Classification based on actuation mechanism
Manual actuation In this type, the spool is operated manually. Manual actuators are hand lever, push button and pedals etc. Mechanical actuation The DCV spool can be operated by using…
Topological Optimisation with ANSYS 17.0
Utilising the new FREE topology optimisation ACT-extension, one can explore new innovative ways to reduce mass that were not available before. The DoE (Design of Experiments) approach may not be…
Planning Ahead for Maximum Usage of Your Finite Element Model
Unless you work for a company designing custom "one-off" products you often find yourself creating a finite element model with similar aspects to models you have worked on previously. In my…
Control valves -2
Three position four way (3/4) valves Three position four way (3/4) valves are used in double-acting cylinders to perform advance, hold and return operation to the piston. Figures 5.5.1 and…
Simulating High Energy Events with Explicit Dynamics Analysis
Have you needed to run a structural analysis of a design subject to high energy dynamic conditions? These are typically impact or shock simulations such as automobile crash, drop tests…
Predicting The End of Life
A fortune teller may try to predict when a person will die based on the length of the lines in their hand or tea leaves floating in a cup. A good…
Using Stress-Strain Data in a Finite Element Simulation
Analysis of structures undergoing permanent deformation is something that CAE Associates routinely performs as part of its FEA consulting services. A typical example is a battery crimping process, which involves multiple…
Spool valve
The spool valves derive their name from their appearance. It consists of a shaft sliding in a bore which has large groove around the circumference. This type of construction makes…
Six Sigma and Simulation
Ask a structural engineer "What is Six Sigma?" and he may reply: “σx σy, σz, σxy, σyz, σxz." Well, hopefully we know that the sigma in a six sigma analysis has nothing to do with stress, it…
The Value of a Single Element Model for Complex FEA
When performing complex finite element analyses, engineers typically bypass making the simplest, yet often most valuable, analytical model that can be created. They often waste a significant amount of time debugging…
