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Hiring Assessment Task – FEA
Engineer (Stress & Strain Analysis)
Task Title
Finite Element Simulation of a Four-Point Bending Test on a Layered Solar
Panel Structure
Submission Deadline: Thursday 22nd January 2026
Objective of the Task
The purpose of this task is to assess the candidate’s ability to:
Build a multi-layered structural model
Apply correct boundary conditions and loading
Perform linear elastic stress and strain analysis
Interpret and present results in a clear engineering manner
The candidate is expected to demonstrate sound understanding of
structural mechanics, contact modeling, and post-processing of FEA results.
Problem Description
You are required to simulate a four-point bending test performed on a
layered solar panel–type structure
The structure consists of four layers and is loaded using two upper load
rollers and supported by two lower support rollers. The load is applied
through a vertical displacement on the upper rollers.
Geometry Specifications
Layered Specimen Geometry
The specimen consists of four layers with identical in-plane dimensions:
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Layer Width Depth Thickness
(mm) (mm) (mm)
Top Layer – Glass 900 400 4.0
EVA Layer (Top) 900 400 0.5
EVA Layer (Bottom) 900 400 0.5
Bottom Layer – Backsheet 900 400 0.3
Roller Geometry
Roller type: Cylindrical
Diameter: 50 mm
Material: Steel
Roller Arrangement
Support rollers (bottom):
o Center-to-center distance: 700 mm
Load rollers (top):
o Center-to-center distance: 200 mm
o Positioned symmetrically between the support rollers
Material Properties
Specimen Materials
All layers are assumed to be linear elastic and isotropic.
Material Density (kg/m³) Young’s Modulus (GPa) Poisson’s Ratio
Quartz Glass 2200 72 0.17
EVA 960 0.0085 0.49
Backsheet 1200 3.5 0.30
Boundary Conditions & Loading
Supports
The two bottom rollers act as supports
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Loading
A vertical downward displacement of 100 mm is applied to the two
upper load rollers
The displacement must be applied uniformly to both load rollers
Analysis Requirements
The candidate must perform a static linear elastic analysis and extract the
following:
1. Total deformation of the structure
2. Stress distribution
o Focus on:
Maximum principal stress
von Mises stress
3. Strain distribution
o Identify regions of maximum tensile and compressive strain
Expected Deliverables
1. Simulation Model
Geometry screenshots
Mesh screenshots
2. Results
Deformation contour plot
Stress contour plot
Strain contour plot
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3. Short Report
The report should include:
1. Geometry Visuals
2. Mesh Visuals
3. Boundary Condition and Loading Visual
4. Modeling assumptions (if any)
5. Results
6. Key observations
Important Note on Challenges & Incomplete Results
Please read carefully.
In real engineering projects, simulations do not always run smoothly, and results
are not always immediately satisfactory. This assessment is designed to reflect
that reality.
If you encounter difficulties during the simulation (for example, contact
instability, convergence issues, unrealistic results, or solver errors), this will NOT be
considered a negative outcome by itself.
What is important to us is:
Whether you were able to recognize that the results may be unreliable
How you approached the problem
What steps you attempted to resolve or investigate the issue
How you reasoned about possible causes
Even if you were unable to obtain fully satisfactory results, you are strongly
encouraged to:
Explain what challenges you faced
Describe what you tried to fix or improve the model
State what you believe might be causing the issue
Clearly mention any limitations in your results
Honest engineering judgment and a clear explanation of your approach are
valued more than forcing a simulation to run or presenting results without
confidence in their validity.
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