Upcoming Polymer FEM Training Classes

• Do you perform FEA of polymer components but do not know the tradeoffs, pitfalls, and benefits of different constitutive models, modeling options, and material test methods?
• Do you want to get a competitive advantage by using more advanced and accurate FEA techniques?

The next time the class will be given sometime in the fall of 2010.

Send us a message if you want to sign up for the class, or if you are interested in a specialized training class for your company.

More information about the last training class is given in the following pdf-file.


Introduction
This two-day training class covers a review of polymer mechanics theory, techniques and tools for experimentally characterizing polymers, and hands-on training on how to perform accurate finite element simulations of polymer components. The training class is targeted to people with an interest in design ing and analyzing the mechanical perform ance of parts made from plastics, rubbers, thermosets, or other types of polymers.


Prerequisits
The training class is intended for people with some experience running finite element programs. The examples presented in class will use the commercial finite element program ABAQUS. The training class will use the textbook "An Introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers" by I.M. Ward, et al. In addition, multiple handouts will be provided.

Course Outline

• Review of polymer mechanics
• Modern mechanical testing techniques for polymers
• Finite element analysis as an engineering tool
• Differences between polymers and metals
• Continuum mechanics review: stress, strain, deformation gradients, invariants, balance laws
• Elasticity / hyperelasticity: review of hyperelastic models
• Review of viscoelasticity theory: strengths and limitations of linear viscoelasticity
• Review of metal plasticity theory: strengths and limitations of metal plasticity models
• User-material models in ABAQUS, including advanced viscoplastic constitutive models incorporating rate- and temperature-dependence
• State variable models
• Failure predictions of polymers
• Advanced finite element simulations of different classes of polymers
• Material parameter extraction techniques

Learning Objectives
By the end of this class you will be able to:

• Design a relevant experimental test program for a new polymer material
• Know the strengths and weaknesses of various material modes, and be able to select an appropriate material model for finite element simulations
• Use experimental data to calibrate the selected material model

About the Instructor
The Finite Element Modeling of Polymers Training Class is taught by Dr. Jorgen Bergstrom. Dr. Bergstrom is a Managing Engineer at Veryst Engineering LLC, and consults primarily in the modeling, testing, and failure analysis of mechanical behavior of polymeric materials. He has worked with the National Institute of Health and the Department of Defence on the modeling and prediction of the polymer behavior. He has developed world-recognized models for simulating the large deformation, rate-dependent, non-linear behavior of elastomers, thermoplastics, and thermosets. In addition to theoretical modeling, Dr. Bergstrom has significant experience with experimental material characterization, including mechanical testing, calorimetry, microscopy, chromatography, and spectroscopy. His consulting experience includes work within medical device, pharmaceutical, consumer product, energy, automotive, electrical, semi-conductor, and transportation industries.

Dr. Bergstrom received his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in the area of computational polymer mechanics, and is a Lecturer in the department of Mechanical Engineering at M.I.T.