Practical Stress Analysis and Finite Element Analysis (MS268)

SynopsisStress analysis and finite element analysis (FEA) solutions are established means of evaluating the integrity and survivability of structures subjected to loads and excitations. They provide a way to gaining insights and understanding of structural behaviours, and allow cost and time savings to be achieved through virtual testing, validation and prototyping. As a result, stress analysis based on finite element analysis is increasingly being integrated into the mainstream design and certification environment in almost every major industry.

Because of the approximation nature of FEA, it is essential for engineers to gain good appreciation of the practicality and limitations of the various assumptions and techniques. It is only through this knowledge that the finite element analysis becomes a very powerful and appropriate tool in engineering design and assessment calculations.

This course is not FEA-code specific and is intended for engineers wishing to gain some practical understanding of stress analysis and finite element analysis solutions in an engineering design environment. The focus is on good practices in the preparation of geometry and finite element model, solution setup and analysis techniques commonly deployed in linear static analysis. Limitations of these techniques will be highlighted. In addition, more advanced nonlinear solution techniques will also be presented and discussed.

What You Will Learn

• basic stress measures and stress calculations
• fundamentals of finite element method
• understanding and interpreting the scope of work
• differences between linear/nonlinear, static/dynamic solutions
• good practices in preprocessing of CAD geometries and material specifications
• generate good and effective finite element mesh
• how to correctly apply loads and boundary conditions
• how to choose an appropriate type of solution
• how to make use of the solution outputs
• development of an appropriate QA system for FEA
• How to keep abreast with the development in FEA technology

Who Should AttendThis course will benefit engineers who wish to gain practical understanding and appropriate use of stress analysis and finite element analysis. They include

• aeronautical engineers
• automotive engineers
• mechanical engineers
• structural/civil engineers 
• mechatronic engineers 
• engineers from other similar disciplines

PrerequisiteTechnical background (Bachelor's degree or above) or working experience in aeronautical, automotive, mechanical, structural, civil engineering disciplines or similar.

Course MethodologyThis course is conducted in a seminar room. Each participant will receive a set of course materials and a CD.

Course Duration3 days, 9am - 5pm

Course StructureDay 1

• Introduction to stress analysis
• Essential engineering units
• Essential stress measures
• Simple stress calculations
• Stress concentration factor
• Characteristics of statically indeterminate systems
• Overview of structural integrity assessment
• Workshops
• Introduction to finite element method

• Introduction to finite element method (cont.)
• Understanding and interpreting the scope of work
• Linear and nonlinear systems
• Different types of time and frequency domain solutions
• Guides for working with CAD geometries
• Effective finite element mesh
• Working with material properties
• Practical understanding of loads and boundary conditions
• Workshops

• Understanding and making sense of FEA results
• Verification and validation of FEA results (ASME V&V 10-2006 Standards)
• Developing a QA system for FEA
• Roles of simulation and analysis software
• Duty and responsibility of FEA engineers
• Continuous professional development (CPD) and NAFEMS
• Workshops