The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been widely implemented by automotive companies and is used by design engineers as a tool during the product development process. Design engineers analyze their own designs while they are still in the form of easily modifiable CAD models to allow for quick turnaround times and to ensure prompt implementation of analysis results in the design process. While FEA software is readily available, successful use of FEA as a design tool still requires an understanding of FEA basics, familiarity with FEA process and commonly used modeling techniques, as well as an appreciation of inherent errors and their effect on the quality of results. When used properly, the FEA becomes a tremendous productivity tool, helping design engineers reduce product development time and cost. Misapplication of FEA however, may lead to erroneous design decisions, which are very expensive to correct later in the design process.
This six-session webinar provides design engineers with the skills necessary for proper use of FEA in the design process and to ensure that this powerful tool is implemented in the most efficient and productive way. Participants will study different types of analyses typically performed, discuss common misconceptions and traps in the FEA, and review Implementation of Management of FEA in the design environment. The webinar format will allow for some customization so problems of particular interest to participants and an exchange of FEA experiences may be discussed during the live sessions. Hands-on exercises focusing on the analysis of FEA errors and proper modeling techniques will be assigned.
All topics are illustrated by hands-on examples using FEA software SolidWorks® Simulation for which participants will be provided a Student License. Acquired skills, however, are not software specific and no prior exposure to FEA software is required. The eBook, "Engineering Analysis with SolidWorks® Simulation" by Paul Kurowski, will also be included in the course materials. In-class, hands-on exercises and between-session assignments will provide an opportunity to put what is learned into practice.
- Select preferable modeling approaches
- Analyze errors inherent to FEA results
- Identify FEA advantages and shortcomings
- Avoid mistakes and pitfalls in FEA
- Produce reliable results on time
- Request FEA analysis and use FEA results
- Provide effective FEA project management
- Ensure quality and cost-effectiveness of FEA projects
- Fundamental Concepts in the FEA
- Finite Element Analysis Process
- Origins and Types of FEA Errors
- Finite Element Mesh
- In-class Exercises
Session 2
- Control of Discretization Error ¿ Convergence Process
- Verification and Validation of FEA Results
- In-class Exercises
- Homework Assignment
Session 3
- Control of Modeling Error
- Types of Finite Elements
- Types of Boundary Conditions
- Useful Modeling Techniques
- In-class Exercises
- Homework Assignment
Session 4
- Modal Analysis
- Buckling Analysis
- In-class Exercises
- Homework Assignment
Session 5
- Nonlinear Geometry Analysis
- Nonlinear Material Analysis
- Contact Stress Analysis
- 2-3 in-class exercises
- Homework Assignment
Session 6
- Steady State Thermal Analysis
- Transient Thermal Analysis
- FEA Implementation
- FEA Project Management
- FEA Traps and Misconceptions
- Quiz in preparation to post-course learning assessment
Dr. Paul Kurowski is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. His teaching experience includes finite element analysis, machine design, mechanics of materials, kinematics and dynamics of machines, mechanical vibration and product development. He is also the President of Design Generator Inc., a consulting firm specializing in product development, design analysis and training in Computer Aided Engineering methods. Dr. Kurowski has published multiple technical papers and taught professional development seminars for SAE International, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, the Parametric Technology Corp. (PTC), Rand Worldwide, SolidWorks Corp. and other companies and professional organizations. He contributes regularly to several engineering publications focusing on the implementation of CAE methods into the product development process. He is a member of SAE International and the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario. Dr. Kurowski obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from Warsaw Technical University and completed postdoctoral work at Kyoto University.
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"I would recommend this course to everybody involved with FEA as it really imparts some vital practical aspects along with commonly associated errors and misconceptions. It definitely honed my understanding of FEA and its application skills."
Ashraf K. Pindari
Analysis Engineer
Wescast Industries Inc. "A must have for a thorough understanding of FEA skills and techniques."
Shoukath Ali
Product Development Engineer
Gates Rubber Company - London "If you have minimal exposure to FEA or have only been trained to use an FEA software package, you're probably doing something wrong. This course will help you figure out what."
Jesse Boyarski
Design Engineer
Seats, Inc. "Anyone using FEA software should take this course, that is if they want to use it correctly."
Timothy Gonzales
Design Engineer
Betts Spring Company "This is a good hands-on experience for engineers."
Mahmood Ronaghi
Research Safety Engineer
NIOSH "Very informative and directly applied to my job."
Winda Ruiz
R&D Engineer
NHK International