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Nov 2023
GOAL: calculate the deflection of a complex structure using analytical and numerical methods
SKILLS: Castigliano's theorem, Solidworks Simulation (FEA)
Analysis calculations can be found here: https://www.desmos.com/calculator/i7lu3l0cmn
I sectioned the S-shaped structure into individual beams and, since the system is linear, I used the principle of superposition to sum all the deflections together to get the total deflection.
Using FEA analysis, I obtained a max deflection value of 0.01278 inches. The scale of this value was confirmed by my analytical solution, which obtained a max deflection of 0.01329 inches. These answers are on the same order of magnitude, and therefore support each other’s validity.
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