I have carried out a few design analyses with Pro Mechanica and understand that the following steps need to be executed to analyze any part. Please correct me if I am wrong below : -
1. Design the part.
2. Open Mechanica application from the menu.
3. Define loads and constraints.
4.Define material properties (SS, graphite, etc)
5. Define mesh (generally AutoGEM creates a mesh automatically, but we can define the element size)
6. Open analysis window and define type of analysis(single pass, multi-pass etc)
7. Start analysis
8. View reports
Based on the video Lec 21 | MIT Finite Element Procedures for Solids and Structures, Nonlinear Analysis - YouTube , I came across a few queries that need clarification : -
1. Is it possible to analyse a part with only loads and no constraints(tensile loads in the opposite directions at opposite ends of a part or compressive loads squeezing a part)?
2. Where to I check the plasticity and permanent deformation effects on a part? The reports in point 8 above show different levels of von mises stress across the part so I assume that if the stress levels cross the yield strength of the material then the deformation is permanent. Can anyone confirm this?
Edit: After my discussion with Steven Dunker earlier on this forum, I went ahead and took up FEA to develop better understanding of the topic. My understanding stems from reading texts/watching videos of Klaus Jurgen Bathe and might be outdated in the current context so feel free to add to my knowledge wherever you find fit.
Thanks in advance,
Lucky