Chapter 13. Analysis Tools

13.1 Introduction

The creation of a geometric model is not an end in itself, but rather a means to study the part or assembly design to ensure that it meets the functional requirements of the design, be it stress analysis, fatigue analysis, thermal analysis, buckling, or any other. CAD/CAM systems offer a multitude of analysis tools that the designer can use to verify his or her design.

The crucial factor in using these analysis tools is understanding how to set up the problem correctly, use the right input parameters, and interpret the results. Each tool is based on and implements a mathematical model. The effective use of these tools requires that the designer be versed in the area of the analysis that the tools ...

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