PROJECT EXAMPLES
Analyses

Nonlinear FEA Analysis of a Flexible Plastic Component

Situation:
The customer was interested in reducing the developed stresses in their flexible plastic component as it was wound over a second stiffer component.

Project:
After thoroughly understanding the current situation and the results desired by the customer, the PTC engaged in the following scope of work:

• The PTC modeled an FEA representation of the current situation in ANSYS to provide a baseline of comparison for future analyses to be performed - this stage also required the PTC to test material samples so that accurate material data could be used in the nonlinear analyses.
• After the baseline FEA analysis was verified, several other analyses were performed. These included engineering changes to the design of the flexible component where the stresses were at a maximum level. All analyses were then compared to one another to determine which satisfied the original project criteria.
• The PTC provided the customer with color plots and animations via e-mail over the duration of the project to keep them abreast of the progress. A final written report and CD containing all project data were also provided upon conclusion of the project.

Project Outcome:
The customer was able to view a multitude of "what-if" situations as compared to the current situation that could not have been performed otherwise. This evaluation was instrumental in the presentation of information to upper management in the argument for how the current design should be modified to benefit their ultimate customers.

Click here to run an .avi file of the ANSYS analysis for this project.