Finite Element Analysis by Pro- Mechanica

Steps in FEA using Pro-Mechanica

Step 1: Draw part in Pro-Engineer Step 2: Start Pro-Mechanica Step 3: Choose the Model Type Step 4: Apply the constraints Step 5: Apply the loads Step 6: Assign the material Step 7: Run the Analysis Step 8: View the results by post-processing

Step 1: Creation of the part

Use Protrusion by Sweep to create this part (bar.prt)

Step 2: Starting Pro-Mechanica

In Pro-Engineer window, go to Applications Mechanica to start ProMechanica. The part (bar.prt) will be loaded in ProMechanica with a new set of icons for Structural, thermal Analysis

Step 3: Choosing the model type

In Mechanica menu, select Structure Model Model Type Four different models can be created:
3D Model Plane Stress Plane Strain 2D Axisymmetric

We will select 3D Model

Step 4: Applying the Constraints

Create a new constraint by Model Constraints New Surface Give a name for the constraints (fixed_face) and select the surface to be constrained Specify the constraints (in our case will be fixed for all degrees of freedom) Preview and press Ok

Step 5: Applying the loads

Similar to Constraints, create a new load by Model Load New Surface Give a name for the applied load (endload) Select the surface where the load will be applied Specify the loads (Fx:500, Fy:-250, Fz:0) Preview and press Ok

Step 6: Assigning the material

Model Materials A window will pop up with the list of ProMechanica materials. Add the required material and then assign the material to the part. Click on Edit if any change in material properties are to be made. Press Ok

Modeled part with constraints and loads

Step 7: Running the Analysis

In Mechanica menu, select Analysis Select File New Static in Analysis and Design Studies dialog box and give a name for the analysis (bar). The constraints and loads are automatically loaded. In Convergence tab, select Quick Check to check for errors and then select Multi-pass adaptive for the reliable and accurate results. Change the order of the polynomial and percentage of convergence as required. Finally, click on Run icon to start the analysis (click on Display Study Status to view the current status and completion of the analysis)

Step 8: Viewing the results

For post-processing, select Results from ProMechanica window A new window will open, and click on Insert a New Definition icon. In the dialog box, select the folder where the analysis is saved. Select Fringe as Display type, Stress as Quantity and von-mises as the stress component to display Similarly, other quantities can be displayed in one window.

Post-processing Results