Integration of Material Design and Product Design – A FEA based approach

Finite element analysis is performed for ASTM A 487 metal casting material over solid model viz. ball valve and gate valve. The study explores whether the valve dimensions, be able to withstand the maximum pressure exerted under different fluid circumstances. The end results on pressure attained by the CFD analysis over major regions of the casting valve body is subjected to FEA module and thereby the stress concentration, strain distribution, total deformation and fatigue life is studied, in lieu of input parameters such as Pressure, Density, Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of the casting material stipulated with flow concerns. Numerical investigation was performed for various valve thicknesses irrespective of the valve openings. Henceforth determination of stress concentrations, strain distributions and fatigue life of valve components, supposed to be the major manipulator at concept level design parameter determinations, in turn helps in conclusion of the chemical composition of the particular castings to be employed for generous applications. The case presented here also includes material selection which is well defined by the physical modelling, boundary conditions and mesh resolution. The analysis results help in optimization of performance characteristics of valves without the expense of physical testing. Furthermore the dimensions and material composition of metal castings for a particular application can be customized with respect to one another by incorporating ANSYS results with artificial intelligence methodologies.