FEM CalculiX Cantilever 3D: Difference between revisions

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|Author=[http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=User:Berndhahnebach Bernd]
|Author=[http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=User:Berndhahnebach Bernd]
|FCVersion=0.16.6377 or above
|FCVersion=0.16.6377 or above
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== Introduction == <!--T:2-->
== Introduction == <!--T:40-->
This example is meant to show how a simple Finite Element Analysis ('''FEA''') in FreeCAD's [[FEM_Module|FEM Workbench]] looks like in the FreeCAD interface and how the results can be visualized. It illustrates how to trigger a FEA and how to change the load value and load direction. Furthermore, since the example file is provided with any FreeCAD installation, it a useful and easy check to run for the purpose of ascertaining if the the FEM Workbench is set up properly.


<!--T:3-->
<!--T:2-->
This example is meant to show how a simple Finite Element Analysis ('''FEA''') in FreeCAD's [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]] looks like in the FreeCAD interface and how the results can be visualized. It illustrates how to trigger a FEA and how to change the load value and load direction. Furthermore, since the example file is provided with any FreeCAD installation, it a useful and easy check to run for the purpose of ascertaining if the the FEM Workbench is set up properly.

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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic00.jpg|700px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic00.jpg|700px]]
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== Requirements == <!--T:41-->


== Requirements == <!--T:5-->
<!--T:5-->
* A compatible version of FreeCAD designated in the tutorial overview.
* A compatible version of FreeCAD designated in the tutorial overview.
*: Use the {{MenuCommand|Help → About FreeCAD}} to see the version of FreeCAD installed
*: Use the {{MenuCommand|Help → About FreeCAD}} to see the version of FreeCAD installed
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== Set up the example file == <!--T:10-->
== Set up the example file == <!--T:10-->


=== Load Start Workbench === <!--T:11-->
=== Load Start Workbench === <!--T:42-->

<!--T:11-->
* Start FreeCAD
* Start FreeCAD
* The Start Workbench should be loaded
* The Start Workbench should be loaded


=== Load the example file === <!--T:32-->
=== Load the example file === <!--T:43-->

<!--T:32-->
* Go to the example projects and click on "Load an FEM analysis example"
* Go to the example projects and click on "Load an FEM analysis example"
* If due to further operations some geometry, constraints or the results are broken or deleted just repeat the steps above.
* If due to further operations some geometry, constraints or the results are broken or deleted just repeat the steps above.


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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic01.jpg|700px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic01.jpg|700px]]
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=== Activate the analysis container === <!--T:44-->


=== Activate the analysis container === <!--T:12-->
<!--T:12-->
* To work with an analysis the analysis has to be activated.
* To work with an analysis the analysis has to be activated.
* In [[tree view]] right click on the [[Image:FEM_Analysis.png|32px]] MechanicalAnalysis → Activate analysis
* In the [[Tree_view|tree view]], right click on the [[Image:FEM_Analysis.svg|24px]] {{Button|MechanicalAnalysis}}
* Choose {{Button|Activate analysis}}


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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic02.jpg|700px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic02.jpg|700px]]
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=== Analysis container and its objects === <!--T:45-->


=== Analysis container and its objects === <!--T:15-->
<!--T:15-->
* If the analysis is activated FreeCAD itself will change the current workbench to FEM.
* If the analysis is activated FreeCAD itself will change the current workbench to FEM.
* There are at least the 5 objects needed to make a static mechanical analysis.
* There are at least the 5 objects needed to make a static mechanical analysis.
* [[Image:FEM_Analysis.png|32px]] analysis container
* [[Image:FEM_Analysis.svg|24px]] analysis container
# [[Image:FEM_Solver.png|32px]] a solver
# [[Image:FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools.svg|24px]] a solver
# [[Image:FEM_Material.png|32px]] a material
# [[Image:FEM_MaterialSolid.svg|24px]] a material
# [[Image:FEM_FixedConstraint.png|32px]] a fixed constraint
# [[Image:FEM_ConstraintFixed.svg|24px]] a fixed constraint
# [[Image:FEM_ForceConstraint.png|32px]] a force constraint
# [[Image:FEM_ConstraintForce.svg|24px]] a force constraint
# [[Image:FEM_Create.png|32px]] a FEM mesh
# [[Image:FEM_FEMMesh.svg|24px]] a FEM mesh
* Since in the example here the results are included as well there is a sixth object, the results [[Image:FEM ShowResult.png|16px]].
* Since in the example here the results are included as well there is a sixth object, the results [[Image:FEM_ResultShow.svg|24px|link=FEM_ResultShow]], elaborated on in the next paragraph.


