COMPARISON OF BENDING IN BEAMS THROUGH FEA

AIM: TO RUN A FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF BENDING IN BEAMS USING SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION.

OBJECTIVE:

• To create 3D model of Beams.
• To perform Static structure analysis simulation study.
• To obtain a plot for Stress distribution.
• To obtain a plot for displacement.
• To obtain a plot of Strain.
• To compare the results for three study and conclude the best Beam.

OVERVIEW:

A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending. The loads applied to the beam result in reaction forces at the beam's support points. The total effect of all the forces acting on the beam is to produce shear forces and bending moments within the beam, that in turn induce internal stresses, strains and deflections of the beam. Beams are characterized by their manner of support, profile (shape of cross-section), equilibrium conditions, length, and their material.

In engineering, beams are of several types:

1. Simply supported – a beam supported on the ends which are free to rotate and have no moment resistance.
2. Fixed – a beam supported on both ends and restrained from rotation.
3. Over hanging – a simple beam extending beyond its support on one end.
4. Double overhanging – a simple beam with both ends extending beyond its supports on both ends.
5. Continuous – a beam extending over more than two supports.
6. Cantilever – a projecting beam fixed only at one end.
7. Trussed – a beam strengthened by adding a cable or rod to form a truss.

PROCEDURE:

Firstly, we will create 3D models of the beams

First Beam

Second Beam

Third Beam

Creating study as static structure analysis

Providing the material, as Alloy steel

Providing the Fixture geometry

Load is applied, as -

Creating mesh

Setting up the Results, as –

Stress

Displacement

Strain

Factor of safety

Then by clicking on the “run”

This procedure will be followed for all the three beams.

RESULTS:

Study-1 (First Beam)

Stress

Displacement

Strain

Factor of safety

Study-2 (Second Beam)

Stress

Displacement

Strain

Factor of safety

Study-3 (Third Beam)

Stress

Displacement

Strain

Factor of safety

COMPARISON PLOTS:

For First Beam

For Second Beam

For Third Beam

CONCLUSION:

We can conclude from the following comparison plots that

• Stress is lowest for first beam and highest for third beam.
• Displacement is lowest for first beam and highest for third beam.
• Strain is lowest for first beam and highest for third beam.
• Factor of safety is highest for first beam and lowest for third beam.

So, the first Beam is safer among all three Beams.

Link for Plots, Results –

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lrSWvRZzXSrGjrlWy1T_j0KOFiTgceLL/view?usp=sharing