2009

The total deformation is assumed to be small in comparison to the part
thickness. For example, if studying the deflection of a beam, the calculated
displacement must be less than the minimum cross-section of the beam.
The results are temperature-independent. The temperature is assumed not to
affect the material properties.
The CAD representation of the physical model is broken down into small
pieces (think of a 3D puzzle). This process is called meshing. The higher the
quality of the mesh (collection of elements), the better the mathematical
representation of the physical model. By combining the behaviors of each
element using simultaneous equations, you can predict the behavior of shapes
that would otherwise not be understood using basic closed form calculations
found in typical engineering handbooks.
The following is a block (element) with well-defined mechanical and modal
behaviors.
In this example of a simple part, the structural behavior would be difficult to
predict solving equations by hand.
8 | Chapter 1 Get Started With Stress Analysis