=== Visualizing Results === <!--T:17-->
=== Visualizing Results === <!--T:46-->
* Be sure the analysis is activated.
* Be sure the analysis still contains the result object, if not just reload the example file.
* Click in icon toolbar on [[Image:FEM ShowResult.png|16px]] [[FEM_ResultShow|Show result]]
* In task window choose z-Displacement. It shows -88.443 mm in negative z-direction.
* This makes sense since the force is in negative z-direction as well.
* Activate the check box besides the bottom slider of displacement show.
* The slider can be used to alter the mesh to view the deformation in a simplified manner.
* Choose among the different Result types to view all in the GUI available result types.


<!--T:35-->
<!--T:17-->
# Be sure the analysis is activated.
# Be sure the analysis still contains the result object, if not just reload the example file.
# Click the [[Image:FEM_ResultShow.svg|24px]] [[FEM_ResultShow|Show result]] button in the FEM toolbar.
# In task window choose {{incode|z-Displacement}}. It shows {{incode|-88.443 mm}} in negative z-direction. This makes sense since the force is in negative z-direction as well.
# Activate the check box besides the bottom slider of displacement show.
# The slider can be used to alter the mesh to view the deformation in a simplified manner.
# Choose among the different Result types to view all in the GUI available result types.

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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic03.jpg|400px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic03.jpg|400px]]
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=== Purging Results === <!--T:47-->


<!--T:19-->
# Be sure the analysis is activated.
# To remove the results: select in the icon toolbar the [[Image:FEM_ResultsPurge.svg|24px]] [[FEM_ResultsPurge|Purge results]] button.


=== Purging Results === <!--T:19-->
=== Running the FEA === <!--T:48-->
* Be sure the analysis is activated.
* To remove the results select in the icon toolbar [[Image:FEM_PurgeResults.png|32px]] [[FEM ResultsPurge|Purge results]]


=== Running the FEA === <!--T:20-->
<!--T:20-->
* In [[Tree view]] double click on the solver object [[Image:FEM_Solver.png|32px]].
* In the [[Tree_view|tree view]] double click on the solver object [[Image:FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools.svg|24px]].
* In [[task panel]] of the solver object make sure static analysis is selected.
* In the [[Task_panel|task panel]] of the solver object make sure static analysis is selected.
* Click on write .inp file in the same task window. Watch the log window until it prints "write completed."
* Click on write .inp file in the same task window. Watch the log window until it prints "write completed."
* Click on {{Button|Run CalculiX}}. Since this is a very small analysis it should take less than a second to run.
* Click on {{Button|Run CalculiX}}. Since this is a very small analysis it should take less than a second to run.
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* If you get an error message no solver binary or similar when triggering the analysis check [[FEM_Install|FEM Install]].
* If you get an error message no solver binary or similar when triggering the analysis check [[FEM_Install|FEM Install]].


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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic04.jpg|400px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic04.jpg|400px]]
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=== Running the FEA the fast Way === <!--T:49-->


=== Running the FEA the fast Way === <!--T:21-->
<!--T:21-->
* In tree view select the solver object [[Image:FEM_Solver.png|32px]] of the analysis [[Image:FEM_Analysis.png|32px]].
* In tree view select the solver object [[Image:FEM_SolverCalculixCxxtools.svg|24px]] of the analysis [[Image:FEM_Analysis.svg|24px]].
* In the icon toolbar click on [[Image:FEM_RunCalculiXccx.png|32px]] [[FEM_SolverRun|Quick Analysis]].
* In the icon toolbar click on [[Image:FEM_SolverRun.svg|24px]] [[FEM_SolverRun|Quick Analysis]].
* The Calculix input file will be written, CalculiX will be triggered and the result object should be created.
* The Calculix input file will be written, CalculiX will be triggered and the result object should be created.


