Structural analysis and optimization with finite element method

Finite Element Method (FEM) is used for structural analysis of complex shaped parts, that having different material properties and loading conditions. One of the most important advantages of the method is the fact that finite element method can calculate that can not be calculated by classical methods. FEM also gives more information about the analyzed structure and it can be intagrated with Computer Aided Desing (CAD) systems. Firstly, finite element models of steam boiler?s parts were created with Catia V5 program on computer for the analysis. Then, stresses and deformations of the parts were calculated using the same program. Considering yield strength of the steel, the stresses on the elements are checked to decide on whether they are on the elastic region or not. For these advantages with using the finite element method, the construction parts of red-hot boiler were constituted one by one with 8 bar value of pressure on them and using the tetrahedronal material types. The construction parts were supported from suitable positions with knowledges of steel material?s properties and made structural analysis. It is shown that decreasing the element size increases accuracy, however computational work (CPU time) increases also. At the end of application with a plaque, the results of computer?s calculation and actual test results are compared for similiar or not.