 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AutoFEM Analysis Using Symmetry |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AutoFEM Analysis Using Symmetry | |
Many real structures are spatially symmetric relative to one or more planes. If mechanical or thermal loads are also symmetrically applied to such system, then one may significantly cut the dimensionality of the solved problem, considering only one symmetric part of the structure. For this method to work correctly, one should define correctly the mechanical and thermal boundary conditions in the planes of symmetry.
General rules of defining the symmetry conditions depend on the type of finite element problem. It can be considered three main cases:
•Symmetry of volumetric 3D structures (which are modelled with the tetrahedral finite elements);
•Symmetry of shell structures (which are modelled with the triangular shell finite elements)
•Symmetry in thermal analysis studies.
See also: “Plane of symmetry”.