O-rings are doughnut-shaped fluid sealing elements used in machines. These are typically made from an elastomer, but other materials such as thermoplastics and even metals and composites of various materials are used especially for high-temperature environments. The seal is formed when the O-ring is compressed or squeezed between two adjacent surfaces of the joint. The […]
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Finite Element Analysis of Bolted Connections: Part 2
After I published my article: “Bolted connections in ANSYS workbench part 1“, I was asked by several readers to write part 2. So here it is. The purpose of this post is to understand at the fundamental level: How bolted joints work. How simple analytical models compare with the FE models. How a simple, widely […]
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Understanding Material Stress-Strain Data
Stress-strain data is fundamental to the analysis of structures since important decisions related to failure and integrity of structures are based on this data and on material properties derived from this data. Therefore, it is very important that engineers have a good grasp of engineering material properties as well as how to convert test data from a mechanical testing device into stress strain curves useful for design and analysis
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Finite Element Analysis of Adhesive Bonded Joints
In this article, I’ll briefly discuss a simple analysis procedure to evaluate bonded structures using FEA. This procedure can be extended to the finite element analysis of more complex structures involving bonded joints. Adhesive bonded joints are an excellent alternative to mechanical fasteners and in some cases, it might be the only solution. Adhesive joints […]
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Bolted Connections in ANSYS Workbench: Part 1
There are many ways of modeling bolted connections using ANSYS workbench FE software. This article provides an overview of various methods including best practices. Here is my list in order of increasing complexity and modeling fidelity: No bolts – bonded connections Beam Bolts Spring Bolts 3D solid bolts 3D solid bolts with joint pretension load […]
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Finite Element Models of Varying Fidelity
Models of various fidelity can be used for analyzing structures or any physical system. The decision is made based on desired results as well as computational resources available. In this blog, I’ll compare finite element models of varying fidelity using ANSYS finite element analysis software. The example used for comparison is a simple tubular, cantilever […]
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Validating FEA Results
The purpose of this article is to post-process and understand FEA results by comparing with standard text book theory and hand calculations. I will use the example of a cantilever I-beam loaded by a point force at the end. Simple hand calculations based on fundamental equations of solid mechanics is the best way to validate finite […]
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