In these tutorial videos, you’ll learn how to create a finite element analysis (FEA) model of an excavator arm using ANSA (BETA CAE), solve it in Abaqus, and post-process the results in Meta (BETA CAE).
Tutorial Videos
Tutorial Goals
The goal of this tutorial is to teach you how to:
- Work with rigid bodies.
- Utilize various types of connectors, such as Cartesian, Cardan, Hinge, Translator, and Weld. All rigid bodies in this model are connected using these connectors.
- Apply Equation Constraints.
- Familiarization with the software tools used in this tutorial: ANSA, Abaqus, and Meta.
How This Model Is Applied?
The purpose of a model like this is typically to calculate the loads acting on each component of the mechanism during specific events, such as picking up an object from the ground and placing it elsewhere. These loads can later be used to perform structural analysis on individual components of the mechanism.
Example in the Automotive Industry
This technique is widely employed in the automotive industry. For example, when analyzing vehicle suspension components, I often model the entire vehicle using rigid bodies connected by various types of connectors. Then, I conduct an explicit dynamic analysis, simulating the vehicle going through specific events, such as driving over a bump at 20 km/h. During the event, loads are generated at each connector. By focusing on a specific component, such as the lower control arm, we can identify the moment when the loads are highest. These critical load combinations are then used in a static analysis of the individual component (e.g., the lower control arm), which is modeled as a flexible body. We apply the loads at the regions where the connectors are located in the full vehicle model. Since this is a static analysis, we typically use Inertia Relief to take into account inertial and damping forces. From this analysis, we calculate stresses and strains, comparing them to a limit value, such as yield strength. A separate tutorial will cover this procedure in detail.
Important Observation
It’s important to note that a mechanism composed solely of rigid bodies and connectors is suitable only for less severe events that don’t cause large deformations. This approach works for scenarios like a vehicle going over a bump at low speed or applying maximum braking force. For more extreme events, like crash analysis, most components need to be modeled as flexible bodies. The reason is that the deformations of each component during this type of analysis must be considered, and when everything is modeled as rigid, these deformations are neglected.
Download Excavator Arm CAD Model
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Learn More
Read the following articles to learn more!
