Final Element Analysis of a Bracket Part

This document provides a comprehensive walkthrough for performing a finite element analysis on a bracket part using SIM Center 3D. The process involves creating a mesh, assigning materials, applying boundary conditions, and running the simulation to analyze results.

Step 1

Begin by navigating to Applications and starting the pre-processor in SIM Center 3D.

Step 2

Proceed to FEM and Simulation to create a new finite element mesh document and a simulation document. Click OK to accept the standard parameters.

Step 3

You will be prompted to "Create EDLI part." Although this will be revisited later, for now, select the standard Nastran structural analysis. Create a solution by opting for a linear static simulation and accepting all default settings.

Step 4

An EDLI part will have been created and is marked with the letter 'I'. This part is intended for model defeaturing if needed. However, for this demo, proceed directly to the meshing tool.

Step 5

Select the part to mesh, in this case, the torque arm. Utilize the designated button to automatically set the element size based on the part's geometry, allowing for optimal element sizing.

Step 6

Choose to use linear Tetra elements to expedite the process and click OK. Once the part is meshed, proceed to create boundary conditions for the model.

Step 7

Before proceeding, assign a material to the part if none is defined. Expand the mesh collectors, edit the mesh properties, and change the material from undefined to a steel material from the database.

Step 8

Click OK to apply the material. With the material assigned, continue by navigating to the simulation file. A linear static solution should already be created.

Step 9

Constrain the necessary parts of the element by applying a simple fixed constraint at the desired point, followed by applying a force.

Step 10

Apply the force at the center point of the flange using a standard value, with the force directed vertically downwards.

Step 11

Confirm the settings by clicking OK. Begin the analysis by selecting Solve and then Run.

Step 12

Once the analysis completes, close any informational windows and load the results. Display the displacement magnitude on the part and review the von Mises stress at the element level.

Step 13

This concludes the demonstration. Thank you for following along.