Services > Advanced
Analysis > FEA
Finite Element
Analysis (FEA) is a proven mathematical method of assessing
the response of a complex structural system. STX Canada/US Marine has found FEA very useful for the analysis
of ship structures and is very skilled in its application. Our
FEA operators are experienced engineers and designers who understand
how their models relate to the design problem. We give
clients meaningful results – does the design work? How
can it be improved? – not output without context.
Applications of finite element analysis include:
- Verification
of initial structural calculations, including quick assessment
of different structural configurations or load conditions
- Determination
of stresses and deflections for complex structures and combined
loads – situations that are often difficult to analyze by
traditional methods
- Global analysis
of ship structure. A global model with large elements
is used to assess the overall performance of the structure.
Fine-mesh “zooming” models with greater detail are
used to investigate stress concentrations
- “Hot spot” fatigue
life assessment of structural details
- Natural frequency
analysis. This can be used to determine if structures
will be susceptible to forced vibration, by comparing the
results to known excitation frequencies aboard ship
- Buckling assessment,
using nominal stresses combined with rule buckling criteria
or using Eigenvalue analysis
- Non-linear analysis,
including the assessment of large deflections, and post-yield/post-buckling
strength
 |
| FEA structural analysis
of Double Hull Product Tanker |
Finite Element Analysis was once a costly, time-intensive
process, best used to validate structures designed by classical
methods. This is no longer the case. With advances
in software and processing speed, FEA can be used in parallel
with other design tools, allowing an optimized, cost-effective
design to be achieved quickly and economically. STXM
has an extensive suite of in-house macros to automate and speed
up construction, loading, and post-processing. Models need not
be large or complex – often, a simple analysis can provide key
insights into design problems at little cost.
Examples of projects where STXM has used FEA include:
- Longitudinal
strength assessment, racking assessment, and detail analysis
of a 256m cruise ship
- Structural design
of a 125,000 m3 modular LNG tank, including stress assessment,
buckling assessment, and detailed fatigue analysis
- Structural analysis
and design verification of a double-hull shuttle tanker
- Global longitudinal
strength and global hull vibration analysis of an 85m offshore
patrol vessel
- Global strength
analysis and design verification of a modular lighterage
system
- Design and strength/deflection
analysis of podded propulsor foundations
- Design of pedestal
crane foundations
- Design of power
barge exhaust towers, including assessment of design changes
and equipment replacement plans
STXM has experience with several FEA
software packages. Our primary tools are MAESTRO
from Proteus
Engineering for global modeling, and NEi
Nastran from Noran
Engineering for general analysis. STXM
is also an experienced user of ABS
Safehull.
|
