This paper on "The Object Range for Data in High Temperature Design Assessment Through Finite Element Analysis" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

This paper considers the requirement for the assurance of adequate standards for nonlinear FE analysis within the engineering context, seen through the concept of 'good practice'. It is proposed that this would be best assured by a requirement for reports in which, directly or indirectly, all technical decisions should be explained and justified in the particular circumstances of the analysis. The example is then considered of the test data used to define constitutive equations, in the particular case of creep properties. The central idea is of how to estimate the operating conditions (object range) so as to see how far the available test information (data range) gives a clearly justifiable basis for the necessary material parameters.