Finite Element Modeling of Solid Polymers - Part 1 - Oct 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 two-day web-based course 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 designing and analyzing the mechanical performance of parts made from plastics, rubbers, thermosets, or other types of polymers.

By the end of the 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 models, and be able to select an appropriate material model for finite element simulations.
• Use experimental data to calibrate the selected material model.

PREREQUISITES
The training class is indented for people with some experience running a finite element program. The examples presented in class will use the finite element programs Abaqus and ANSYS. The material models presented in the class are available for almost all commercial FE codes.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Review of polymer mechanics
• Modern mechanical testing of polymers
• Elasticity/hyperelasticity: review of hyperelastic models
• Review of viscoelasticity theory: strength and limitations of linear viscoelasticity
• Review of metal plasticity theory: strengths and limitations of metal plasticity models
• 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
• Material parameter extraction techniques using MCalibration and the PolyUMod library of user material models

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 website: 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.

PREVIOUS ATTENDEES HAD THIS TO SAY...

• “I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge on topics which would normally be taught in a semester-long course.”
• “Very valuable to design engineers running FEA on thermoplastics and elastomers”
• “Gained a good overall introduction to the mechanics of polymers”
• “I would highly recommend this class to my students”
• “Will/has helped us revisit legacy material modeling and material testing”
• “Great value. Two days of training saved weeks of engineering work.”

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.