LEARNING RESOURCE

Lines of Force & Stresses

INTRODUCTION SIMULATION FOR UNDERSTANDING FORCES

Following lines of force can help you visualize where you need With Finite Element Analysis (FEA) you can apply external forces
material in your designs and where material can be removed. to your designs and analyze the stresses and displacements that
will occur. With dynamic simulation, you can calculate the forces
By drawing lines that represent external forces, you can create
that will act on your design as it moves and operates.
designs that most efficiently bear the loads. External loads and
pressures cause compression, tension, and other forces that your You can use Autodesk® Fusion 360 software to simulate and
designs will have to withstand. model lightweighted products and parts. If you’re a student or
educator, you can download the software for free in the Autodesk
By drawing lines that represent how the force will move within the
Education Community Download Center.
material in your design, you can see where stress concentrations
are likely to occur. Stress concentrations are locations where
forces go from being well-distributed to being focused, and are
usually the first place to break. You’ll want to reinforce them or
avoid them by using smoother curves and larger radiuses at
joints, corners, and holes.

| academy.autodesk.com LIGHTWEIGHTING: LINES OF FORCE & STRESSES

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