligible transverse shear
deformation. Thick plates, with relatively greater thickness, require Mindlin-
Reissner theory considerations, accounting for transverse shear deformation. This
distinction influences the choice of element type and formulation in FEA.
3. How do you model a plate with a hole using 2D finite elements?
Answer: Modeling involves creating the geometry of the plate with the hole,
discretizing it into finite elements (meshing), assigning material properties, and
applying appropriate boundary conditions and loads. The mesh should be refined
around the hole to accurately capture stress concentrations.
4. What types of 2D elements are suitable for analyzing plates with holes?
Answer: Suitable 2D elements include quadrilateral or triangular plane stress
elements for thin plates and plane strain elements for thick plates, depending on the
problem's specifics. Higher-order elements can provide more accurate results,
especially in regions with high stress gradients.
5. Explain the concept of stress concentration and its relevance in plates with holes.
Answer: Stress concentration refers to localized increases in stress around
discontinuities such as holes. In plates with holes, the stress near the hole can be
several times higher than the nominal stress, making it a critical factor in design to
prevent failure.
6. How does the thickness of a plate influence stress distribution around a hole?
Answer: In thin plates, stress distribution around a hole is primarily planar, while in
thick plates, three-dimensional stress states, including out-of-plane stresses, become
significant. Thicker plates may exhibit lower stress concentrations due to the
distribution of stress over a larger volume.
7. What boundary conditions are appropriate when analyzing a plate with a hole under
tension?
Answer: Common boundary conditions include fixing one edge to prevent rigid body
motion and applying uniform tensile loads on the opposite edge. Symmetry

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boundary conditions can be applied if the geometry and loading are symmetric,
reducing computational effort.
8. How does mesh density affect the accuracy of FEA results in regions near holes?
Answer: A finer mesh density around the hole leads to more accurate stress
predictions by better capturing the stress gradient. However, it increases
computational cost, so a balance must be achieved between accuracy and efficiency.
9. How can you validate the FEA results of a plate with a hole?
Answer: Validation can be performed by comparing FEA results with analytical
solutions for simple cases, experimental data, or results from benchmark problems
documented in the literature. Consistency with theoretical stress concentration
factors also serves as a validation check.
*****

Experiment No.4

Title of the Experiment: Beam Element – Non-Linear Buckling Analysis.

Viva Sample Questions:

1. What is buckling in structural analysis?

Answer: Buckling refers to a sudden lateral deflection of a structural member subjected to
compressive stress, leading to a failure mode characterized by a loss of stability. This
phenomenon occurs when the compressive load reaches a critical level, causing the member
to deform significantly without an increase in load.
2. Differentiate between linear and non-linear buckling analysis.
Answer: Linear buckling analysis, also known as eigenvalue or bifurcation buckling analysis,
estimates the critical load at which a perfectly elastic structure becomes unstable. It assumes
linear behavior up to the point of buckling and does not account for imperfections or post-
buckling behavior. Non-linear buckling analysis, on the other hand, considers both geometric
non-linearity’s (large deformations) and material non-linearity’s (such as plasticity),
providing a more accurate prediction of buckling behavior, especially in real-world structures
with imperfections.
3. Why is non-linear buckling analysis important for beam elements?

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Answer: Non-linear buckling analysis is crucial for beam elements because it accounts for
real-world imperfections, large deformations, and material non-linearity’s that linear analysis
might overlook. This comprehensive approach ensures more accurate predictions of structural
behavior under critical loads, enhancing safety and reliability.
4. What role do initial imperfections play in non-linear buckling analysis?
Answer: Initial imperfections, such as slight deviations in geometry or material properties,
can significantly influence the buckling behavior of structures. Non-linear buckling analysis
incorporates these imperfections to simulate real-world conditions, leading to more accurate
predictions of critical loads and post-buckling behavior.
5. Explain the significance of the South well plot in buckling analysis.
Answer: The South well plot is a graphical method used to determine a structure's critical
buckling load experimentally. By plotting deflection versus load, engineers can extrapolate
the critical load without subjecting the structure to near-failure conditions, making it a
valuable tool for non-destructive testing.
6. How does material non-linearity affect buckling analysis?
Answer: Material non-linearity, such as plastic deformation, alters the stiffness and load-
bearing capacity of a structure. In buckling analysis, accounting for material non-linearity is
essential to accurately predict the critical load and post-buckling behavior, as materials may
yield before buckling occurs.
7. What are the limitations of linear buckling analysis?
Answer: Linear buckling analysis assumes perfect geometry and material behavior, neglecting
imperfections and non-linear responses. This simplification can lead to overestimations of
critical loads and an incomplete understanding of post-buckling behavior, potentially
compromising structural safety.
8. Describe the process of conducting a non-linear buckling analysis using finite element
methods.
Answer: Conducting a non-linear buckling analysis involves several steps:
Preprocessing: Define the geometry, material properties, and initial imperfections of the
beam element.
Meshing: Discretize the structure into finite elements.
Applying Loads and Boundary Conditions: Apply compressive loads and appropriate
constraints.
Solving: Use non-linear finite element analysis to incrementally apply loads, accounting for
geometric and material non-linearity’s.

