Engineering 312

Engineering Graphics

Fall 2013

Assignment 27
Intro to Finite Element Analysis
We will use SolidWorks COSMOS to model stress and strain in a hook and a
conrod.
Deliverables:
1) A printout showing the stress distribution and strain in a hook, similar to
the figure shown below.
2) Submit a printout showing the stress distribution and strain in the conrod,
similar to the figure shown below.
3) A piece of paper showing your Force calculations for the conrod.
Finite Element Analysis
In general, FEA is a technique used to model the flow of some quantity thru a
volume of space. This flowing quantity" can be force flowing thru a solid object,
which we call stress. FEA can also be used to determine strain (or deflection),
which is how much an objects shape changes as a force is applied to it.
FEA can also be used to model actual fluid flow such as a liquids or gases
flowing thru pipes, nozzles, wings, and turbines, as well as weather and CGI
smoke, fire and water in video games and movies.

PART 1: COSMOS Tutorial

Tasks:
Start SolidWorks
Run: All Programs>SolidWorks>SolidWorks
2008 SP 5.0> SolidWorks 2008 SP 5.0
Find the Hook tutorial:
On the SolidWorks menu click
Help>Solidworks Tutorials
On the help window that opens, Click All
SolidWorks Tutorials
Click COSMOSXpress
Click COSMOSXpress Basic Functionality
Follow the tutorial directions.

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PART 2: Stress and Strain on Your Conrod

Tasks:
Import your conrod Rhinoceros model into SolidWorks. Use an analysis process
similar to that done for the hook. Restrain the top hole surface and apply a force
to the bottom hole surface. If you have any import issues, just remake a very
simplified conrod in Rhino and import again.
You will need to calculate the force to apply, as follows:
Use Newtons Law:
Force = Mass * Acceleration
Get acceleration from the engine time study assignment. We want the force in
Newtons, so you will have to convert the acceleration units from in/sec 2 to
m/sec2. (Google can do these conversions).
Get mass from:
Mass = Volume * Density
You can get volume from Rhinoceros
(Analyze>Mass Properties>Volume).
Make sure your Rhinoceros drawing
units are in inches first. Get the
volume in in3 and convert to m3.
Look up the density of steel. Convert
units to kg/m3.
Solve for Force and use this value in
SolidWorks.

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