Advanced Finite Element Modeling of Solid Polymers - May 2013

*EST = Eastern Standard Time (Boston time)

This course is presented in two lecture sessions, running from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Offline workshop support is available both days after the lecture segment, from 3 PM to 5 PM.

GOALS
This class is an extension of the original Part 1 class, and covers in more depth the theory of different material models, and hands-on exercises designed to teach how to use the different models to solve real problems. The training class is targeted to people with an interest in performing non-linear finite element simulations of parts made from plastics, rubbers, thermosets, or other types of polymers.

By the end of the class you will:

• Know the strengths and weaknesses of both simple material models (hyperelasticity, linear viscoelasticity, and metal plasticity) and advanced material models (e.g. Bergstrom-Boyce, Three Network Model, Parallel Network Model).
• Know what experimental tests are necessary and sufficient for calibrating any material model.
• Be able to quickly calibrate any material model using the MCalibration software.
• Be able to use any of the standard built-in material models, or any of the material models in the PolyUMod library, to simulate the response of polymer products.

PREREQUISITES
The training class is indented for people with experience running finite element simulations of different polymers (rubbers, thermoplastics, thermosets, biomaterials, etc). It is recommended, but not necessary, to have taken one of our introductory polymer modeling classes (Finite Element Modeling of Solid Polymers (Part 1), or Experimental Testing of Solid Polymers for Finite Element Modeling).

The examples presented in class will use the finite element programs Abaqus, ANSYS, and LS-DYNA. The material models presented in the class are available for almost all commercial FE codes.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Elasticity/hyperelasticity: review of hyperelastic models and when they should be used in FE simulations
• Linear viscoelasticity: strength and limitations the theory, including time-temperature superposition
• Metal plasticity theory: strengths and limitations of metal plasticity models for polymer simulations
• Material model calibration techniques using the software MCalibration. How to calibrate any material model using any set of experimental data, including inverse calibrations to force-displacement data.
• Using user-material models in Abaqus and ANSYS, including advanced viscoplastic constitutive models incorporating rate and temperature dependence
• Advanced finite element simulations of different classes of polymers

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Bergstrom is a Principal Engineer at Veryst Engineering, LLC, and consults primarily in the modeling, testing, and failure analysis of mechanical behavior of polymer materials.

Dr. Bergstrom received his Ph.D. from M.I.T. in the area of computational polymer mechanics, and has lectured in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at M.I.T. Dr. Bergstrom is the creator of the web site: PolymerFEM.com.

COURSE MATERIALS
Everyone who registers for the class will receive a free 6-month license to the MCalibration software, and a 1-month license to the PolyUMod Library of user-material models. A license to Abaqus or ANSYS is not provided. Training class notes will be provided in pdf-format. Notes are for personal use and may be printed, but cannot be modified, shared, or redistributed.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
To register for the the class, please send an email to seminars@veryst.com containing the following:

• Your name
• Name and date of the class you want to register for

We will then respond with payment information, etc.

The fee for the two-day web-based class is: $550.

Please register at least two weeks before the start of the class. Registrations the last week before the class are subject to a 10% surcharge.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Veryst reserves the right to reject registrations and to cancel a training class based on class size. A full refund will be made if a class is canceled. If a participant cancels a registration more than 5 days before the class then a 80% refund will be given. There is no refund for cancellations during the last 5 days before the class.