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Post processing: Interpret results to identify the critical load and assess post-buckling
behavior.
9. What is the significance of eigenvalues in buckling analysis?
Answer: In buckling analysis, eigenvalues correspond to critical load factors at which a
structure becomes unstable. The lowest positive eigenvalue indicates the primary buckling
load, while higher eigenvalues represent subsequent buckling modes.
10. How can one validate the results of a non-linear buckling analysis?
Answer: Validation can be achieved by comparing analysis results with experimental data,
conducting mesh refinement studies to ensure convergence, and cross-referencing with
analytical solutions or established benchmarks to confirm accuracy.
*****

Experiment No.5

Title of the Experiment: Thermal Analysis – Static/Transient Analysis.

Viva Sample Questions:

1. What is the difference between static (steady-state) and transient thermal analysis?
Answer: Static or steady-state thermal analysis examines temperature distributions under
constant conditions over time, meaning temperatures remain unchanged as time progresses.
In contrast, transient thermal analysis evaluates how temperatures evolve over time when
subjected to varying conditions, capturing the system's response to time-dependent thermal
loads.
2. What are the primary assumptions made in steady-state thermal analysis?
Answer: The key assumptions include:
o No variation in temperature with time; the system has reached thermal equilibrium.
o Thermal properties (e.g., conductivity) are constant or may vary with temperature but
not with time.
o Heat generation within the system is balanced by heat dissipation.
3. How do you establish initial conditions for a transient thermal analysis?
Answer: Initial conditions are set by defining the temperature distribution throughout the
system at the beginning of the analysis (time = 0). This can be a uniform temperature or a
spatially varying temperature profile, depending on the problem's specifics.

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4. What are the common boundary conditions applied in thermal analyses?

Answer: Typical boundary conditions include:
o Specified Temperature (Dirichlet condition): Setting a fixed temperature on a
boundary.
o Specified Heat Flux (Neumann condition): Defining the heat flow per unit area across
a boundary.
o Convective Boundary Condition (Robin condition): Modeling heat transfer between a
boundary and the surrounding fluid, characterized by a heat transfer coefficient and
ambient temperature.
5. How does thermal conductivity affect heat transfer in a material?
Answer: Thermal conductivity is a material property that indicates its ability to conduct heat.
Higher thermal conductivity means the material can transfer heat more efficiently, leading to
quicker temperature equilibration, while lower thermal conductivity results in slower heat
transfer.

6. What is thermal diffusivity, and why is it important in transient thermal analysis?

Answer: Thermal diffusivity measures how quickly a material can adjust its temperature to
changes in thermal energy. It is defined as the ratio of thermal conductivity to the product of
density and specific heat capacity. High thermal diffusivity indicates rapid temperature
changes in response to thermal inputs, which is crucial in transient analyses to predict how
quickly a material responds to thermal variations.
7. Can you explain the concept of thermal resistance in the context of heat transfer?
Answer: Thermal resistance quantifies a material's opposition to heat flow. It is analogous to
electrical resistance in circuits and is calculated as the temperature difference across a material
divided by the heat flow through it. Thermal resistance is influenced by material properties,
geometry, and the nature of heat transfer (conduction, convection, or radiation).
8. What role does specific heat capacity play in transient thermal analysis?
Answer: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to change a material's
temperature by a certain amount. In transient thermal analysis, it determines how a material's
temperature changes over time when subjected to thermal loads. Materials with high specific
heat capacity can absorb more heat before their temperatures rise significantly, affecting the
system's thermal response time.
9. How do you model convective heat transfer in thermal analyses?