=== Changing Load Direction and Load Value === <!--T:22-->
=== Changing Load Direction and Load Value === <!--T:50-->

* In [[tree view]] select the FEM mesh object [[Image:FEM_Create.png|32px]] and press the {{KEY|Space}} key.
<!--T:22-->
* In the [[Tree_view|tree view]] select the FEM mesh object [[Image:FEM_FEMMesh.svg|24px]] and press the {{KEY|Space}} key.
** '''Result:''' The visibility of the FEM mesh will be turned off. The geometrical model is still visible.
** '''Result:''' The visibility of the FEM mesh will be turned off. The geometrical model is still visible.
* In [[tree view]] double click on the force constraint object to open its [[task panel]]
* In the [[Tree_view|tree view]] double click on the force constraint object to open its [[Task_panel|task panel]]
* In the task window change the load value to '''500000000 N = 500 MN''' ('''Note:''' force unit in task window has to be in N)
* In the task window change the load value to '''500000000 N = 500 MN''' ('''Note:''' force unit in task window has to be in N)
* Click on the {{Button|Direction}} button.
* Click on the {{Button|Direction}} button.
* On the geometrical model click on one of the long edges in x-direction.
* On the geometrical model click on one of the long edges in x-direction.
** '''Result:''' The red arrowsnthat illustrate force will change their direction in x-direction. They indicate the fixed direction.
** '''Result:''' The red arrows that illustrate force will change their direction in x-direction. They indicate the fixed direction.
* Since tension should be applied to the box the Reverse Direction needs to be triggered by clicking on it.
* Since tension should be applied to the box the Reverse Direction needs to be triggered by clicking on it.
* The red arrows of the force will change their direction.
* The red arrows of the force will change their direction.
* Click on {{Button|OK}} in task window.
* Click on {{Button|OK}} in task window.

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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic05.jpg|700px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic05.jpg|700px]]
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* Turn the [[Std ToggleVisibility|visibility]] of the FEM mesh [[Image:FEM_Create.png|32px]] on by selecting it in tree view and pressing the {{Button|Space}} key.

<!--T:51-->
* Toggle the [[Std_ToggleVisibility|visibility]] of the FEM mesh [[Image:FEM_FEMMesh.svg|24px]] 'On' by selecting it in tree view and pressing the {{Button|Space}} key.
* You know how to trigger an analysis and how to visualize results already.
* You know how to trigger an analysis and how to visualize results already.
* The deformation in x-direction should be 19.05 mm.
* The deformation in x-direction should be 19.05 mm.


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[[Image:FEM_example01_pic06.jpg|400px]]
[[Image:FEM_example01_pic06.jpg|400px]]
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== What next? == <!--T:30-->
== What next? == <!--T:52-->

* We are now finished with the basic workflow for the [[FEM Module|FEM Workbench]].
<!--T:30-->
* We are now finished with the basic workflow for the [[FEM_Workbench|FEM Workbench]].
* You are now prepared to do the second [[FEM_tutorial|FEM tutorial]].
* You are now prepared to do the second [[FEM_tutorial|FEM tutorial]].
* We will create the CalculiX cantilever by ourselves and compare the results with the beam theory.
* We will create the CalculiX cantilever by ourselves and compare the results with the beam theory.



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Revision as of 23:27, 21 August 2021

Tutorial
Topic
Finite Element Analysis
Level
Beginner
Time to complete
10 minutes
Authors
Bernd
FreeCAD version
0.16.6377 or above
Example files
None
See also
None

Introduction

This example is meant to show how a simple Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in FreeCAD's FEM Workbench looks like in the FreeCAD interface and how the results can be visualized. It illustrates how to trigger a FEA and how to change the load value and load direction. Furthermore, since the example file is provided with any FreeCAD installation, it a useful and easy check to run for the purpose of ascertaining if the the FEM Workbench is set up properly.

