Exploring 1D, 2D, and 3D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in SolidWorks

Welcome back to our ongoing blog series on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks. In this post, we’ll delve into the different types of FEA —1D, 2D, and 3D analysis—and how each is used depending on the structure you are analyzing.  

Regardless of whether you are looking for tutorials on SolidWorks for students or SolidWorks for beginners, or interested in refining your skills, this comprehensive series is ideal for you!  

By the end of this guide, you'll be able to understand how and when to use each type of analysis and compare the results across the different methods. 

What is 1D, 2D, and 3D FEA? 

Finite Element Analysis can be classified into three categories based on the type of elements used for discretization (the process of breaking down a structure into smaller, simpler elements for analysis): 

1. 1D Elements: Simplified line elements between two nodes. 

2. 2D Elements: Surface elements like triangles or quadrilaterals. 

3. 3D Elements: Solid elements like tetrahedrons or cuboids. 

Let’s explore each in more detail. 

 1D Analysis 

1D elements are the simplest form of elements used in FEA. These are lines connecting two nodes, and they can be straight or curved. 1D analysis is appropriate when one of the dimensions of the structure is significantly larger than the other two.  A typical example would be beams, rods, bars, or pipes, where length dominates over cross-sectional dimensions. 

Example: Let’s say you have a long beam subjected to bending forces. In this case, 1D elements will provide accurate results with significantly reduced computational time. Using a more complex 3D analysis would be overkill, increasing computation time without improving the accuracy. 

In SolidWorks, you would create a 1D mesh for your beam, which simplifies the beam into a line split into several segments. 

2D Analysis 

2D elements come into play when two dimensions are much larger than the third. This type of analysis is often used for sheet metal components, plastic panels, or shells. In 2D analysis, surfaces are discretized using triangles or rectangles, typically with shell elements. 

For example, when analyzing instrument panels or sheet metal parts, you would use 2D elements. By doing this, you save computational resources while still achieving highly accurate results. 

In SolidWorks, the Shell option allows you to create a 2D mesh. This is particularly useful when you're working with thin structures where thickness is negligible compared to other dimensions. 

3D Analysis 

3D elements are required when no single dimension dominates. All dimensions of the structure are of comparable size, and the complexity of the structure demands 3D analysis. 3D elements include tetrahedrons and cuboids, which are used to discretize the entire volume of a 3D model. 

While 3D analysis provides the most accurate results, it also requires the most computational power. This method is best used for complex geometries, such as intricate mechanical parts, where precision is essential. 

In SolidWorks, you can create a 3D mesh for these types of models, ensuring that the internal stresses and deformations are captured in the analysis. 

Practical Example: 1D, 2D, and 3D Analysis of a Uniformly Loaded Cantilever Beam 

Now, let’s walk through a practical example of how to apply 1D, 2D, and 3D analysis on a cantilever beam subjected to a uniformly distributed load. 

Step 1: Create the Model 

• In SolidWorks, start by creating a square cantilever beam. Use a 30 mm side length and 500 mm length for the beam. 

Step 2: Perform a 3D Analysis 

1. Start by running a 3D analysis. 
2. Apply fixed geometry to one end of the beam and apply a 1,000 Newton force on the opposite face. 
3. Mesh the model using 3D elements like tetrahedrons. 
4. After running the simulation, you’ll find the maximum Von Mises stress developed in the model. For this case, it could be approximately 5,459 x 10^7 N/m². 

Step 3: Perform a 1D Analysis 

• For 1D analysis, simplify the beam into a line element. 
• Set the same fixed geometry and 1,000 Newton force on the beam, but this time apply the load to the entire line. 
• The 1D mesh will significantly reduce the number of elements, leading to faster computation without sacrificing accuracy. 
• Once complete, compare the stress results with the 3D analysis. 

Step 4: Perform a 2D Analysis 

• For the 2D analysis, discretize the surface of the beam into shell elements. 
• Select triangles or rectangles for the 2D mesh. 
• Again, apply the same force and fixed constraints. 
• After running the simulation, check the stress values and compare them to the 1D and 3D results. 

Comparison of Results 

To truly understand the benefits and trade-offs of each method, let’s compare the results: 

• 1D Analysis: Maximum deflection = 1.17 mm
• 2D Analysis: Maximum deflection = 1.13 mm 
• 3D Analysis: Maximum deflection = 1.102 mm

As you can see, the results are very close to each other. The 1D analysis is the fastest, while 3D analysis provides the most accurate results, though at the cost of higher computation time. 2D analysis offers a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency.

Conclusion 

In this SolidWorks tutorial, we’ve explored how to conduct 1D, 2D, and 3D FEA analyses on a uniformly loaded C-beam. We discussed when to use each type of analysis and walked through setting up and executing these analyses in SolidWorks. By comparing results, we saw how different approaches offer similar insights with varying complexity and computational demands. 

For those interested in diving deeper, check out our SolidWorks course online or SolidWorks FEA analysis course. Whether you’re pursuing a SolidWorks course with certificate, or looking for more advanced SolidWorks FEA analysis training, these resources will help you master SolidWorks FEA simulation. 

Stay tuned for our next blog post where we’ll delve into advanced FEA techniques and how they enhance engineering designs. Happy analyzing! 

This blog is part of our ongoing series on FEA Simulations using SolidWorks. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here

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