FEA engineering
finite element analysis
The finite element method was originally developed in the 50’s to solve solid-body issues. The term ''finite element'' itself was only introduced several years later.
This method actually goes further back than the 50’s, but during the course of research and development FEA was generalised to what it is today.
A common use of FEA is for the determination of stresses and displacements in mechanical objects and systems. However, it is also routinely used in the analysis of many other types of problems,
including those in heat transfer, fluid dynamics and electromagnetism.
FEA is able to handle complex systems that defy closed-form analytical solutions.
As an example we use the shelf of the sideboard. The shelf was placed on 4 rests and calculated with a simulated load of 30kg placed in the centre of the shelf.
The sagging of the shelf shown in the illustration is a magnification of 11 times the actual behaviour. The colour coding represent the load intensity in any given area of the shelf.
In the illustration 4 lighter areas can be seen hence a higher load intensity. These result due to the 30kg load being divided onto the 4 shelf holders.
Goal of a FEA simulation is:
- basic testing of durability,
- rationalising material,
- defining load capabilities,
- pre defining part geometry on the virtual model
