Product Simulation with Inventor Nastran
Product Simulation with Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computerized method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow, and other physical effects. Finite element analysis shows whether a product will break, wear out, or work the way it was designed. It is called analysis, but in the product development process, it is used to predict what is going to happen when the product is used.
In this course, you will learn the following skills:
- Apply the right analysis type for the task
- Simplify a model for simulation
- Select the right type of mesh and elements
- Apply loads
- Analyze the results of the simulation
Course modules
Knowing what phenomena is possible to simulate will help you to decide if mechanical analysis is the proper tool for the study that you need to do. Further, being aware of the analysis types that are available will lead to more quickly being able to select the study type that will have the types of loads that you need to apply and produce the type of output that you are interested in.
Before jumping in to the FEA environment, it can be prudent to consider employing certain modeling techniques within the CAD environment – in order to make for an easier set up of the analysis and faster solution. As an example, large assemblies or overly complicated geometry can result in large numbers of elements being created and will increase setup and analysis time. There are several guidelines to consider during the CAD model preparation phase that can simplify the FEA process and help to control the size of the FEA models.
Being able to utilize the various element types will add a useful skillset when performing finite element analysis while knowing the options available to you in regards to meshing can make for a more efficient model. Finally, knowing how to obtain a converged mesh is important for the accuracy of the solution.
Being aware of the types of loads available and the ways in which you can apply them to your geometry is fundamental to your being able to successfully set up and analyze geometry that is representative of the conditions your geometry will experience.
Being aware of the types of constraints available and the ways in which you can apply them to your geometry is fundamental to your being able to successfully set up and analyze geometry that is representative of the conditions your geometry will experience.
Being aware of the types of contact available and how you can apply contact to your geometry is fundamental to your being able to successfully set up and analyze geometry that is representative of the conditions your geometry will experience.
Having knowledge of the connectors available and how to utilize them can simplify the setup and significantly reduce the element count – making for a faster solution. While perhaps not a part of every simulation that you run, it is advantageous to have the awareness of them so that you can consider them – when applicable to your geometry.