When it comes to mechanical engineering, understanding fine element analysis (FEA) is one thing.
Knowing the different types of FEA helps you use different analysis to simulate more variables before putting a design in place.
Let’s take a look at a few of the different types of finite element analysis. We’ll explore why they’re valuable when analyzing stress on structures.
What Is Finite Element Analysis?
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a way to use calculations on how different elements might affect a structural or machine design.
This analysis is key to taking designs from the planning and testing stage to the buildout of structures and machines.
Using different methods allows the measurement of different types of elements, from fluids to wind to vibrations and more.
How Is Finite Element Analysis Used?
Using FEA can earn structural and mechanical validation across multiple industries. In some cases, mechanical certification depends on proof of completed FEA.
Finite Element Analysis is critical for:
- Certifying load capacity for lifting cranes
- Fatigue analysis for machines and machine parts
- Platform supports
- Brake or rotor lifetime certification
- Forensic analysis and validation
- Pressure vessel analysis
- Airport bridges
- Machine design
Testing during FEA includes different types of analysis.
Engineering Seismic Calculations
Not only does the structure need to be sound, but the location of the structure has to be sturdy.
Seismic analysis helps you understand your structure’s performance under different ground frequencies and vibrations.
Linear Static Analysis
With this form of FEA, we analyze a scaled model based on proportions.
If a structure is sound on a small scale, applying linear proportions to the full-scale structure should create the same scenarios.
Modal Analysis
All objects vibrate at a frequency. You can’t see the vibrations, but everything vibrates.
When you add more objects or outside factors, such as speed or wind, vibrations can increase or conflict.
Modal Analysis applies different forced vibrations to structures. These disruptive vibrations affect your structure in different ways.
The analysis allows you to make adjustments for vibrations in the design stage.
Thermal Engineering Analysis
Cold and heat also affect the structural design.
With thermal engineering analysis, we look at variances in temperature and how it impacts your structure.
Fluid Dynamic Calculations
In the oil and gas industry, it’s important to study how fluids behave while in motion. The density and flow of oil or gas can have a structural impact.
You can make changes to your structure’s design after understanding the potential impact of your product through a pipeline.
Use Finite Element Analysis to Solve Stress Problems
All structures endure stress. Using finite element analysis helps you build structures to withstand potential stress from multiple elements.
Using your company’s insight, our team pulls loads. Then we test performance against constraints and other stressors.
We are often able to validate customer designs. And we help our customers adjust designs to take care of negative results.
We have decades of mechanical engineering experience across various industries, including oil and gas, airline, manufacturing, and construction. Contact us for a detailed estimated of your mechanical design needs.