How can you optimize FEA to improve structure performance in extreme loading?

1) Choosing appropriate element type is important aspect of the analysis to get accurate results - As this impacts time taken by software and consumption of machine memory, like very fine elements will take more time and memory and opposite - 3D elements take more time and memory than 2D elements. Choosing 2D vs 3D elements can save lot of time if you are not required 2) Aspect ratio of elements also plays important role the obtaining accurate results Correct boundary conditions and inter connectivity of the elements assures the desired load transfer/distribution across the elements. Choosing the boundary conditions very near to the real condition is important to assure expected load transfer to foundation and element behaviour

FEA is a numerical method used to analyze the behavior of complex structures. As the analysis involved is time consuming, selecting the appropriate element type can significantly impact the result of the analysis. Element type affects the accuracy of the analysis. Indeed, choosing elements that correspond to the shape and behaviour of the actual structure can lead to more accurate results. The choice of the right element can also result in an optimized mesh, which will speed up the convergence of the solution, with results obtained in shorter timescales, thereby reducing the computational cost. Finally, the choice can be useful for carrying out sensitivity analyses with different types of elements to ensure the robustness of FEA results.

Choosing the correct element type is critical for the optimisation of FEA. Inappropriate element choice (such as low order elements) can result in analyses requiring more elements than necessary and in some cases results in inaccurate and perhaps incorrect results. Sensitivity (or parameteric) analyses can then be performed to determine which parameters that have greater influence on the structural behaviour. Incorrect boundary conditions will obviously cause incorrect structural response.

The right approach is proper representation of the structure by developing models. When this models are generated and all loads are being accounted for, it is then right to create restraints also known as boundary conditions that are consistent within the structural and geometric properties of the model

Optimizing FEA for improved structure performance under extreme loading involves refining mesh density, utilizing advanced material models, considering accurate loading conditions, performing sensitivity analyses and optimization studies, and validating results through experimental testing. These strategies enhance accuracy, capture local failure mechanisms, handle dynamic responses, identify critical design parameters, and ensure reliable structural designs, leading to enhanced performance and safety.

The application of well defined boundary conditions and loads ensures that the FEA faithfully represents the actual behaviour of the structure. It provides a realistic representation of the structure, enabling advanced analyses to be carried out for even more robust results. By applying the actions correctly to the structure, you can be sure of a reliable result, with a structure capable of resisting all conventional or extreme actions, as it allows the analysis of different loading cases to assess the structure's performance under various extreme conditions. Finally, a good definition of the boundary conditions avoids problems of singularities where deformations or stresses can have infinite values at certain points of the mesh.

We need predict as best as possible the loads that hold up the structure. standards and codes can assist in this determination.

In one of my recent project of design of blast resistance building of petrochemical industry by FEA analysis. Following is the thing which I observed one should kept in mind while applying loading 1.Both Static and dynamic Blast load should be applied 2.Application of Blast load as a point load at each node of plate by converting the same into point load. From Structure stability point of view one should check for ductility and rotation.

Aplica restricciones y condiciones de contorno realistas y precisas para simular correctamente el entorno de carga. Utiliza simetrías y condiciones de contorno periódicas cuando sea posible para reducir el tama?o del modelo y mejorar la eficiencia computacional.

LOS EJEMPLOS BASADOS EN EXPERIENCIAS REALES Y NO SOLO EN SITUACIONES FICTICIAS FACILTA QUE LOS RESULTADOS CONSIDEREN UN ESCENARIO REAL QUE PUEDA PROPORCIONAR LOS ELEMENTOS DE JUICIO PARA UNA CORRECTA RESOLUCION DEL PROBLEMA

Sensitivity analysis and optimisation help to identify critical design parameters and improve the efficiency and reliability of the structure. Sensitivity analysis can be useful to identify the parameters that most influence the results of structural behaviour, as it helps to understand how changes in specific parameters affect the performance of the structure. In addition, sensitivity analysis can reveal where stress levels are most sensitive to parameter variations, providing an accurate analysis of vulnerability under extreme loading. On the other hand, optimisation allows the finite element model to be refined through an iterative process that facilitates the convergence of the solution that meets the performance objectives.

