What is the purpose of FEA?
FEA simulations focus on testing the stresses a product may come under when in use.
The computer can then predict whether the product will break/fail as a result of those stresses. Results from these tests can then be used to improve the design.
What are the parameters for setting up FEA?
> Select a material for the model being tested.
Apply constraints or fixing points
Apply load(s)/forces in the correct position and/or direction and/or magnitude
Specify environmental conditions (e.g. temperature) that may affect the design.
Select static (fixed) or dynamic (moving) load, pressure or force variance over time
Set scale of units to achieve clearest visual results
What is the purpose of CFD?
CFD is a computer graphics tool used to generate realistic simulations fluid flows, air flows, particle flows and gaseous flows.
What are the parameters for setting up CFD?
> Select material
Apply constraints or fixing points
Apply direction of airflows/fluid flows.
Specify environmental conditions (e.g. temperature/items
surrounding the product that may affect its functionality or further restrict airflow/fluid flow).
Select pressure applied from the airflow/fluid
Set scale of units to achieve clearest visual results
What are the advantages of FEA and CFD?
- Allows testing to take place without the need for the physical testing and destruction of materials and products. This saves money and time.
- Results can be generated relatively quickly.
- Several tests can be carried out over and over with different variables applied (i.e. materials, temperatures, wind speeds etc) each time to assess the full performance of the product in question.
- Results can be animated & new graphics created. These can be shared with design teams, engineers, clients etc to explain the product.
- Allows for real time testing and editing of the model as tweaks are made.
What are the disadvantages of FEA and CFD?
- Results are not always reliable and user error when inputting data can produce poor results that don’t actually exist in the design.
- Specialist staff training is required to use the software and understand the results. This costs time and money.
- A massive amount of data is generated and it is easy to miss crucial information or read the data wrong unless the user is well trained in use of the software.
