My initial 46-day programme - applying a Finite Element Analysis modelling computer-package to engineering challenges which I have previously encountered in my career - without concerning myself about how Finite Element Analysis works "under the hood" (North-American English) / "under the bonnet" (British English) (in likeness to driving a car without knowing how a car works)
My subsequent surprise step - taking an interest in and studying the mathematical basis of Finite Element Analysis .
I encountered a poorly-performing structure where a horizontal beam was intersected at its mid-length by a side-column. Quite small side-forces applied to the top of the column produced large displacements (it was not very rigid), and permanent deformation readily resulted, giving a permanently inclined column.
My instinct was that stiffener-plates spanning the web of the
intersected beam would be very beneficial.
Here is
my FEA model of the structure without and with stiffener-plates
.
Finite element analysis model of an orthotropic bridge deck - a lighterweight bridgedeck stiffened by longitudinal U-ribs and transverse T-bars
Finite Element Analysis modelling using shell-elements for an economic FEA solution contributing to a new high-performing category of machine-chassis becoming economically feasible for ad-hoc applications.
Time for me to investigate this topic - and it proved to be very informative "giving it a whirl". The abstruse (?) case of fillet-weld weld-toe geometry proved a winner...
On a construction job, where I was working as a welder and
steel-erector, I visualised a special-purpose "crane" / lifting and
transporting device.
Lifting equipment of all forms in the UK comes under the legislative
reach of the "Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
1998" ("LOLER").
In this case, the potential advantages makes worthwhile the effort of
proving a custom equipment.
Finite Element'ing this conceptualised mobile lifting-frame
is part of that safety-case. As well as overall showing the idea.
I made this real-world physical test for the strength of fillet welds;
the
beam-configuration fillet-weld tensile test
- the BCFWTT.
I used FEA to analyse how it behaved. Essentially; does it do what
I'd like it to be doing (answer : yes)
Compares response to pressure of plain disc piston ("simple") and piston with stiffer plates ("stiffened"). The FEA analysis of pistons .
No new content. The new webpage re-presents previous work for a different purpose. I've combined and edited (mainly trimmed) the 2016 and 2017 investigations into performing Finite Element Analysis modelling of fillet welds, becoming an article on what Finite Element Analysis modelling shows about fillet welds.
Finite Element Analysis investigation of fillet weld toe stress concentrations .