FEM tutorial: Difference between revisions

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=== Introduction === <!--T:8-->
=== Introduction === <!--T:8-->
This tutorial is meant to introduce the reader to the basic workflow of the FEM Workbench, as well as most of the tools that are available to perform a static analysis.
This tutorial is meant to introduce the reader to the basic workflow of the FEM Module, as well as most of the tools that are available to perform a static analysis.


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Revision as of 06:24, 1 February 2016

Tutorial
Topic
{{{Topic}}}
Level
Beginner
Time to complete
10 minutes + Solver time
Authors
Drei
FreeCAD version
0.16 or above
Example files
See also
None

Introduction

This tutorial is meant to introduce the reader to the basic workflow of the FEM Module, as well as most of the tools that are available to perform a static analysis.

Requirements

  • For working with FreeCADs FEM_Module it is STONGLY recommended to use version 0.16 or above.
  • The use of FreeCADs FEM_Module requires the installation of some external software. Check FEM_Install for further install instructions.
  • The reader has the basic knowledge to use the Part and PartDesign Workbenches

Procedure

Modeling

In this example a Cube is used as the study object, but models created in the Part or PartDesign Workbenches can be used instead.

  1. Create a new document
  2. Activate the Part Workbench
  3. Create a Cube

Now we have a model with which to work with.

Meshing the model

  1. Switch to the FEM Workbench
Netgen
  1. Select the model
  2. Select File:Fem FemMesh.svg Create FEM mesh
  3. Click Ok
  4. Select the Mesh from the Tree View
  5. Click New mechanical analysis from the menu to create an analysis from the mesh that was created.

You can also drag and drop a mesh to a Mechanical Analysis that does not have a mesh within the Tree View.

GMSH

The usage of psicofil's macro is recommended, and is used for this example.

  1. Activate the macro
  2. Select the object you wish to use, in this case our Cube
  3. Check the box Create Mechanical Analysis from mesh
  4. Click OK

We have now meshed our object and are ready to add constraints and forces.

Constraints and Forces

  1. Hide the mesh from the Tree View.
  2. Show the original model
  3. Select Create FEM fixed constraint
  4. Select the bottom face of the Box and click OK
  5. Select Create FEM force constraint
  6. Select the top face of the Box and set the Area load value to 20 000
  7. Click OK

We now have established the restrictions and forces for our static study.

Final preparations

  1. Select File:Fem Material.svg Mechanical material... and choose Steel-generic as the material
  2. Click OK

Running the Solver

  1. Select File:Fem NewAnalysis.svg Start calculation from the menu
  2. Select Write Calculix Input File
  3. Select Run Calculix
  4. Click Close

Analyzing Results

  1. Select File:Fem Result.svg Show result
  2. Choose among the different Result types to view the results
  3. The slider at the bottom can be used to alter the mesh to view the deformation in a simplified manner
  4. To remove the results select File:Fem PurgeResults.png Purge results

We are now finished with the basic workflow for the FEM Module.