Posted: April 2nd, 2015

FEA assignment

FEA assignment

EAT216 FEA Assignment 2014-2015 Page 1 of 3/Dave Knapton

1. INTRODUCTION
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a valuable design tool which can be utilized to offer a simulated predication of how complex 3D geometry will perform under certain loading conditions. Design software such as Solidworks can make the task relatively simple but the information given to the software and interpretation of the results requires significant understanding of the application. It is for this reason that a detailed report should accompany such analysis to convey the rationale for the study.
2. ANALYSIS AND DESIGN REPORT
2.1 The Task
Part A
You are to use Solidworks Simulation Xpress Analysis Wizard to analyse the geometry of the bracket as detailed in fig 1. Please pay careful attention not only to the geometry of the bracket but also the installation and loading condition. Please note, you may model this geometry from scratch using the drawing or alternatively use the Solidworks part file downloadable from Sunspace.
You will be awarded marks for Part A as follows:
Appropriate fixtures applied to the model to replicate real life application. 5 marks
Appropriate loads applied to the model to replicate real life application. 5 marks
Application of correct material. 5 marks
A written description to explain the reason for adding the fixtures and loads in the way you did.
15 marks
A written commentary to conclude the results, this should include as a minimum, reporting of the maximum stress and displacement experienced by the component and some analysis of the results with respect to the material yield strength should also be included. 10 marks
Part B
Once this initial analysis is complete, you are to use the results to inform a redesigned bracket and validate this with FEA. The technical performance of the bracket should be the focus of the re-design and thus you do not need to worry too much about other factors such as the manufacturability. A suitable starting target for the re-design should be that you are aiming to reduce the weight of the bracket by 10% minimum, without increasing the maximum deflection by more than 10%. You should not be constrained by these targets however, you may find these easy to exceed or you may find them extremely challenging, the result itself is not such a concern but your documented approach and clear reporting of the findings are of importance. Optimise the bracket to the best of your ability.
The constraints of the redesign are:
1) All fixing points of the bracket must remain the same, size and position.
2) The load bearing face must undergo no modification I terms of size or position.
3) The load itself must be the same size and direction.
The variables you are permitted to change are:
1) The geometry of the bracket.
2) The material of the bracket.
EAT216 FEA Assignment 2014-2015 Page 2 of 3
Dave Knapton
Marks for Part B will be awarded as follows:
Rationale for improvements based on analysis from the initial bracket. 20 marks
Documentation to show that comparable testing has occurred. 10 marks
A conclusion which reports the analysis results of the re-designed bracket compares the results with original. This should include as a minimum, reporting of the maximum stress and displacement experienced by the component. Some analysis of the results with respect to the material yield strength should also be included. 20marks
Accurate documentation of the design changes made. 10 marks
It is noted that Solidworks Simulation Express has a built in reporting feature. A computer generated report is not suitable for this assignment however, please write your own discussion of your process and include screen grabs where appropriate. Also you must rely on your own engineering knowledge to optimise the model and not use any automated software features.
If you adopt an iterative approach and wish to include data from incremental steps, please include these in appendices.
2.2 Report Requirements
Your submission should take the form of a report, not exceeding 8 pages (plus appendices if necessary), and address the items in the above marking scheme.
2.3 Submission Date Your report submission is to be uploaded to the relevant Dropbox on Sunspace by 23/04/15.
EAT216 FEA Assignment 2014-2015 Page 3 of 3
Dave Knapton
Figure 1 – The geometry, installation and loading condition of original bracket.

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