Common Analysis

Types in FEA
Lecture 2
 Introduction
• 3D model in a Solid Modeler like SolidWorks etc. and import into
FEA Software seems to be the easiest method but can be overkill
for some problems and may lead to incorrect results.

• Always consider in mind that Choice of modelling depends on

• Geometry

• Time & Resources

• Goals of Study

• For example, if effects of adding a fillet to a beam is to be evaluated,

2D model plane stress is best, however for exact stresses in a 3D
structure then more complicated models are required.
 Plane
Stress
1
Solid Model
Plane
Whenever you 2 Strain
7 are given an
FEA problem,
think about
solving it
Plate/Shell
from number
6 3 Axisymmetric
Model 1 then
onwards

5 4
Planar
Symmetry/Anti- Beam
symmetry Simulation 3D
 Why are Planar Models
better?
• Many structures that are three-dimensional can be
satisfactorily represented as two-dimensional
problems.

• Simpler models are more accurate from solution

standpoint and the results are more easy to
comprehend.

• Planar solutions are especially good for Non-

Linear simulations covered later in the course.
 Which Stress
Result is easier
to comprehend? Planar
Result

3D Result

3D Result
1: Plane Stress
Modelling
First Technique
Plane Stress Modelling
• Behavior of interest occurs in such a manner that there is no
stress component normal to the plane of action which
means that one of the three principal stresses is zero.

• Planar models can be identified by looking for geometry that

are essentially extrusions of a group of planar cross-
sections.

• Loads and constrains should not push or pull the geometry

out of the initial plane. There will be some strain due to
poisson’s ratio which has to be identified and ignored.

• Depth of the Plane cross section is small as compared to size

of cross-section.
Plane Stress Modelling
• In the plane stress case, any stress
component related to the z direction is
zero, that is,

• σz =τyz =τzx =0 (εz ≠ 0 and ignored)

• A thin planar structure with constant
thickness and loading within the plane of
the structure (xy-plane) can be regarded
as a plane stress case
 Workshop Exercise
A short Exercise which should take a couple of
minutes and mailed to the instructor

Identify and Sketch the Planar Stress

Profiles in the Next Slide and Mail the
Sketches in terms of Images to the
Instructor
Model 1 Model 2

Model 3 Model 4