About | ECITTT | Conference Programme | Poster Abstracts (1.)
MAKING FEA PROFITABLE FOR SMALL COMPANIES
Marc Juwet, Karel KenisKaHo Sint-Lieven
Gebroeders Desmetstraat 1
B-9000 Gent
Belgium
E-Mail: karel.kenis@kahosl.be
E-Mail: marc.juwet@kahosl.be
Small companies often hesitate to introduce FEA because of a lot of preconceptions about this mathematical method. Lots of potential users think the method is expensive, inaccurate and very difficult.
KaHo Sint-Lieven (B) coordinated a research project on “efficient use of finite elements in product development and machine design”. The goal is to conquer these preconceptions with three project milestones:
- a software selection guide,
- a handbook for inexperienced users and
- a bundle with real life examples which are described in detail.
The software selection guide is summarized in a neatly arranged table. The important features of the 15, in Belgium mostly used FE software packages are described. The table supports the decision maker in his selection process for the appropriate software for his company. The handbook itself is the product of almost 4 man-years of testing. It should give answers to questions like:
- how can I make a CAD model which is re-usable for FE analysis,
- which type of element is best for this application,
- is the mesh fine enough or can it be coarser without too much loss in accuracy.
A big effort has been made to study the modelling of joints like bolts and welds. All possible techniques have been investigated and are compared with respect to modelling time, accuracy, software requirements.
The last part of the project consists of real life examples of which the complete analysis is described in detail including all problems and difficulties. These real life examples seem to be much appreciated by the readers.