Local stress-strain curves for FEM
Instead of applying one global material model to the entire component, zone-specific stress-strain curves can be integrated directly into the simulation.
Application
Local stress-strain curves and material data for FEM simulations
R&D
Automotive
Aerospace
Additive Manufacturing
FEM and Simulation
Why local i3D® data makes FEM models more realistic
i3D® for FEM simulation and process simulation with local stress-strain curves, yield strength Rᶦₚ₀,₂ and tensile strength Rᶦₘ directly from real component zones instead of global average values.
Better models for real zones
Changes in wall thickness, thermally affected areas, forming zones and microstructural gradients can be represented more realistically from a materials perspective.
Direct bridge between testing and CAE
Local yield strength Rᶦₚ₀,₂, tensile strength Rᶦₘ and plastic stress-strain curves become technically usable for material cards, FEM and process models.
Valuable for development and failure prediction
More realistic input data increases the reliability of stress distributions, limit states, failure risks and design decisions.
Why global material models are often not enough
In many FEM models, a single stress-strain curve, usually from a tensile test, is applied to the entire component.
That approach becomes inaccurate as soon as real material differences caused by wall thickness, thermal influence, degree of forming, weld zone or microstructural progression start to matter.
- global stress-strain curves mask local material differences
- critical zones are described too coarsely from a materials perspective
- stress distribution and failure risk can be classified incorrectly
Local stress-strain curves directly from i3D® data
With i3D®, locally resolved plastic stress-strain curves can be determined directly on the component through the combination of 3D indent measurement and FEM-based inverse calculation.
These local stress-strain curves, together with Rᶦₚ₀,₂ and Rᶦₘ, can be used point by point as input data for FEM and process simulation.
- local stress-strain curves instead of only global reference values
- Rᶦₚ₀,₂ and Rᶦₘ directly from the relevant component zone
- suitable for zone-specific material models and material cards
Connecting-rod case study
The difference becomes visible directly on the connecting rod: one global model with one uniform stress-strain curve is compared with an i3D® model using locally measured stress-strain curves from three zones.
The result is a more differentiated stress distribution with lower values in zone C, medium values in B and higher values in A, which is closer to the real local loading situation.
- local differences between zones become visible in the model
- higher accuracy for component design and design decisions
- stronger connection between local measurement and real loading
Weld seam and heat-affected zone in simulation
Especially in weld seams and heat-affected zones, local mechanical properties determine component behaviour, crack risk and transition loading.
With i3D®, local material values from the weld and HAZ can flow directly into the simulation instead of describing these zones only through global approximations.
- relevant for structural parts, crash zones and local risk analysis
- improves the simulation of welded joints and gradients
- strong for CAE, materials engineering and development environments
Contacts
Discuss component zones, material model and data transfer directly with the right contact
For CAE and process simulation, zone, load case and modelling target should be clear early so that local stress-strain curves, Rᶦₚ₀,₂ and Rᶦₘ can be transferred cleanly.
