FEM Analysis

Strength calculations by SSEB engineers

FEM analyses (Finite Element Method analyses) or FEA (Finite Element Analysis) are strengths calculations. SSEB’s team of engineers is very experienced in executing FEM analyses. Thanks to FEM analyses, the SSEB engineers can realize smart and profitable solutions that work and meet the main standards.

Calculating at an early stage in the development process how elements behave, to discover construction problems and, subsequently, optimize the construction, is smart. It ensures SSEB customers of a very short try-out time, as good FEM analyses prevent unnecessary testing and time losses.

SSEB engineers carry out FEM analyses or strength calculations for steel, stainless steel, titanium and aluminum. They use the Siemens NX system to do so. Making FEM analyses is a specialization that requires theoretical know-how as well as practical experience and expertise. This combination of know-how helps us to correctly interpret the results from the FEM analysis and arrive at the best solution.

FEM calculations enable SSEB to tell you more about the product behavior with regard to possible loads. Our engineers enter true forces and calculate the construction, such that the result is a display of the occurring forces. It can be done both statically and dynamically. Using the results, our engineers can indicate whether a construction meets your requirements. When the occurring forces are unacceptable, we will recommend changes with regard to the choice of materials or design. Testing existing standards or guidelines can also be done this way.

What is an FEM analysis?

Strength calculations are known by three names. FEM analysis (Finite Element Method), is also called FEA (Finite Element Analysis).

By means of a FEM analysis, complex shapes and compositions of materials can be judged on shape, strength, rigidity and fatigue. Thanks to the system, the analysis can be made much faster than before and the results are orderly shown in colors. The method translates a complex geometry into small, simple elements with an interdependence. The FEM analysis or strength calculation quickly shows where the critical zones are in the construction. In the color scheme, you see the forces from the inside of the material and the deformation of the outside. The strength calculation also gives the results with regard to the values you entered beforehand.

When entering the framework conditions, limitations and loads, the method can very closely simulate the real practice. Using the FEM software, the system is calculated to obtain a clear picture of how each element reacts. Next, a conclusion can be drawn with regard to the entire construction. By testing less or more materials on elements, we can quickly see the consequences for e.g. strength or rigidity of the product. We can analyze and test until the desired result has been achieved. The result could be a product that can be manufactured with less weight, more stability and more efficiency, while at the same time maintaining its strength and rigidity.

Even though FEM analyses come with beautiful color pictures, it is the know-how and experience of the SSEB engineer that determine the interpretation of the results and, thus, the final optimization.

Which FEM analyses are done?

Which FEM analysis is done depends on the situation. SSEB engineers know as no other which method is best suited for which situation. There are various types of FEM calculations and the various types can be combined as well.

Several types of FEM calculations SSEB engineers can carry out for you:

• Linear static FEM analysis – strength calculations
  This FEM analysis is carried out to optimize e.g. the weight of a construction and/or to verify the strength and rigidity of a product.
• Non-linear FEM analysis- strength calculations
  This strength calculation is carried out in the case of large deformations or deforming a non-linear material.

FEM analysis resident frequencies

Many products have one or more resident frequencies. Resonance occurs when a system is struck with a frequency that equals one of the resident frequencies. SSEB engineers can calculate the resident frequency of a construction.

• Kink and fold calculations – stability analyses
  A kink or fold can mean stability loss. SSEB can calculate the consequences of this form change.
• Shock calculations – forced vibrations
  These are time-dependent calculations. We look at how a construction reacts when it vibrates in various ways.
• Fatigue calculations
  Using the combination of their vast material know-how and FEM analysis, SSEB engineers can give you an insight in fatigue. This is a time-dependent calculation.
• Dynamic FEM analyses
  Various FEM analyses study the load of a construction from several points of view, and time also plays a role here. We call this dynamic FEM analyses. The reaction of the overall construction and of every partial construction can be analyzed with regard to all possible changes.

Want SSEB to carry out FEM analyses or strengths calculations?

Show one of our engineers your problem and he will tell you if and which FEM analysis will answer your question. Please contact us for an appointment, free of obligations!