PrePoMax (CalculiX FEA) - Tutorial 43 - Snap-fit

PrePoMax is an open-source pre- and postprocessor for (also open-source) finite element analysis solver CalculiX. It's extremely user friendly and doesn't even require installation. PrePoMax can be used only on Windows.
In this tutorial I would like to show you how to analyze a snap-fit.
Geometry in step format: drive.google.com/file/d/1htPs...
PrePoMax homepage: prepomax.fs.um.si/
Calcpad homepage: calcpad.eu/

[@peterszalai79]

Thank you, Jakub! 🙂👍❤️

[@DmytroRozputniak]

Nice work!

[@surachatgumngen5526]

Since you have already provided on the "Snap-fit". How about the "Snap through Buckling" tutorial?😉

[@FEAnalyst]

That has been on my list since the video about nonlinear buckling of a shell. But I always include analytical calculations and for such a case this can be a problem, even for linear buckling. I’ll give it a try though.

[@nathancantos6465]

Very insightful! Can you share where can I download that reference document (ccx-2.21)?

[@FEAnalyst]

Sure, CalculiX User’s Manual can be downloaded from here: www.dhondt.de/ccx_2.21.pdf

[@nathancantos6465]

@@FEAnalyst thanks!

[@pagnajonny]

Hi, you mentioned a forum page where this analysis was discussed; where can I find it?

[@FEAnalyst]

Hi, you can find this discussion here: calculix.discourse.group/t/snap-fit-contact-snagging-problem/2277

[@saifujiwara3941]

I've seen most of your tutorial and most of them not for the newbie/beginner like me, as chemical engineer, it is bit hard to me, since i have few basic of the "mechanical engineers or structural engineers", however i am really interested to learn this FEA/FEM, would you please advise the step to learn it (i,.e., suggested book, blog), thanks in advanced

[@FEAnalyst]

I can recommend "Practical Finite Element Analysis for Mechanical Engineers" by D. Madier and "Building Better Products with Finite Element Analysis" by V. Adams as well as some blogs like Enterfea but what really matters the most is a lot of practice. Fortunately, open-source software gives everyone this opportunity. Start from simple examples like beams and slowly build up complexity. Hand calculations, as shown in my tutorials, allow you to make sure your results are correct.

[@saifujiwara3941]

@@FEAnalyst thank you for the valuable advise. Yes i do agree with you learn something simple, verify it with hand calculation