Index / Work / N° 23
Project N°23 of 24
CategoryFEA · Simulation
Year2025

FEA Stress Analysis of a Cam-Follower Mechanism

Evaluated the normal and shear stress distributions across a reciprocating cam-follower mechanism under dynamic loading using SolidWorks FEA, validating the computational results against classical stress equations.

Key Engineering Contributions

  1. 01
    FEA Modeling: Configured a simulation model of the follower mechanism in SolidWorks, applying dynamic operational loads (Fx = 368 lbf, Fy =1010 lbf) to an AISI 1045 cold-drawn steel material profile.
  2. 02
    Stress Distribution Analysis: Generated and analyzed nodal probe plots to evaluate the linear distribution of bending normal stress (σy) and the parabolic distribution of shear stress (xy𝜏) across the follower's face.
  3. 03
    Theoretical Validation: Calculated the expected normal and shear stresses using classical mechanics equations and compared them directly against the SolidWorks FEA data, proving the validity and accuracy of the computational simulation.

Visual Documentation

SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the normal stress(σy) distribution
Figure 1
01.png
SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the normal stress(σy) distribution on face of follower
SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the normal stress(σy) distribution on face of follower
SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the shear stress(xy) due to bending
Figure 2
02.png
SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the shear stress(xy) due to bending stress
SolidWorks simulation stress contour plot of the shear stress(xy) due to bending stress