Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis can be used to see how bodies behave in different situations, like under different pressure, temperature and many more. This can be very useful since it can be simulated online, to save time and energy to try test it in person. It is very important to do everything online before in person because the last thing you want to do is spend so much time and money for your idea to fail. This is why finite element analysis is very important to engineers. It can also be used to know more about the material and its properties.
The following pictures below show different values of mesh of an aluminium rod and how it changes under different conditions such as compression and tension. With multiple finite element analysis on Fusion 360, I have created a table with different characteristics such as stress, strain, displacement, safety factor and more. Then with the help of the table I created a stress against strain graph and shear stress against shear strain graph, for both compression and tension.
1% Mesh
4% Mesh
7% Mesh
10% Mesh
250N Compression
1500N Compression
3000N Compression
4500N Compression
Table of Compression Results
Graphs of Compression
500N Tension
4000N Tension
8000N Tension
11500N Tension
Table of Tension Results
Graphs of Tension
The following pictures show how a rod can have different temperatures at the other end, when the front surface is 50 degrees Celsius. As you can see, by adding more surfaces to the rod, the other end gets slightly cooler compared to the initial temperature without any surfaces added on. It helps heat dissipate into the surrounding more, leading into cooling. I used different shapes and sizes to see the relationship it has to the final heat, alongside that, I tried lowering the material so it weighs less and costs less.
The image on the right shows how a hook acts with a load on it. I applied 1000N force onto the hook and you can see how it deforms a little, but it is safe to use since its safety factor is 3.43, which is above the minimum of 3. Another test I have done is lower its materials and try maintain a high safety factor, to make it cheaper and weigh less.
You can also use generative designs on Fusion 360, as shown on the left, to receive suggestions by the computer for possible geometries that the design can undertake, to do its job more effectively. With these suggestions you can pick the designs based on various priorities such as weight, safety and minimal displacement.