DefinePK

Abstract

It is important to simplify the models when working on finite element problems to reduce computation time and power. An investigation was conducted to determine if reducing a model along its axes of symmetry would affect the results. A plane stress problem of a plate with a hole subjected to uniaxial tensile load was used. Four different models of the plate were created utilising its symmetry along both axes. The von Mises stresses along the axes of symmetry of each model were calculated and plotted and their results were matched with the analytical results. It was found that all models gave results with errors within 5% except at two points. These two points were around the areas of stress concentrations but due to the nature of the load exhibited lesser stresses than their surroundings. All the models failed to capture these points of lower stresses but did an excellent job displaying the overall nature of stress. In more complicated models, the axes of symmetry can be exploited to decrease computational time.