Load Frame Experiments - Finite Element Models

I have experience teaching strength of materials and mechanics of materials. The mechanics of materials course was essentially an advanced strength of materials course. There were labs associated with both courses involving strain gauge application to different specimens and subsequent testing on Instron electromechanical load frames. While working in the Mobil Research Lab I performed triaxial tests on compressor driven Instron load frames. I ordered test specimens with different materials and geometries for students to run in the labs. I wanted the students to compare strain gauge data with LVDT results.

I decided to run finite element models of the student load frame experiments with the Adina finite element software. To model load frame experiments FEM software must hane nonlinear capability. Material, geometric, and contact nonlinearities must be captured in finite element modeling of load frame tests. I was amazed by the capability and stability of Adina software results using relatively simple meshes.