Finite element analysis tool 2: Ansys

Competency Group: Material Science

Type: Measure Hardware

Description: After drawing up the parts involved in the design using a specific material — there is a quick turn around in finding out if that device shape made from said material will function under the conditions that are described. Finite Element Analysis tools such as Ansys take all of the material property elements and simulate their action under extreme conditions — Ansys has more realistic real world simulation capabilities than ALGOR.

Citation for Description: Description by authors

Units: Pass/Fail

Advantages: Saves time building many models in different materials to see what works and what doesn't work.

Limitations: Very expensive industry standard can be outsourced.

Regulations: NAFEMS. (n.d.) Publications, Benchmark Tests. Retrieved from http://www.nafems.org/publications/browse_buy/benchmark/

Target Audience: Engineering, R&D

Relevant to Universal Design: Yes

Stages and Steps: 5.2, 5.3

Free Resource: Stolarski, T., Nakasone, Y. & Yoshimoto, S. (2007). Engineering Analysis with ANSYS Software. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann.

Purchase Resource: ANSYS. (2012). ANSYS Products. Retrieved from http://www.ansys.com/Products