Doubt about software to use.

[Caito]

Hi guys, you all know a lot about CAD and related software so I'll ask for your advice.

To get you in context:

I want to draw just a chassis so I can analyze it with FEA software.

I say just a chassis, so we all understand that the only thing I need to do with the software I choose is put (mostly)squared steel tubes. This is for a cobra I'm building with my dad.

I have already discarded SolidWords. I made a chassis with it and then have a zillion problems meshing it because the joints were really bad, gave me lots of problems.

I can get from my university proE, Solid Edge, and Catia.

I have no problem learning any software if it's difficult. I'm willing to learn.(EDIT: I'm in holidays until march)

What I'm looking for is a software where I can draw the sketch of the chassis, convert the lines to steel tubes, and then do some FEA testing. Or something like that.



For your concern, the chassis is oversized for safety. I want to do FEA testing (although I know the results have to be taken with care, I'm by no means a professional) in part to learn, to see where are the weak points of the chassis. Not to see how stiff it is, but to locate the weak points.


I appreciate all kind of opinions and hope some of you will guide me to the best soft.


Bye bye!

Caito.

[Belatti]

What I'm looking for is a software where I can draw the sketch of the chassis, convert the lines to steel tubes, and then do some FEA testing. Or something like that.

It was quite simple to do that with Ideas, and Im saying was because I think Ideas doesnt exist anymore (it was absorbed by another FEA Soft company)

If you can not get an old I-Deas version (11NX worked good for me) try Ansys.

I also tried Abaqus at Uni but didnt like it.

[Carlos]

SpaceFrame Analysis V2.1 is a freeware download, it might be what your looking for, only for MS-DOS unfortunately:
"Space Frame Analysis may be used for the analysis of various types of three and two dimensional space frame structures. It is suitable for a wide range of structures ranging from simply supported beams to portal frames typically used in factory units. Originally intended for the analysis of relatively simple frames, it is probably only suitable for analysing small structures."
http://shareware.pcmag.com/free-downloa ... 65163.html

[Caito]

@Carlos: Thanks! I'm downloading and will be testing as soon as I can.

@Belatti: Thanks to you too Belatti.

I believe the FEA part is solved. I can get access to Algor and Ansys (though can't get a copy, I can use both at the university).

If I'm not wrong, this two let me analyze the part but not create the part.

I would like to know which would be the best software to "build" the chassis for future analysis.


Thank you very much for your feedback.


Caito!

[Jersey Tom]

Often chassis FEA is done to find out stiffness, not weak points, as generally they are overbuilt from a stress standpoint.

Plus you're not going to really have any sort of realistic result if its a welded frame and you don't have a solid feel for the metallurgical properties of your specific welding. I'm not even sure which failure criteria is most appropriate, if von Mises or other (given you'll have brittle areas in the HAZ). Plus, what kind of inertial loads are you going to put on this thing, not knowing anything about the car as it doesn't exist yet?

Personally I would have stuck with Solidworks. If you try doing a solid mesh on a tube frame structure you will have problems. A shell mesh can work if I recall correctly. A beam element mesh is the best option and is super super simple to do, in SW.

[Caito]

Hi Jersey. This is nothing from which I'll take conclusions, it's just for me. The chassis is already built( 90%). It has already been proven since it's from a kit car.

It's to learn and see how things change when I add or remove something. Not something my life will depend on.

[Jersey Tom]

Gotcha. Still, I think Solidworks is the easiest to learn and doing beam element analysis is a snap in the most recent version or two... particularly if you have bent beams.

[Carlos]

Some programs from the Engineering Student Resources thread:
Most may just be curiosities ... but something there might be useful

Freeware FEA Programs
http://homepage.usask.ca/~ijm451/finite ... de140.html

[Caito]

Thanks Carlos, I'm checking that out.

Ok Jersey, I think I'm going to give another shot to SolidWorks.

Any specific version you recommend? Maybe I can get that one. I know they have the 2005, but maybe another one too.

I had problem when I used frame and stuck squared tubes at weird angles. The union gave me meshing problems in Cosmos. You say this is not going to happen? The analysis should be done with built in Cosmos, Algor, or Ansys?

Thank you very much.

bye bye.

[Jersey Tom]

You would have to use SW2008 I believe to get the benefit of beam element FEA.

Otherwise, ANSYS may be a good way to go with beam elements. Pain in the ass to define them all though.