1. Optimization of a FEA Beam Element Model for Computational Speed and Accuracy Brent Weight and Ryan Weight

2. Constant-Force Electrical Contact

3. Constant-Force Electrical Contact Cont.

4. General Model  Keypoints and Line elements  Lines divided into elements  BC’s and Loads

5. General Model - Deflection

6. FEA Optimization  Optimization requires numerous model calls  Computationally expensive Can we reduce the model run time?

7. Element Methods 1. Proportional Method Shorter beams have less elements 2. Equal Method Each beam as same number of elements Can we minimize the number of elements needed for an accurate model?

8. Linear vs. Nonlinear Are linear elements sufficient for an accurate model?

9. Convergence Proportional Method Equal Method

10. Results Time Savings 47 % Savings

11. Conclusion  Minimization results in significant time savings  Minimum of 9 elements per beam required  Linearization will not work on this model

12. Questions?