ME 4042 Interactive Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

Homework #6 – NX-based FEA

Due: Thursday, Oct 10, 2019

In this homework assignment, you are tasked

with analyzing a plate with double V-Shaped
notches. The plate is subjected to a 50kN
distributed tension load. You must build the
geometry, complete a 2D and 3D FEA with
mesh convergence and hand validation. You
may use symmetry if you choose to.

1. In NX, create the geometry as shown with all dimensions in mm. The plate has a thickness of
10 mm and is made of “Steel” from the NX Material Library.
2. Develop a 2D FEA model in NX of this
geometry loaded to 50kN as described
above. Complete a mesh convergence with
a screenshot for each mesh iteration
showing both the von Mises stress results
and the mesh. Provide a mesh convergence
plot of Stress (y-axis) vs # of Elements (x-
axis) showing the mesh has converged to
within 5%.
3. Repeat Step #2 with 3D elements.
4. Use the Stress Concentration graphs to
validate your results.

In-Class Deliverables:
Please submit in class a short write up with the following sections.

2D FEA
Description of your initial meshing process, refinement process with element sizes. Describe with
words and images how you applied the loads and constraints to the model. Include screenshots of the
different mesh sizes with stress results. Screenshot of your final mesh including close up of the notch
tip. Mesh convergence plot of Stress (y-axis) vs # of Elements (x-axis).

3D FEA
Same as above for 3D FEA.

Validation and Discussion

Hand calculation of maximum stress using Stress Concentration graphs. Compare values from 2D
FEA, 3D FEA, and hand calculations. Discuss any discrepancies noted.
 Determining and Using Stress Concentrations Factors
Refer to your machine design or mechanics textbook for a more detailed review of stress
concentrations. A quick primer is provided here for your reference. The maximum stress, 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 , due
to the presence of a stress concentration is typically calculated by:
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐾𝑡 𝜎𝑛𝑜𝑚 (1)
where 𝐾𝑡 is the stress concentration factor and 𝜎𝑛𝑜𝑚 is the nominal stress at the reduced cross-section.
𝜎𝑛𝑜𝑚 is determined as follows:
𝑃
𝜎𝑛𝑜𝑚 = 𝐴 (2)
𝑛𝑒𝑡
where P is the normal load applied, and Anet is the net (reduced) cross-section. Kt is typically
determined experimentally, numerically, or analytically and most machine design textbooks provide
tables and graphs for many different stress concentration factors. One such chart that is applicable to
this homework problem is provide below and was adapted from N.A. Noda et al.

N.-A. Noda, M. Sera, and Y. Takase, "Stress concentration factors for round and flat test specimens with notches,"
International Journal of Fatigue, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 163-178, 1995.