Why CAD rocks: Using FEA with flexures to determine displacement by Leland Hyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw How to model deformation using finite element analysis with a flexure. en-us 2019-12-05 02:49:18 UTC 2025-10-27 15:29:10 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/433072787/5439ae79439f76893611666bcb5d605d/7a.png 1. Using finite element analysis with Fusion 360: lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420040766 A significant tool accessible via many CAD applications is carrying out engineering analysis or finite element analysis (FEA). 
I learned how to model FEA in Fusion 360 last Summer while working at an NC State spin off, Smart Materials Solutions, with Dr. Stephen Furst.]]> 2019-12-05 02:49:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420040766 2. FEA allows engineers to utilize CAD programs like Fusion 360 to determine functionality in designed objects. lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420043022 In almost every engineering design related projects some analysis is warranted and with CAD, this can be done prior to fabrication. 
In the flexure shown below, we modified the Deformation scale in Fusion 360 to demonstrate the performance of this part in a variety of load bearing situations.
Note that as shown, the part is undeformed, or not challenged by load.]]> 2019-12-05 02:59:40 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420043022 3. FEA can sometimes show variances that are difficult to detect. lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420043921 In the model below, the stress applied to the part is not easily identifiable, but this can be seen by using the scaling option in Fusion 360. This is perhaps the best scaling feature available in a CAD application that is presently available.]]> 2019-12-05 03:04:10 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420043921 4. Modal displacement can also be determined: lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420044580 Using the scale shown in the bottom right, modal displacement can be tested and saved in several different scenarios. This enables an engineer or designer to change the scenario, varying the stressors on the item being designed.]]> 2019-12-05 03:07:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420044580 5. In this example, the color shown on the part corresponds to the level of displacement of the part from the position of origin. lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045171 2019-12-05 03:10:21 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045171 6. As additional load and stress are applied to the designed part, the stress can be modeled using CAD. lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045429 2019-12-05 03:11:48 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045429 Finally the stress can even be animated so as to provide an engineering team a better perspective on the displacement exhibited by the part: lihyer https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045638 2019-12-05 03:12:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lihyer/p8p5d1iq74pw/wish/420045638