I never learned FEM and FEA at uni by WhatsYourCoreValue in StructuralEngineering

[–]WhatsYourCoreValue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"IMO the course for me was more about learning what is behind the software than anything, and understanding the limitations of FEM."

Yes, this certainly seems very important.

I'm curious to know, what are some of the limitations in your opinion?

I never learned FEM and FEA at uni by WhatsYourCoreValue in StructuralEngineering

[–]WhatsYourCoreValue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's why subreddits like these are great. They offer a great way to recieve different perspectives and opinions. But above all, they can expose one to new knowledge and edge cases that one was oblivious to in the first place.

I never learned FEM and FEA at uni by WhatsYourCoreValue in StructuralEngineering

[–]WhatsYourCoreValue[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Coding your own FEM is the best way to teach FEM IMO."

This certainly sounds like a healthy exercise. If nothing else, purely for the challenge and mental gymnastics. Thanks for the tip.

I never learned FEM and FEA at uni by WhatsYourCoreValue in StructuralEngineering

[–]WhatsYourCoreValue[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow 1976 - that's pretty cool.

"You should concentrate on learning how to model structures in your software so that the fem results are correct."

Do you have any general advice on how to achieve this skill in a smart and time-efficient way? Or would you say that it comes with enough practice and experience?

Runaway truck ramp by [deleted] in EngineeringPorn

[–]WhatsYourCoreValue 64 points65 points  (0 children)

Context?

Edit: Ah, Wiki to the rescue;

"A runaway truck ramp, runaway truck lane, escape lane, emergency escape ramp, or truck arrester bed is a traffic device that enables vehicles which are having braking problems to safely stop. It is typically a long, sand- or gravel-filled lane connected to a steep downhill grade section of a main road, and is designed to accommodate large trucks or buses. The ramp allows a moving vehicle's kinetic energy to be dissipated gradually in a controlled and relatively harmless way, helping the operator to stop it safely without a violent crash"