Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a powerful engineering tool used to analyze the physical behavior of building materials. This type of analysis is used to simulate and predict the performance of a material in real–world conditions. FEA can provide insight into how a material behaves under various conditions such as temperature, pressure, stress, and displacement.

The first step of FEA is to create a numerical model of the material of interest. The model consists of a mesh of interconnected nodes and elements, which represent the material. Then material properties, such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, are inputted into the model.

The next step is to apply boundary conditions to the model. These conditions can be either fixed or free, depending on the type of analysis being performed. After the boundary conditions are set, the model is then solved numerically. This process yields a set of results, which can be used to evaluate the performance of the material under various conditions.

Finally, the results from the analysis can be used to make informed design decisions. For instance, FEA can be used to determine the maximum load that a material can bear, or to determine the most efficient shape for a component. FEA can also be used to evaluate the fatigue life of a material, or to determine the optimal material for a given application. In short, FEA can provide invaluable insight into the performance of building materials.

Advanced Architectural Products utilizes Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for every project with GreenGirt composite metal hybrid (CMH) sub-framing.