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suitability of fea software

suitability of fea software

suitability of fea software

(OP)
i am designing welded steel structures for trafic security and need to find the stresses involved during impacts.  we are a small company and need only to work out the effects of impact forces, is there a cost effective FEA package that you know of? does it work inconjunction with ACAD LT?  

RE: suitability of fea software

The three FEA packages mentioned are quite capable but they have a substantial learning curve and cost lots of money.  

How precise does your analysis have to be?  There are a number of formulas used in shock and vibration analysis to size energy absorbing components based on impact forces.  Wouldn't it be sufficient to apply a little analysis to your structure, specify a 2 to 1 or three to 1 safety factor and then use one of the formulas for package design?



RE: suitability of fea software

(OP)
the analysis has to be close, within reason, i am just starting to find out my options and FEA although expensive and requiring training is of course tailoured for my research, however i think cost will be the main stumbler.  when you say analysis do you know where i can find the most practical math explanations instead of the general math in text books,
thanks for all your help

RE: suitability of fea software

I'm sure there are documents on the web that can provide some guidance in designing structures for impact.  You might want to locate one of the government MIL-STD specifications on that topic.  They usually explain the theory behind what the standard is designed for.

As for reference texts try the "Shock And Vibration Handbook".  I don't remember who the author is.  It covers a wide range of topics and I'm sure there is something about designing for impact.

Hope this helps.

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