Engineering Analysis |
  
|
Engineering Analysis |
|
Besides the geometry analysis commands described in the previous paragraph, the T-FLEX CAD complex provides additional modules serving to conduct advanced model analysis: Finite Element Analysis and Dynamic Motion Analysis.
Finite Element Analysis – this is a T-FLEX Analysis module that serves to perform various types of finite element calculations:
•Static analysis allows calculating the state of stresses and strains in a structure under the impact of constant in time forces applied to the model;
•Frequency analysis allows calculating natural (resonant) frequencies of a structure and the respective vibration modes;
•Buckling analysis is important when designing structures, whose operation implies lasting influence of loads ranging in intensity;
•Thermal analysis is the module providing the capability of evaluating a heated product behavior under the impact of sources of heat and radiation.
•Forced oscillation analysis is carried out to predict the behavior of a structure under the influence of external influences that change according to a harmonic law.
•Fatigue analysis allows you to study the strength of a material under varying loads.
T-FLEX Analysis is oriented at solving physical problems in the three-dimensional formulation. All calculations rely on the finite element method (FEM). The product's mathematical approximation uses its equivalent replacement by a mesh of tetrahedral elements. At the same time, an associative relationship is maintained between the three-dimensional model of a part and the finite element model used in the calculations. Parametric modifications of the original solid model are automatically propagated into the meshed finite element model.
Results of finite element modeling (displacements and stresses)
The standard T-FLEX CAD distribution kit includes only a limited trial version of the finite element analysis module – Express Analysis. The Express Analysis is a light version of the T-FLEX Analysis module, specifically tuned for running simplified yet qualitatively sound strength studies. The user is provided with the necessary selection of load and restrained types. Based on the T-FLEX CAD model geometry, the automatic mesh generator creates a quality finite element discretization within the Express Analysis. Once the calculations are completed, the stress, strain, displacement and strength safety factor are output in a graphic form.
The fully functional T-FLEX Analysis finite element analysis module is sold separately.
For details on working with the finite element analysis module, please refer to the help system of the T-FLEX Analysis application. If the application is installed, its help system can be invoked from the textual menu or from the help menu (? > FEA Help).
Express calculation
The express calculation module is designed to familiarize with the functionality of the T-FLEX Analysis system and conduct simplified strength calculations. The express analysis module is included in the delivery of the T-FLEX CAD system and does not require special licenses.
Express calculation is a static calculation that has limitations. If there is no license for the full version, this type of calculation is the only one available when creating a new study.
The data recorded in the file containing the express calculation studies can be read if there is a license for the full module: at the same time, it is possible to perform calculations for a more complex calculation model.
Express Calculation has the same menu items as the full module, while commands that are not available in express calculation are inactive.
Express calculation limitations
•The calculation model can consist of only one element, i.e. individual parts can be calculated, but not the assembly unit as a whole.
•The FE-grid has a simplified dialog for setting parameters. The grid parameters are controlled by the "coarser/more precise" control.
•From the set of loads, only forces and pressures are available.
•Only full restraint is used as a restraints.
•When starting the calculation, there is no possibility to configure the solver.
•There is no export of calculation results.
•The list of results is limited to the following types: "Factor of safety by equivalent stess", "Equivalent stress", "Displacement, magnitude".
Dynamic Motion Analysis – this is the module that serves to run studies on dynamic behavior of various three-dimensional mechanical systems.
The dynamical analysis module is capable of solving the following studies:
•Analysis of the motion trajectory, velocity and acceleration of any point of a component in a mechanical system due to applied forces;
•Analysis of performance times of a mechanical system (the time to the target point, the time for vibrations to settle, etc.);
•Analysis of forces building up in components of a mechanical system during motion (reaction forces at the supports, joints, etc.).
A mechanism's model is defined as a system of solid bodies, joints, and loads. The data for the analysis is automatically accessed directly from the geometrical model created in the T-FLEX CAD system. The familiar tools of T-FLEX CAD are used in modeling, with mates and degrees of freedom employed to define relations between three-dimensional bodies. The system also provides the means of modeling the contact between arbitrary solid bodies, being capable of processing a simultaneous contact of hundreds and thousands of solid bodies of arbitrary shape.
Loads on solid bodies are defined as the initial linear and angular velocities, forces, moments, springs, gravity, etc. To read the results, special sampling elements are used. Numerous values are available for the analysis: coordinates, velocities, accelerations, reaction forces in joints, forces in springs, etc. The user can observe the model behavior from any viewpoint immediately during the actual calculation. One can create animation clips from the obtained results of a dynamic calculation.
The T-FLEX CAD standard distribution kit includes only a limited trial version of the dynamic analysis module – the Express Dynamic Analysis. The Express Analysis has certain limitations on load types and the ways of rendering dynamic analysis results (the tools to obtain numerical calculation results are not available). In the commercial module, the calculation results are displayed as graphs, dynamic vector arrows and as an array of numbers (graph points).
The fully functional dynamic analysis module can be purchased separately whenever needed.
More details on working with the dynamic analysis module are provided in the T-FLEX Dynamic Analysis manual.
Topics in this section: