Structural vs. Mechanical

[Hurricanes]

I have a small problem at work. It seems that FEA is percieved to be the preserve of structural engineers.

What really gets me is work which in my mind is the domain of mechanical engineers, such as pressure vessel design and heat transfer problems, goes to the structural engineers. I don't understand the logic behind it, especially when they come to me (or one of the other mechanical engineers) asking about the pressure vessel code or how to calculate heat lost due to radiation!

I only get given FEA work if the structural guys are too busy, and even then management aren't that comfortable with it. (They don't let me put "Mechanical Engineer" on the fee offers, it has to be "FEA Engineer".)

Any ideas on how to get management to realise FEA is not solely a structural engineering discipline?

 

[Qshake]

Yes, sit down and educate the managers. Show them that you've the academic experience and theory to provide those services.

As a structural engineer with a strong background in engineering mechanics (i.e. Elasticity, Plasticity, FEA, Fracture Mechanics, etc) I would never touch a heat transfer problem. However I would remind you that there are some areas which can be shared and to me those are stress analysis, which can include pressure vessels. that said, I would think that those structural engineers should recognize their limits if they don't deal with vessels on a regular basis.

Regards,
Qshake

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[hokie66]

I agree with Qshake. Frankly, I think there are at least as many applications for FEA in mechanical engineering as in structural engineering. Most structural engineers, myself included, are not very sophisticated in the use of FEA methods in design, but rather rely on specialists among us when these tools are required.

 

[EddyC]

Here's how I divide up the world of "structures":

a) Slender structures subject to static loading - Civil background

b) Non-Slender structures subject to dynamic loading - Mechanical background

This is a generalization of course as there are sometimes overlaps in the two categories. Take Boeing as an example. Their ads for their aircraft structures department ask for candidates from either civil, mechanical or aero backgrounds. This is because all 3 disciplines have a background in the principles of stress/strain.

 

[Qshake]

As you note EddyC it is a generalization. Structural engineers are often involved in dynamic analysis for structures due to wind loading, machine vibration, ambient vibrations, and earthquake induced ground motions. Since mechanical engineers are required to take courses in mechanical vibrations and structural engineers require Structural dynamics where for each course, SDOF, MDOF, and a variety of transient and steady state vibration problems are tackled I think that both the SE and ME can tackle each of these problems.



Regards,
Qshake

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[Hurricanes]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I don't think it's got much to do with my academic credentials, rather an ingrained way of doing things here.

The head of the mechanical section is much more management orientated whereas the head of the structural section is very technically focused. I think this has lead to structural getting the 'more' technical problems and mechanical managing them over the years.

I agree there are huge crossovers between the two disciplines which adds to my frustration. Vibration/dynamics problems are never considered for the mechanical guys, yet the bulk of my masters involved nonlinear dynamics.

I don't think its that they don't trust me, rather its not really seen as part of my scope of work.

Trying to undo years of managements way thinking is not excatly easy. I do manage to get decent stuff to do, but I have to fight tooth and nail for it.

 

[Qshake]

Hurricane - You need to let management know and get your foot in the door on the analysis part. Otherwise it will not change.

Good luck.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[Hurricanes]

Qshake,

You're right, and I think I do have the door ajar. Its just the (almost) daily battles to convince people its ok for a mechanical engineer to do the work gets more than a bit frustrating.

I guess I am just having a whinge, wishing that work came to me rather then me fighting madly for it.

 

[FeX32]

The fact that you are fighting for technical work is a good thing. If you want them to notice you, you should do something out of the ordinary that the other guys would not do when you do get technical work to show them that you are the man for the job.
Impressing them should work most of the time. It will make them realize that they are wasting you.
good luck,



Fe

 

[hickdawg]

Completely backwards paridigm for me. In my world, us dumb structural guys are only trusted with the 2-d linear stuff with canned elements and and BC's and the mech guys get to do the cool stuff.

If you are strac enough to even talk about this, why do you work somewhere where you have to "fight " to do the type of analysis you want to do. Look around and if you are good (or even competent and hard working) you should be able to get paid to do the type of analysis you enjoy.

 

[corus]

I've always thought that FEA is a mathematical tool that is mainly used by engineers whatever their ilk. Or should that be 'abused by engineers'?

corus