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Structural Analysis (FEA)

Structural analysis tools are specialized software applications that predict the behavior and performance of structures under various loads, conditions, and environments. They are a core part of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) workflows, enabling engineers to evaluate strength, stiffness, durability, and safety before physical prototyping.

These tools simulate how a product will react to forces, vibrations, temperature changes, and impacts, ensuring that designs meet performance and safety standards while reducing development costs and time.

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How Structural Analysis is Done ?

1.Model Preparation

  • Import geometry from CAD or create simplified models.
  • Clean up and define materials, properties, and connections.

2.Meshing (except in meshless tools like SIMSOLID)

  • Discretize the model into finite elements for numerical analysis.

3.Load & Boundary Conditions

  • Apply forces, pressures, thermal effects, constraints, and contacts that replicate real-world conditions.

4.Solver Execution

  • Use the selected solver (OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Nastran, etc.) to calculate structural responses under defined conditions.

5.Post-Processing & Interpretation

  • Visualize results such as stresses, strains, displacements, vibration modes, and failure points.
  • Optimize design based on insights.

Benefits of Structural Analysis Tools

  • Reduce Physical Testing: Minimize prototypes, saving cost and time.
  • Improve Design Reliability: Identify weaknesses early in the design cycle.
  • Support Innovation: Enable lightweighting and material optimization.
  • Speed to Market: Accelerate decision-making with virtual validation.

Who needs Structural Analysis ?

  • Engineers and Manufacturers who need to reduce number of prototyping
  • Engineers who need better product performance and life cycle
…the comprehensive pre- and postprocessing solution of Simcenter 3D is a best-in-class simulation tool. With more and more requests for detailed analysis, this integrated CAD and CAE environment increases efficiency.
Didier Turlier
Structural Analysis Manager
Lohr

Solutions

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