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Answer: Convective heat transfer is modeled using Newton's law of cooling, which relates
the heat transfer rate to the product of the heat transfer coefficient, the surface area, and the
temperature difference between the surface and the surrounding fluid. In simulations, this is
implemented as a boundary condition where the convective heat transfer coefficient and
ambient temperature are specified.
10. What is the significance of mesh density in thermal finite element analysis?
Answer: Mesh density refers to the number of elements used to discretize the geometry in
finite element analysis. A finer mesh (higher density) can capture temperature gradients more
accurately, leading to more precise results. However, it also increases computational
resources and time. Conversely, a coarser mesh reduces computational demand but may miss
critical thermal variations, affecting accuracy.

*****

Experiment No. 6

Title of the Experiment: Coupled Analysis – Structural and Thermal Analysis.

Viva Sample Questions:

1. What is coupled structural and thermal analysis?

Answer: It is an analysis method that simultaneously considers the interaction between
thermal and structural fields. Thermal loads can induce structural deformations, and
structural changes can affect thermal distributions. This coupling is vital for accurately
predicting the behavior of materials and structures under combined thermal and
mechanical loads.
2. Why is coupled analysis important in engineering?
Answer: In many engineering applications, structures are exposed to thermal loads that
can cause expansion, contraction, or stress development. Ignoring the coupling between
thermal and structural effects can lead to inaccurate predictions of structural behavior,
potentially resulting in design failures. Coupled analysis ensures that both thermal and
mechanical responses are considered, leading to safer and more efficient designs.
3. What are the common methods used for coupled structural and thermal analysis?
Answer: The two primary methods are:

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Sequential Coupling: Thermal analysis is performed first to determine temperature

distributions, which are then applied as loads in a subsequent structural analysis.
Direct (Fully) Coupled Analysis: Thermal and structural analyses are solved
simultaneously, capturing the interaction between thermal and mechanical fields in real-
time.
4. What are the challenges associated with coupled structural and thermal analysis?
Answer: Challenges include:
Material Property Variations: Material properties can change with temperature, affecting
both thermal and structural responses.
Nonlinearities: Thermal loads can introduce nonlinear behavior in materials and
structures, complicating the analysis.
Computational Complexity: Coupled analyses are computationally intensive due to the
need to solve both thermal and structural equations simultaneously.

5. Can you provide an example where coupled structural and thermal analysis is
essential?
Answer: In the design of a disc brake system, both thermal and structural analyses are
crucial. During braking, friction generates heat, leading to temperature rise and thermal
expansion. This thermal load can cause structural deformations and stresses, affecting
the brake's performance. A coupled analysis helps in understanding these interactions to
ensure the brake system's reliability and safety.

*****

Experiment No. 7

Title of the Experiment: Analysis of Machine components using 3D element, Stress and
deflection analysis of any machine component using 3-D elements.

Questions similar to experiment no. 1 to 6

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Experiment No. 8

Title of the Experiment: Non-Linear Analysis of Assembly using Contact Elements

Viva Sample Questions:

1.What is Non-Linear Analysis in the Context of Finite Element Analysis (FEA)?