EN LA ACTUALIDAD TENEMOS UNA ESTANDARIZACION EN LAS CALIDADES Y CARACTERISTICAS DE LOS DISTINTOS MATERIALES PARA EL DISE?O DE ESTRUCTURAS, PERO AUN EXISTEN SIRERTAS VARIACIONES DEPENDIENDO DE LA MARAC Y LA REGION DONDE SE OPTENGAN ESTOS MATERIALES POR LO QUE SE HACE INDISPENSABLE CONSIDERAR LOS PARAMETROS MAS GENERICOS LO QUE NOS PERMITIRA TENER RESULTADOS APLIACABLES EN LOS DISTINTOS MATERIALES

It is necessary to try to evaluate the structure first with a simplified model to be able to predict what is expected of behavior and after that begin the improvement modifications

In my experience Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a numerical method used to analyze the behavior of structures and systems under various conditions. Sensitivity analysis and optimization are two important aspects of FEA that contribute to improving the design and performance of a model.

Conduct design analyses to identify the parameters most influencing structural performance under extreme loading. Utilize optimization techniques to fine-tune design variables and enhance the structure's ability to withstand extreme conditions. Sometimes design analysis seems okay, but when we check for animation, which shows design faults,

Validation of FEA results ensures that the model accurately represents the real-world behaviour of the structure and improves reliability analysis. Indeed, it provides confidence in the accuracy of the FEA results. By comparing the results of your FEA analysis with experimental data, you can be sure that the simulation accurately captures the structural response to extreme loading conditions. Validation can reveal unexpected failure modes or behaviours that were not originally considered. This information can be decisive as it can help avoid costly modifications from the design phase onwards. Early detection of potential problems through validation can lead to cost-effective design improvements.

To validate and verify FEA results: Compare FEA results with experimental data or empirical formulas to assess accuracy and reliability. Check convergence, benchmark against known solutions, and compare with other numerical methods to ensure correctness and consistency. Perform validation and verification at different stages and address discrepancies or errors that arise. Seek expert input and peer review to enhance confidence in the FEA results.

Valida los resultados mediante pruebas experimentales para asegurarte de que el modelo predice con precisión el comportamiento real de la estructura.

LOS RESULTADOS QUE OBTENGAMOS EN LA PRACTICA PROFESIONAL DEVEN TENER SU COMPARATIVA CON SITUACIONES FICTISIAS APLICADAS EN LOS RESULTADOS DE LA FEA

The engineer's sensitivity and experience help to verify at specific points whether the results tend to the expected behavior.

Several other considerations can be taken into account when optimising FEA to improve structural performance Material behaviour can significantly affect the performance of the structure. The use of advanced material models e.g. non-linear elasticity, plasticity, viscoelasticity allows realistic material responses to be captured. The type of analysis is always important when performing FEA under extreme loading conditions. Some scenarios may involve time-dependent loading conditions, while others, such as explosion or impact loads, may require transient effects analysis. Finally , carrying out buckling analysis to identify the critical load levels can be very important, particularly for steel structures that may be subject to instability.

If you want to improve the accuracy, use minor modelling for that specified region of structure, use fine meshing for parts you think stress concentration is going to be there, choose appropriate failure criterion (max principal stress, von mises, etc), then compare with material capacity, and for simplification, you can start with ASD method.

Además de los pasos se?alados es importante precisar que una buena optimización mediante FEM requiere de bases sólidas en los fundamentos teóricos, una amplia comprensión de los sistemas estructurales, para saber qué resultados esperar

One of the most important skills in structural analysis is knowing how to simplify the components and the constraints while still maintaining the initial assumptions valid. In the case of complex structures it can be a good rule of thumb to simplify the geometry by reducing its components to 2D shell or 1D beam geometries. Then doing a more detailed refined submodel analysis on the most critical regions identified in the coarse simplified model.

If you have developed custom FEA code or are using commercial software, perform code verification tests to ensure that the implementation is correct. This involves testing the code against known analytical solutions or well-established benchmark problems.