Bending Beam Modeling

[dkundinger]

I am working on a final project for an undergraduate mechanics lab and we use labview 8.6 integrated with the NI DAQ USB6009 to collect all of our data and do analysis.  For our final project we need to design a beam to be placed in a three-point bend test.  The reaction forces at each end of the beam will be determined using a load cell and the value will be passed into labview via the USB6009.  I was wondering whether there was anyway to program a FEA type of modeling into my program that will show how the beam deflects based on the collected reaction forces at each end of the beam?

[BCho]

Hey dkundinger,

Unfortunately, there is not a dedicated toolkit in LabVIEW for Finite Element Analysis. However, you could use some of the Mathematic VI's to do the calculations needed to find the deflections and stresses in your beam. There is also some Example Code that could be useful.

What sort of modeling are you looking to do? Are you simply looking to take readings from your DAQ device and then calculate the corresponding stresses/deflections in your beam? If you have a model of your system, you could take your readings, apply the corresponding equations, and display the corresponding deflections on your front panel.

Alternatively, if you have a FEA software package that has ActiveX controls, you could use LabVIEW to control the FEA program and then import the data into LabVIEW.