Implicit and Explicit Finite Element Analysis  

Modern finite element products offer a range of solvers and solution procedures. Analysts faced with complex simulation projects need to be able to select the most suitable solution method for their problem and then apply it in an appropriate manner. They need to be fully aware of the capabilities of the tools on offer and be in a position to make recommendations and judgements on the use of those tools.

When considering the main types of FE solvers it is a common simplification that implicit solvers are for statics and explicit solvers are for crash. In fact, the situation is more complex and the tools can be applied to a much wider range of simulation problems.

The Seminar

Through a combination of tutorials and user case studies this seminar provided the practising FE analyst with an overview of implicit and explicit finite element methods.

The tutorials, given by industry experts, provided the background to these two common numerical techniques, with a brief review of the underlying mathematics, an outline of the strengths & weaknesses of the methods, and a review of the main application areas.

Industrial case studies were presented which illustrated the application of both implicit and explicit methods in modern structural simulation. These presentations highlighted the key decisions to be made in selecting the most appropriate solution procedure, and illustrated how these two powerful techniques can be used together to provide an even better simulation capability.

This seminar provided an opportunity for analysts to clarify the real basis of the solutions in these modern FE products, and to gain confidence in applying the tools to a range of engineering problems.

Presentations  

Tutorials and background to help make the best use of implicit and explicit methods, presented by several industry experts
Alan Prior, SIMULIA Europe

• Implicit & Explicit Methods – Background & Fundamentals
• Application of Implicit and Explicit Methods – Recommendations
• Coffee Break
• Sequentially Coupled Implicit & Explicit Methods - Examples

The Boundaries of Explicit FEA
James Farrar, WildeFEA

Implicit & Explicit Methods in the Can Manufacturing Industry
Martin Watson, CROWN Packaging UK PLC

PSA Peugeot Case Study
Jean Michel Terrier, ALTAIR

An Efficient Multi-Disciplinary Simulation of Engine Fan-Blade out Event
Edwin de Vries, MSC