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Delta Engineering SE
Mechanical and Ocean Solutions

FEA (Finite Element Analysis) Using SolidWorks Simulation

FEA is used to ensure that structural and mechanical products will support their design loads. Classical stress analysis (CSA) is used on common structural components when mechanical properties are known. FEA is used on uncommon shapes whose mechanical properties are not known, or for structures that are too complex for CSA. When running an FEA analysis, a SolidWorks model of the product is constructed. This model is imported into SolidWorks Simulation, where material properties, boundary conditions and loads are applied. After the FEA analysis has been run, stress and deflection plots, like the examples shown below, are generated. The stress values in these plots are compared to the product's material yield strength to ensure he product's structural integrity.

The slide show below shows the FEA results of mechanical and structural components when subjected to their respective design loads.

Tent Support Structure Stress, Load = 100 mph (161km/hr) Wind.

Chain Hook Stress, Load = 5 kips (22.2 kN).

IPV Stress, External Pressure = 1000 psi (6.9 MPa).

Armored Cable Termination Stress, Load = 10 kips (44.5 kN).

Boat Lift Piling Support Stress, Load = 3 kips (13.3 kN).

BLAT Drive Pipe Stress, Load = 2000 kips (8.9 MN).

BLAT Top Breech Lock Stress, Load = 2000 kips (8.9 MN) .

Storage Tank Weldment Stress, Load = 24 kips (106.8 kN) .

Slurry Gate Valve Stress, Load = 90 psi (620.5 kPa) .

Slurry Gate Valve Deflection, Load = 90 psi (620.5 kPa) .

Anchor Chain Hook Stress, Load = 12 kips (53.37 kN) .

What FEA Can Do For You

FEA is used to calculate stress and deflection in mechanical and structural assemblies which are subjected to their design loads & whose complex geometries don't allow the use of CSA.

SolidWorks Simulation uses FEA to improve a product's reliability by predicting its behavior when subjected to it's design loads.

CLASSIC BEAM STRESS ANALYSIS EXAMPLE

Click on the STRESS FAILURE CRITERIA ICON below to see a MapleSoft Mathematics Software stress analysis that calculates stress & deflection in I-Beams when they are subjected to their maximum design load.