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Table Of Contents
710 | Chapter 24 Calculating Stress on 3D Parts
Using 3D FEA Calculations
To begin calculating the stress conditions on your model, you open the FEA
Calculation 3D dialog box. You work in this dialog box to choose the types
and quantity of loads and supports, and to define the loads and boundary
conditions.
Before you perform the calculation, you create a mesh on your 3D part. This
mesh is required to display the results of the calculation. The calculation is
displayed on your model using isoareas that define the limits of the stresses
and deformations. Tables are automatically created to define the calculations
for each isoarea.
Performing Finite Element Analyses
In the following exercise, you work with a lever that is loaded with a mass
and bolted at two faces. You reproduce these two points on the model as two
face supports, and define the mass as a face load at the front rectangular face.
Open the file md_ex03.dwg in the desktop\tutorial folder.
NOTE Back up the tutorial drawing files so you still have the original files if you
make a mistake. See Backing up Tutorial Drawing Files on page 40.
The drawing contains a 3D part, which is the basis for your calculations.
The first step is to open the FEA Calculations 3D dialog box.