Model Preparation for Structural FEA on Main Components of an Internal Combustion Engine

Abstract

Structural analysis requires generally, a well described case study, in order to perform a correct analysis, which in return, should offer plausible results. In the hypothesis of the case study, different assumptions and simplifications of the geometrical 3D model, proposed for study, are made. For a shorter computing time, simplifications to design are welcomed. Combining the right assumptions with a good robust model, a successful technical analysis can be achieved. The objective of the paper is to present a workflow and several workarounds for building a model for a structural analysis with examples on the main components of an internal combustion engine. This engine belongs to the Research Institute of Transilvania University of Brasov and is used for thermodynamic tests. The paper also presents methods for importing 3D models from CAD to FEA environment without problems or exporting 3D scanned geometry and solidifying surface geometry. The results of the study are presented as the imported and meshed 3D model in FEA environment with mesh verification shown.