Bring Finite Element Analysis into your tolerance analysis system to account for flexible materials, parts, heat, force, and gravity
Analyze the Variation From Flexible Parts and Assembly Processes
Compliant vs. Rigid Modeling
Traditional variation analysis methods are considered to be "rigid-body" or "non-compliant" modeling; meaning, that every part within the assembly does not flex or would not be distorted through an assembly process such as welding, clamping or unclamping of an assembly fixture.
While this might be the case with a few machined components, most commodities and materials like sheet metal, plastics, aluminum, etc. can be heavily influenced through the manufacturing processes (both fabrication and assembly), thus changing the dimensional integrity or shape of the part/assembly. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to determine the stresses and displacements in mechanical objects and systems, and is the basis for this leading edge advancement in predictive analysis.
3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler, an add-on module to the 3DCS software solutions, utilizes FEA methods to accurately simulate variation of compliant parts and assemblies within the 3D Variation Analysis model.
Add Finite Element Analysis to Any Version of 3DCS with 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler Add-on
Combine 3DCS Compliant Modeler Add-on with Integrated Finite Element Analysis Solvers from our Industry Partners
Aircraft Skin to Stringers
Analyze Stretch, Clamp, and Rivets on Aluminum Skin
Heat Expansion on Exhaust System
Determine deformation from heat caused by environment or use
Simulate Clamps from Tooling
Analyze variation from clamping and unclamping parts during assembly
Accurate Finite Element Analysis FEA
Combine traditional tolerance analysis with FEA analysis to determine the impact of clamping, force, gravity and heat on your parts
Optimize Assembly and Manufacturing Processes
When welding, bolting, riveting or assembling parts, the order and the process can have as much of an effect on final results as the parts themselves. Riveting can stretch aircraft aluminum skin, assembling can bend and cause spring back, and bolting can warp materials. Simulate, test and determine the best order of operations and the impact these processes will have on your parts.
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Add Material Properties to Models
See how the material reacts to forces in the model and alters the amount of variation inherent in the system.
Use rubber bushings and washers. See how rivets and bolts affect aluminum sheets. Find out how environmental and operational heat deforms components.
When flexible parts are in an assembly, or the effects of gravity and force affect the final assembly, 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler can create more accurate results. Learn More →
Best Practices for Using 3DCS FEA Compliant Modeler
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Optimize Assembly and Manufacturing Processes
Determine optimal placement and order of operation for processes
When welding, bolting, riveting or assembling parts, the order and the process can have as much of an effect on final results as the parts themselves. Riveting can stretch aircraft aluminum skin, assembling can bend and cause spring back, and bolting can warp materials. Simulate, test and determine the best order of operations and the impact these processes will have on your parts.
Concentrated Force or Joining of Two Parts
Connect parts with welding or bolting
Determine how welding, bolting and connecting parts affects the dimensional characteristics of your product. Find out how the use of flexible materials like aluminum changes the way your product reacts to manufacturing processes.
Gravity, Thermal or Springback
Parts sag from their weight, or expand when welded or in use. Automotive hoods flex and bend to product springback force, and aluminum skin in aircraft stretches and distorts when riveted. Determine how these processes and forces affect your product's quality, and account for it through process change, tolerance changes or tooling.
Over Constrained Assemblies
How does pressure, force and tooling affect the dimensional quality?
Determine the changes to your product based on constraints, forces and operations.
Clamping and Manufacturing Sequences
Optimize assembly sequences and order of operation
Test different assembly sequences and processes such as welding, riveting, bolting and clamping to find optimal placements, order of operation and the effect on the assembly.
See for Yourself
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How does pressure, force, and tooling affect the dimensional quality?
Determine the changes to your product based on constraints, forces, and operations.
