I started using finite element analysis when I was studying bachelors in mechanical engineering. I passed a course in FEM which covered the theory accompanied by examples from ANSYS software. I had another FEM course during my masters in biomedical engineering and I simulated a dental implant as the course project. During my Ph.D. I had an advance simulation course which covered the theory and hands on experience with MSC Nastran software. I used COMSOL in my research to simulate the heat and mass transfer in hydrogels and predict the deformation of structures made of stimuli responsive hydrogels.
Based on my exposure to FEM theory and various software packages, I am very comfortable in implementing different stages of a successfu finite element analysis:
- Geometric modeling
- Importing models from 3D modeling software
- Using axisymmetric or symmetric boundary conditions to reduce the model size
- Determining the proper analysis type: static VS dynamic
- Defining appropriate boundary conditions
- Adopting a suitable mesh structure
- Identifying and defining material properties
- Linearly Elestic, Hyperelastic, Viscoelastic
- Selecting the right solver
- Post-processing and interpreting the results
Below is a simulation in COMSOL showing a pillar made of temperature responsive hydrogel.
Activation of the our resistors at the bottom heats up the hydrogel causing it to shrink locally. The order of the resistor activation determine the motion of the tip of the pillar.
At Calviri, I have used SOLIDWORKS simulation to model the deformation of silicon gaskets in order to optimize the geometry for reducing the leak.
It is found that the upper surface of the gasket curves during compression causing the seal to break as seen in the following image:
