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FEA Report
Although Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a widely used tool for engineering analysis and design, it cannot be viewed as a complete
substitute for testing. If reasonable doubt is present after performing engineering hand calculations and developing FEA models, controlled testing
should be performed with reasonable loads and boundary conditions applied.
Specialty Systems Engineering 121 N. 1st Street Montevideo, MN 56265 (320) 269-3227
Page 1 of 98
Executive Summary
In an effort to prove the structural integrity of the CD4415, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was
conducted by Specialty Systems in 27 load scenarios of the carrier, 4 load scenarios of the upper
structure, and 1 load scenario as a result of real world manufacturing.
The CD4415 carrier is primarily made from Domex (for plate thicknesses less than 3/8in) and
T1 (for plate thickness greater than 3/8in) possessing yield strengths of 100,000psi (100ksi) and
110,000psi (110ksi) respectively.
Although Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a widely used tool for engineering analysis and design, it cannot be viewed as a complete
substitute for testing. If reasonable doubt is present after performing engineering hand calculations and developing FEA models, controlled
testing should be performed with reasonable loads and boundary conditions applied.
Specialty Systems Engineering 121 N. 1st Street Montevideo, MN 56265 (320) 269-3227
Page 2 of 98
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 3
Overview of FEA Modeling & Procedure ...................................................................................... 4
Definition of Boundary Conditions & Load Cases ......................................................................... 5
Carrier ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Upper Structure ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Bolt Shearing ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Pass/Fail Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 10
Table of Results ............................................................................................................................ 11
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... 12
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ 15
Description of Loads Applied ....................................................................................................... 16
Description of Boundary Conditions Applied .............................................................................. 29
Detailed Loading Scenarios and Results....................................................................................... 31
Carrier .................................................................................................................................................... 31
Upper Structure ..................................................................................................................................... 82
Bolt Shearing .......................................................................................................................................... 90
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 98
Although Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a widely used tool for engineering analysis and design, it cannot be viewed as a complete
substitute for testing. If reasonable doubt is present after performing engineering hand calculations and developing FEA models, controlled
testing should be performed with reasonable loads and boundary conditions applied.
Specialty Systems Engineering 121 N. 1st Street Montevideo, MN 56265 (320) 269-3227
Page 3 of 98