Analysis of the strength of rotor punching under centrifugal force

Rotor core punching Rotating machinery can withstand significant centrifugal force during operation. Therefore, the strength of a rotor punching should be analyzed. This problem was solved using Workbench. Considering the periodicity of the rotor punching and load, a 1/8 model was created and cyclic symmetric boundaries were defined. The model consists of a rotor punching … Continue reading Analysis of the strength of rotor punching under centrifugal force

Plastic limit analysis of a statically indeterminate beam

A structure can become unstable when a load reaches its buckling value or when nonlinear material becomes unstable. It is possible to observe the full response of a structure under proportional (ramped) loads using elastic-plastic analysis in ANSYS, so the plastic limit load and the location of plastic hinges can be determined.  In this post, … Continue reading Plastic limit analysis of a statically indeterminate beam

Contact Analysis of a Pipe-clamp Assembly

We have discussed multiple examples of contact analysis so far. In this post, we are going to investigate a pipe-clamp assembly. By using a pretensioned bolt, the clamp holds the pipe firmly (see the following figure). If the pretension is insufficient, slipping would happen between the pipe and clamp. If the pretension is too large, … Continue reading Contact Analysis of a Pipe-clamp Assembly

Harmonic analysis: A steel disk example

Harmonic analysis is used to determine the steady-state response of a linear structure to loads that vary sinusoidally (harmonically) with time, thus enabling you to verify whether or not your designs will successfully overcome resonance, fatigue, and other harmful effects of forced vibrations.  This analysis technique calculates only the steady-state, forced vibrations of a structure. … Continue reading Harmonic analysis: A steel disk example

The application of contact elements: A bolted beam-column connection

In this post, we are going to explore the application of CONTA174 (i.e. 3D 8-node face-face contact element). CONTA174 is used to represent contact and sliding between 3D target surfaces and a deformable surface defined by this element. It can be used for both pair-based contact and general contact. In the case of pair-based contact, … Continue reading The application of contact elements: A bolted beam-column connection

Non-linear analysis of a point-fixed glass curtain wall cable-truss structure

Fig.1 Typical glass curtain walls Some assumptions and simplifications in this problem: Elastic materials Cables are modeled using LINK10 elements with the tension-only option Trusses are modeled using BEAM44 (or BEAM188) elements The glass wall is modeled using SHELL63 elements. Wind load distributes evenly on the surface. The aim of this problem is to calculate … Continue reading Non-linear analysis of a point-fixed glass curtain wall cable-truss structure

Contact analysis: a bolted flange connection

A typical bolted flange connection (see Fig.1) is modeled in this example. Fig.1. The geometry of the model. Only the 1/4 model is created due to symmetry. The challenges in this example are as follows: Complicated geometry. Applying pretension to bolts. Multiple load steps. Modeling contact. It is worth mentioning that a special element Prentension179 … Continue reading Contact analysis: a bolted flange connection

Nonlinear analysis of a cable-membrane structure: from shape-finding to static and modal analysis

Fig.1. A typical cable-membrane structure The following assumptions are made in this example: Cables are discretized using LINK10 elements. The membrane is discretized using triangular SHELL41 elements with 'cloth' feature turned on. No slip between cables and membrane. The material complies with Hooke’s Law. The material is orthotropic and elastic. The two principal axes of … Continue reading Nonlinear analysis of a cable-membrane structure: from shape-finding to static and modal analysis