In this session we will introduce industry specific applications from the automotive industry and how Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to ensure safe and optimized design of different subsystems. We begin with a stress analysis of an engine connecting rod to determine the location and magnitude of the highest stress. Following that, we perform a similar stress analysis of a brake pad. Then we demonstrate how bolted joints are modeled in an axle assembly. In addition to these stress analyses, we perform thermal analysis of a gasket to find the temperature distribution over it. We end the session by performing a thermal analysis to determine the most optimized and efficient design for the fins of an air-cooled engine.
