Finite Element Analysis

Publications

The Use of Finite Element Analysis in Roadside Hardware Design

This paper provides a historical overview of the use of finite element analysis (FEA) in roadside safety research. It details how modern, nonlinear dynamic FEA has become a crucial tool for designing and evaluating roadside hardware by complementing traditional full-scale crash testing.

Revised Conceptual Designs for the FMDP MOX Fresh Fuel Transport Package

This report details the revised conceptual designs for a MOX fresh fuel transport package, highlighting the crucial role of finite element analysis (FEA) in the design and certification process. The document outlines how FEA is used to test the structural integrity of the packages under both normal and hypothetical accident conditions, ensuring nuclear and physical safety.

Design Evaluation of a Large Concrete Cask to Meet IP-2 Requirements

This paper evaluates a large concrete cask's design to meet IP-2 transportation safety standards. It demonstrates how finite element analysis (FEA) was used to simulate drop tests, which informed the design of a lid-retaining device and predicted the structural response, thereby helping to confirm the package's safety without relying solely on expensive physical testing.

Fatigue Crack Modeling in Bridge Deck Conncection Details

Robert K. Paasch and Anthony H. DePiero

This paper outlines a research project aimed at creating a predictive model for fatigue crack in bridge deck connection details using finite element analysis (FEA). It demonstrates how various FEA models were developed and used to analyze loading conditions, stress ranges, and ultimately, estimate the remaining fatigue life of bridge components.

Validation of a Computer Code for Use in the Mechanical Design of Spallation Neutron Targets

Paul A. Montanez and Peter Sievers

This paper validates the LS-DYNA finite element code for use in designing spallation neutron targets by comparing its results to an analytic solution for a simplified model. It demonstrates the code's ability to accurately predict stress waves under thermal loading, confirming its reliability for more complex, nonlinear simulations.