Finite Element Analysis Skill

Purpose

The Finite Element Analysis skill provides deep integration with FEA tools for structural simulation, enabling systematic setup, execution, and post-processing of finite element models across static, dynamic, and nonlinear analysis domains.

Capabilities

• ANSYS Mechanical, Abaqus, NASTRAN model setup and execution
• Mesh generation strategies and quality assessment
• Element type selection and convergence studies
• Boundary condition specification and load case management
• Linear and nonlinear static analysis configuration
• Results post-processing and margin of safety calculation
• Mesh independence and sensitivity studies
• Report generation with stress/deflection contours

Usage Guidelines

Model Setup

Geometry Preparation

1. CAD Import and Cleanup

   • Defeature small holes and fillets (analysis dependent)
   • Remove unnecessary detail
   • Verify watertight geometry
   • Create symmetry conditions if applicable

2. Geometry Partitioning

   • Partition for mesh control
   • Create virtual topology for hex meshing
   • Identify contact surfaces
   • Define load application regions

Mesh Generation

1. Element Selection

   Analysis Type	Recommended Elements
   Static stress	Hex20, Tet10, Quad8
   Thin structures	Shell (QUAD4/8, TRIA3/6)
   Beam structures	BEAM/BAR elements
   Contact	Linear elements preferred
   Nonlinear	Reduced integration with hourglass control

2. Mesh Quality Criteria

   Aspect ratio: < 5 (< 3 preferred)
   Jacobian: > 0.6
   Warpage: < 15 degrees
   Skewness: < 0.8
   

3. Mesh Refinement

   • Refine at stress concentrations
   • Transition ratios < 1.5
   • Multiple elements through thickness
   • Convergence study requirements

Analysis Configuration

Boundary Conditions

1. Constraints

   • Fixed (all DOF constrained)
   • Pinned (translations fixed, rotations free)
   • Symmetry (appropriate DOF constrained)
   • Prescribed displacement

2. Best Practices

   • Avoid over-constraint
   • Use RBE2/RBE3 for load distribution
   • Consider realistic support stiffness
   • Document all assumptions

Load Application

1. Load Types

   • Pressure (uniform, hydrostatic)
   • Force (point, distributed)
   • Moment/torque
   • Thermal loads
   • Inertial loads (gravity, acceleration)

2. Load Cases

   • Define all operational load cases
   • Include limit and ultimate factors
   • Combine per applicable standards
   • Document load derivation

Results Post-Processing

Stress Evaluation

1. Stress Quantities

   • von Mises (ductile materials)
   • Principal stresses (fatigue, brittle)
   • Membrane + bending (shells)
   • Interlaminar (composites)

2. Margin of Safety

   MS = (Allowable / Applied) - 1
   MS > 0 indicates positive margin
   

3. Reporting

   • Maximum stress location and value
   • Stress contour plots
   • Deflection summary
   • Reaction forces verification

Process Integration

• ME-006: Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Setup and Execution
• ME-007: Stress and Deflection Analysis
• ME-009: Nonlinear Structural Analysis

Input Schema

{
  "geometry": "CAD file path or description",
  "material": {
    "name": "string",
    "E": "number (Pa)",
    "nu": "number",
    "yield": "number (Pa)",
    "ultimate": "number (Pa)"
  },
  "loads": [
    {
      "type": "pressure|force|moment|thermal",
      "magnitude": "number",
      "location": "string",
      "direction": "array [x,y,z]"
    }
  ],
  "constraints": [
    {
      "type": "fixed|pinned|symmetry",
      "location": "string",
      "dof": "array"
    }
  ],
  "analysis_type": "static|modal|nonlinear",
  "output_requests": ["stress", "displacement", "reactions"]
}

Output Schema

{
  "analysis_results": {
    "max_stress": {
      "von_mises": "number (Pa)",
      "location": "string",
      "element_id": "number"
    },
    "max_displacement": {
      "magnitude": "number (m)",
      "location": "string",
      "node_id": "number"
    },
    "reaction_forces": {
      "total": "array [Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz]"
    }
  },
  "margin_of_safety": {
    "yield": "number",
    "ultimate": "number",
    "critical_location": "string"
  },
  "mesh_quality": {
    "element_count": "number",
    "worst_aspect_ratio": "number",
    "convergence_status": "string"
  }
}

Best Practices

1. Always perform mesh convergence studies for critical analyses
2. Verify reaction forces match applied loads
3. Check for rigid body modes in modal analysis
4. Use appropriate element formulations for contact
5. Document all modeling assumptions and simplifications
6. Compare results with hand calculations where possible

Integration Points

• Connects with CAD Modeling for geometry import
• Feeds into Fatigue Life Prediction for durability assessment
• Supports Test Correlation for model validation
• Integrates with Thermal Analysis for coupled problems