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12-Amethyst
May 10, 2023
Question

FEM for section properties of a beam cross section

  • May 10, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 5242 views

When I calculate section properties for a beam, I usually run AutoCAD's MASSPROP command on the section and then do any additional analysis in MathCAD. I'm often doing composite beams, beams with custom shapes, etc. so I can't rely on magic formulas for specific shapes. There are a few properties that I haven't been able to calculate as easily, such as the torsional constant, warping constant, plastic section modulus about plastic section centroid, and monosymmetry constant. These are found using finite element analysis. I have a python API written by Robbie van Leeuwen called SECTIONPROPERTIES, and it's great but my colleagues don't know how to use Python. So with that context, my question is "How can I use MathCAD Prime to cut a section into discrete elements and run a finite element analysis or solve differential equations o?

 

Here's the DE for the monosymmetry constant:

KevinFinity_0-1683747395542.png

 

Here's the St. Venant torsion constant:

KevinFinity_2-1683747483637.png

The warping constant, from Galambos, 1968:

KevinFinity_3-1683747588547.png

 

 

 

1 reply

21-Topaz II
May 11, 2023

Calculate Thin Wall Section Properties "The Structural Engineer" vol 63B no 5 (1985)

12-Amethyst
May 11, 2023

Thank you! This helps with Cw and thin-walled shapes.

 

However, it is not FEM. I am still looking for a solution. 

21-Topaz II
May 12, 2023

Triangulation of shapes has been discussed on this forum. Search for "triangulation".

The upshot is no one has written a triangulation routine and shared with the forum.

 

It would be easier to teach the engineers python than write a mathcad Prime triangulation.

Good resource "Robbie van Leeuwen called SECTIONPROPERTIES" 

 

Thank you

Terry