FEA Objects

In ME'scope, SDM, FEA, and FEA Model Updating commands use the same industry-standard finite elements.
Finite elements are called FEA Objects in ME'scope

FEA Mass

An FEA Mass Object adds mass (or inertia) to one Point on a structure model

Using the FEA Assistant to Add Masses to a Model

FEA Spring & FEA Damper

An FEA Spring adds linear stiffness between two Points on a structure model. An FEA Damper adds linear damping between two Points on a structure model

Using the FEA Assistant to Add Springs & Dampers to a Model

FEA Rod

An FEA Rod is a linear element that applies translational force along its axis between two Points on a structure model.

Using the FEA Assistant to Add Rods to a Model

FEA Bar

An FEA Bar is a long slender linear element that applies translational force along its axis between two Points, and bending force at its two end-Points on a structure model.

Using the FEA Assistant to Add Bars to a Model

FEA Triangle & FEA Quad

FEA Triangles and FEA Quads are linear plate finite elements, also called membrane elements.

FEA Triangles & FEA Quads should be used to model parts of a structure that are relatively thin compared to their width & height dimensions. Otherwise, solid elements should be used.

Plate Stiffness Multiplier

The Stiffness Multiplier is used to increase or decrease the bending stiffness of FEA Triangle or an FEA Quad.  The bending stiffness is calculated as a function of its thickness and material properties.

The FEA Triangle & FEA Quad stiffness calculation assumes that the plate cross section consists of a uniform distribution of the plate material.

In cases where a plate cross section consists of two or more dissimilar materials, its bending stiffness could be greater or less than the stiffness calculated with a single material cross section.

 

Correct Point Selection for Adding Plates & Solid Elements.

Using the FEA Assistant to Add  FEA Triangles & FEA Quads

FEA Tetra, FEA Prism & FEA Brick

FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms & FEA Bricks are 3-dimensional solid finite elements.

FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms & FEA Bricks should be used to model parts of a structure that have approximately the same width, height, & length dimensions.

Using the FEA Assistant to Add FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms & FEA Bricks

Using the FEA Assistant, multiple FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms or FEA Bricks can be added to a selected Substructure in two ways,

  1. FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms or FEA Bricks can be added to any selected 3D Editable Substructure

  2. Or FEA Tetras, FEA Prisms or FEA Bricks can be added to any selected 2D Substructure that has been Extruded or Revolved into a 3D Substructure.