My phone number *********
Project: Comparative Analysis of Hand Calculations and Finite Element Modeling for
Structural Elements
Project Objectives:
1. To familiarize students with manual methods for analyzing structural elements.
2. To introduce students to software-based finite element analysis (FEA) for modeling real-
world structures.
3. To compare the results of manual calculations and software models under different loading
conditions and boundary scenarios.
4. To develop insights into the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of each method in
structural design.
Project Tasks:
1. Selection of Structural Element
Choose a simple structural element, such as:
• A cantilever beam subjected to uniform and point loads.
• A simply supported beam with various loading scenarios (uniform and concentrated).
• A column under axial and eccentric loads, analyzing for buckling.
• A pressure Vessel with internal pressure
• An elevated water tank with its own weight.
• A road sign under external loads and moments from wind.
tell me your selected element with the load case you plan
2. Hand Calculations
• Analyze the selected element manually for stress, strain, deflection, (and buckling if
applicable), using methods covered in your current and previous classes (structural analysis
1 and 2, strength of material 1 and 2, etc.).
• Perform calculations for (stresses, strains, and deflection, etc.) and predict its distribution
based on your manual formulation. Theoretical approaches based on simplified
assumptions (e.g., beam theory, elasticity theory, theory of plates and shells, column
buckling, etc.).
3. Software Modeling
Model the same structural element in a finite element software (SAP2000, SAFE, ETABS,
ANSYS, ABAQUS, COMSOL, STA4CAD, PROKON, Robot structures, TEKLA, or similar).
Submit your software of choice with the project approval request. Make sure to find and install
the software before submitting the project approval request.
• Apply the same loading conditions and boundary constraints used in the manual
calculations.
• Perform a non-linear analysis for more complex elements.
4. Comparison and Interpretation
• Compare results from manual calculations and software modeling, focusing on strains,
deflections, and stress distributions.
• Analyze the differences between the hand calculations and FEA results, exploring reasons
for the deviations (e.g., simplified assumptions in hand methods, finite element
discretization errors). Where do the two methods agree? Where do they deviate?
• Compare the principal stresses and strains and max shear based on hand calculations with
software predictions. Where do they agree? Where do they deviate?
• If nonlinear analysis was performed, what change did you notice in the results.
• Provide recommendations on the use of manual vs. software methods in professional
practice.
5. Reporting
• Prepare a report detailing the hand calculation process, software modeling steps, and results
comparison. Include SCREENS SHOOTS/ PRINT SCREENS of the various menus and
all parameters you entered in the software.
• Summarize key findings, particularly where the software models diverge from hand
methods and why.
• Suggest improvements or insights for structural design processes based on their results.