Abstract
The polarization-optical and finite element methods are characterized by the visualization of stress and strain patterns at intra-contour points of models of loaded solids. A comparative assessment of these methods is provided. A comprehensive assessment is made by comparing the amount of theoretical knowledge required to master the methods, the complexity of model preparation, the reliability of boundary conditions modeling, as well as the difficulty of understanding stress distribution patterns and the accuracy of the obtained results. Using the example of modeling a spring component of a railway superstructure—a rail anti-theft device—the advantages and disadvantages of the optical model and the finite element model constructed in the Russian software package "WinMachine" are clearly demonstrated. The polarization-optical method can be used at the initial stage of modeling for a qualitative analysis of the stress-strain state of the object under study. The finite element method allows for obtaining more precise patterns of stress and strain distribution obtained using the polarization-optical method.
Keywords:
polarization-optical method, finite element method, model, complexity, accuracy, stress and strain patterns