Finite Element Modelling
Finite element analysis (FEA) is a modelling tool that is now widely used in the design of new products. It can also be used to investigate failures in existing components. The materials research area within NPL has routinely used FEA for a range of applications such as
- modelling deformation behaviour
- predicting stess/strain concentrations (including failure studies)
- assessing the validity of test specimens/procedures
- a tool to asses the effect of geometric or material changes
To obtain reliable predictions from finite element analysis, the relevant materials model must be used, along with accurate materials properties data. Without these, FE predictions can be meaningless. NPL has a wealth of knowledge regarding materials testing, enabling the measurement of accurate materials property data for inclusion in FE analyses. There is ongoing research into the suitability of materials models for polymers and adhesives. As well as investigating the models generally available in FE packages NPL has developed and coded a new elastic-plastic model (the NPL cavitation model), which includes the influence of rubber-particle cavitation on the plastic deformation behaviour of the adhesive or polymer. A new model for the creep behaviour of plastics is currently being developed.
FE modelling of adhesives and plastics has covered a range of areas such as validation of test specimens, deformation predictions, parametric studies, prediction of environmental effects, impact behaviour, sensitivity modelling of injection moulded components, stress/strain predictions and failure analysis.
Work in other areas has included prediction of perceived hardness of soft-touch materials, stress and strain analysis of corrosion pits, stress/strain analysis of welded joints and modelling superalloys with orientation dependent moduli.
Related Research
For more information: Louise Crocker