Basics

Question 1

Non-linearity in structural analysis

Answer 1

Yielding and creep.

Question 2

Non-linearity in thermal analysis

Answer 2

Radiation (fourth degree equation).

Question 3

Non-linearity in fluid analysis

Answer 3

All viscous fluid analyses are non-linear.

Question 4

Non-linearity in magnetic analysis

Answer 4

Specific permeability in ferro-magnetic materials.

Question 5

Strategies to reduce calculation time in FEA

Answer 5

1. Take plane symmetries, axis-symmetry or cyclic symmetry into account.
2. Solve a 2D-problem if solution is independent of one coordinate
3. Make use of structure elements (shell, beam, truss) if possible
4. Apply rough grid in region with smooth solution
5. Prefer quad and hexahedron elements instead of triangles or tetrahedron
6. Carry out static or quasi-static analysis if loads change slowly in time