Fall 2011, MET 425 - FEA Applications II

Prof. Dave Johnson, psuprofdj@psu.edu
Penn State - Erie, The Behrend College

HW-1:  Review FEA-1

Review Analysis Concepts from FEA-1

  A steel connecting rod is shown above.

This part was modeled by ANSYS Inc. for training purposes.  You may click here to access the ParaSolid File   
BETTER YET: Use a Right-click on this link, then "Save Target As...", then "Save as type: All Files", and use a file name like: "ConRod-4.x_t" 

The part is loaded with a 2000# compressive load acting from the small end toward the crankshaft end.  A load patch exists on the inside face of the small end hole for distributing the axial load.

Use ANSYS-Workbench to analyze this part. 

• LIST all assumptions and WHY you made them.  
  In this list make sure you address the following:
  • Q1:  2D or 3D modeling ?  
    Q2:  Should you use symmetry ?  
    Can you use symmetry ?  If so, define/show the model symmetry.
  • Q3:  Linear or Non-Linear Analysis ?  
    • yielding/plasticity ?  
    • changing contact between faces ?  
    • large deformation effects ?
  • Q4:  How will you constrain/support the model for a proper static structural simulation ?
  • Q5:  What other assumptions are you making ?
• After solving and evaluating the mesh error, refine the model carefully to reduce mesh error below 5%
• Turn in plots showing:
  • the element mesh (Document the number of node and elements;  List all element types)
  • the "environment" [ALL constraints and loads on the model]
  • vonMises Stress
  • deformed shape including mesh error
• Include an appropriate hand calc and comparison (a plot and conclusion statement) to support the FEA results