MEGN324 – HW10 – Analysis of an Assembly

Overview

This homework introduces interaction between multiple parts in FEA by analyzing the

actuator assembly, shown in Figure 1, in greater depth than our previous study of just the

plunger component. The entire mechanism clamps a small work piece moving along an

assembly line, to hold it in place (against a solid bracket on the other side of the work piece, on

far left, not shown) during a manufacturing task, such as drilling a hole. After the operation is

finished, the actuator retracts, another work piece moves into position, the actuator plunger

extends again, and the mechanism clamps it in place. The clamp should hold the work piece

securely, but not damage it.

To investigate concerns about possible failure of the mechanism involving the plunger, pin A,

and link2, an FEA model of the sub-assembly of these 4 parts (pin A, the 2 instances of link 2,

and the plunger) will be analyzed in SWS. This will require creating mates in SW, and split

lines for force and restraint application to simulate contact with the other parts of the assembly

that are not modeled. Figure 2 shows a side view with critical points labeled with letters.