Method of applying load on FEM

[sych]

Hi all, I found this website very helpful and Im hoping to get a helping hand to answer the following question.

Is it correct to model a structrue (e.g:cabinet) by assigning mass density to all the material and then apply acceleration factor to the model? can this method be used at all model?

 

[SWComposites]

Depends on what you are trying to simulate, what results you want from the model, and what you are going to use the results for. Please provide details.

 

[sych]

I'm self-learning FEMAP. I'll be sizing the shell of the cabinet and the attachments (angles, fasteners).

 

[SWComposites]

Cabinet for what? Where is it used? how is it loaded?

 

[40818]

Sych,
How would you stress the cabinet by hand??
If you cant answer that then maybe you should't be using FE o do the work for you. If you want to learn FE correctly, then stress the item by hand, then stress it by FE, and work out why you get differences.
There are many pitfalls to be aware of for the inexperienced by simply using FE. Take for example a simple cantilever beam (quads elems)with an end vertical load, then hold the end in all six degrees and have a massive amount of elements, You watch the stress just take of at the corners and go to infinity if you could have enough elements. Wont tell you why this is, its part of the learning!

 

[ThomasH]

Sych,

From your description you are trying to model the effect of selfweigth. Mass * acceleration (gravity) equals selfweight, so that should work.

However, having said that, are you trying to learn Femap or FEM? Because if you are trying to learn FEM I would recommend some basic theory before you start working with Femap. And definitly before you start working with real problems.

Good Luck

Thomas