Blog Articles

2022-09-04
Flow Cessation
This article shows how to fix 2 common problems with viscoplastic material models: E-modulus and large-strain stress.
2022-08-27
FEA Solve For Displacements
Last article is in my series on basic FEA theory. In this article I put everything together to solve for the displacements.
2022-08-19
Linear FEA Km
This article is part 4 in my series on basic FEA theory. The focus is on how to calculate the element stiffness matrix.
2022-08-16
The article shows how to calculate the strain components from the nodal displacements in a linear finite element calculation.
2022-08-09
Isoparametric Shape Functions
The focus of this article is on how isoparametric shape functions can be used to simplify the calculation of the principle of virtual work.
2022-08-02
Derivation of the equation of virtual work in discretized form. The presented results are the foundation to the Finite Element method.
2022-07-26
Python FE 200
Tutorial on how to write a full FE solver in 200 lines of Python code. This is part 2 in our series. The focus is on using an external file.
2022-07-19
Tutorial on how to write a full FE solver in 100 lines of Python. This is part one of this tutorial series.
2022-07-12
Anisotropic Hyperelasticity
Did you know that there are 3 different ways to formulate an anisotropic hyperelastic model? This article explains how.
2022-07-05
Quick tutorial on how to use the clipboard to improve the MCalibration workflow.
2022-06-28
The Mooney-Rivlin model be calibrated to monotonic uniaxial tension data, but in most cases it is better to use more experimental data.
2022-06-21
Ogden Model Image
Summary of 4 things that are important to know about the Ogden model. It is a very powerful model, but it can be difficult to use correctly.
2022-06-14
The Arruda-Boyce Eight-Chain model is a micromechanism-inspired hyperelastic model that works very well. This article explains the theory.
2022-06-07
Did you know that almost all FE simulations underpredict the residual strain / displacements in BENDING. This article explains why.
2022-05-31
Permanent Set Using Viscoelasticity
Did you know that it is possible to predict permanent set using a viscoelastic material model? This article explains how.
2022-05-24
TTS
Time-Temperature Superposition (TSS) is an excellent tool when a material is thermorheologically simple. This article explains how.
2022-05-17
Summary of the new key features in MCalibration 6.6.0.
2022-05-16
Did you know that MCalibration can be used from the command line? This article lists the available command line arguments.
2022-05-10
The LS-DYNA *Mat_Add_Inelalstic is a new and useful model framework that can easily be calibrated using MCalibration.
2022-04-29
Abaqus Temperature Hyperelastic
It is easy to quickly calibrate a temperature-dependent Abaqus Hyperelastic model. This article shows how using MCalibration.
2022-04-28
Ansys Hyperelastic
It is easy to quickly calibrate a temperature-dependent Ansys Hyperelastic model. This article shows how using MCalibration.
2022-04-26
This article shows what experiments to perform on a thermoset in order to calibrate a continuum level material model.
2022-04-19
Testing Thermoplastics
This article explains what experiments to perform on a thermoplastic in order to get the required data for material model calibration.
2022-04-12
Test Plan Rubbers
This article explains what experiments to perform on a rubber material in order to get the required data for material model calibration.
2022-04-04
It is possible to calibrate a two-network visco-plastic material model to experimental data from a single experiment. This article explains how to do it.
2022-03-28
The Tension Test load case in MCalibration is useful for calibrating an Abaqus material model to uniaxial tension data with necking.
2022-03-22
PolymerFEM Webinar
Information about our upcoming webinar on how to quickly use experimental data to calibrate a non-linear viscoplastic material model.
2022-03-21
Review of different creep models that are available in Ansys Mechanical. In the article I will recommend which to use and which to avoid.
2022-03-11
Tutorial on Abaqus creep laws, which 2 you should not use, and which are the best. I also discuss how creep models work for polymers.
2022-03-08
Article discussing how isotropic hardening plasticity works, when you should use it, and issues that can occur if you use it incorrectly.