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In this article we review the steps that should be followed during finite element analysis. To achieve meaningful results, all these steps should be understood well.

Problem Description

The problem here is FEA of a notched rectangular bar, figure (1) under tension load (F=10kN); then, compare the FEA results with academic findings.

Finite Element Analysis Steps

The flow chart (1) represents the steps that should be taken for carrying out a FEA.

steps for creating analysis — Flowchart (1)- Steps for Completing a FEA

It should be noted that after evaluation of analysis, most likely, it is needed to review the fixtures/ contacts and mesh density; then, run the analysis couple of more time to get more accurate results.

FEA with SolidWorks Simulation

Before starting the analysis, it should be noted that for this article SolidWorks Simulation 2018 was used, so you might see some differences if you are using different version of SolidWorks.

***** To keep this article concise, we are not going to list all of the possible ways of doing a task. Moreover, figure numbering will be restarted in each section.

1- Create a Study,

Open SolidWorks, Select Sketch command, Select the front plane and Draw the sketch in figure (1-1); then extrude it by 10mm.

Analysis Geometry Description — Figure (1-1)- Sketch for the Model

From the command manager, click on Simulation tab, figure (1-2).

SolidWorks Tabs — Figure (1-2)- Simulation Tab

If you cannot see this tab, right click on one of the existing tabs, and select simulations, figure (1-3).

command selection — Figure (1-3)- How to add Simulation into Existing Tabs

From the drop-down icon of “new study” select “New Study”, figure (1-4); next, rename the analysis to “Stress Concentration” and select “Static”, figure (1-5).

Analysis type selection and rename — Figure (1-5)- Analysis Rename and Simulation Type Selection

After study creation, SolidWorks Simulation automatically create a study folder figure (1-7), named “Stress Concentration” here.

Study Folder in SolidWorks Simulation — Figure (1-7)- Study Folder

2- Apply Material

Right click on part name (here, part1) and select Apply/ Edit Material…, figure (2-1); then, select “Plain Carbon Steel”; next, click on Apply bottom figure (2-2).

Drop down menu and apply material selection — Figure (2-1)- Apply Material to the Part

list of materials in SolidWorks and properties — Figure (2-2)- Material Selection

Just a note, red properties in the material properties table (like Elastic Modulus in here), means that they are mandatory properties for that simulation type and should not be empty.

After assigning material, a green tick will be added to the part icon, figure (2-3).

part icon change to have green tick — Figure (2-3)- Green tick on Part, after material assigned

3- Apply Fixture

Before starting this section, let us quickly review the available standard fixtures in SolidWorks Simulation Table (3-1), advanced fixtures will be reviewed in the future lessens.

List of standard fixtures — Table (3-1)- Standard Fixtures in SolidWorks Simulation

Right click on the Fixtures and select “Fixed Geometry”; then select either of side faces, figure (3-1), click OK.

Face selection to apply fixture — Figure (3-1)- Apply “Fixed Geometry” Fixture to one of the side faces

4- Define the Load

Before applying load to the part, we review the Standard External Forces in table (4-1). Advanced External Forces will be reviewed in more relevant lessens.

list of standard external force types — Table (4-1)- Standard External Forces

To apply load, right click on External Loads and select Force, select the opposite face to the fixture face (in step 3), select Normal, in the Units select SI; next, type 10000 in force value, tick the Reverse direction box if required, and click OK, figure (4-2).

how to define load — Figure (4-2)- How to apply load

5- Mesh the Model

Right click on the Mesh and select Create Mesh… (5-1).

Keep Mesh Density as it is, for automesher algorithm, select Curvature-base mesh, keep “maximum element size”, “minimum element size” and “element size growth ratio” as they are. Keep Draft Quality Mesh, unchecked, figure (5-2).

Mesh Setting — Figure (5-2)- Mesh Set up

The differences between automesher types are presented in table (5-1).

Table (5-1)- Short Review of SolidWorks Simulation Automeshers

Note: as advised in the beginning of this paper, the version of SW is 2018, in the last version of SW (SW21) the algorithm for “Blended Curvature” automesher well developed and is the most recommended automesher for this version (SW21).

What is Next:

In the next paper, we will run this analysis, review and discuss the results.

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