Finite Element Modeling/ Analysis

What is Finite Element Analysis

Finite element modeling is a tool engineers use in designing products across every industry. An engineer will create a 3-D rendering of an assembly with the finite element software and define each material of interest. In order to run simulations to predict performance, the 3-D model defines the parts’ geometries, their relation to one another, and their material properties. These properties are well defined for metals, plastics, and other standard engineering materials.

FEM for Adhesives & Tapes

However, unlike metals, PSAs are viscoelastic and their properties are frequency and temperature sensitive. This requires advanced testing to create data that describes what the mechanical response will be under differing loads, temperatures, geometries, etc.


Solve your everyday challenges with 3M

3M is uniquely positioned to characterize these frequency and temperature sensitive materials and provide them in a format compatible with a variety of finite element modeling software. These material models can be used to predict mechanical behavior in a finite element analysis. Conventional mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, even when obtained at relevant rates and temperatures, do not accurately capture PSA behavior. Consequently, 3M has developed Material Data Cards (MDCs) which are available for common 3M materials in a ready to use format for numerous commercially available FEA software applications. Currently, we can offer an MDC for any 3M PSA which is compatible with Abaqus, ANSYS MAPDL, ANSYS Workbench, and LS Dyna.