Analysis & Simulation

MEEN 4263/64

Why Conduct Analyses? It’s required Will the concept work? Feasibility? Component Sizing Material Selection Optimization Failure Analyses Reverse Engineering

Tools for Analysis/Simulation Brain – think through the problem Calculator & paper, draw it out! Excel Matlab, MathCad CAD packages – configuration, some

simulation (Solid Works with COSMOS) FEA – NEiNastran, Pro-Mechanica, COMSOL

MULTIPHYSICS, simple packages from book Fluent, ProEngineer Company-specific packages

Analysis vs. Simulation Similar concepts, Analysis is broader & more basic. Simulation typically involves a system or

complete structure, with FEA or CFD. I can simulate the vibration of a flat plate

with considerable confidence that it will be correct. See - www.engineer.tamuk.edu/departments/ieen/faculty/DrLPeel/Courses/CEEN5321/CEEN5321_Notes1.pdf

Helpful Notes, & Potential Pitfalls When using software:

Conduct a tutorial first. Conduct a simple simulation or analysis where you know the

answer. Watch units, keep units, and loads/parameters consistent. Guess properties or loads if you are not sure, but document. Look for ways to verify your results, try some simple

comparisons. Don’t treat software as a “Black Box”. Understand your

analyses. Ask someone else to check your work. Don’t be scared to try something new or different.

Sample Analyses…. Some of our later speakers will

discuss in great detail. Simple Excel Calculation…. NEiNastran notes