Comparing 2D FEM Model Results with Experimental Data

In the field of engineering and materials science, it is often necessary to validate the accuracy of Finite Element Method (FEM) models against experimental data. The process involves several steps to ensure that the FEM model is representative of the real-world behaviors and characteristics observed in the experiments. Here, we will discuss the various steps and techniques involved in comparing 2D FEM results with experimental results.

Understanding the Material Properties

The first step is to accurately match the properties of the material used in the experimental testing with the material properties inputted into the FEM model. This ensures that the simulations are representative of the real-world scenario. Material properties such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the density of the material should be carefully matched.

To do this, you should: Review the material properties data from the experimental setup. Input these properties into your FEM model. Perform additional tests or checks if there are discrepancies.

Identify the Key Results to Compare

The next step is to understand what specific results you need to match from the experimental data. This step is critical because the type of analysis performed determines the nature of the data that needs to be compared. For example:

In a static analysis, you might focus on displacement, stress, and strain. In a dynamic analysis, you might focus on response under vibration or fatigue testing. In a thermal analysis, you might focus on temperature distribution.

It is essential to define these parameters beforehand to ensure a meaningful comparison.

Extracting FEM Values and Plotting in Excel

The extracted FEM values can be easily plotted in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel for a side-by-side comparison with the experimental data. The following steps help you achieve this:

Run the FEM simulation and extract the necessary results. Open Excel and create a new workbook. Input the experimental data in one column and the corresponding FEM results in another column, ensuring that they are aligned by the appropriate parameter (e.g., location, time, load level). Use appropriate chart types to visualize the results (e.g., line charts for time series, scatter plots for comparisons between specific data points).

Creating clear and organized charts will make it easier to identify any discrepancies or trends.

Overlaying FEM and Experimental Results

To effectively compare the two sets of data, overlaying the FEM results on the experimental data is a powerful technique. This visualization helps in identifying areas of agreement and divergence.

To overlay the results: Ensure both the FEM and experimental data are in Excel sheets. Plot the experimental data as one line or column. Plot the FEM data as a second line or column on the same chart. Use different colors or styles to distinguish between the two sets.

By overlaying the two datasets, you can visually assess how closely the FEM model matches the experimental data. This step is critical for validating the model's accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Comparing 2D FEM model results with experimental data is a crucial process in engineering and material science. By accurately matching material properties, identifying the correct results to compare, and effectively visualizing the data, you can ensure the validation of your FEM models and improve the overall accuracy of your simulations.

Keywords: 2D FEM, FEM model, experimental results, material properties, stress, strain, displacement, thermal analysis, vibration, fatigue, overlay chart.