Requirements

  • A compatible version of FreeCAD designated in the tutorial overview.
    Use the Help → About FreeCAD to see the version of FreeCAD installed
  • No external software is needed for loading the example file, viewing the mesh and geometry as well as for visualizing the results.
  • For rerunning the FEA the solver software CalculiX has to be installed on your computer. Probably the solver has been installed together with FreeCAD already. If the solver CalculiX is not installed see FEM Install.

Set up the example file

Load Start Workbench

  • Start FreeCAD
  • The Start Workbench should be loaded

Load the example file

  • Go to the example projects and click on "Load an FEM analysis example"
  • If due to further operations some geometry, constraints or the results are broken or deleted just repeat the steps above.

Activate the analysis container

  • To work with an analysis the analysis has to be activated.
  • In the tree view, right click on the MechanicalAnalysis
  • Choose Activate analysis

Analysis container and its objects

  • If the analysis is activated FreeCAD itself will change the current workbench to FEM.
  • There are at least the 5 objects needed to make a static mechanical analysis.
  • analysis container
  1. a solver
  2. a material
  3. a fixed constraint
  4. a force constraint
  5. a FEM mesh
  • Since in the example here the results are included as well there is a sixth object, the results , elaborated on in the next paragraph.

Visualizing Results

  1. Be sure the analysis is activated.
  2. Be sure the analysis still contains the result object, if not just reload the example file.
  3. Click the Show result button in the FEM toolbar.
  4. In task window choose z-Displacement. It shows -88.443 mm in negative z-direction. This makes sense since the force is in negative z-direction as well.
  5. Activate the check box besides the bottom slider of displacement show.
  6. The slider can be used to alter the mesh to view the deformation in a simplified manner.
  7. Choose among the different Result types to view all in the GUI available result types.

Purging Results

  1. Be sure the analysis is activated.
  2. To remove the results: select in the icon toolbar the Purge results button.

Running the FEA

  • In the tree view double click on the solver object .
  • In the task panel of the solver object make sure static analysis is selected.
  • Click on write .inp file in the same task window. Watch the log window until it prints "write completed."
  • Click on Run CalculiX. Since this is a very small analysis it should take less than a second to run.
  • In the text window it should print in green letters "CalculiX done!" and in the next line "loading result sets ..."
  • You just have finished your first FEA in FreeCAD if there has not been any error message.
  • Click on Close in the task window.
  • A new result object should be created. You know how to visualize the results already.
  • If you get an error message no solver binary or similar when triggering the analysis check FEM Install.

Running the FEA the fast Way

  • In tree view select the solver object of the analysis .
  • In the icon toolbar click on Quick Analysis.
  • The Calculix input file will be written, CalculiX will be triggered and the result object should be created.

Changing Load Direction and Load Value

  • In the tree view select the FEM mesh object and press the Space key.
    • Result: The visibility of the FEM mesh will be turned off. The geometrical model is still visible.
  • In the tree view double click on the force constraint object to open its task panel
  • In the task window change the load value to 500000000 N = 500 MN (Note: force unit in task window has to be in N)
  • Click on the Direction button.
  • On the geometrical model click on one of the long edges in x-direction.
    • Result: The red arrows that illustrate force will change their direction in x-direction. They indicate the fixed direction.
  • Since tension should be applied to the box the Reverse Direction needs to be triggered by clicking on it.
  • The red arrows of the force will change their direction.
  • Click on OK in task window.

  • Toggle the visibility of the FEM mesh 'On' by selecting it in tree view and pressing the Space key.
  • You know how to trigger an analysis and how to visualize results already.
  • The deformation in x-direction should be 19.05 mm.

What next?

  • We are now finished with the basic workflow for the FEM Workbench.
  • You are now prepared to do the second FEM tutorial.
  • We will create the CalculiX cantilever by ourselves and compare the results with the beam theory.


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