Non-linear analysis in FEA refers to simulations where the relationship between applied forces and
displacements is not proportional. This non-linearity can arise from material behavior (e.g.,
plasticity), large deformations, or boundary conditions like contact between components. Such
analyses are crucial for accurately predicting the real-world performance of structures under various
loading conditions.
2. How Do Contact Elements Function in FEA?
Contact elements simulate interactions between separate bodies or components within an assembly.
They allow the analysis to account for phenomena such as separation, sliding, and friction between
parts. Implementing contact elements is essential for accurately modeling assemblies where
components interact under load.
3. What Are the Common Challenges Associated with Non-Linear Contact Analysis?
Non-linear contact analysis presents several challenges, including:
Convergence Issues: The iterative nature of solving non-linear equations can lead to convergence
difficulties, especially in complex contact scenarios.
Mesh Sensitivity: The accuracy of results can be highly dependent on mesh quality and density,
necessitating careful meshing strategies.
Computational Resources: Non-linear analyses are computationally intensive, often requiring
significant processing power and time.
Addressing these challenges involves selecting appropriate solution algorithms, refining mesh
quality, and ensuring sufficient computational resources.
4. How Does Friction Influence Contact Analysis?
Friction plays a critical role in contact analysis by affecting the transfer of forces between contacting
surfaces. It introduces additional non-linearity due to its dependence on relative motion and normal
forces. Accurately modeling friction is essential for realistic simulation outcomes, particularly in
assemblies where slipping or sticking conditions occur.
5. Can You Explain the Penalty Method in Contact Analysis?

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The penalty method is a numerical technique used to enforce contact constraints by introducing a
penalty stiffness. This approach allows a small amount of penetration between contacting bodies,
with the penalty stiffness controlling the degree of penetration. While relatively simple to implement,
choosing an appropriate penalty factor is crucial; too high a value can lead to numerical instability,
while too low a value may result in excessive penetration.
6. What Are the Differences Between Linear and Non-Linear Contact Analyses?
In linear contact analysis, it is assumed that contact conditions do not change during loading; the
contact status is predefined and remains constant. This simplification is suitable for small
deformations and when contact interfaces are firmly bonded.
In contrast, non-linear contact analysis allows for changes in contact conditions, such as opening,
closing, or sliding between surfaces, making it more appropriate for scenarios involving large
deformations or complex interactions.
7. How Do You Address Convergence Issues in Non-Linear Contact Analysis?
To mitigate convergence problems:
Incremental Loading: Apply loads gradually to allow the solver to adapt to non-linear responses.
Adaptive Meshing: Refine the mesh in regions with high gradients or where contact interactions are
critical.
Solver Settings: Adjust solver parameters, such as tolerance levels and iteration limits, to enhance
stability.
Contact Stabilization: Implement stabilization techniques to control oscillations in contact conditions.

*****

Experiment No. 9

Title of the Experiment: Modal analysis of cantilever beam

Viva Sample Questions:
1. What is modal analysis?
Modal analysis is a technique used to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a
structure. It helps in understanding how a structure will respond to dynamic loading conditions.
2. Why is modal analysis important for a cantilever beam?

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For a cantilever beam, modal analysis identifies its natural frequencies and corresponding mode
shapes. This information is crucial to avoid resonance, which can lead to excessive vibrations or
structural failure.
3. What are natural frequencies and mode shapes?
Natural frequencies are the specific frequencies at which a structure tends to vibrate when disturbed.
Mode shapes describe the deformation patterns of the structure at these frequencies.
4. How does the length of a cantilever beam affect its natural frequencies?
The natural frequencies of a cantilever beam are inversely proportional to the square of its length.
Doubling the length of the beam will decrease its natural frequencies by a factor of four.
5. What boundary conditions are applied in the modal analysis of a cantilever beam?
In a cantilever beam, one end is fixed, restricting all degrees of freedom, while the other end is free,
allowing displacement and rotation.
6. Which numerical methods are commonly used for modal analysis?
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a widely used numerical method for performing modal analysis,
allowing for the approximation of natural frequencies and mode shapes with high accuracy.
7. What is the significance of the mode shapes obtained from modal analysis?
Mode shapes indicate the deformation patterns of the structure at specific natural frequencies.
Understanding these patterns helps in designing structures to withstand dynamic loads and avoid
8. How can experimental modal analysis be conducted on a cantilever beam?
Experimental modal analysis can be performed by exciting the beam using impact hammers or
shakers and measuring the response with sensors like accelerometers. The collected data is then
processed to extract modal parameters.
9. What factors can affect the accuracy of modal analysis results?
Factors such as material properties, geometric dimensions, boundary conditions, and the accuracy of
the numerical model can influence the results of modal analysis.
10. How does damping influence the modal analysis of a cantilever beam?
While basic modal analysis often assumes no damping, in reality, damping affects the amplitude and
decay of vibrations. Incorporating damping into the analysis provides a more accurate representation
of the beam's dynamic behavior.
*****

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